We Tested the 6 Best Keyless Door Locks to Keep Your Home Safe

Most traditional types of locks still serve their purpose throughout our homes, but keyless door locks can add a lot of exciting benefits for the modern household. Often starting with an electronic keypad lock as its base, a smart lock might use Bluetooth to grant you access when your phone is in range, along with Wi-Fi for mobile app controls and other high-tech integrations.

“Keypads are the wave of the future, because it’s so easy to remove a user’s code when they move out,” says Corey Friedman, director of the California Institute of Locksmithing and Security Locksmith Association. “Just be aware that every few months new locks and new technology comes out.”

To get a sense of how these advanced features hold up in the real world, we tested a variety of smart locks in our homes for a total of over 3,000 hours. We reviewed products with different locking mechanisms, access methods, and power sources, such as wired or battery operated. We tried out the functions and settings on phone apps and how they worked as part of a full smart home ecosystem like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.

We also discovered that the value of any keyless door lock’s features depend on its compatibility with the smart platform(s) your household is using, not to mention making sure you can actually install it with the existing hardware of your door.

Building on the brand’s long history as a lock manufacturer, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch stood out in our testing by incorporating a slew of convenient, modern entry options for just about any situation.

The distinguishing feature of this newer model is a built-in biometric scanner that lets you unlock it with an authorized fingerprint, perfect for letting our test home’s child into the house without a phone, key, or code. The rest of the family set up the Yale phone app with geofencing to unlock the door automatically when they approached.

Other Wi-Fi-enabled safety features we liked include alerts for when the door is left open, and the lock automatically engaging after a set time in case you forget. We also easily connected to Alexa for voice-activated commands, as well as routines for a timed unlocked period in the mornings. The device is similarly compatible with most top smart platforms like Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit and other ecosystems you might want to connect with.

With all of the other entry methods available, our test household didn’t find much need for the keypad itself but appreciated the ability to share temporary codes with relatives, babysitters, and guests. The illuminated touch panel is easy to punch codes into, or you can opt for a variation with physical number keys if you prefer more tactile input.

The control panel, as a separate piece from the deadbolt, is simple to mount and runs on four standard AA batteries. The lock was also a perfect fit for replacing our previous deadbolt configuration, giving us a total installation time of 45 minutes. We had no security concerns with the ANSI Grade 2 lock, and we felt good having a version with a physical key as backup in case of electronic failures.

^{Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.6 x 0.8 inches | Security Grade: ANSI Grade 2 | App: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Finish Options: Black suede, satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze}

If you want to upgrade your door with high-end keypad technology but would rather not fuss with wireless connections, mobile apps, and linking to a wider smart environment, Schlage’s model BE365 keypad deadbolt came through as an excellent choice in our testing.

Instead of a futuristic design that many keyless door locks tend to lean into, the BE365 looks mostly like a traditional door lock, with several metallic finish options and a classic outline (Schlage’s Camelot trim, in case you want to match other products from the brand).

For something as hardware dependent as a door lock, the lower complexity can have plenty of advantages. If, for example, your Wi-Fi network or cloud-based accounts are compromised, access to your front door won’t go with it. Instead, we felt very safe with the lock focused on the reliable lock construction that Schlage is known for, boasting a high ANSI Grade 2 rating for residential locks and top AAA marks from the BHMA on security, durability, and finish.

Installing the deadbolt was as straightforward as we’d expect the product to be. It fits standard size doors with a backset adjustable between the typical 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, so we were quickly able to install it without any modifications to our door. An included 9-volt battery powers the keypad, and a low-battery indicator alerts you when it nears the end of its long 2-year lifespan.

The only other setup needed is programming the codes to unlock the deadbolt without a key. You have the option to get going right away with a pre-programmed code, but it was easy enough for us to follow the step-by-step instructions to program our own 4-digit passcode. Just push the backlit number buttons, twist the thumbturn knob, and you’re in. The BE365 supports up to 19 unique codes if you want to share different ones with friends and family, which is more than enough technology for a secure keypad lock to get the job done.

