These smart home locks are the best
August Smart Lock Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The good: From its improved design and easy installation to its simple software interface and top-notch performance, the $229 second-generation August Smart Lock does everything a little bit better. And it integrates with Siri via Apple’s HomeKit software, as well as the Works with Nest. The bad: It isn’t compatible with every dead bolt, HomeKit can be challenging to get up and running, and the Siri integration won’t matter to non-Apple users. The cost: $206 to $230
The bottom line: August’s Smart Lock 2.0 improves on an already awesome product and is worth strong consideration — even if you don’t have an iPhone.
Kwikset Kevo Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The Kwikset Kevo is a uniquely convenient lock that can let you in with a single touch. The secondgen model is designed better and takes up less space, with easier installation and resistance against brute-force attacks. All eKeys, including time-restricted ones, are now free and unlimited. The bad: Kevo no longer includes the helpful key fob accessory, but still costs more than generation one. The cost: $217
The bottom line: This is a very solid smart lock that offers a true convenience upgrade for your front door.
Yale Real Living Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: The Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave dead bolt features a sophisticated design, speaks three languages and boasts easy-to-use controls. For basic lock automation, it does the job nicely, and works with a wide number of systems.
The bad: Like a lot of smart dead bolts, it’s pretty bulky, requiring a good deal of real estate on the inside of your door. Also, you won’t be able to schedule temporary access codes unless you use the right type of home control device. The cost: $160 to $198 The bottom line: If you’re looking for a higher level of convenience from your lock, but you don’t want to pay monthly fees, consider this one.
Schlage Sense Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5
The good: Schlage’s HomeKit dead bolt works well within Apple’s smarthome framework, and offers a simple, intuitive app that makes it easy to manage user codes. Siri controls worked like a charm when we tested them.
The bad: You won’t be able to access the lock from beyond the range of its Bluetooth radio unless you’ve got an Apple TV in your home, and the app doesn’t dive as deep into HomeKit’s standard controls as others we’ve seen. The interior of the lock is also bulkier than we’d like. The cost: $178 to $222 The bottom line: If you’ve committed to HomeKit (and if you own an Apple TV), then this is an easy lock to recommend, but keep in mind that other locks like it are compatible with more products.