Best Smart Locks 2025: Yale, Schlage, August, Ultraloq Compared
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs Schlage Encode vs August Wi-Fi vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro — which keyless smart lock is most secure and easiest to install? Full comparison from $80 to $280.
TL;DR — The Verdict
$172.99 → Yale Assure Lock 2: Best all-around. Key-free touchscreen, Auto-Unlock via geofencing, Apple Home Key support, small footprint. The Wirecutter top pick.
$249.99 → Schlage Encode: Best for built-in WiFi. No hub needed — connects directly to your router. Built-in alarm, Amazon Key compatible for in-garage delivery.
$229.00 → August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Best retrofit. Attaches to your existing deadbolt — keep your keys and your landlord happy. Auto-Unlock, DoorSense.
$79.99 → Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: Best budget multi-access. Fingerprint + code + key + smartphone — 6 ways to unlock. Weatherproof, auto-lock.
Keyless Entry Types
Comparison Table
Detailed Breakdown
1. Yale Assure Lock 2 ($172.99) — The Gold Standard
Wirecutter's top pick for smart locks. Slim, minimalist design with a backlit touchscreen keypad. Works with Apple Home Key — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock (like Apple Pay). Geofencing Auto-Unlock triggers when you arrive home. Requires a WiFi module (sold separately or in bundle) for remote access. Available in keyed and key-free versions.
"Replaced a bulky Schlage with this. The touchscreen is responsive and the design is sleek — guests ask 'how do you unlock it?' because the screen is invisible until you touch it. Home Key is my favorite feature — I tap my watch and walk in, no code, no app. Only downside: WiFi module is extra, so budget $50 more for remote access." — Verified purchase review, 4.3★
Check price → Yale Assure Lock 2 on Amazon
2. Schlage Encode ($249.99) — Most Connected, No Hub Needed
Only smart lock with WiFi built directly into the lock — no separate hub, no bridge, no module. Connects to your home WiFi router directly. Built-in audible alarm that triggers on forced entry attempts. Amazon Key compatible — delivery drivers can open your garage door to place packages inside (with compatible garage opener). Physical key backup and traditional keypad.
"Paid extra for the built-in WiFi and it was worth it. No hub to plug in, no bridge to lose connection — the lock is directly on my network. The Schlage app is basic but reliable. I use Amazon Key for in-garage delivery and it's worked flawlessly. The alarm is loud enough to scare off anyone trying to tamper." — Verified purchase review, 4.3★
Check price → Schlage Encode on Amazon
3. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock ($229.00) — Keep Your Keys, Add Smarts
Attaches to the inside of your existing deadbolt — your exterior lock doesn't change. Use your physical key when you want, smartphone when you want. DoorSense tells you if the door is actually closed AND locked. Auto-Unlock triggers when you approach (no app opening required). Guest access via August app with time-limited keys.
"The only smart lock my landlord would allow — it doesn't change the outside of the door at all. Installation was 10 minutes on my existing deadbolt. Auto-Unlock is magic: I walk up to my door with groceries and it unlocks by the time I reach for the handle. The DoorSense open/closed sensor has prevented the 'did I lock it?' anxiety entirely." — Verified purchase review, 4.1★
Check price → August Wi-Fi Smart Lock on Amazon
4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro ($79.99) — Six Ways In, Zero Wrong Ways
Fingerprint reader (0.3-second recognition), anti-peep keypad (type random digits before/after your real code), smartphone app, physical key, shake-to-open (shake your phone near the door), and NFC card. Auto-lock after 10-999 seconds. IP65 weatherproof — suitable for sun, rain, snow, and temperatures from -31°F to 151°F.
"The fingerprint reader is what sold me — it's faster than fumbling for keys or typing a code. Anti-peep keypad is clever: you can type '8472010' and as long as your real code '4720' is somewhere in there, it unlocks. Guests think I'm typing long codes but I'm just adding random digits. For $80 with built-in WiFi, it's a steal. App is a bit clunky though." — Verified purchase review, 4.3★
Check price → Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro on Amazon
5. Eufy Smart Lock C220 ($109.99) — Fingerprint + No Hub
Built-in WiFi (no bridge needed), fingerprint recognition for up to 50 fingerprints, IP65 weatherproof, auto-lock. The Eufy Security app manages access and event logs. 8 AA batteries last ~8 months. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice lock/unlock.
"Great mid-range option with fingerprint and built-in WiFi at $110. The fingerprint sensor is fast — under 1 second from touch to unlock. App is clean and easy. Only wish it had Apple Home Key like the Yale. But for $110 vs $170+, the value is hard to beat." — Verified purchase review, 4.3★
Check price → Eufy Smart Lock C220 on Amazon
Installation: DIY or Pro?
All fit standard US door preps (2-1/8" bore hole, 2-3/4" or 2-3/8" backset).
Who Should Buy What
- Apple Home Key, best design → Yale Assure Lock 2 ($172.99 + WiFi module)
- No hub, built-in WiFi + alarm → Schlage Encode ($249.99)
- Retrofit, keep existing keys → August Wi-Fi Smart Lock ($229.00)
- Fingerprint + 6 methods, best value → Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro ($79.99)
- Fingerprint + built-in WiFi mid-price → Eufy C220 ($109.99)
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