Reviewed by the HomeSmartSetup team · Last reviewed June 2026. Picks reflect hands-on installs across renters’ retrofits and full deadbolt replacements. HomeSmartSetup may earn a commission from links on this page — it never changes what we recommend.
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A smart lock should fit two things: your door and your ecosystem. The retrofit-vs-replace choice decides renter-friendliness, and Matter/Z-Wave support decides whether it works with your Alexa, Google, or Apple setup. Here’s the best keyless lock for each situation in 2026, with real prices — from a 10-minute renter retrofit to an ANSI Grade 1 fortress.
Best for renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock ($193–$199) retrofits over your existing deadbolt’s thumbturn in about 10 minutes — no drilling, no exterior change, no landlord approval, and your keys still work. It’s the answer for anyone who can’t modify the door.
Best security: Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus ($279–$329) is ANSI Grade 1 (the top residential security rating) and supports Apple Home Key — tap your iPhone or Watch to unlock. If physical security is the priority, this is the one.
Best future-proofing: Aqara U200 and Yale Assure Lock 2
The Aqara U200 ($189) leads on Matter + Thread with the fastest response time we measured — it won’t be orphaned by a platform change. The Yale Assure Lock 2 ($188) wins on ecosystem breadth (Matter and Z-Wave) and is well-positioned for the new Aliro tap-to-unlock standard. Either is a safe long-term buy.
Best value: Ultraloq and Kwikset
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro ($169) packs fingerprint, code, app, and key entry for the lowest price here; the Kwikset Halo Touch ($180) is a reliable fingerprint Wi-Fi option.
Smart locks compared
| Lock | Price | Install | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | $193–$199 | Retrofit (renter) | 10-min, keeps your keys |
| Schlage Encode Plus | $279–$329 | Replace | ANSI Grade 1 + Apple Home Key |
| Aqara U200 | $189 | Retrofit | Matter/Thread, fastest |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | $188 | Replace | Matter + Z-Wave breadth |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | $169 | Replace | Fingerprint, best value |
Shop these smart locks
Also see: see Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon, check the Aqara U200 on Amazon, see the Yale Assure Lock 2 on Amazon, check Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro on Amazon, and see Kwikset Halo Touch on Amazon.
A real scenario
Renter who wants keyless entry without losing the deposit: the August Wi-Fi ($193) goes on in 10 minutes over the existing deadbolt, adds app and auto-unlock, and pops back off at move-out with the original hardware untouched. Homeowner who wants maximum security and an Apple home: the Schlage Encode Plus ($279) with Grade 1 build and tap-to-unlock Home Key. Both let you hand out temporary codes instead of copying keys for dog-walkers and guests.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best smart lock for renters?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — it retrofits over the existing deadbolt in ~10 minutes with no drilling or exterior change, so there’s nothing to undo at move-out.
Which smart lock is most secure?
The Schlage Encode Plus — ANSI Grade 1, the top residential rating, plus Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock.
Should I get a Matter lock?
If you want to avoid being locked into one ecosystem, yes — Aqara U200, Yale Assure Lock 2, and some Ultraloq models support Matter, so any platform can control them.
More: see our family-safety setups and DIY home security.
