Guest Codes, Thumbprints and Matter: The Best Smart Lock for a Front Door Deadbolt

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The best smart lock is the one that fits your door, matches how your household comes and goes, and still opens when the batteries run low. Some people only need a keypad so nobody hides a key under the mat. Others want a fingerprint reader for the kids, remote unlocking for a dog walker, or a lock that joins an Apple Home or Matter setup.

We compared seven front door locks that were in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store: a budget Kwikset keypad, Wi-Fi models from Schlage, Tapo and Philips, fingerprint deadbolts from eufy and Wyze, and an ULTRALOQ that speaks Matter over Thread. For each, we quote what the listing says about door thickness, backset, battery life, backup keys or USB-C emergency power, and any BHMA rating it names.

A smart lock changes how you open the door, not how strong the frame is. We cover that, guest codes and Wi-Fi privacy below.

Our Top Smart Lock Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall

Schlage’s Encode is a keypad deadbolt with Wi-Fi built in, so it talks to your home network and the Schlage Home app without a separate hub or bridge. The exterior has a touchscreen rather than physical buttons, which Schlage describes as fingerprint resistant, and there’s a standard keyway for the included backup key.

Day to day you tap a code on the screen to come in, and one touch on the exterior locks it on the way out. Auto-lock relocks the door after a delay you choose, or you can turn it off. In the app you can lock and unlock from anywhere, keep up to 100 access codes, view the lock history and set custom notifications, and the listing says it works with Alexa and Google Home for voice control.

Security features are the headline. Schlage says the connection is encrypted, the lock has a built-in, customizable alarm for door movement and forced entry attempts, and it is “certified highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating by BHMA industry experts.” Installation needs just a screwdriver, with a “Snap ’n Stay” design that holds the lock in place while you work. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset, and runs on four AA batteries (included) for up to six months, with low-battery warnings on the screen and in the app.

It suits households that want a remote-controlled front door, plenty of codes for family, sitters and contractors, and don’t need a fingerprint reader.

Why we like it

• Up to 100 codes
• Forced-entry alarm
• No hub needed

Watch out for

Expect to change batteries about twice a year, and buy from Amazon or Build.com if you want the warranty the listing describes.

Check Price on Amazon →

2. Kwikset Powerbolt 250 Keypad Deadbolt: Best Budget Keypad Deadbolt

Kwikset’s Powerbolt 250 is a straightforward keypad deadbolt. There’s no Wi-Fi radio, no app and no fingerprint reader on the listing: you punch in a code to open the door, and you still have a keyed cylinder for backup. For a lot of front doors, that’s all a household needs.

Code management happens at the lock. Kwikset says you can set up to 25 user codes, five one-time user codes and one programming code that lets you edit or delete the others. The one-time codes are handy for a contractor or a delivery you expect once. Bright LED lights wake up when you tap the keypad, so you can see the numbers at night.

Protection features are simple but useful. Auto-lock can relock the door after 30 seconds, one minute, three, five or ten minutes. After three wrong code entries in a row, the lock sounds an alarm and disables the keypad for one minute. Vacation Mode turns the keypad off entirely while you’re away. The cylinder uses Kwikset’s SmartKey Security, which the brand says protects against advanced break-in techniques and lets you re-key the lock yourself to any KW1 key. Four AA alkaline batteries (not included) last at least 12 months, according to the listing, and the BILT app gives 3D installation instructions.

It suits renters with landlord approval, first-time homeowners and anyone who wants keyless entry without connecting a lock to the internet.

Why we like it

• Long battery life
• One-time codes
• Re-key it yourself

Watch out for

Without Wi-Fi or an app, you can’t send codes or check the lock remotely, and you’ll need to buy batteries.

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3. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best Fingerprint Smart Lock

eufy’s Smart Lock C220 is a fingerprint deadbolt with Wi-Fi built in. A touch on the reader opens the door in less than a second, according to eufy, and the brand says its self-learning recognition gets more precise with each touch, so you shouldn’t have to retry as often over time.

