Best Smart Locks for Front Doors
What's inside
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Contents
Best Smart Locks for Front Doors: Quick Picks
The best smart locks for front doors are the Schlage Encode Plus for Apple Home Key and built-in Wi-Fi, the Yale Assure Lock 2 for a broad mix of entry and connectivity options, and the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock for upgrading a compatible existing deadbolt while keeping its exterior key cylinder.
The right choice depends less on the number of app features than on whether the lock fits your deadbolt and door, how you prefer to unlock it, and how reliably it will connect from your entryway. Prices vary by finish and bundle; expect roughly $150–$330 for these models.
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Compare the Front-Door Options
| Lock | Deadbolt and installation | Entry and connectivity | Power and weather notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Replaces a single-cylinder deadbolt; typical preparation is a 2⅛-inch cross-bore and 1-inch edge bore. Approx. 5.5 × 3 × 1 inches per exterior/interior assembly varies by measurement method. | Keypad, physical key, app, and Apple Home Key on compatible Apple devices; built-in Wi-Fi. | Four AA batteries; Schlage estimates up to 6 months, but actual life varies with use and signal. Outdoor-rated for exterior-door use. |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Replaces a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt; keypad and keyed variants are available. Approx. 6 × 2.5 × 1.5 inches for the exterior assembly, depending on version. | Keypad, app, and physical key on keyed models. Wi-Fi or Matter connectivity depends on model/module; check the exact version before buying. | Four AA batteries on common configurations; expect months of use, not a guaranteed fixed interval. Exterior keypad is designed for outdoor exposure. |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th generation) | Fits over many existing single-cylinder deadbolts; keeps the exterior key cylinder and thumbturn. Interior unit is about 2.8 inches wide and 1.8 inches deep. | Existing key, phone app, and supported voice or smart-home integrations; built-in Wi-Fi. | Two CR123 batteries; August specifies up to 3 months. The motor mounts indoors, so the exterior remains a conventional keyed lock. |
Dimensions and battery estimates are manufacturer-published figures and can differ by finish, version, door use, and measurement convention. Confirm the specification for the exact model before ordering.
Choose by Your Door and Daily Routine
- Want to tap an iPhone or Apple Watch: Choose Schlage Encode Plus if Apple Home Key is a priority. It also has a keypad and key backup, so guests and household members are not dependent on a compatible phone.
- Want more configuration choices: Yale Assure Lock 2 comes in multiple versions, including keypad and keyed options. Compare the connectivity of the specific SKU: Wi-Fi, Matter, and other features are not universal across every configuration.
- Want to retain the existing outside hardware: The August retrofit lock turns the interior thumbturn while leaving the key cylinder in place. It is a good fit when changing the exterior appearance or rekeying is undesirable.
- Have a tight budget: Consider a keypad deadbolt without Wi-Fi or a smart-home module. It can still provide codes and automatic locking, while avoiding the cost and standby power demands of always-connected features.
- Have a metal or unusually thick door: Measure first and verify the manufacturer’s door-thickness range and bore requirements. A retrofit model is not automatically compatible with every deadbolt just because it replaces only the interior portion.
What to Check Before You Buy
Deadbolt and door fit
These recommendations are for standard single-cylinder deadbolts: a key on the outside and a thumbturn inside. Measure door thickness, backset (the distance from the door edge to the bore center), cross-bore diameter, and edge-bore diameter. Check that the bolt slides freely and that the strike opening is deep enough. Double-cylinder locks, mortise locks, narrow-stile doors, and some multipoint systems generally need a different solution.
Also look at the inside of the door. A storm door, trim, window, or close wall can interfere with a large interior assembly or prevent the keypad from being reached comfortably. For retrofit locks, confirm that the included adapter matches your thumbturn and that there is clearance for the motor to rotate it.
Installation effort and alignment
A replacement deadbolt typically requires removing the old lock, fitting the exterior and interior assemblies, and attaching the strike plate. A retrofit lock leaves the existing deadbolt in place but needs a compatible interior mount. Neither should require force to turn by hand. If the bolt binds when the door is open, solve the alignment issue before adding a motor; otherwise, the lock may drain batteries faster or fail to lock reliably.
Entry methods, Wi-Fi, and battery life
A keypad is useful for children, cleaners, and visitors because it avoids sharing a physical key. A physical key is a worthwhile fallback during phone failure or network trouble. Phone, tap-to-unlock, and voice features add convenience, but depend on supported devices, account setup, and—in some cases—a working connection.
Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without a separate bridge, but a weak signal near the front door can cause delays and increase battery consumption. Test signal strength at the lock’s intended position, not just inside the house. If you use a hub-based version, check whether your hub supports the lock’s protocol. Local keypad and key operation should remain your fallback when the internet is down.
Battery estimates are not promises: frequent motor cycles, cold weather, poor wireless signal, and a misaligned bolt can shorten runtime. Keep the lock’s low-battery alerts enabled and store the correct replacement batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries, and follow the model’s instructions about battery type and emergency power.
Weather Exposure and Long-Term Ownership
For a covered front porch, all three options are intended for exterior-door use when installed as directed. A keypad exposed to direct rain, blowing snow, or harsh sun faces more stress than one under an overhang. Check the product’s current environmental ratings and installation guidance; do not assume that “weather-resistant” means waterproof or suitable for every climate. The August retrofit keeps its motor indoors, though the existing exterior cylinder still needs ordinary care.
The parts most likely to need attention are batteries, keypad buttons, and the door’s mechanical alignment—not the app. Wipe exterior surfaces with a soft, slightly damp cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners or spraying liquid into the keypad. Lubricate the deadbolt only as its manufacturer recommends; sticky household oil can collect grit. Recheck the strike alignment after seasonal swelling or settling, and test the key backup periodically.
A useful ownership calculation: at an estimated six months per set, a four-AA lock uses about two sets per year. At a general battery cost of $4–$10 per set, that is approximately $8–$20 annually. A lock advertised for three months on two CR123 cells could need about four sets per year; at roughly $8–$16 per set, budget around $32–$64 annually. Real use may be lower or higher, so treat these as planning estimates, not guarantees.
Bottom Line
Pick the Schlage Encode Plus for Apple Home Key and integrated Wi-Fi, the Yale Assure Lock 2 when you want to choose among different keypad, key, and connectivity configurations, or the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock when preserving a compatible exterior deadbolt is the priority. Before choosing any of them, verify the door measurements, confirm the exact model’s connectivity, and make sure the bolt turns smoothly by hand.