Was your car made in this century? If so, chances are it has a keyless entry system. Your home should have one too!
Imagine how nice it would be to not juggle your grocery or shopping bags, luggage, and anything else while you search for your key and try to jiggle it in the lock each time you come. Picture being able to walk right up to your door and open it with no key at all.
This is what an electronic keyless deadbolt system can do for you. However, with the safety of your family and belongings on the line, smart door deadbolts will do. You want the electronic keyless deadbolt lock for your budget and lifestyle needs.
While there are plenty of excellent keyless door locks out there to choose from, our comprehensive keyless deadbolt reviews and guide will point you in the right direction and help you find the best option for you and your home.
Best Electronic Keyless Deadbolts:
1. Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze
Most remote electronic deadbolt locks require a connection to a smart home hub to work. But this one connects to your home’s WiFi, so you can communicate with it from anywhere. Let’s say you’re expecting a friend. Your pal arrives early before you can get home. You can unlock the door for him from your phone, using mobile internet. It’s very convenient.
Consumers have made this one of the smart locks available. The outstanding feature seems to be the ability to unlock the door for friends, even if they are on the other side of the world. Such is the beauty of WiFi connectivity.
This is a great choice for people who don’t have a smart home hub but still want a deadbolt that they can work remotely. But it’s compatible with Alexa, for those with that system.
Pros
- Works with Alexa
- Comes with a free Echo Dot
- Operable from anywhere in the world via the internet
- Up to 100 unique passcodes can be created
Cons
- Rather expensive
2. eufy Security Smart Lock Touch Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
You can unlock this smart deadbolt with your fingerprint, a code, by the mobile app, or with a regular old key. Everyone in your family, and even a couple dozen friends, can have their own code.
You can also program it to unlock with multiple fingerprints. And you won’t have to worry about the weather. It stands up to rain, snow, and UV rays.
The biometric capability seems to be the main selling point of this lock. That’s the thing that people talk most about. You can tell that they love the convenience and high-tech feel of this system.
Variety is the keyword here. Most love the easy fingerprint opening, but there are three other ways to operate the lock. This is our recommendation for anyone looking for a good fingerprint lock.
Pros
- Four-way to lock and unlock
- Resists all weather conditions
- Easy to install
- Tech support included
Cons
- Doesn’t connect to WiFi
- The price is somewhat high
3. Google Nest x Yale Lock – Tamper-Proof Smart Lock for Keyless Entry
Yale makes some of the top-rated keypad door locks. This Yale lock is made for Google Nest, and that’s the only system it will work with. However, integrating it with Nest allows you to unlock and lock it from anywhere. You can also give a unique passcode to as many people as you wish. All of that convenience makes it the keyless smart door lock for Nest.
Those with the Google Nest say that this lock is a crucial part of their home security system. They love how it works with the Google Nest Hello doorbell and the Nest cams, putting all the info and functions in one place on the app.
If you have a Google Nest home security system, this is the lock you need. If you are thinking about getting Nest, this is the place you need to start.
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates with other Google Nest hardware
- Operate via app or keypad
- Backlit keypad
Cons
- Works only with Google Nest
4. August Smart Lock with Smart Keypad Included
This is the best one for Airbnbs. According to keypad deadbolt reviews from around the web. Airbnb owners can install this lock with their existing lock in under 10 minutes.
Then they can set codes to give to their guests and program what times and dates those codes will be able to operate the lock. That way, there are no keys to have to supply or try to get back.
The thing folks talk about the most is how they can set windows of time in which individual passcodes can work. This is great for people who have cleaners, dog walkers, and other strangers needing access to their homes regularly.
Overall, everyone who bought this lock is happy with it, from Airbnb owners to regular homeowners.
If you have a lot of guests or help to come in and out of your home often, or if you own a vacation property that you rent out, this may be the great lock for you.
It’s simple to install and operate, and you can customize the schedule for the individual passcodes you hand out so only authorized people can have access to your property.
Pros
- Each passcode is customizable for allowable times of entry
- Simple to operate
- Works with existing locks
Cons
- There has been a high rate of warranty claims due to lock malfunction
5. Kwikset 92640-001 Contemporary Electronic Keypad Single Cylinder Deadbolt
Here’s the keypad deadbolt for those on a budget. And it’s easy to operate. There’s no need to connect it to a smart home hub or internet. All you have to do is program up to six different codes for unlocking. You can also just use the key to unlock the door.