_{Dimensions: 8.39 x 6.77 x 4.22 inches | Security Grade: ANSI Grade 2 | App: No | Connectivity: None | Finish Options: Aged bronze, antique brass, antique pewter, bright brass, matte black, satin chrome, satin nickel}

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro impressed us with a range of keyless entry features rivaling our overall best pick, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch. We especially love the encrypted, smoothly functioning fingerprint sensor, which we used as our main access method.

Although the manufacturer, U-tec, is a newer smart gadget brand rather than an established lock company like Yale or Schlage, it backs the lock’s hardware with an ANSI Grade 1 certification typically found on tougher, commercial-use deadbolts, all while sticking to an accessible price tag.

The device comes in different varieties based on wireless technology you’re looking for, in case you prefer a simpler Bluetooth connection or are using a dedicated Z-Wave network in your home. We tested the core model with built-in Wi-Fi, which gave us the full range of internet-enabled, app-controlled features. Besides fingerprints, you can lock and unlock with your phone, Apple Watch, voice commands, timers, routines, a key, or a code.

The numbers are true buttons, arranged like a dial, with a neat option to keep typing decoy digits after your code in case people are watching. Your door will auto-lock 30 seconds after unlocking, which was a feature we relied on and gave us peace of mind.

Aesthetically, the U-Bolt Pro is limited to a black color scheme and a tech style that might not appeal to everyone, since it doesn’t coordinate quite as well with more traditional front door hardware.

Powering the keypad are four AA batteries estimated to last 3 to 6 months with average use of all the connected features. If it runs out of juice, you can use the micro USB port to recharge it with a battery pack, or just use the included backup key.

Dimensions: 2.95 x 2.95 x 1.22 inches (exterior) | Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 | App: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Finish Options: Black

The Halo Touch smart lock from popular residential lock company Kwikset made our list of best deadbolts for its biometric scanner. Like some of our other top picks, the Halo Touch knows the convenience and security of using fingerprints to unlock your door, going so far as to make it the primary access method and leaving off the number pad altogether.

Our test household didn’t miss the keypad, taking advantage of registering fingerprints even for a young child to help open the door.

Much of the time, we didn’t have to lift a finger at all, since geofencing unlocks the door when an authorized phone is near. We were able to unlock the door remotely for guests, with confidence that the lock would engage itself automatically after they left. We also took 15 minutes to connect to Alexa for voice controls and activity updates from a smart speaker, in addition to the notifications from the Kwikset app.

During our testing, a power outage knocked out the Wi-Fi network, but we were able to confirm that the battery-operated fingerprint scanner could still get us in the door. There’s also an easily accessible physical keyhole on the exterior of the lock, giving the components a typical front-door appearance. You have a choice of two trim styles (a straight-edged “contemporary” or curved  “traditional”) and either a silver or black finish.

_{Dimensions: 3.97 x 2.81 x 0.875 inches | Security Grade: BHMA AAA (ANSI grade not listed) | App: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Finish Options: Matte black, satin nickel}

In cases where you want to keep using your current door lock and the key that goes with it, look for a retrofit-style smart lock like the Yale Approach. Instead of incorporating a new deadbolt that replaces your old lock, the battery-powered unit installs directly onto your existing hardware to give it control of your deadbolt.

We were able to mount the device within 20 minutes with just a screwdriver. The only step we struggled with was keeping the keyhole side of our lock in place, since the included piece of tape didn’t hold and we didn’t have a second person on hand to help.

We were slightly limited by some quirks of how our door was installed, but the keyless door lock can, after some configuration, sense when your door is open or shut. This allows it to trigger automatic locking, remote app control, and a history of past activity (though we noticed a delay in the data at times).

The Bluetooth keypad is a separate and optional component, but it was an important piece of how our test home planned to use the lock. The thin black number pad stuck firmly to the outside of our door with the supplied adhesive, though mounting accessories are included if you want it attached more securely.

Besides the primary access codes, we liked being able to create guest codes for family and friends, which you can set to stay active for a custom amount of time. A variation of the keypad with a fingerprint sensor is also available if you want that modern amenity that some of our other top picks feature.

