The best smart lock brand depends on what you want the lock to do. Schlage is a strong fit for homeowners prioritizing integrated deadbolt hardware and broad smart-home support. Kwikset offers one of the widest ranges of connected and keypad locks. Yale is well established in app-based and keypad access, while August is particularly useful for homeowners who want to add smart features while keeping much of their existing deadbolt hardware.
There is no single smart lock brand that is best for every door.
A better question is:
Which brand fits your door, access preferences, smart-home platform, mechanical-security requirements, and backup-access needs?
Summary
- Schlage: Strong option for integrated smart deadbolts with Wi-Fi, app management, and broad ecosystem support.
- Kwikset: Broad lineup covering Wi-Fi, Matter, Bluetooth, keypad, touchscreen, fingerprint, and Z-Wave products.
- Yale: Established smart-lock ecosystem with keypad, app, guest-access, and connected-home options.
- August: Best known for retrofit designs that can preserve the exterior side of an existing compatible deadbolt.
- Do not choose a smart lock based only on the app.
- Check door compatibility, lock grade or certification, connectivity, backup entry, battery requirements, and smart-home support.
- Matter and Thread are increasingly relevant but are not supported by every model.
- Two locks from the same brand can have very different features and certifications.
- Installation quality and door alignment still matter regardless of brand.
Best Way to Choose a Smart Lock Brand
Use this order:
- Confirm the door and deadbolt are compatible.
- Decide whether you want a full lock replacement or retrofit design.
- Choose how people will unlock the door.
- Identify your smart-home platform.
- Check third-party hardware certification.
- Review backup access.
- Confirm battery and connectivity requirements.
- Compare individual models within the brand.
Do not start with the logo.
Start with the door and the use case.
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Smart Lock Brands at a Glance
Schlage Smart Locks
Schlage is one of the strongest brands to consider when the goal is a complete smart-deadbolt replacement rather than a retrofit add-on.
Its current smart-lock lineup includes products in the Encode family and other connected lock platforms.
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt supports built-in Wi-Fi, access codes, app management, smart-home integrations, and Apple Home Key on compatible Apple devices.
Schlage May Be a Good Fit If
- You want a complete deadbolt replacement
- Apple Home Key matters
- You want built-in Wi-Fi on supported models
- You want access codes and remote management
- Hardware certification matters to you
Schlage also publishes its broader smart lock lineup, where homeowners can compare connectivity, access, and hardware features by model.
For a broader mechanical-brand comparison, see Schlage vs. Kwikset: An Objective Comparison for Homeowners.
Kwikset Smart Locks
Kwikset currently offers a wide connected-lock lineup.
Its electronic lock catalog includes products using combinations of:
- Wi-Fi
- Matter
- Bluetooth
- Z-Wave
- Touchscreens
- Keypads
- Fingerprint access
- Traditional backup keys
Current families include Halo, Aura, Home Connect, and SmartCode products.
Kwikset Halo Select
The Kwikset Halo Select supports Wi-Fi and Matter via Thread, remote access, guest codes, event history, and smart-home integrations.
Kwikset May Be a Good Fit If
- You want many model choices
- Matter compatibility is important
- You prefer touchscreen or keypad entry
- You want fingerprint options on selected models
- You want SmartKey rekeying on compatible products
- You use Z-Wave on certain models
The key is to compare the specific Kwikset model, because connectivity and certification differ across the lineup.
Yale Smart Locks
Yale has a long-established connected-lock ecosystem built around deadbolts, keypads, mobile access, and guest management.
Yale maintains current product and support information through its Yale Home support center.
Depending on the exact Yale model, features can include:
- PIN codes
- App control
- Guest access
- Auto-lock
- Connected-home integrations
- Door-status features
Yale May Be a Good Fit If
- You prefer keypad-driven access
- You want app-based guest management
- You value connected access
- You already use Yale ecosystem products
- You want multiple smart-home configurations
Check the exact U.S. model and connectivity package rather than assuming every Yale lock provides the same features.
August Smart Locks
August takes a different approach from many traditional smart-lock brands.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a retrofit device installed on the interior side of a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt.
That allows the existing exterior hardware and physical key to remain in place.
August lists features including:
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Remote access
- Auto-lock
- Auto-unlock
- Guest access
- Smart-home integrations
August May Be a Good Fit If
- You want to keep the existing exterior deadbolt
- You want to retain the current physical key
- You prefer a retrofit approach
- You want app-based guest access
- You need connected control without replacing the entire visible lock
The main limitation is compatibility. The existing deadbolt must work with the retrofit system.
Which Smart Lock Brand Is Best for Apple Home?
For homeowners heavily invested in Apple devices, look for:
- Apple Home compatibility
- Apple Home Key
- Matter support
- Thread support
Schlage's Encode Plus explicitly supports Apple Home Key.
Some newer Kwikset products also support current Apple and Matter integrations, but capabilities vary by model.
Always confirm the exact product rather than assuming every smart lock from a brand supports the same Apple features.
Which Brand Is Best for Matter?
Matter is increasingly relevant to cross-platform smart-home interoperability.
Kwikset currently lists Matter-enabled products within its electronic-lock lineup, including Halo Select.
