The Best Keyless Door Locks of 2023 (2023)

Home security is of paramount importance, but fumbling with your keys while juggling packages, especially in nasty weather, is a real pain—if you can even find your keys, that is. The modern solution to this kind of hassle? A keyless door lock.

These devices are designed to grant entry in a variety of ways, including physical or digital keypads, biometric fingerprint scanners, app integration, and even voice control with the appropriate pin or passphrase. The compatibility of a keyless door lock with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smart home systems can make life even easier. Use this guide to get a handle on what functions and features will suit you and your household—and why the following models are among the best keyless door locks on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave
2. BEST BUDGET:
3. BEST FINGERPRINT: eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, Fingerprint Scanner
4. BEST DIGITAL DEADBOLT: August Wi-Fi, (4th Generation) Smart Lock
5. BEST SMART: ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock + Bridge WiFi Adaptor
6. BEST FOR GARAGE: Chamberlain Group Clicker Universal Keyless Entry

What to Consider When Buying the Best Keyless Door Lock

When shopping for a high-quality keyless lock for the front, back, or garage door, factor in the lock type, its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) security rating, and its compatibility with already-existing systems in the home.

Type

Types of keyless door locks are differentiated by their compatibility and function, including touch screen, fingerprint, digital deadbolt, Bluetooth, and smart locks.

• Touch-screen door locks have a smooth, digital touch-screen keypad display. Enter the security pin on the touch-screen keypad and the lock will open. These door locks can use over 100 unique security codes for family, friends, workers, or even guests at an Airbnb.
• Fingerprint keyless door locks rely on biometrics (body measurements and calculations that determine and authenticate an individual’s identity) via a fingerprint scanner. Several fingerprints can be recorded by the device, which will open the lock if an approved finger touches on the scanner.
• Digital deadbolts are typically retrofitted to existing door hardware, upgrading home security with basic smart-locking functions that are accessible through an app on a smartphone or similar device. They usually use Bluetooth, though some digital deadbolts can connect to Wi-Fi and smart home systems.
• Bluetooth-enabled keyless door locks connect with a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, which is usually accessed with a custom app made and maintained by the lock manufacturer. This allows the user to open or close the lock from anywhere inside the house, the car, or any other locations within range of the Bluetooth signal.
• Smart keyless door locks are similar to Bluetooth-enabled locks in that they typically connect to an app accessible through a smartphone or tablet. However, these locks will use Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Bluetooth to become part of the existing smart home system. This way, they can be added to a series of IFTTT (If This Then That) protocols that take advantage of the interconnected system.

Security Level

Security is the main priority with any lock, so look for security ratings when shopping for the best keyless door locks. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is accredited by ANSI to develop and maintain performance standards for locks. These standards can be known as BHMA ratings, ANSI ratings, BHMA gradings, ANSI gradings, or even a combination of the two with ANSI/BHMA ratings or gradings.

These ratings are based on the security of the lock against picking, bumping, and other physical attacks. They also take into consideration the durability and longevity of the locking and unlocking mechanism.

• Grade 1 is the highest rating for ANSI-approved locks, though these products are typically designed for commercial applications. These locks protect against a variety of physical attacks including picking, heavy blows, drilling, and cutting.
• Grade 2 is the mid-grade for ANSI ratings. This grade is given to products that can resist picking attempts, bumping, and kick-ins, making these locks a good choice for a residential front door.
• Grade 3 is the lowest ANSI-approved rating. These locks may not be durable enough to withstand a strong break-in attempt. Choose a grade 3 lock as a supplementary option to a Grade 2 or Grade 1 lock.

Access Codes

Depending on the type of keyless door lock, users may need to put a code into a physical or digital keypad to gain entry. These codes are generated by the lock or chosen by the resident; they should be easy to remember, but not something unauthorized people would be able to guess. Access codes are typically four digits, but that may be customized by the user if desired.

Keyless door locks often have enough memory for over 100 unique access codes, allowing every trusted individual to come and go. This feature is great for rental units because the code can simply be changed when the lease is up.

Backup Keys

While the purpose of a keyless door lock is to avoid needing and keeping track of keys, a backup key feature can be beneficial. This typically consists of a hidden keyhole in the keyless door lock that can be accessed in case of emergency or if the lock is not working properly.

Locks that connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can be susceptible to connection issues, while electronic devices like a digital keypad, screen, or fingerprint scanner may run out of power. If one of these situations occurs, a backup key will grant access to the home. Also, consider investing in a portable charging device to keep the keyless door lock at full battery.

Device Compatibility

Home security innovations have combined standard door locks with wireless capabilities that allow them to integrate with other devices through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. However, the compatibility of the door lock with the other devices depends on the specific product and how it is designed.

