Best Z‑Wave Smart Locks

TL;DR: The Schlage BE469ZP delivers enterprise‑grade Z‑Wave security, a touchscreen keypad for 30 users, and a built‑in alarm, but its premium price and hub requirement make it best for those who value top‑tier protection.

What truly sets the BE469ZP apart is its motorized deadbolt with a 25 mm (≈1 in) bolt throw and Secure S2 encryption, giving you a lock that’s both physically robust and digitally hardened. The keypad lights up for easy entry, and the device stores up to 30 unique user codes, so family members and trusted guests can enjoy keyless access without compromising security.

In a lineup that includes the lighter Yale Assure Lock 2 and the similarly heavy Kwikset HomeConnect 620, the Schlage lands in the premium tier. It weighs 3.3 pounds, making it noticeably heavier than the Yale model, yet comparable to the Kwikset. Its price point sits above both competitors, reflecting the richer feature set and the brand’s reputation for reliability.

Professional reviewers praise the patented Snap n Stay installation, noting that a single screwdriver is all you need for a hands‑free fit. Users also appreciate the built‑in alarm that senses door‑attack attempts, adding a layer of protection beyond a standard deadbolt. The downside, echoed across consumer comments, is the need for a separate Z‑Wave hub to unlock remote features; without that hub, the lock remains functional locally but can’t be controlled via the Schlage Home App or voice assistants.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Schlage BE469ZP offers Number of User Codes: 30

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, need direct Wi‑Fi control, or lack a Z‑Wave hub.

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lock 2 packs Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Z‑Wave and ZigBee into a 1‑pound deadbolt with an 80 dB tamper alarm, but its 3.8‑star rating suggests mixed user experiences.

The standout spec is its four‑way connectivity – Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Z‑Wave and ZigBee are all built‑in, letting you pair with most smart‑home hubs without extra modules. At just 1.0 pounds, the lock feels lightweight compared with many competitors, and its 22.2 mm depth lets it sit flush on standard doors.

When you line it up against the three other smart locks in this roundup, the Yale is noticeably lighter than the Schlage BE469ZP (which tips the scales at over 3 pounds) and the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 (also well over 3 pounds). The Touch‑Black variant of the same Yale series is substantially heavier, so the standard Assure Lock 2 is the most compact option among the group.

Reviewers appreciate the breadth of unlock methods – keypad, physical key, app, voice assistants (Alexa, Google, Apple Home), auto‑unlock and even Apple Watch – and the 24/7 activity log that lets you see who entered and when. On the downside, the 3.8/5 star average and a sizable 1,173‑review count point to recurring complaints about battery upkeep; the lock runs on four AA cells and a backup 9 V battery, which users say need swapping roughly once a year.

Additional technical notes include a zinc body, Grade 2 security rating, backset compatibility of 60‑70 mm, door‑thickness range of 35‑57 mm, and an operating temperature span from –25 °C to 60 °C. The built‑in 80 dB tamper alarm and Bluetooth range of 4.5 meters add layers of safety for busy households.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Yale Assure Lock 2 offers Depth: 22.2 mm and a lightweight profile.

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

TL;DR: At $149.05 the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 earns a solid 4.3‑star rating from 64 reviewers, praised for its price‑point value and flexible code management while noting hub reliance.

Kwikset’s HomeConnect 620 lands in the middle of our four‑product smart‑lock roundup, priced at $149.05 and carrying a 4.3‑star rating based on 64 user reviews. It’s positioned as an affordable option from a well‑known brand that focuses on residential and light‑commercial security.

Customers consistently highlight the lock’s ease of setup and the convenience of handling many user codes, which makes it attractive for larger households or rental properties. Reviewers also appreciate the long‑range Z‑Wave connectivity, noting it works well in bigger homes when paired with a compatible hub. The most common criticisms revolve around the need for a Z‑Wave hub to unlock smart features, occasional bolt jamming on misaligned doors, and faster‑than‑expected battery drain when the mechanism isn’t perfectly aligned.

In terms of overall placement, the HomeConnect 620 offers a competitive blend of price and user satisfaction. While it doesn’t boast the premium price tag of some rivals, its rating suggests it delivers reliable performance for buyers who already have or plan to install a Z‑Wave hub. Those seeking a lock with extensive code capacity and solid brand backing will find it a sensible middle‑ground choice.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 is available at $149.05

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Black costs $249.99, scores 3.7/5 from 58 reviews, and delivers 99% fingerprint accuracy with sub‑half‑second recognition for keyless entry.

The lock’s standout spec is its biometric performance – a 99% fingerprint accuracy and recognition time of <0.5 s, making the door open almost instantly after a tap. Its physical dimensions are modest for a deadbolt, with a depth of 22.23 mm, height of 123.85 mm and width of 63.5 mm, while the unit weighs 1814 g.

Compared with the three other locks in this roundup, the Yale is pricier than the Schlage BE469ZP and heavier than both the Schlage (1497 g) and the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 (about 3.75 lb). It also supports far more user codes – 250 versus the Schlage’s 30 – and adds Wi‑Fi and Z‑Wave connectivity that the Yale Assure Lock 2 (peer model) only lists Bluetooth for. The larger exterior profile noted by owners stems from the keyed version’s physical keyhole, a point the Schlage avoids with its slimmer design.

Consumers consistently praise the lock’s effortless fingerprint access and the quick, DIY‑friendly installation described by professional reviewers. Real‑time notifications and remote access via the Yale Access app are highlighted as convenient for families sharing entry codes. On the downside, users mention glare on the bright backlit touchscreen in direct sunlight and the bulkier look of the keyed model, which can be a drawback for those seeking a truly key‑free aesthetic.

Additional technical context includes an operating humidity tolerance of up to 95% and a temperature range from –25 °C to 60 °C, ensuring reliable performance in most climates. Power comes from four AA batteries (1.5 V each) with a low‑battery indicator, and the lock offers auto‑lock, two‑factor authentication, and a door‑position sensor for added security.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Black offers Depth: 22.23 mm.

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns, or you need a completely key‑free design without any physical key backup.