What Changed in Smart Locks for 2026?

Three things matter this year that didn’t two years ago. First, Matter over Thread is finally stable—locks that support it connect faster and don’t drop offline. Second, ultra-wideband (UWB) is trickling down from cars to homes; your phone can now unlock the door as you approach without even pulling it out of your pocket. Third, manufacturers are ditching crappy apps and focusing on reliability. The best smart lock in 2026 is the one you forget is smart because it just works.

1. Level Lock+ (with Matter) – The Invisible Upgrade

The Level Lock has always been for people who hate the look of smart locks. The new Level Lock+ with Matter keeps the same design—it looks like a normal deadbolt—but finally adds reliable Thread connectivity. You use your existing keys, existing exterior hardware, and nobody knows it’s smart. But it unlocks automatically with your phone via UWB, supports Home Key (tap your iPhone or Apple Watch), and works with Alexa, Google, and Siri.

Specs:

• Price: $329
• Connectivity: Matter over Thread, Bluetooth, NFC (Home Key)
• Power: 2x CR2 batteries (about 6 months)
• Installation: Requires existing deadbolt hole, fits most standard doors

The good:

• Invisible design—looks like a normal lock
• Home Key support is instant and secure
• Matter means it works with every platform

The trade-off:

• Battery life is shorter than competitors because of the small form factor
• No built-in keypad (you need to buy a separate $79 keypad or use your phone)
• Installation is slightly fiddly due to the compact design

Best for: Design purists and Apple users who want Home Key without a chunky lock.

2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) – The Retrofit King

August has been making smart locks longer than almost anyone, and the 4th Gen model is the most polished version yet. It installs over your existing deadbolt on the inside, so your exterior key and handle stay exactly the same. The 2026 update finally includes built-in Wi-Fi, so you don’t need a separate bridge, and the DoorSense sensor is more reliable for knowing if the door is actually closed.

Specs:

• Price: $249
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave (with separate hub)
• Power: 4x AA (3–6 months)
• Installation: Replaces interior thumbturn only, 10 minutes

The good:

• Easiest installation—no need to replace exterior hardware
• Auto-unlock works reliably after learning your patterns
• Works with Airbnb and property management apps for guest access

The trade-off:

• Bulky interior assembly (can hit your hand when turning)
• Battery drain is higher with built-in Wi-Fi
• Exterior still requires physical key—no keypad option built-in

Best for: Renters or anyone who can’t change the exterior lock but wants smart features inside. Check our home automation section for compatible doorbell pairings.

3. Schlage Encode Plus – The Powerhouse

If you want a lock that feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, get the Schlage Encode Plus. It’s built like a tank, has a responsive backlit keypad, and was one of the first to support both Home Key and Matter. The 2026 models have refined the electronics—fewer false codes, faster response, and better battery life.

Specs:

• Price: $299
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Thread, Bluetooth, NFC (Home Key)
• Power: 4x AA (6–8 months)
• Installation: Full deadbolt replacement, standard door prep

The good:

• Rock-solid build quality—feels premium and secure
• Built-in keypad with great tactile feedback
• Supports every platform: Alexa, Google, Apple Home, and Matter

The trade-off:

• Bulkier design—it definitely looks like a smart lock
• Schlage app is basic and not as polished as August or Level
• No auto-unlock based on geofencing (you have to use HomeKit or Google routines for that)

Best for: Families who want a keypad for kids and guests, plus maximum compatibility.

4. Aqara Smart Lock U300 – The Fingerprint Favorite

Aqara has been making waves with affordable, reliable smart home sensors, and the U300 is their first Matter-over-Thread lock. The standout feature is the fingerprint sensor built into the handle—it’s fast, accurate, and works even when your hands are slightly wet. It also supports passcodes, Home Key, and physical keys, so you have every backup imaginable.