Folks like that they can make passcodes for up to six different people, but can still use a key to get in if they want that kind of simplicity. With kids like that the lock can be set to engage automatically in case the kids forget.
This is the keyless lock for front doors on the cheap. It can’t connect to any hubs, but that simplicity is a big plus. Think of it as a regular keyed deadbolt with the option of push-button unlocking.
Pros
- Simple design
- Includes bypass key
- Automatic locking feature
- Affordable
Cons
- No smart home connectivity
6. ULTRALOQ Smart Door Lock U-Bolt
You may like some of the sweet features here. If you unlock with the app, all you have to do is pull the application up on your phone and shake it.
Give as many people access as you want by creating a code for them. Then you can specify certain times or dates when that code will work. And no one can memorize your code by looking over your shoulder.
You can enter as many numbers as you want to, and the door will unlock as long as your code is in the jumble of numbers somewhere.
That shake-to-unlock feature is as fun as it is functional, according to the reviews. The ease of installation and control over who can unlock the door and when are also big hits.
This is just a good keyless entry system on the lower end of the price spectrum, but it has some cool features that other ones don’t have. The shake-to-open and peepless code entry methods are worth a look.
Pros
- Five ways to open
- Anti-peep code entry
- Surprisingly affordable
Cons
- The design is a bit gawky
7. Wyze Lock WiFi & Bluetooth Enabled Smart Door Lock
Are you looking for a budget smart door lock? If you’re willing to pay about for the cheapest one out there, you can have a couple of really nice high-tech unlocking functions. The voice control unlocks when you tell it to.
And it will just automatically unlock as you walk up to it with your phone in your pocket when you have the proximity unlock feature active.
This keyless entry system for home security peace of mind is on the cutting edge of keyless door locks.
A lot of people like the proximity-unlocking feature. It just can’t get any easier to unlock a door. The voice control has a bunch of people giving thumbs up as well. This is a popular lock and many recommend it to others.
If you like the voice control or proximity unlock, then you will probably be happy with this one. They are the star features of this cool lock. We just wish the customer support was a bit quicker to respond to issues and warranty claims.
Pros
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- Voice control
- Convenient proximity unlock setting
- Easy to install compared to others that work with existing deadbolts
Cons
- Reportedly unresponsive customer service
8. Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock
The Samsung Ezon SHS-3321 Keyless Smart Universal Deadbolt features an attractive and weatherproof glossy black finish and an impenetrable zinc-alloy casing, providing it with the perfect combination of style and security. It’s also super easy to install. It can be installed in almost any existing door without the need for any additional modifications.
When it comes to locking and unlocking the Samsung Ezon SHS-3321, you can use a key fob, an RFID card, or the sleek and stylish keypad. That being said, while you’re able to program up to 70 users in the Ezon, which is quite a lot, you’ll need to generate a code for guests and have them use the keypad.
After all, there aren’t 70 key fobs or RFID cards to go around, and you probably don’t want everyone having full-time access to your home.
Pros
- Looks amazingly sleek and modern
- Commercial-grade lock design
- Able to program more than a handful of people
- A fire detector and the alarm is a unique touch
Cons
- A weak lock motor requires perfect door alignment
- It may not work aesthetically for some home styles
9. Smart Door Lock with Keypad, hornbill Smart Lock
This one has all the bases covered. It can be unlocked by app, voice, code, an actual key, or by walking up to it with the app set to auto-unlock. And there’s no plastic involved. It’s made of zinc and weatherproof. We would expect a lock like this to go for about $190, but the current price is fifty bucks less than that.
Posters in smart door lock reviews are impressed with so much functionality in such an affordable lock. In other words, they love the value.
The only thing this is missing is smart hub connectivity. It has all the other unlock capabilities, including voice control and proximity unlock. And it’s surprisingly affordable for all you get. But unless you have experience with this kind of installation project, you will likely have to have a pro install it.
Pros
- Several unlocking options
- Voice control
- Access schedules can be made for various codes
- Weatherproof metal construction
Cons
- Difficult installation
10. Honeywell Safes & Door Locks Electronic Entry Deadbolt
Do you just want a good, simple keyless lock? This is likely the one for you. There are just two ways to unlock it. You use a key or one of up to 50 programmable codes. There are no hub or WiFi connections needed.
It’s heavy and strong, just as you would expect from Honeywell. They are so confident in their craftsmanship that they offer a lifetime warranty. All of this comes at a great price.
