Best Budget Wi‑Fi Smart Locks Under $100

TL;DR: The Tapo DL100 offers a 200‑code keypad, app and voice control, and up to ten‑month battery life at $55.99, making it a solid entry‑level smart deadbolt for budget‑conscious renters.

The lock’s standout spec is its capacity for 200 custom access codes, double what many comparable models list. It weighs just 1.51 lb and measures 2.2 in × 5.88 in × 2.65 in, so it fits comfortably on most standard doors without adding bulk.

Compared with the five other smart deadbolts in this roundup, the DL100 is lighter than the Veise VE012W (1.68 lb) and the Philips Smart Lock (about 2.77 lb), but a bit heavier than the Yale Approach’s 1 lb unit. Unlike Veise, Philips, and the Tapo DL105, the DL100 does not include fingerprint recognition, so it leans toward a purely keypad‑and‑digital approach. Its 200‑code limit, however, outstrips Veise’s 100‑PIN capacity, giving renters more flexibility for guests.

Consumer reviews repeatedly praise the straightforward interface and the reliability of having multiple unlock methods—keypad, app, Bluetooth, and voice—especially when a key is misplaced. Professional reviewers note the BHMA Grade 3 certification and AES encryption as strong security pillars, while also highlighting the IP54 rating that protects the exterior from splashes.

Additional technical touches include automatic locking after failed attempts, a detailed activity log with timestamps, and a USB‑C emergency power port for backup. Battery life reaches up to 7 months in Wi‑Fi mode and up to 10 months when using Bluetooth, which is impressive for a lock that runs on four AA cells.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Tapo DL100 offers Backup Keys: 2 included

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Ultraloq U‑Bolt delivers 8‑in‑1 entry, built‑in 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and IP65 durability for $79.99, making a solid, feature‑rich smart lock despite a heavier body and 2.4 GHz‑only network support.

What really sets the U‑Bolt apart is its adjustable backset of 2‑3/8" or 2‑3/4", letting you fit a wide range of door preparations without drilling. It also packs eight entry methods—including fingerprint, keypad, app, auto‑unlock, mechanical key, eKey, voice and web portal—plus an IP65‑rated door sensor for weather‑proof operation.

At 3.3–3.5 lb, the lock is heavier than the Veise VE012W (1.68 lb) and the Yale Approach (1 lb), and even a touch heavier than the Tapo DL105’s 3.42 lb. Its fingerprint capacity of up to 50 users sits between the Philips Smart Lock’s 20 and the Tapo DL105’s 100. The configurable auto‑lock window of 10 seconds to 5 minutes also exceeds the Philips Smart Lock’s 10‑180 second range, giving you finer control over lock timing.

Users consistently praise the intuitive app, reliable remote control, and instant door‑status alerts, noting the IP65 rating and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification as confidence boosters. Professional reviewers highlight the improved geofencing and the convenience of hub‑free Wi‑Fi. On the downside, the lock only supports 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, and reviewers report that constant Wi‑Fi use can drain the eight AA alkaline batteries faster than expected.

Technical details round out the package: 128‑bit AES encryption safeguards data, while the operating temperature range spans –4 °F to 149 °F externally and 14 °F to 131 °F internally. The lock’s compact 2.95‑in height and length keep the deadbolt profile tidy, and the included micro‑USB backup port offers a simple charging option.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Ultraloq U‑Bolt offers Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" (adjustable)

Avoid if: You need 5 GHz Wi‑Fi connectivity or prefer a lighter lock with rechargeable batteries

TL;DR: The Philips Smart Lock packs Wi‑Fi, AES‑128 encryption and a 0.3‑second fingerprint scanner into a $74.99 deadbolt, delivering Grade 3 security while staying under the $100 mark.

The lock’s built‑in 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi means you don’t need a separate hub, and the AES‑128 encryption keeps your data local. A standout spec is the 0.3 second fingerprint recognition speed, backed by a 99% success rate, and the unit weighs 2.77 lb (1255 g), giving it a solid, sturdy feel on the door.

Compared with the other five models, the Philips lock is pricier than the Veise VE012W but lighter than the Tapo DL105, which tips the scales at over 3.4 lb. Its fingerprint capacity of 20 users matches the Veise and is far lower than Tapo DL105’s 100‑user capacity. Unlike the Yale Approach, which requires a Wi‑Fi bridge, Philips works straight out of the box, and it offers more robust door‑thickness compatibility (35‑50 mm) than the Ultraloq’s 35‑45 mm range.

Reviewers appreciate the quick fingerprint unlock and the convenience of remote access via the Philips Home Access app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google. Professionals note the reliable remote control thanks to the hub‑free Wi‑Fi design. On the downside, the lock runs on eight AA batteries with no emergency power backup, and the 20‑user fingerprint limit may feel restrictive for larger households.

Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking quality at $74.99 — the Philips Smart Lock offers Fingerprint Capacity: 20

Avoid if: You need emergency battery backup or more than 20 fingerprint users

TL;DR: For $49.98, the Veise VE012W delivers hub‑free Wi‑Fi control, a 0.2‑second fingerprint scanner and IP55 durability, making it the most feature‑rich budget deadbolt on the market.

