Rankings
The Schlage Encode Plus is a Grade 1 deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple HomeKey, offering robust security and extensive smart features. Its reliance on AA batteries and lack of Zigbee/Z-Wave limit some ecosystem options. Ideal for Apple-centric homeowners who want direct Wi-Fi control and a high-security lock.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro combines eight entry methods-including a 360° fingerprint sensor-with built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and an IP65-rated housing for robust outdoor use. Its battery life is shorter on Wi-Fi mode and the bulkier design can be challenging to install. Ideal for households seeking versatile biometric access and hub-free Wi-Fi control.
The Level Lock+ WiFi Deadbolt combines an ultra-compact, invisible design with top-tier BHMA AAA security, Apple HomeKey NFC, and auto-lock functionality. It requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote access and uses a single CR2 battery, which may need frequent replacement. Perfect for Apple ecosystem enthusiasts who prioritize security and aesthetics.
The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect combines Bluetooth, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi (via a bridge) to deliver a highly integrated retrofit solution with premium build quality. The need for an external bridge and unclear battery longevity can be drawbacks for users seeking a simpler setup. Best for tech-savvy renters or homeowners who want extensive ecosystem compatibility without replacing the deadbolt.
The Veise VE017 offers a fast fingerprint sensor, numerous unlock options, and solid build quality with an IP55 rating. Its drawbacks include vague battery-life specifications and limited third-party testing for long-term durability. Ideal for tech-savvy homeowners seeking an affordable, feature-rich smart deadbolt.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Silver) adds built-in Wi-Fi, DoorSense and voice-assistant control while preserving the original deadbolt. It lacks auto-lock and detailed battery-life information. Best for users who want a simple retrofit with remote access and don't need advanced automation.
The SimpliSafe Smart Lock Series 2 provides a fast, retrofit solution with Wi-Fi connectivity and auto-lock tied to the SimpliSafe security system. Its reliance on a SimpliSafe subscription and occasional Wi-Fi reliability issues limit its appeal to non-SimpliSafe users. Best for existing SimpliSafe customers seeking an inexpensive deadbolt upgrade.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a Grade 2 deadbolt with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, offering remote access and auto-lock via the Yale Access app. It lacks built-in Z-Wave, biometric authentication, and Matter support, which may limit integration for some users. Best suited for tech-savvy homeowners who value Wi-Fi convenience and a physical key backup.
The Kucacci Smart Door Lock with Handle provides seven access methods, IP66 weatherproofing, and AES256 encryption for secure, versatile entry. It requires a separate Wi-Fi gateway and has an unspecified battery life, which can add complexity. Suitable for DIY installers and outdoor applications where durability and multiple authentication options are priorities.
The August Home Smart Lock 2nd Generation is a retrofit lock that adds HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant voice control while preserving the existing deadbolt key. Its main limitation is the need for an optional Wi-Fi bridge for remote access and the lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module. Best for Apple HomeKit users and renters who want smart features without replacing the whole lock.
The August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge adds remote and voice capabilities to existing August Bluetooth locks without replacing the deadbolt. Its limitation is the need for a separate bridge per door and lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi support. Ideal for current August lock owners who want remote access without a full lock replacement.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | — | — | 10 minutes | — | 10 minutes | — | 10 minutes | — | 9 minutesbest | 10 minutes | — |
1.5 years | 2 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 3 yearsbest | — | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,497 g | 1,021 g | 395 g | 79 gbest | 453.6 g | 1,360.8 g | 431 g | 453.6 g | 395 g | 180.9 g | 485.3 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Features(1) | |||||||||||
Auto‑Lock | true | true | true | — | — | true | true | true | true | false | true |
Installation(1) | |||||||||||
Installation Time (minutes) | — | 10-15 minutes | 10 minutes | — | 10 minutes | — | 10 minutes | — | 9 minutes | 10 minutes | — |
Battery & Power(2) | |||||||||||
Battery Type | AA alkaline | AA | AA | AA | — | AA | AA, CR2450 | AA alkaline | AAA | CR123 | CR2 Lithium |
Power Source | Battery | — | Battery | Mains | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | CR2 Lithium battery |
Security(1) | |||||||||||
Security Grade | Grade 1 | — | — | — | — | Grade 1/AAA | — | Grade 2 | — | — | AAA |
Connectivity(4) | |||||||||||
Bluetooth Version | unknown | unknown | 4.0 | LE | Yes | Bluetooth | — | unknown | unknown | 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0+ (5.0 recommended) |
Wi‑Fi Compatibility | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | false | true | true |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n | — | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n | — | — | — | — | 2.4 GHz | 802.11 b/g/n | 2.4 GHz |
Z‑Wave Support | true | — | true | — | — | — | — | false | — | false | — |
Fit & Design(4) | |||||||||||
Door Thickness Compatibility (mm) | — | — | — | — | — | 35-45 mm | — | 35-57 mm | — | — | — |
Weight (g) | 1497 g | 1021 g | 395 g | 79 g | 453.6 g | 1360.8 g | 431 g | 453.6 g | 395 g | 180.9 g | 485.3 g |
Material | — | — | Plastic metallic | — | — | Zinc alloy | — | Zinc | Metal | — | — |
Finish | — | Satin Nickel | Silver | Satin Nickel | Black | Satin Nickel | Black | Black Suede | Silver | Silver | Satin Nickel |
General(3) | |||||||||||
Warranty (years) | 1.5 years | 2 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 3 years | — | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | — |
IP Rating | IP65 | IP55 | — | — | IP66 | — | IP65 | — | — | — | IPX4 |
Certifications | ANSI Commercial Grade 1 | ANSI Grade 3, BHMA Certified | — | — | — | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, Residential Grade AAA, UL listed 20‑minute fire door | — | RCM Compliant (AU), Prop 65: No | — | — | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro for its unmatched versatility, noting the eight entry methods, reliable 360° fingerprint sensor, and the convenience of built-in WiFi that removes the need for a hub. The lock's ANSI Grade 1 certification, IP65 rating, and integrated door sensor are highlighted as strong security and usability features. Criticisms focus on the WiFi's 2.4 GHz limitation, the relatively short battery life of the WiFi model, and occasional finicky setup, as well as the bulkier form factor that may not suit every door.