Most who bought this one were looking for strength and simplicity. They got it and they are happy with it. That traditional styling is a big hit in the keyless entry locks reviews we studied.
Here is a strong, durable, and simple lock made by one of the most trusted lock brands. There aren’t any bells or whistles, but it does its job and is gently priced.
Pros
- Simple operation
- Very strong and durable
- Easy installation
- Good value
Cons
- No ability to restrict access of code holders
Keyless Lock Brands
August
August’s goal is “to help make life simpler and more secure.” Their lineup of locks and deadbolts reflects this mission. When you consider the various companies that have merged in and out of the August family over the years, you’ll see that they have been making quality locks and other household hardware since around 1820.
That experience is evident in the simple but solid construction of all of their products. That’s why we couldn’t have a list of the locks without giving August a spot.
Yale
Yale is one of the oldest international lock brands and one of the most respected names in the industry. Many credit them for pioneering the locking industry and its evolution during the past 170 years.
By offering a broad spectrum of door locks to conveniently secure today’s homes and businesses, the folks at Yale continue to dream up, design, and create new locking products for commercial and residential applications. If Yale is anything, it’s a brand born from innovation. Despite selling millions of locks around the world, they continue to push the envelope of innovation and create first-class locks that don’t disappoint.
Schlage
If you’ve read many Schlage keyless entry reviews, then you know they’ve been a long-standing seller of residential and commercial-grade deadbolt locks for decades, and they’ve refined their approach to the point where their products are looked upon as industry standards. They routinely outsell and outclass the competition. Like certain sports teams, they simply dominate the industry year after year.
They offer door hardware offers an easy way to enhance the style of a home, keep it safe, and even make it smarter. Trusted in over 40 million homes, they create stylish, innovative products that bring the possibilities and potential of every door in your home to life.
Kwikset
Kwikset is another top lock manufacturer that has been improving the safety of homeowners since 1946. The company prides itself on meeting or exceeding the needs of homeowners, resulting in a lock portfolio that screams innovation and is second to none. This product portfolio includes the brand’s patented SmartKey keyless deadbolt technology, which aims to make lock picking and bumping a thing of the past.
Unlike some companies that seem to settle over time, Kwikset continues to evolve and improve the security features of its locks. Kwikset regularly consults with some of the country’s top locksmiths and security experts to enhance and improve its product line.
LockState
While not mentioned in many keypad deadbolt reviews, LockState is a proven brand with proven products. However, it’s a division of RemoteLock. From its headquarters in Denver, CO, RemoteLock has helped pioneer remote access and smart technology with an Internet-based platform that gives homeowners the ability to control access to any door.
LockState primarily caters to homeowners. RemoteLock, however, has enjoyed tremendous success with business clients. In addition to partnering with Target and Lowe’s at all of their retail, warehouse, and corporate locations, it’s also formed partnerships with HomeAway and Airbnb to become a leader in the blossoming vacation rental market.
Factors To Consider
Lock Type
Check out what you need. Is it just a deadbolt or do you need the part with the handle or knob? The wrong type of lock will be useless to you, so this is the first criterion you should consider.
Style
Your new lock will instantly become a part of your home’s decor. Many people would give up on a feature they want to get a lock that will look good.
Low Battery Indicator
You should get a lock with a low battery indicator. Locks that connect to apps will usually send you a message through the app when their battery needs to be replaced. You’ll get notifications through your home hub from models that integrate with those systems. Budget locks often have a blinking light and alarm to alert you of a problem.
Connectivity
This is an important consideration if you have a smart home hub. Your lock has to connect to it.
If you don’t have a smart home hub and don’t plan on getting one, you can still have remote access if you get one with WiFi capability. Then you can control the lock and take advantage of its smart features via your home’s wireless internet system.
If you don’t care about remote access, then don’t worry about connectivity.
Access Control
This is how you initiate the locking mechanism. There are many different types, and most smart locks make use of more than one of them.
- Mechanical or bypass key – Many keyless smart locks still have a regular key that goes to them.
- Passcode – You program as many codes as you wish, up to sometimes as many as 200, and give them to the people who you want to have access to your house. Some models allow you to restrict access to certain codes to certain times of the day or specific days of the week.
- Smart home hub – A lock that links into your hub is easy to use and takes advantage of that hub’s capabilities.