The lock’s standout spec is its built‑in 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, so you never need a separate bridge to lock or unlock from the app. Coupled with a fingerprint recognition time of 0.2 seconds and a capacity for 20 fingerprints, entry feels almost instantaneous. Its compact footprint—3.0 in depth, 5.1 in height and 1.3 in width—fits most standard doors while staying under 1.7 lb.

Compared with the five other smart deadbolts in this roundup, the Veise is priced lower than the Tapo DL100 and sits in the same price tier as the Philips Smart Lock, yet it weighs slightly more than the Tapo DL100’s 1.51 lb and considerably less than the Tapo DL105, Ultraloq U‑Bolt and Philips models, which all tip the scales above 2.7 lb. Fingerprint capacity matches the Philips lock (20) but falls short of the Tapo DL105’s 100‑fingerprint limit. The 0.2‑second scan outpaces the Philips 0.3‑second speed and the Ultraloq’s 0.42‑second claim, giving Veise a clear edge in speed. Backup keys are included (2), matching the Tapo DL100, while the Yale Approach offers a lighter 1‑lb body but lacks the same Wi‑Fi integration.

Users consistently praise the quick fingerprint scanner and the convenience of remote app control, noting that the lock feels “solid” thanks to its zinc‑alloy and ABS construction. Professional reviewers highlight the hub‑free Wi‑Fi as a major convenience and the IP55 rating as reassurance for outdoor exposure. The main complaint is the need for eight AA batteries, which are not supplied and may require periodic replacement. Installation isn’t overly complex, but reviewers advise double‑checking the electronic pairing steps after the mechanical fit.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Veise VE012W offers Fingerprint Capacity: 20

Avoid if: You need powerful performance or professional‑grade features

TL;DR: The Tapo DL105 blends a fast 0.42‑second fingerprint scanner, six distinct entry methods and IP65 weatherproofing into a single‑cylinder deadbolt for about $80.

The standout feature is its six‑way access suite—fingerprint, keypad, app, Bluetooth, voice and a physical key—all housed behind a matte‑glass panel. The fingerprint sensor unlocks in just 0.42 seconds, which reviewers note feels “instant” compared with slower competitors. With a backset range of 60–70 mm, it fits most standard doors, and the lock can store up to 100 fingerprint credentials plus 32 user profiles.

Compared with the five other locks in this roundup, the DL105 sits at the higher end of the price band, making it pricier than the Veise VE012W and the Tapo DL100. It also weighs more than the Veise (1.68 lb) and the DL100 (1.51 lb), but is comparable to the Ultraloq U‑Bolt, which lists a weight around 3.3–3.5 lb. In terms of features, it outmatches the Ultraloq’s 50‑fingerprint limit and the Philips lock’s 20‑fingerprint capacity, while offering a broader set of unlock options than the Yale Approach, which focuses on Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi only.

Professional reviewers highlight the matte‑glass exterior for its fingerprint‑resistant look, and users consistently praise the rapid recognition speed. The built‑in doorbell and activity log add convenience for multi‑resident households, while auto‑lock and auto‑lockout provide extra peace of mind. The lock’s AES encryption, BHMA Grade 2 certification and IP65 rating give it a solid security pedigree for front‑door use.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the Tapo DL105 offers Fingerprint Capacity: 100

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $79.98

TL;DR: The Yale Approach smart lock installs in under 10 minutes, weighs just 1 lb, and offers a 15‑foot Wi‑Fi bridge range, making it a lightweight, renter‑friendly upgrade at $90.

The lock’s standout spec is its 15‑foot Bridge Range, meaning the included Wi‑Fi Bridge can sit up to 15 feet away and still maintain a reliable connection. Installation is listed as “under 10 minutes,” and the whole unit weighs only 1 lb, so you won’t need a heavy‑duty tool kit to get it on the door.

Compared with the other five locks in this roundup, Yale is the lightest: the Veise VE012W tips the scales at 1.68 lb, Tapo DL100 at 1.51 lb, Philips Smart Lock at about 2.77 lb, Ultraloq U‑Bolt at roughly 3.3–3.5 lb, and Tapo DL105 at 3.42 lb. While most peers list only weight, Yale also provides a Bluetooth range of 4.57 meters and a full suite of voice‑assistant support, giving it a broader connectivity profile than many competitors that mention only Wi‑Fi.

Users consistently praise the quick, screwdriver‑only installation and the ability to keep the original exterior key, a feature that renters love. Professional reviewers note the “budget‑friendly pricing for a smart lock” and commend the virtual‑key system for added security. The main complaints focus on the need for a separate Wi‑Fi Bridge within the 15‑foot limit and the absence of a built‑in keypad in the base model, which some buyers must purchase separately.

Technically, the lock works with most single‑cylinder deadbolts, offers auto‑lock, unlimited virtual keys via the Yale Access app, and logs activity for you. It runs on four AA alkaline batteries, supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and SmartThings, and operates from 0 °C to 40 °C, covering typical indoor climates.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Yale Approach offers Bridge Range: 15 feet

Avoid if: You need a built‑in keypad or a lock for double‑cylinder doors