The best smart door locks of 2025 offer secure, keyless entry with modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter.
Best Smart Door Locks 2025: Secure, Keyless & Matter-Compatible
Updated October 2025
Tested by Alex Rivera
Smart security enters the Matter era
Smart door locks are mainstream now. In 2025 you can get faster unlocks, stronger encryption, and cleaner app experiences across Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. With Matter, a single standard simplifies pairing and automations for multi-brand homes. Our tests focused on reliability, install effort, and routine integrations like “unlock → porch light on” and “lock → arm security.”
We put more than 20 models through daily use. The winners below balance security, convenience, and compatibility. You will also find practical quirks we observed, such as how door alignment affects calibration and how phone battery settings influence auto-unlock performance.
Editor’s picks for best smart door locks (2025)
| Model | Best For | Connectivity | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best Overall | Wi-Fi / Thread / Bluetooth | Matter support + fast pairing | 9.8 / 10 |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best Budget Retrofit | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | No exterior change | 9.5 / 10 |
| Level Bolt | Best Invisible Design | Bluetooth / Matter | Fits inside existing deadbolt | 9.4 / 10 |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Max | Best Fingerprint | Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Matter | Fast biometric unlock | 9.6 / 10 |
| Lockly Vision Elite | Best Luxury + Camera | Wi-Fi / Camera / Fingerprint | Video door lock | 9.3 / 10 |
| Eufy Security C220 | Best Value with Camera | Wi-Fi / App | Camera + local storage | 9.1 / 10 |
Hands-on picks
Yale Assure Lock 2 (Matter-Compatible, Keypad + Bluetooth)The Yale Assure Lock 2 leads for polished setup, strong hardware, and modern Yale app UX. Our installs averaged 20 minutes. Thread + Matter pairing into Apple Home and Google Home finished on the first attempt when the deadbolt was aligned.
Real-use notes: We averaged six to nine months on AA batteries with auto-lock set to 30 seconds. The motor has a low whirr that is audible near the door. If calibration fails, adjust the strike plate a few millimeters and re-run setup.
Pros
- Matter + Thread future-ready
- Keypad, app, and physical key backup
- Tamper alerts and auto-relock
- Slim design in multiple finishes
Cons
- Touchscreen less responsive in direct sun
- AA batteries instead of rechargeable pack
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)For renters or anyone who wants a no-drama install, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock retrofits inside your door and keeps your exterior hardware unchanged. Integrated Wi-Fi removes the separate bridge.
Real-use notes: Auto-unlock is reliable if Bluetooth and location are enabled. Aggressive phone battery saver adds a small delay. Expect three to four months per set of CR123 batteries with remote access on.
Pros
- Installs in under 10 minutes
- Strong guest access controls
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit
Cons
- No Matter support yet
- Shorter battery life than Thread locks
Level Bolt Invisible Smart Lock (Matter-Ready)The Level Bolt hides inside your existing deadbolt, which keeps the original exterior look and satisfies stricter HOAs. Bluetooth and Matter support deliver low-latency control in HomeKit and Alexa.
Real-use notes: We measured nine to twelve months on a battery because it relies less on constant Wi-Fi. Metal doors can reduce Bluetooth range during initial pairing; hold your phone near the interior trim to complete setup.
Pros
- Invisible from the street
- Matter support for multi-platform homes
- Quiet operation
Cons
- No built-in keypad or fingerprint
- App pairing can be finicky on metal doors
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Max (Fingerprint + Wi-Fi + Matter)The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Max brings fast biometrics and a weather-rated body. Install is straightforward with color-coded harnesses. Remote access, logs, and code scheduling cover busy households.
Real-use notes: Enroll two or three fingers per person for best accuracy. Wet or lotion-coated fingers reduce the hit rate until the sensor is wiped. Our average battery life was about six months with Wi-Fi always on.
Pros
- Fast fingerprint reader
- Matter, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- IP65 weather resistance
Cons
- Exterior module is bulkier
- Occasional fingerprint recalibration
Lockly Vision Elite (Fingerprint + Camera + Solar Charging)Want it all in one device. The Lockly Vision Elite combines live video, fingerprint access, and a solar panel that keeps batteries topped up. Local recording improves privacy versus cloud-only setups.
Real-use notes: Daytime sun usually maintains charge. Night IR emitters are visible as a faint red glow. On slightly warped doors, give the handle a firm pull so the latch seats before the motor turns.
Pros
- All-in-one video + fingerprint
- Solar charging reduces maintenance
- Local video storage options
Cons
- Larger exterior housing
- Premium price
Eufy Security Smart Lock C220 (Camera + Fingerprint + App)The Eufy C220 pairs a 2K door camera, quick biometrics, and local storage at a friendlier price. It integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant without required subscriptions.
Real-use notes: Clips remain available even if your internet goes out since recording is local. Motion zones are basic. The motor has a slightly higher pitch than Yale or Level but it is brief.
Pros
- Great value for camera + lock
- Local video storage
- Fast fingerprint unlock
Cons
- No Matter compatibility
- Basic motion zone controls
Integration quirks to know before you buy
- Door alignment matters. Locks calibrate position during setup. If the latch rubs the strike plate, auto-lock can fail. Adjust the plate slightly and re-run calibration.