Specs:

• Price: $219
• Connectivity: Matter over Thread, Bluetooth
• Power: 4x AA (estimated 8 months) + USB-C emergency power
• Installation: Full deadbolt replacement

The good:

• Fingerprint unlock is the fastest access method—0.5 seconds
• Aggressively priced for the feature set
• Matter over Thread means no hub required if you have a Thread border router

The trade-off:

• Build quality is good but not Schlage-level tanky
• Setup requires the Aqara app first before adding to Matter
• Fingerprint sensor placement takes a day to get used to

Best for: Tech enthusiasts who want biometrics without breaking the bank. Pair it with other smart security devices for a full setup.

5. Yale Assure Lock 2 (with Matter) – The Versatile Workhorse

Yale’s Assure Lock 2 has always been about modular connectivity—you buy the lock and pick the module (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Matter) that fits your home. The Matter module (released late 2025) is finally reliable, and the lock itself offers keypad access, optional Home Key, and a sleek design. It’s not as premium-feeling as Schlage, but it’s more customizable.

Specs:

• Price: $199 (lock only), $249 with Matter module
• Connectivity: Interchangeable module (Matter, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave)
• Power: 4x AA (3–6 months depending on module)
• Installation: Full deadbolt replacement

The good:

• Modular design—future-proof if new standards emerge
• Multiple finishes and keypad styles (touch or physical buttons)
• Works with Yale Access app which has guest access features

The trade-off:

• Matter module can be tricky to pair initially
• Battery life takes a hit with the Wi-Fi/Matter module
• Feels lighter and less solid than Schlage

Best for: Tinkerers who want to choose their connectivity and change it later.

Smart Lock Buying Guide: What to Check Before Buying

Before you drop $200+ on a lock, ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do you have a deadbolt already?

Most smart locks replace your existing deadbolt. Check the backset (2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″) and crossbore (typically 2-1/8″). 90% of US doors are standard, but measure to be safe.

2. Do you need a keypad?

If you have kids, guests, or dog walkers, a keypad is non-negotiable. If it’s just you and your phone, a lock like Level Lock+ works fine, but keep a physical key hidden somewhere emergency.

3. Which smart home platform do you use?

• Apple Home: Look for “Works with Apple Home” and “Home Key” support (Level, Schlage, Aqara).
• Google Home: Most Matter locks work, but check that the lock supports Google’s specific automation triggers.
• Alexa: Almost everything works, but “Alexa, unlock the door” requires a PIN for security (supported on all listed).

📌 Save this guide for later — you’ll need the measurements when you’re standing at the hardware store.

Security Considerations for 2026

Are smart locks hackable? In theory, anything connected can be attacked. But in practice, thieves still kick down doors or break windows—they don’t sit in a van trying to brute-force AES encryption. Here’s what actually matters for security:

• Pick resistance: All locks here have ANSI Grade 1 or 2 deadbolts, which resist physical picking longer than cheap locks.
• Two-factor authentication: Never rely solely on app access. Have a keypad code or physical key as backup.
• Encryption: Look for locks that use end-to-end encryption (all major brands do). Avoid no-name brands from random sites.
• Auto-lock: Set it to auto-lock after 1-5 minutes. This alone prevents most “did I leave it unlocked?” anxiety.

For deeper dives, check how these locks integrate with voice assistants for hands-free control.

Final Recommendation: The Best Smart Lock for Most People

After testing all five, the Schlage Encode Plus is the one I’d recommend to the average homeowner. It’s not the prettiest or the cheapest, but it’s the most reliable. The keypad is satisfying to use, the Home Key tap works every time, and it supports Matter so you’re not locked into one ecosystem. It also feels like it will still work in ten years.

If you’re a renter, get the August Wi-Fi Lock—you can take it with you when you move, and it installs in minutes without changing the landlord’s key.

If you want fingerprint unlock and love tinkering, the Aqara U300 is incredible value.

💡 Save this post to compare specs later, and remember: the best smart lock is the one that actually fits your door and your daily routine. Don’t overthink it—just get one with Matter and enjoy never fumbling for keys again.