You get six ways in: fingerprint, the eufy Security app, the keypad, a physical key, an Apple Watch, or your voice through Alexa or Google Assistant. No bridge is needed for remote control. If you already have a eufy doorbell, the listing says you can add the lock to routines and control both from the same app.

eufy says the lock is “BHMA Grade 3 Certified after being locked and unlocked more than 100,000 times,” and that it sends an alarm when someone makes an unusual attempt to open it. The listing gives an operating range of -22°F to 158°F and an IP53 water rating. Power comes from eight AA batteries, which eufy puts at about eight months of use, varying with how often the door is opened. Installation is described as a 15-minute job without drilling, fitting most standard deadbolt holes and bores under 54 mm once you remove a spacer.

It suits households with kids or older relatives who lose keys, and anyone who wants fingerprint entry plus app alerts without buying a hub.

Why we like it

• Fingerprint plus Apple Watch
• No bridge needed
• Works in eufy routines

Watch out for

The listing omits weight and warranty details, and eight AA batteries are more to replace than the four most rivals use.

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4. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE (Matter over Thread): Best for Matter and Apple Home

ULTRALOQ’s Bolt SE is a fingerprint deadbolt built for two kinds of connection. Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi gives you remote control through the ULTRALOQ app with no hub, and Matter over Thread lets you add it to Apple Home or other Matter-compatible apps, provided you have a Thread Border Router.

The listing counts seven ways in: fingerprint (up to 50 stored), passcodes (up to 50), the phone app, a web portal, eKeys and code sharing, voice control with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, and two mechanical keys. In the app you can share permanent, scheduled or temporary access with family, guests or service providers, view activity history and get real-time notifications.

Battery life is where Thread pays off, according to ULTRALOQ: up to 18 months, which the brand credits to Thread’s low-energy mesh network. Auto-lock runs on a preset timer, or you press the ULTRALOQ button to lock right away, and low-battery alerts warn you ahead of time. The listing says the lock is “ANSI BHMA Certified,” made of zinc alloy with an IP65 rating for exterior doors, and installs in about 10 minutes. The brand also notes that a door sensor isn’t included, and asks you to keep your router within 70 feet for Wi-Fi.

It suits households already building around Matter, and anyone who would rather change batteries once every year or so than every few months.

Why we like it

• Matter over Thread
• Long battery life claim
• IP65 weather rating

Watch out for

Matter features need a Thread border router, and the listing doesn’t say which BHMA grade the lock holds.

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5. Tapo DL100 Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: Best Value Wi-Fi Keypad Lock

Tapo’s DL100 is a keypad deadbolt with tactile, backlit buttons and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth inside. Bluetooth handles nearby access from your phone, while Wi-Fi lets you lock and unlock remotely through the Tapo app without a hub.

The listing names several ways in: the keypad, Bluetooth, the app over Wi-Fi, voice commands that require a PIN, and two backup keys. You can create up to 200 custom codes and organize access into groups for family, guests or visitors. To guard against someone watching your fingers, Tapo lets you enter your code in between random digits. Auto-lock runs on intervals you choose, and a PIN attempt limiter locks the system after too many failed tries.

Power comes from four AA batteries, which are included. Tapo puts battery life at up to 200 days in Wi-Fi mode or 300 days in Bluetooth mode, and adds a USB-C port for emergency power if they die. The listing says the lock carries BHMA Grade 3 certification and an IP54 weatherproof rating. It works with Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings, and fits standard 2-1/8 inch and 1-1/2 inch lock holes with no drilling. Real-time alerts and a timestamped log show who came and went.

It suits renters and homeowners who want remote access and lots of codes at a modest price, and who are fine typing a code instead of using a fingerprint.

Why we like it

• 200 codes
• USB-C emergency power
• Batteries and keys included

Watch out for

Running on Wi-Fi drains the batteries faster, so plan on swapping them a couple of times a year.

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6. Wyze Lock Bolt v2: Best BHMA Grade 2 Fingerprint Lock

The Wyze Lock Bolt v2 is a fingerprint deadbolt with Wi-Fi built in. Wyze says it unlocks in 0.5 seconds, and the reader sits under scratch- and smudge-resistant tempered glass meant to keep scans reliable and the face looking clean.