Schlage also offers Matter and Thread compatibility on selected current models.
Matter support can improve smart-home integration, but it should not replace evaluation of:
- Hardware quality
- Door fit
- Battery requirements
- Backup access
- Entry methods
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Which Smart Lock Is Best for Renters?
A retrofit smart lock may be attractive when exterior hardware should remain unchanged.
August's retrofit design keeps the exterior side of a compatible existing deadbolt and allows the original mechanical key to remain usable.
Renters should still:
- Get landlord approval when required
- Confirm lease restrictions
- Preserve original hardware
- Verify compatibility
- Avoid unauthorized modifications
Which Smart Lock Is Best for Families?
Families may benefit from features such as:
- Individual codes
- Temporary codes
- Activity notifications
- Automatic locking
- Remote access
- Physical backup key
- Fingerprint entry
Different brands support different combinations.
The best choice depends on how household members actually enter the home.
Which Brand Is Best for Guest Access?
Most leading smart-lock brands provide some form of guest access.
Depending on the product, that may include:
- Temporary codes
- Scheduled codes
- Virtual guest access
- App-based credentials
- Remote unlocking
August emphasizes virtual guest access, while Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale offer model-specific code and app-management tools.
Do Smart Locks Still Need Strong Mechanical Hardware?
Yes.
A smart lock is still part of a physical door opening.
Evaluate:
- Deadbolt
- Strike
- Door alignment
- Frame
- Installation
- Hardware certification
A sophisticated app cannot correct:
- Misaligned strike
- Weak door frame
- Binding deadbolt
- Poor installation
Look at BHMA Ratings, Not Just Smart Features
Some smart locks carry independent hardware ratings or certifications.
Do not assume "smart" automatically indicates mechanical performance.
Residential smart locks can use BHMA's residential ratings, while other lock products may be classified under ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 standards.
For that distinction, see Grade 1 vs. Grade 2 vs. Grade 3 Locks.
What About Battery Failure?
Every battery-powered smart lock needs a failure plan.
Before choosing a model, check:
- Battery type
- Low-battery warnings
- Mechanical-key backup
- Emergency power method
- App behavior during connectivity loss
- Whether local keypad entry still works without internet
A smart lock should have a practical way for authorized users to regain access when connectivity or battery conditions change.
Should You Replace the Entire Lock or Retrofit the Existing Deadbolt?
Choose a complete replacement when you want:
- New exterior hardware
- Integrated keypad or touchscreen
- New mechanical keyway
- A fully integrated smart deadbolt
Consider retrofit when:
- Existing hardware is compatible
- You want to preserve exterior appearance
- You want the existing physical key to remain
- You prefer to change only the interior mechanism
August is the clearest example of the retrofit approach among the brands discussed here.
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When to Call a Locksmith for Smart Lock Installation
Professional installation may be useful when:
- Existing deadbolt binds
- Door is misaligned
- Bore or backset is incompatible
- Mechanical hardware needs replacement
- Strike needs evaluation
- Lock does not operate smoothly after installation
- You are unsure whether the door preparation supports the new lock
KeyMe provides lock installation, lock replacement, and lock repair and installation for supported mechanical lock needs.
Best Smart Lock Brands: The Bottom Line
There is no single best smart lock brand for every home.
Choose Schlage when you want an integrated smart-deadbolt ecosystem with models such as Encode Plus and strong smart-home support.
Choose Kwikset when you want a broad range of connectivity and entry options, including Matter, Wi-Fi, fingerprint, keypad, and SmartKey-compatible products.
Choose Yale when you value connected access, keypad management, guest permissions, and Yale's broader smart-access ecosystem.
Choose August when you want to add smart control while retaining the exterior side of a compatible existing deadbolt.
The most important comparison is:
door compatibility + hardware performance + access method + smart-home compatibility + backup plan.
References
- Schlage. Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. Current product information on built-in Wi-Fi, Apple Home Key, access codes, app control, and smart-home integrations.
https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode-plus.html - Schlage. Smart Locks. Current Schlage smart-lock lineup and model-comparison information.
https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks.html - Kwikset. Electronic Locks. Current catalog covering Halo, Aura, SmartCode, Wi-Fi, Matter, Bluetooth, fingerprint, touchscreen, and Z-Wave products.
https://www.kwikset.com/products/category/electronic - Kwikset. Halo Select Smart Lock. Current information on Wi-Fi, Matter via Thread, guest codes, remote management, and smart-home connectivity.
https://www.kwikset.com/products/detail/halo-select-soft-modern-touchscreen-wi-fi-and-matter-enabled-smart-lock - Yale Home. U.S. Support Center. Current Yale smart-lock support information covering products, integrations, entry codes, batteries, and connected-access features.
https://support.yalehome.com/ - August. Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Current product information covering retrofit installation, built-in Wi-Fi, guest access, auto-lock, auto-unlock, and smart-home integrations.
https://august.com/products/august-wifi-smart-lock - KeyMe Locksmiths. Schlage vs. Kwikset: An Objective Comparison for Homeowners. Related comparison of two major lock brands.
https://key.me/article/schlage-vs-kwikset-an-objective-comparison-for-homeowners