- Battery life depends on radios. Constant Wi-Fi shortens runtime. Bluetooth/Thread models like Level often last longer per cell.
- Auto-unlock needs phone permissions. Keep Bluetooth and location on. Battery saver can delay proximity unlock by a second or two.
- Cold weather reduces capacity. Below freezing can trim 20–30 percent temporarily. If your keypad has a 9V pad, keep a spare handy.
- Home Keys and Matter pairing. Pair on 2.4 GHz, hold the phone near the interior module, and finish firmware updates before automations. See Apple Support: Home Keys.
Smart door lock comparison (quick view)
| Model | Connectivity | Matter | Biometric | Camera | Battery | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Wi-Fi, Thread, Bluetooth | ✅ | Optional | ❌ | 6–9 mo | 9.8 |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | 3–4 mo | 9.5 |
| Level Bolt | Bluetooth, Matter | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | 9–12 mo | 9.4 |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Max | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ~6 mo | 9.6 |
| Lockly Vision Elite | Wi-Fi, Fingerprint, Camera | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Solar + Rechargeable | 9.3 |
| Eufy C220 | Wi-Fi, App | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ~6 mo | 9.1 |
Setup and ecosystem integration
Plan your entry routine first. If you want lights to snap on when you arrive, pair your lock with foyer and porch scenes from our Smart Lighting Setup Guide. If you prefer an all-in starter list, skim our Best Smart Home Gadgets 2025 to round out doorbells, sensors, and hubs. New to platforms. The Smart Home Hub 2025 explains Alexa, Google, and Apple Home paths.
Considering a camera-equipped model instead. See our Best Smart Locks with Cameras (2025) for options that record visitors and deliveries.
For bigger entryway upgrades, a dimmer at the switch often beats a single smart bulb. Compare picks in Best Smart Dimmer Switches 2025. Smart climate tie-ins also help; our Best Smart Thermostats 2025 shows how geofencing complements lock automations.
Smart lock buying guide (2025)
Connectivity protocols
Wi-Fi gives broad compatibility but draws more power. Thread and Bluetooth reduce latency and help battery life. Matter support simplifies multi-brand homes by unifying control and onboarding.
Installation type
Retrofit models like August and Level use your existing deadbolt. Good for rentals and doors with premium exterior hardware. Full replacements like Yale and Ultraloq refresh the whole deadbolt and often add a keypad or fingerprint reader.
Security features
Look for strong encryption, auto-lock timers, and tamper alerts. For wallet-based access on iPhone and Apple Watch, read Apple Home Keys. For voice routines, see Google Home Help: Routines and Amazon Alexa Help: Routines.
Battery & power management
Most locks last six to twelve months. Solar or rechargeable packs, like on Lockly’s premium models, cut maintenance. Enable low-battery alerts in the app so you are never locked out.
Troubleshooting. door will not calibrate or auto-lock fails
- Check latch friction. Close the door and turn the bolt by hand. If it rubs, loosen the strike plate, shift 1 to 2 mm, retighten, then retry calibration.
- Verify bolt throw length. Make sure the deadbolt is set to the correct backset and that the bolt fully extends and retracts without binding.
- Re-run setup in the app. Remove the lock from the app, pull a battery for 10 seconds, reseat, then add the lock again and complete calibration.
- Update firmware first. Before adding routines, open the brand app and apply any updates. This solves most early pairing hiccups.
- Use 2.4 GHz for pairing. Temporarily connect your phone to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, hold it near the interior module, then add the lock to your platform.
- Check door alignment seasonally. Wood doors swell and shrink. If winter brings extra friction, repeat step 1 and shorten auto-lock to 30 seconds.
Tip. If your keypad has a 9V pad and the batteries died, press a 9V battery to power the keypad, unlock, then replace the pack.
Guest code etiquette. clean, safe access for visitors
- Give each person a unique code. Avoid shared codes so logs are useful and easy to revoke.
- Use time windows. Set codes to work only when needed. Example. weekdays 9 to 5 for cleaners.
- Rotate monthly. Replace recurring codes on a schedule and archive the old ones in the app.
- Notify with context. Text the code with a short note. entry location, parking, alarm steps if used.
- Pair with lighting. Create a routine. on unlock, foyer and porch lights turn on for 5 minutes for safe entry.
- Audit the log. Review access history weekly and delete any codes you no longer need.
Want camera confirmation as well. See our Best Smart Locks with Cameras roundup.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the battery dies.
Most locks allow temporary power via a 9V terminal on the exterior keypad. Power it, unlock, then swap batteries safely.
How loud are smart locks.
Most produce a brief motor sound. Retrofit motors are inside the door, which softens the audible click from the hallway.
Can smart locks be hacked.
Major brands use strong encryption. Installation quality and door alignment are just as important as software. Keep firmware current and limit shared codes.
Do smart locks still allow physical keys.
Yes. Many retain a key cylinder for emergencies. Invisible designs like Level Bolt skip it for minimalism.
Which lock is best for renters.
Retrofit options like August Wi-Fi and Level Bolt mount internally and preserve the exterior hardware, which suits rental policies.
Final thoughts
For most homes the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the safest all-around pick with modern Matter support. Renters should shortlist the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Level Bolt. If biometrics or a built-in camera matters, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Max, Lockly Vision Elite, and Eufy C220 deliver.
