Smart Lock Brands
Schlage, Yale, August, Kwikset, and Ultraloq compared on security grade, unlock methods, battery life, and smart home compatibility.
Yale
Trusted Security Since 1840
Trusted security since 1840, now with smart lock technology.
Schlage
Security Innovations
Century of security innovation with smart locks featuring built-in alarms.
August Home
Simple Smart Access
Beautifully designed smart locks that retrofit onto existing deadbolts.
Level Lock
Invisible Smart Lock
The invisible smart lock that installs inside your door.
Kwikset
Smart Security Solutions
Affordable smart locks from a trusted 75+ year American brand.
About Smart Lock Brands
Schlage Encode Plus is the top pick for Apple Home Key users — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, no app needed. It carries an ANSI Grade 1 rating (the highest residential grade) and runs on 4 AA batteries for about 12 months. Yale Assure Lock 2 is the most modular option — buy the lock body and swap between WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Matter modules as your smart home evolves. August fits over your existing deadbolt, so your current keys still work — ideal for rentals or if you do not want to change your exterior hardware. Kwikset Halo uses their SmartKey technology, letting you re-key the lock yourself in 15 seconds if you lose a key. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro pushes fingerprint unlock with a 0.3-second scan that genuinely works in rain and cold.
Buying Tips
- ANSI Grade 1 (Schlage) is the highest security rating — Grade 2 (Yale, Kwikset) is fine for most homes
- August retrofits onto your existing deadbolt — you keep your current keys and exterior look
- Fingerprint locks (Ultraloq, Lockly) are the fastest unlock method but check cold-weather reliability
- Most smart locks drain batteries faster in cold climates — expect 4–6 months instead of 12 in winter