Links to recommended locks at bottom
A smart lock is one of the most powerful upgrades you can make to your home. It offers a level of convenience and control that feels truly futuristic, allowing you to ditch your keys, grant access to guests remotely, and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your door is always secure. But here’s the thing: a smart lock isn’t just another cool gadget. It’s a serious piece of security hardware that you are trusting to protect your home and your family.
The market is flooded with options, and it’s easy to get distracted by sleek designs and flashy marketing. Making the wrong choice isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a costly and frustrating mistake that compromises your home’s security.
That’s why we’re here to help. Before you even think about clicking that ‘buy now’ button, we’re going to walk you through the five technical, non-negotiable things you absolutely must understand. By the end of this guide, you won’t just be buying a smart lock; you’ll be making a confident, informed security decision for your home.
1. The ANSI Grade: A Lock’s Real-World Strength
Before we even talk about apps or batteries, let’s talk about brute force. The first thing you need to look for is the lock’s ANSI Grade. This is a standardized rating from the American National Standards Institute that certifies the physical toughness and durability of the lock itself against physical attacks.
- Grade 3: This is the most basic rating and is considered standard for most interior residential doors. It’s not recommended for your primary point of entry.
- Grade 2: This is a significant step up, offering good residential security. These locks are built to withstand more force and have a longer lifespan.
- Grade 1: This is the highest and most secure rating, certified for commercial use. A Grade 1 lock is engineered to withstand a very high level of abuse, including sledgehammer attacks.
The Savvy Move: For your front door or any primary exterior door, you should only consider smart locks with an ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating. A lock can have the best app in the world, but if the physical hardware is weak, it’s not a secure lock. Don’t compromise here.
2. Lock Type: Full Replacement vs. Retrofit
Smart locks come in two main styles, and choosing the right one depends on your living situation and DIY comfort level.
- Full Replacement: This type of lock, like the excellent Schlage Encode Plus, replaces your entire existing deadbolt mechanism, inside and out. It’s a complete hardware swap. This offers a very clean, integrated look and is the most common type of smart lock.
- Retrofit: A retrofit lock, like the classic August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, is a much simpler installation. It only replaces the interior thumb-turn of your existing deadbolt. The outside of your door looks exactly the same, and your original keys will still work.
The Savvy Move: If you are a renter, a retrofit lock is almost always the best choice. It allows you to add smart functionality without altering the landlord’s hardware, and you can easily remove it when you move out. For homeowners who want a permanent, fully integrated solution, a full replacement lock is the way to go.
3. Backup Power: How You Get In When the Battery Dies
This is the number one question people ask about smart locks: “What happens if the battery dies?” Rest assured, the engineers have thought of this, and you will not be permanently locked out of your own home. However, different locks have different backup methods.
- Traditional Key: Many smart locks, especially full replacement models, have a hidden keyhole that allows you to use a physical key as a final backup.
- 9-Volt Battery Terminal: Some of the most minimalist locks, like the Level Lock, have no visible keyhole. Instead, they have two small, hidden contact points on the bottom of the lock. If the internal battery dies, you can simply press a standard 9-volt battery against these terminals to give the lock enough temporary power to operate the keypad or connect to your phone so you can get inside.
The Savvy Move: Before you buy, understand the lock’s specific backup power method. Choose the one you are most comfortable with. It’s a feature you’ll rarely use, but when you need it, you’ll be glad you know how it works.
4. Connectivity: How Your Lock Talks to the World
A smart lock’s “smartness” comes from its ability to communicate. The way it connects determines its features, speed, and battery life.
- Bluetooth: This allows you to control the lock with your phone when you are standing nearby (typically within 30 feet). It’s very low-power, which is great for battery life, but it doesn’t allow for remote access on its own.
- Wi-Fi: Locks with built-in Wi-Fi connect directly to your home network. This is what allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world. The trade-off is that Wi-Fi is more power-hungry and will require more frequent battery changes.
- Bridge/Hub (Z-Wave, Zigbee, Thread): Many excellent smart locks use low-power protocols like Z-Wave or Thread. To connect them to your Wi-Fi for remote access, they require a small “bridge” or “hub” that plugs into an outlet inside your home. This gives you the best of both worlds: long battery life for the lock and full remote control.
The Savvy Move: If you want to be able to lock your door, check its status, or grant guest access when you’re away from home, you must choose a lock that is Wi-Fi enabled, either directly or through a bridge.
5. Ecosystem Compatibility: The Key to a “Smart” Lock
This is the final and most important feature that elevates a lock from a simple gadget into a seamless part of your automated home. Ecosystem compatibility means the lock can be controlled by your primary smart home system: Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple HomeKit.
Why does this matter? Because it unlocks powerful automations. A lock that works with your ecosystem can be included in your “Goodnight” routine, allowing you to lock your door with the same voice command that turns off your lights. You can ask your smart speaker, “Hey Google, is the front door locked?” from anywhere in the house. This level of integration is what makes a smart lock truly smart.
The Savvy Move: Before you buy any lock, confirm that it is explicitly compatible with the smart home ecosystem you use most. This feature is the difference between having a remote-controlled door and having a home that intelligently secures itself.
Conclusion: Making a Confident Decision
Choosing the right smart lock doesn’t have to be intimidating. By using this five-point checklist, you can confidently cut through the marketing and focus on what really matters: physical security (ANSI Grade), the right fit for your home (Lock Type), a reliable backup plan (Backup Power), the features you need (Connectivity), and seamless integration (Ecosystem Compatibility). Armed with this knowledge, you are now ready to choose a smart lock that will provide convenience, security, and peace of mind for years to come.