Our test product included Wi-Fi capabilities, another optional piece that can open up a lot of possibilities for the device. Unlike other smart locks that have Wi-Fi built in, you do have to plug a separate Wi-Fi bridge accessory into an indoor wall outlet nearby. We didn’t have need for all the smart integrations in this particular setup, but were plenty happy with access code entry and keyed backup that didn’t require carrying around a new key.

_{Dimensions: 5.6 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches | Security Grade: ANSI Grade 2 | App: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Finish Options: Black suede, silver}

The Yale Assure Lock SL (model YRD256) isn’t the newest or most full-featured entry in the brand’s smart lock lineup, but it still gave us a lot to like in our tests. We replaced an older Wi-Fi lock that would frequently lose connection or power and whose numbers weren’t all working.

The Assure SL was an upgrade on all those accounts. We found the app simple to use, especially with the more streamlined functions we were counting on. We were also able to connect and control the lock with the Google Home app, and you can do the same with Alexa, Apple, and other platforms as well.

Another selling point is the lock’s sleek design, with an outdoor number pad that’s particularly compact since there’s no fingerprint scanner or physical keyhole built in. In case the unit’s AA batteries ran out, our review home’s backup plan would be the keypad for their garage door opener. The device also offers the handy method of holding a 9V battery against the bottom of the keypad, supplying enough power to unlock your door and get inside.

While the touchscreen keypad worked smoothly, it wasn’t immediately intuitive that you had to first tap the Yale logo in order to light up and activate the numbers. We also had to troubleshoot a couple issues, like fixing a broken Wi-Fi connection and the lock not fully engaging when it gets very humid. Overall, though, we were quite pleased in how it provided automatic proximity unlocking and temporary access codes for guests.

_{Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.6 x 0.7 inches (exterior) | Security Grade: ANSI Grade 2 | App: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Finish Options: Black suede, satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze}

How We Tested the Keyless Door Locks

We put nine different smart door locks through regular day-to-day residential use, across 3,024 total hours of testing. We chose models with a variety of features that might be important to homeowners, focusing on brands with a strong reputation in the industry. We also stuck to locks certified as ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2, leaving off Grade 3 locks with less secure materials and construction.

Because most products were designed for do-it-yourself installation and compatibility with standard doors, the majority of our testers were able to install the hardware and set up the connectivity themselves, though they had the option to get professional support as needed.

They reviewed as many entry methods as possible that the devices allowed for, which often included hands-free proximity entry and keypad codes, creating a total of 21 access codes in the process. Biometric access using a fingerprint scanner was a particularly appreciated method in the locks that included it.

We also set up and tested any mobile app features, including remote lock control, timed unlock periods, and door activity notifications and history. Many Wi-Fi-enabled locks can integrate with smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Home, and we tested those with the systems that our homeowners were already using.

We weren’t able to test connections with Apple products for the locks on this list, but several do offer compatibility with those gadgets, including unlocking with an Apple Watch.

What to Look for in a Keyless Door Lock

Consider Compatibility with Existing Door and Lock

When making sure a lock will work for your situation, one of the main specs to look for is your door’s backset measurement. This is the distance between the center of the hole where the lock will be and the edge of the door where the deadbolt will extend from, which comes in two standard measurements.

“Normally the distance is 2 3/8 inches,” says lock expert Corey Friedman, “but most Grade 2 locks have an adjustable backset in case the hole is 2 3/4 inches, which periodically shows up.” He also points out that most doors have a standard thickness, which is 1 3/4 inches for exterior doors in North America. “You only need to be concerned if it’s a custom door.”

If you’re not fully replacing your lock and are instead using a retrofit solution that mounts to your existing deadbolt, your installation considerations will be different—as in, more tied to your hardware.

With the one retrofit lock on our list, the Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi and Keypad, installing the device itself was generally simpler, but we had some restrictions on the features available because of issues stemming from the door’s original installation.

Opt for Integration With Smart Home Systems

Locks that can tap into your home’s wireless network (usually through a built-in Wi-Fi receiver or a separate hub plugged in nearby) usually offer the power to coordinate with your other smart gadgets on the network. This can include talking to voice assistants via smart speakers to control the lock, setting up automations with doorbell cameras or motion sensors, or simply using the same app you already use to manage other devices.