Everyday users appreciate the easy installation, rapid fingerprint unlocking, and the ability to grant remote access to guests via eKeys. The door sensor's auto-lock function and the long-lasting AA batteries receive frequent praise. Common complaints revolve around fingerprint failures in wet or cold conditions, occasional app glitches during WiFi pairing, alignment challenges with the door sensor on warped doors, and a louder click compared with other smart locks.
“keypad, biometrics, and auto-lock FTW”
“impressive for a technological lock”
“simple with just a screwdriver, instructional videos available”
Choose Yale if battery longevity and a slimmer form factor are top priorities; choose Ultraloq for biometric entry and integrated door sensor.
Choose August if you need a platform-agnostic lock; choose SimpliSafe if you are already in the SimpliSafe ecosystem and want a quick, inexpensive retrofit.
Yale Assure is better for users seeking a full-replace lock with extensive integration, while SimpliSafe is ideal for quick upgrades within an existing SimpliSafe system.
Schlage Encode is ideal for users prioritizing top-tier security and built-in alarm over extensive code sharing or key backup.
Everyday users emphasize the quick and straightforward installation, the convenience of fingerprint and app access, and the reliability of the lock after setup. Praise centers on the value for money and the flexibility of multiple unlock methods, while no recurring complaints are noted in the available feedback.
Professional reviewers commend the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect for its quick, screwdriver-only installation and deep integration across major smart-home platforms, noting the high-quality metal build and the useful DoorSense sensor.
Everyday users appreciate the ability to control the lock remotely, retain their original keys, and share digital access with family members, describing the app experience as effortless. Common complaints revolve around the placement constraints of the Wi-Fi bridge, occasional app calibration hiccups, and concerns about battery drain with frequent auto-unlock usage.
Professional reviewers and editors view the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge as a secure, easy-to-install solution that extends remote and voice control to existing August Bluetooth locks. They commend its bank-grade encryption, quick setup, and activity logging, while noting the limitation of one bridge per lock and the lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi support as drawbacks for larger installations.
Everyday users praise the convenience of granting remote guest access, the straightforward app and voice-assistant setup, and reliable performance for single-door homes. Common complaints focus on the need for a separate bridge for each door, the absence of a Windows app, and occasional connectivity issues when Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals are weak.
Professional sources and Schlage's own specifications emphasize the lock's top-tier ANSI/BHMA Grade 1/AAA security ratings, the convenience of built-in WiFi that removes the need for a separate hub, and the unique Apple Home Keys tap-to-unlock feature. Reviewers highlight its robust construction, extensive code capacity, and integrated alarm as key strengths, while noting the reliance on AA batteries and the focus on residential rather than heavy-duty commercial use.
Professional reviewers commend the SimpliSafe Smart Lock Series 2 for its low price, quick drill-free installation, and tight integration with SimpliSafe's monitoring service, especially the auto-lock triggered by system arming. However, they caution that the lock's value is heavily tied to a SimpliSafe subscription and its ecosystem lock-in, and they note the limited PIN length and occasional connectivity glitches as drawbacks compared with more platform-agnostic competitors.
Everyday owners consistently praise the lock's straightforward installation, attractive black finish, and reliable auto-lock functionality, while noting the need for a SimpliSafe subscription and occasional Wi-Fi issues.
Professional reviewers and product editors commend the Yale Assure Lock 2 for its easy retrofit installation, reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and broad smart-home compatibility, noting its solid Grade 2 security rating and the convenience of built-in batteries and auto-unlock. However, they caution that users will need to purchase separate Z-Wave/Zigbee modules if those protocols are required, and they point out the absence of built-in biometric authentication and Matter support as drawbacks.
Everyday users generally appreciate the immediate usability provided by the included AA batteries, the seamless Alexa voice control, and the generous code-sharing capacity, especially for families and short-term rentals. Recurring themes include frustration with initial Wi-Fi setup and concerns about battery longevity, while the lack of a fingerprint sensor is noted by those seeking biometric access.
Professional reviewers and editors, primarily from August's own product pages, stress the lock's easy, non-destructive installation, its retention of the original key, and its broad smart-home ecosystem support, especially HomeKit. They position it as a straightforward upgrade for users who want smart functionality without replacing their existing deadbolt.
Everyday users highlight the convenience of eliminating key fumbling, the usefulness of virtual guest keys, and the peace of mind provided by activity logs. No major recurring complaints appear in the available data, though users note the need for a separate Wi-Fi bridge and periodic battery changes.
Professional reviewers and editors consistently commend the Level Lock+ for its minimalist, invisible design and top-tier BHMA AAA security rating, noting that it integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKey and major voice assistants while offering straightforward installation. The primary criticism from experts centers on the need for a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote access and the limited 20-minute fire rating.
Everyday users appreciate the lock's discreet appearance, solid construction, and the reassurance of a physical key backup, while common complaints revolve around occasional connectivity glitches, the perceived unreliability of keyless entry compared to a traditional key, and the extra hardware required for remote features.
Yale Assure is better for users willing to replace the whole lock and who want integrated Wi-Fi, but not ideal for renters needing a non-destructive retrofit.
Schlage Encode suits homeowners who want a full-replace smart lock with strong security, but is unsuitable for those needing a retrofit that keeps the original key.
