The 8 Best Smart Locks to Buy in 2018

Samsung is a leader in the smart home movement for good reason. This smart door lock is another asset in their arsenal, boasting a sleek metallic black touch screen that allows you to input your PIN without having to open the keypad. With the random security code feature, homeowners use a two-digit random number input system putting in their personalized password for an extra security step. This Samsung smart lock is specially designed to keep you safe in the event of an emergency – for example, in the event of a fire that reaches over 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the system automatically sounds the alarm and unlocks the door, so anyone inside can get out quickly. Unlike some other smart locks, this one solves the problem of the batteries running out and locking you out by permitting you to open the door from the outside using a 9V battery. Customize password input and door opening sounds to make this lock work exactly the way you want it to.

If you are upgrading to a smart lock to improve your home security, the PIN Genie Smart Lock will be right up your alley. This keyless smart lock provides home access using an invisible PIN that the company advertises as “the world’s first peep-proof PIN Genie PIN Pad.” The patented PIN pad randomly reshuffles the numbers on the pad so that it is impossible for others to figure out your PIN even if they watch you enter multiple times. Lock and unlock your door via the touchscreen (and PIN code) or via a free iOS or Android app for your smartphone or mobile device using wireless Bluetooth access. The PIN pad stores up to eight codes at a time, more than enough for most families. It even comes with a loud siren alarm to warn you about incorrect attempts and scare off would-be thieves. This smart lock is powered by four AA batteries and includes a low-battery warning signal, so you don’t have to worry about getting locked out when the battery dies.

The Yale Push Button Electronic Deadbolt with ZigBee is budget-friendly smart lock option that still provides plenty of extra features. It features a backlit push-button keypad, so you can unlock and lock your home and create unique pins for family and friends as you need them. However, this lock also features ZigBee technology that allows it to integrate smoothly with many compatible home automation and alarm systems, including Amazon Alexa. This also gives you remote unlocking access and allows you to track access history and receive useful notifications. Customize your notifications to make sure the system lets you know about low battery alerts and interference alarms for tampering or wrong code attempts.

Free up that front pocket – you won’t need keys anymore with this sleek smart lock by Schlage. This device includes a keypad and lock cylinder on the exterior and a thumb turn on the interior to completely replace your existing lock. Store up to thirty personalized user codes at a time – ideal for families, roommates or rental properties. A fingerprint-resistant modern touchscreen means that the numbers you input won’t be detectable even after lots of use. Schlage’s Z-Wave Technology gives you advanced remote management capabilities and compatibility with home monitoring systems – you even have the option to sync it with Amazon Alexa for voice control or use it with your smartphone to allow you to lock or unlock your door remotely.

Revel in the freedom of leaving the house without being weighed down by your keys with this smart lock system by Yale Assure. All you need is the backlit push-button keypad and your unique pin code to get back in. Create new unique pin codes for friends, family members or neighbors, and remove codes whenever you want. With Z-wave technology, this tamper-resistant Yale Assure lock works with more than 50 home automation or security systems, including Samsung’s SmartThings, Honeywell and Wink. Lock, unlock, view the current status and access history, and receive notifications no matter where you are. The quiet motorized deadbolt is another plus, too.

Take a step into the future with this sophisticated smart lock that features five different entry methods, including an ultra-modern fingerprint recognition system. Up to 100 fingerprints can be recognized by the system and it takes only half a second to complete the identification process, making keyless entry easy and quick. You can also use this lock to enter using a key code, a key or an ID card. The system comes up with five ID cards with more available for purchase. With unique keys for each user and a 24/7 activity log, you’ll be able to track who is entering your home and when – ideal if you rent rooms or have a vacation property.

Unlock your door with just your smartphone, no matter where you are. Imagine the conveniences – allow a neighbor into your home to feed your pet while you are away; let in a roommate or significant other without needing to transfer a physical key; give access to a housekeeper or repairman even if you’re at work, then lock the doors securely behind them when they’re done with their work. The Qrio Smart Lock helps you do all of these things and more. You have the option to set automatic locking options or share your electronic key with family and friends. The Qrio Smart Lock works with most types of doors and keeps a constantly updated record of the door lock’s openings and closings, allowing you to keep an eye on your home even when you’re not physically there.

If you are an iPhone fan, the Kwikset Premis might be the smart lock for you. The Kwikset Premis is like three locks in one. Enter a code to unlock your door, use your iPhone app to unlock the door remotely or ask Siri to open the door using voice commands. Use the Premis app to check the status of your lock and receive notifications whenever the door is unlocked. The app can even tell you which of the up to thirty personalized user codes was used to unlock the door and at what time it was opened. Imagine the convenience of checking to make sure your door is unlocked from your own bed using your phone or letting in a friend to check on your place while you’re out of town. With the Kwikset Premis, it’s as easy as using your phone.