Like several fingerprint locks, it uses what Wyze calls AI learning: the scanner improves its recognition with every touch, so failed scans should drop over time. Beyond fingerprints, you can open it from the Wyze app, with a code on the anti-peep keypad named in the title, or with the physical backup keys.

The Wyze app handles remote checks and control over Wi-Fi. If you own a Wyze Video Doorbell, the listing says you can unlock straight from the doorbell’s live feed to see who you’re letting in. Eight AA batteries come in the box, and Wyze puts runtime at up to eight months. If they die, a USB-C port lets you power the lock from a common power bank long enough to unlock the door. The title lists auto-lock, BHMA2 and IP53, and the specs list a weight of 3.24 pounds.

It suits households that want fingerprint access for everyone, a USB-C fallback for dead batteries, and an easy link to a Wyze doorbell.

Why we like it

• 0.5-second fingerprint unlock
• USB-C power bank backup
• Unlock from the Wyze doorbell feed

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t give a door thickness or backset range, so measure your door and check Wyze’s fit guide before buying.

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7. Philips 4200 Series Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt With Handle: Best Smart Lock With a Handle Set

Philips’ 4200 Series Wi-Fi lock pairs a fingerprint keypad deadbolt with a matching handle set, so you replace the whole front-door hardware at once instead of mixing a new smart deadbolt with an old knob.

The deadbolt connects straight to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with no hub or bridge. In the Philips Home Access app you can lock and unlock remotely, manage codes and fingerprints, check whether the door is locked and see the access history. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Philips says the fingerprint reader opens the door in 0.3 seconds and stores multiple prints, and the keypad supports permanent, one-time, periodic and recurring codes for family, guests, housekeepers or short-term rental guests.

Auto-lock can be set from 0 to 180 seconds in the app, but the listing notes it’s off by default, so turn it on during setup. Philips claims up to six months of battery life with a low-battery alert, and asks for standard 1.5V alkaline batteries only, not rechargeables or high-power lithium cells; batteries aren’t included. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, installs with a screwdriver, and ships set for right-opening doors, with a reset for left-opening ones. Keep the lock within 33 feet of your router for a stronger connection.

It suits homeowners whose old handle and deadbolt are both due for replacement and who want everything in one matching finish.

Why we like it

• Handle set included
• Flexible code schedules
• Fast fingerprint reader

Watch out for

Check your router distance and door thickness first, and confirm the key backup details with Philips, since the listing doesn’t mention a key.

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How We Chose the Best Smart Locks

We only considered locks that were in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store, then compared what each listing states:

• Ways in: keypad, fingerprint, app, voice and a physical key or USB-C backup.
• Connection: no app, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi, or Matter over Thread.
• Codes and guests: how many codes, and whether one-time or scheduled codes are possible.
• Battery: stated battery life and what happens when the cells run low.
• Door fit: door thickness, backset and bore sizes, quoted as listed.
• Durability claims: BHMA or ANSI wording and weather ratings, only where the listing names them.

We left out video doorbells and cameras; our video doorbell guide covers those, and a few picks here pair with doorbells from the same brand.

Smart Lock Buying Guide

Best Smart Lock for Front Door Fit: Measure First

Check your door before you shop. Schlage lists doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the bore). Philips lists the same thickness range, Tapo lists 2-1/8 and 1-1/2 inch lock holes, and eufy says it fits bores under 54 mm with a spacer removed. Wyze’s listing gives no range, so check the maker’s fit guide. Every pick on this page replaces the whole deadbolt; none is a retrofit that clamps over your existing thumb turn.

Best Keyless Entry Door Lock: Codes for Family and Guests

Codes are the everyday win. Tapo allows up to 200, Schlage up to 100, ULTRALOQ 50, and Kwikset 25 user codes plus five one-time codes. One-time and scheduled codes, offered by Philips, ULTRALOQ and Tapo, let a dog walker, cleaner or contractor in without sharing your own code. Delete a code when the job ends, and use the lock history in the app to see who came and went.

Best Fingerprint Door Lock

Fingerprint readers save kids and older relatives from remembering a code. eufy, Wyze, ULTRALOQ and Philips all have one; Schlage, Tapo and Kwikset don’t. eufy and Wyze describe self-learning recognition that improves with use, and ULTRALOQ stores up to 50 prints. Keep a second way in, because wet or cut fingers can fail a scan.