- App – A smart lock app adds a whole new dimension to its lock’s capabilities. You can receive alerts when your door is unlocked and view the event history of the lock-in apps, for example. Some apps have voice control features. A few can automatically unlock the door when you approach it, using your phone’s Bluetooth connection.
- Fingerprint – This is a very simple way to unlock. You can scan the fingerprints of everyone you want to let in your house when you’re not there. Then those people will have access to your home at their fingertips.
Convenience
The first electronic locks had buttons that accepted a code. Budget locks are pretty much the same today, but more expensive ones offer many different conveniences that you may appreciate. Check out the ways they unlock when shopping. If you have a smart home hub, make sure you get a lock that works with it.
Carefully check the features of each lock and decide whether they’ll be useful to you. The more useful something is, the more convenient it is.
Security Grade
Door locks carry a grade designation given to them by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI Grade 3 locks offer the least protection. They will prevent someone from twisting the knob and walking into your house but offer no real protection from a break-in.
Grade 2 locks resist picking and kick-ins. Grade 1 locks are the strongest, and they protect against picking, heavy blows, drilling, and cutting with tools.
Weatherization
You don’t want the elements to get into the locking mechanism. That could cause a malfunction that probably wouldn’t be covered by the warranty. If your lock is going on an exterior door and won’t be protected by a screen door, you may want to get a weatherproof one. Look for the IP65 certification.
Every lock on our list has that credential. It’s the way you know that the lock’s weatherproofing exceeds standards for residences.
Dimensions
This is an installation consideration. The lock’s bolt holes should match up with the holes already drilled in your door. That would make matters some. But this is often not the case, especially when going from a traditional lock to a keyless one. It may save time and aggravation to hire a pro if it involves drilling holes for a new lock.
At any rate, check the dimensions of the lock to make sure it will install where it needs to go on your door to have its locking mechanism fit in the hole left by the old lock.
Warranty
Most locks come with a full-year warranty. Insist on this. A lock that is not backed by a manufacturer’s or seller’s warranty is likely to be a discontinued model. That means that you’ll be stuck with it if it comes from the factory with flaws. A few locks are covered with warranties that span three or even 10 years. The longer the warranty, the better.
Price
You don’t want to go over your budget. Good locks can be had for about $50, but they lack the convenient features most keyless locks have. Expect to pay between $120 and $250 for smart locks. Some are even more expensive, but they are usually ANSI Grade 1 or 2 and offer an array of smart features.
FAQs
Can I install a keyless lock myself?
They are generally as difficult to install as traditional locks. Many models brag about 10-minute installation. This is possible, but many locks require more time. It helps to have some DIY experience. Most locks have inadequate or confusing directions.
Do I have to have a smart home hub?
Many people who are thinking about getting a smart lock for the first time think that they will have to get a smart home hub system for it to work. But not all smart locks need a hub to connect to. If they’re WiFi-capable, you can unlock them as soon as you get into your home’s WiFi range. If you just want an electronic lock that you can open with a combination, you don’t even need an internet connection.
Can I just add an electronic lock to my existing lock?
Locks like this do exist. But only ones that are made for this purpose are suitable. A regular smart lock cannot be integrated with a traditional lock, but it can replace one. This is a special consideration that should be the first thing you think about.
Are electronic locks as secure as traditional locks?
Yes, they are. All of the same quality and safety points apply to electronic locks. The only difference is how the locking mechanism is activated. The hardware is pretty much the same.
How do I control who can unlock my door?
For locks that have a keypad, you can create at least 50 codes. That’s better than having 50 keys made. You can give access to apps to whoever you want to. Some smart locks let you program codes that will only work within certain time frames.
The Takeaway
Overall, the electronic deadbolt is the Schlage Encode. It has all of the fundamental features you should get out of this kind of lock without any unnecessary functions to complicate its operation. It’s on the expensive side, but it may be the last lock you’ll ever have to buy for your front door.
Our budget pick is the Kwikset 92649-001. It’s very simple but highly functional. And it’s priced not much higher than a traditional keyed lock.
There are a bunch of fingerprint locks out there. The best one is the Eufy Smart Door Lock. The biggest factor in this decision was the low failure rate of the fingerprint unlock feature. Many locks of this type are very sensitive, and their fingerprint reader won’t recognize the authorized prints. But this one has an outstanding record, and it offers a couple of backup ways to unlock it just in case.
The August Smart Lock allows precise control of the times that each code can grant access. That makes it the for Airbnb owners.
