Best Smart Locks of 2026
By Ethan Halfhide · Updated
Smart locks let you control your front door from anywhere, share access codes without cutting keys, and log every entry automatically. In 2026, retrofit models like August make upgrading possible without touching exterior hardware — critical for renters. Whether you want Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, there is a smart lock below for your setup.
Best Smart Locks of 2026
August Smart LockHow we ranked smart locks
- Installation simplicity
- Remote access reliability
- Ecosystem compatibility
- Security grade
- Battery life
Top pick
#1 August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — $229.99. The best retrofit smart lock in 2026. Mounts over your existing deadbolt interior — exterior hardware and existing keys stay unchanged. Built-in Wi-Fi means no extra bridge needed. DoorSense confirms the door is physically closed before Auto-Lock fires. Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, and SmartThings. See more renter-friendly picks in our best smart home devices for renters guide.
Pros: Fully renter-safe retrofit — no exterior changes · Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required · DoorSense + geofence Auto-Unlock.
Cons: 3-6 month battery life on 4 AAs · No Matter support.
Verdict
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen is the top pick for renters and anyone who wants smart access without replacing hardware. Homeowners wanting a full deadbolt replacement with Matter support should look at Schlage Encode Plus or Yale Assure Lock 2. Also see our best Apple HomeKit devices and best Alexa smart home devices.
More Smart Lock Guides
If you want to open the door without a phone, the best keypad door lock picks cover code-entry models, and our fingerprint door lock buying guide covers biometric ones.
Renters should check the best smart lock for renters before buying, since that list favors locks that can be removed cleanly. If you are deciding between two of the biggest names, Schlage vs August compares them directly. If you have already settled on Kwikset, our Kwikset smart lock guide compares every connected model it sells, from the Halo Select to the Z-Wave Home Connect 620. If you have settled on Schlage, our Schlage smart lock guide compares the Sense Pro, Encode Plus, Encode, Arrive and Connect.
Top smart lock pick
August Smart Lock
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)Retrofit smart lock, installs in 10 minutes, keeps your existing keys.
- +Mounts over existing deadbolt interior, no exterior changes, fully renter-safe
- +Built-in Wi-Fi, no August Connect bridge required
- −Battery life of 3 to 6 months on 4 AAs requires periodic replacement
- −No Matter support, relies on August cloud for all remote access
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Yes — most smart locks use Bluetooth for local keypad or phone access even without Wi-Fi. Remote access and notifications require Wi-Fi. Battery-powered keypad entry always works offline.
Are smart locks safe from hacking?
Modern smart locks use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption with TLS for cloud communication. Physical security depends on the underlying deadbolt — look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 for maximum resistance.
What smart lock works best with Apple HomeKit in 2026?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen works with HomeKit. For a full deadbolt replacement with HomeKit and Matter, the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Matter support is the top choice.