Best WiFi Smart Lock vs. Matter and Thread

Built-in Wi-Fi gives remote control without a hub, but it uses more power: Tapo lists up to 200 days on Wi-Fi versus 300 on Bluetooth. Most of these locks need a 2.4 GHz network, and Philips asks you to keep the lock within 33 feet of the router. Matter over Thread, offered here only by ULTRALOQ, works across Matter apps such as Apple Home and supports longer battery life, but needs a Thread border router. Kwikset skips connectivity entirely.

Best Smart Deadbolt Backup Power and Auto-Lock

Every lock warns you about low batteries, but plan for the day you miss the warning. Schlage, Kwikset, eufy, ULTRALOQ, Tapo and Wyze list a physical key, and Tapo and Wyze add a USB-C port for emergency power. Auto-lock is standard here, though Philips ships with it switched off. Kwikset’s Vacation Mode and Philips’ Away Mode shut off codes while you travel.

BHMA Grades and Weather Ratings

BHMA grades describe durability and security testing, and listings use the term loosely. Wyze’s title says BHMA2, eufy and Tapo say Grade 3, Schlage claims BHMA’s “highest residential” rating without naming a grade, and ULTRALOQ says only “ANSI BHMA Certified.” Kwikset and Philips name no BHMA rating. For exposed doors, weather ratings range from IP53 (eufy, Wyze) to IP65 (ULTRALOQ).

Smart Lock Safety, Privacy and Coverage

A connected lock is only as private as the network it joins. The FTC’s guide to securing your home Wi-Fi network recommends encrypting the network with WPA3 or WPA2, changing the router’s default admin username, password and network name, keeping router software up to date, and setting up a guest network so fewer people have your main password. Use a strong, unique password for the lock’s app account too.

The bolt still throws into a strike plate in your door frame, and electronics don’t change that. If you want extra resistance at the frame, or a brace for a patio door, see our door security bar guide. Pair the lock with a video doorbell if you want to see who you’re letting in.

Some insurers offer discounts for security devices, but whether a smart lock qualifies, and how theft is covered, depends on your policy, so ask your agent. Our Ohio homeowners insurance guide explains the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best smart lock for a front door?

For most homes, the Schlage Encode is a strong all-rounder: built-in Wi-Fi, up to 100 codes, a forced-entry alarm and a BHMA “highest residential” rating claim. If you want a fingerprint reader, look at the eufy C220 or Wyze Lock Bolt v2.

What is the best keyless entry door lock without Wi-Fi?

The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 is a keypad-only deadbolt with 25 user codes, five one-time codes, auto-lock and at least 12 months of battery life, per Kwikset. It has no app, so nothing connects to your network.

What happens if a smart lock’s batteries die?

Every pick here gives a low-battery warning. Most also list a physical backup key, and the Tapo DL100 and Wyze Lock Bolt v2 have a USB-C port so a power bank can wake the lock long enough to unlock it.

Do I need a hub for a Wi-Fi smart lock?

Not for the Wi-Fi models here: Schlage, eufy, Tapo, Wyze, Philips and ULTRALOQ all list built-in Wi-Fi with no hub or bridge. ULTRALOQ’s Matter over Thread features do need a Thread border router.

Will a smart deadbolt fit my door?

Check thickness and backset. Schlage lists doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset, Philips lists the same thickness range, and Tapo fits 2-1/8 and 1-1/2 inch lock holes without drilling.

The Bottom Line

The Schlage Encode is the best smart lock for most front doors: Wi-Fi without a hub, up to 100 codes and a forced-entry alarm. The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 keeps it simple and offline, the eufy C220 and Wyze Lock Bolt v2 add fingerprint entry, the Tapo DL100 packs 200 codes and USB-C backup into a lower price tier, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE joins Matter homes, and the Philips 4200 replaces your handle too. Measure your door first, keep a backup way in, and secure the Wi-Fi it joins.

Upgrading your locks and wondering whether it affects your homeowners policy? Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or schedule a free coverage review.