• Bluetooth locks can be basic, communicating only with the smartphone or device it’s registered with, but they may also integrate on an IFTTT network with several other Bluetooth devices.
• Z-Wave and Zigbee are similar smart home networks that can connect wirelessly to other Z-Wave or Zigbee devices in the home.
• WiFi-enabled door locks connect through a Wi-Fi signal to a hub or network. Smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home generally use a Wi-Fi connection to link all the devices in the residence so that they can be controlled through voice commands, IFTTT protocols, or an app.

Additional Functionality

With the inclusion of electronic systems and the compatibility of wireless networks, a keyless door lock can include extra features to make the lock easier to use, like voice activation, geofencing, and auto-locking.

• Voice activation is accessible through integration with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Home. By speaking through the door to the device and providing a custom code, the door lock will open or lock depending on the voice command.
• Geofencing sets up a wireless perimeter around the home that can use the GPS in a cellphone or tablet to determine when someone enters or leaves the perimeter. It can be set to automatically unlock the door when someone gets home and lock the door when someone exits the perimeter.
• Auto-locking can be used with geofencing, but this feature can also come with keyless door locks that lack geofencing. This is done via a timer so that the door automatically locks after a specific period of time has passed.

Ease of Use

Keyless door locks offer a variety of ways to operate the lock. Some may be a bit complicated to set up, but once in place they’re easy to use and maintain.

• Keypad door locks can have over 100 different unique codes to assign to residents, delivery services, and workers such as dog walkers and house cleaners.
• Fingerprint scanners tend to be popular among families with children who might forget a code. To gain entry, the kids need only scan a recorded finger at the door.
• Smart locks can connect to a smart home system, enabling the locks to be opened with a voice command and secure code.
• Fobs can also operate a keyless door lock, but, like keys, they are small and easy to misplace.

Aesthetic

Security should be the top priority when deciding on a keyless door lock, but there’s no reason to settle on one that doesn’t look attractive or suit the architectural style of the house. Some locks are integrated with the door handle, presenting one solid unit with a keypad to unlock the door quickly, which might fit a traditional home’s decor. Others complement a technology-rich environment, with prominent digital screens, interesting fingerprint scanners, and modern appeal.

Our Top Picks

The products below are among the best keyless door locks in their respective categories, chosen with an emphasis on overall security, functionality, accessibility, compatibility, and price.

Our Verdict

With its luxurious features including a backlit display keypad, smart-home compatibility, automatic locking, and Grade 2 ANSI security certification, the Yale door lockis our top pick. Alternatively, the WYZE door lockoffers similar features and functions with the added advantages of easy installation and a lower price tag.

How We Chose the Best Keyless Door Locks

The right keyless door lock for a home can help increase peace of mind while offering some helpful and efficient features.

Many of the featured picks can help keep a home safe with the help of Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, Alexa, and more smart-home platforms, lit keypads or biometric unlocking systems, backup ways of unlocking the door in emergency situations, and even auto-lock functionality for security.

Some of the above picks also have trackers to monitor for potential false unlocks, anti-peep features, or even bank-grade security programming to keep a home safe. Plus, many of these top picks are easy to install and set up with no need for professional help.

Though affordability is not something that comes to mind with these systems, many of the above products are aesthetically pleasing and even luxurious looking. They are also compatible with most doors. However, note that some of these products require a particular Wi-Fi strength or door type to function properly.

FAQs

For further info about buying and using keyless door locks, check out these answers to some common questions.

Q: How do keyless-entry door locks work?

Keyless door locks work in the same way as standard door locks, with a bolt that slides across to prevent entry. However, instead of using a key to open the lock, a keyless door lock may require a fingerprint scan, secure pin number, app access through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or voice-activated commands when the lock is paired with a smart home system.

Q: What are ANSI/BHMA security ratings?

ANSI/BHMA security ratings are designations handed down by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) to indicate the effectiveness of the smart lock depending on the product’s ability to pass increasingly rigorous test requirements.

Q: Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with less ease and accessibility, because the unlock codes can no longer be entered through an app. The lock may have a fingerprint scanner, a physical touchpad, or a backup keyhole to lock or unlock the door whether the Wi-Fi is on or not.

Q: How do smart locks get power?

Keyless door locks typically run on batteries, which are either replaced when they die or charged with an included charger.

Q: Do smart locks have cameras?

Some keyless door locks do have built-in cameras. Unfortunately, the angle of the camera is often blocked due to the height at which door locks are typically installed, so the current technology is not very popular or reliable. For better video protection, consider pairing a keyless door lock with a video doorbell or security camera.

Q: Can keyless door locks be hacked?

Keyless door locks, like any digital technology, can be hacked if the hacker has adequate skill, time, access, and information. For this reason, digital security information should be kept private. Despite this vulnerability, hacking door locks is uncommon, and these locks tend to be more secure than most traditional locks that can be picked or bumped.