Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro for $170: WIRED columnist Julian Chokkattu also tested Ultraloq's U-Bolt Pro, which uses the same application as the Fingerprint models. He says it took a few attempts to connect to the Wi-Fi, but once connected, everything worked well and there were no Wi-Fi issues during the year he tested it. It has built-in Wi-Fi, uses four AA batteries that last about two months (less in very cold weather), and has a hidden mechanical keyhole as a backup in case the battery dies while you're away, giving you two spare keys. There's a charging port underneath so you can charge it in an emergency if the lock is broken and you don't have the key, but we wish it was USB-C instead of Micro USB. It's a good lock, but he prefers the fingerprint models because they have better build quality and come with eight batteries so the lock lasts twice as long.
Photo: Nena Farrell.
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch for $300: I tested this lock for several weeks along with the ADT security system and Google Home. Unlike the other locks in this guide, I didn't install this one – an ADT technician did that, and the installation may be included in an ADT security package like the one I tested. As for the lock itself, it worked well. This is a complete deadbolt replacement that comes with one key, plus a keypad and fingerprint scanner for entry options. The fingerprint scanner is fast and efficient, and my husband says the keyboard is easy to use (you activate the keyboard by tapping the Yale button, but if your finger is enrolled in the app, it's also a fingerprint button). Instead of using the Yale app, I primarily control this application using the ADT+ app, but there are versions of this lock that do not use or require ADT services. I would really like to set it to lock every 10 minutes rather than every three, but that's the longest option the ADT+ app gives me for setting it. I can also control it partially in the Google Home app, but only to lock and unlock it rather than delve into detailed settings like passwords and auto-lock times.
Yale Assure Touchscreen Lever Lock for $240: I tested this deadbolt-less door handle with a smooth keypad for four months on my home's garage door. Unlike Yale University Approach Gatewayhe will not feel your approach, but he will wake up even from a light touch on the keyboard. It's easy to block, unblock, and view your activity history in the Yale Access app. You can use a PIN code to unlock. You can also create different codes for different people so you know exactly who came and went when. It works with Google Home, Apple Home and Alexa, and also has two physical keys for backup in case of battery failure. Installation wasn't exactly straightforward, requiring the Bilt app to be installed and then the Yale app to be configured, and online reviews are quite a bit full of complaints about both battery life and the handle becoming loose over time. None of these problems occurred during our test period; however, we will update this review with further observations over time. —Kath Merck
Avoid These Smart Locks
We didn't like all the smart locks we tried. These are the ones to skip.
Defiant Smart Deadbolt powered by Hubspace for $100: Poor build quality is a major setback for this smart lock from Defiant. The buttons are soft, it's very loud, and what's the point of connecting to Wi-Fi if it never connects to Wi-Fi? I eventually paired it with the Hubspace app, but the lock never stayed connected to my Wi-Fi, so I didn't have any benefit. —Julian Chokkattu
Eufy FamiLock S3 Max for $400: This lock is cool because it includes a camera that allows the device to act as a digital peephole (handy for smaller family members!), as well as a very cool biometric option that uses the veins in your palm for authentication. Unfortunately, after installation, the lock on my door did not work, even though the size and location were correct.