The most commonly supported smart home platforms are Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, with Apple Home compatibility being less common. Our pick for the best features, the U-tec Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, for example, doesn’t work with the full Apple environment, but you can set up an app on your Apple Watch to control the lock.

There’s also a version of the U-Bolt Pro that works with Z-wave networks, which can be an efficient, low-energy alternative to Wi-Fi dedicated to home automation. If you have concerns, consult a reputable locksmith to assess the best approach for your specific needs and help you set up the appropriate products.

Research Security Features and Encryption

While most smart features are meant to add to a lock’s security and convenience, more connectivity inevitably does mean more potential risk points for compromised data and access, especially with information transferred over the internet. The best smart locks protect your codes and other info with strong 128-bit AES encryption, and your fingerprints additionally remain on separate local storage, never going out to the cloud. Any accounts you sign into for the lock company or your smart platforms will have their own security, often including two-factor authentication to confirm your identity.

If you still have concerns, you may feel better with a lock with fewer features, like our best basic option, the Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt BE365. It removes several potential points of failure by cutting out connected functionality altogether, while still offering the convenience of keycode access for multiple users.

Choose a User-friendly Smartphone App

A lot of the benefits of a Wi-Fi-enabled lock comes through its smartphone app, putting the lock virtually in your hands wherever you have access to the internet. The Yale Access app is one we’ve found effective and user-friendly when testing multiple locks on this list, including our best with app pick, the Yale Assure Lock SL with Wi-Fi.

Some core functions of smart lock apps include remote control to lock and unlock your door, an interface to create and customize access codes for models with keypads, and other settings to make the lock work best for you.

One important security setting you can usually customize is automatic locking, where the system will re-engage the lock a certain amount of time after the door is unlocked—great for household members who forget to lock up behind them. Many smart lock apps also track activity of your door opening and closing, letting you see notifications on your phone when something is happening or consult the history logs later on.

Standout Features

• Geofencing: Smart locks with Wi-Fi might establish a “geofence” to automatically unlock your door once your phone enters into that home perimeter. Others may use Bluetooth to gauge when you’re near the lock, or a combination of the technologies.
• Temporary access codes: Keypad locks often give you the option to create codes that will expire after a certain amount of time, in case you want to provide limited access to a guest or a service provider doing work in your home.
• Activity logs: A connected lock can keep track of any instance when it locks or unlocks, along with whose access codes were used, or use a door sensor to monitor when the door itself opens or closes, giving you a record of what’s happening at your entryway. 
• Voice assistance: If your lock is compatible with their respective smart platforms, you can talk to AI assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to issue lock/unlock commands, or ask for the current status of your door.
• Physical backup keys: It can be comforting to know you still have a manual way to get through your lock in case the battery runs out or any other electronic failure prevents your keyless system from working. Friedman cautions, though, that this convenience can add an extra security concern, and it may be better to stick to a battery backup system or stay on top of replacements. “If you have a keyhole, it makes it easy to break in via picking or other techniques. If you want security for a lock that has a key or key override, it needs to be a high security key, which usually only locksmiths can make,” he says.

One More Thing

Because locks and doors in North America tend to use specific standard measurements, keyless door locks are good candidates for do-it-yourself installation. We were able to install our test models ourselves within 20 minutes to an hour.

If there’s something unique about your door or locks, or you simply want to make sure everything is as secure as possible, locksmiths are certainly available to install a smart lock you’ve purchased. Costs may run from $200 to $400, depending on the complexity of your setup.

Even when hiring a professional, Friedman suggests not taking things for granted and making sure you have an honest locksmith you can rely on. “Unfortunately, there are many scammers who charge a lot more than the quote. Make sure you check that the license matches their ID,” he says.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Anton Galang has served as a freelance writer for The Spruce since 2022, with years of experience writing and editing about consumer technology and education. He focuses mostly on smart home tech, covering products like wireless doorbells, smart bulbs, and motion sensor lights, in addition to door locks.

For this story on the top keyless door locks, he combined his home automation experience with insights and data from our real-world testers, along with specs from the products’ manufacturers. His own household runs on a mix of Alexa, Nest, Google Home, and Samsung ecosystems, safeguarded by Schlage locks that have served him well since purchasing the home. 

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