The 8 Best Smart Door Locks That Make Traditional Keys Obsolete

Whether you’re looking to upgrade the security of a door in your home, or you want the added convenience of using your smartphone, fingerprint or a numeric code to unlock a door upon your arrival, an easy-to-install smart lock offers a bunch of options that make traditional metal keys obsolete.

Smart home app on mobile phone opens door lock wirelessly

Many of the newest smart locks replace the existing deadbolt lock on your door and rely on your smartphone to serve as your primary (virtual) key. What’s nice about this is that the technology built into the locks and smartphone can detect your approach when you’re carrying your smartphone (even if it’s in your pocket) and automatically unlock the door for you. Alternatively, you can tap on the screen when using the lock’s proprietary app to remotely lock or unlock the door, or simply use a voice command via your smartphone’s digital assistant.

Meanwhile, if you’re away from your home and need to allow someone entry, your smart door lock can be locked or unlocked remotely from anywhere if your smartphone has Internet access and the Wi-Fi in your home is functioning. It’s also possible to set automatic timers to ensure your lock gets secured every night at a specific time, for example.

The best smart locks also tend to have an alternate entry method beyond using your smartphone. Some rely on a fingerprint scan, a numeric code (which can often be programmed from anywhere using your smartphone), or in a few cases, a traditional metal key can be used as well to lock or unlock the door.

If you already have a dead bolt lock built into your door and doorframe, replacing it with a smart lock can typically be done by yourself—using just a few basic tools—in less than one hour. Of course, you can also hire a locksmith to expertly install a smart lock for you. From a security, functionality, appearance, and price standpoint, let’s look at eight of the best smart locks currently on the market.