Smart door locks have moved well past novelty status – the best ones now replace your keys entirely, log who comes and goes, and connect directly to your phone without requiring a separate hub. Whether you’re after fingerprint scanning, a built-in WiFi deadbolt, or a combined lock-and-handle replacement, the options have gotten specific enough that picking the wrong one means paying for features you’ll never use. This guide breaks down three standout models – the Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt, eufy Security C220, and Philips 4200 – so you can match the right lock to your actual door, routine, and budget.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Key Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt Century Trim Matte Black
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8.5 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 2 |
eufy Security C220 Smart Lock with Fingerprint Entry
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 3 |
Philips 4200 WiFi Deadbolt with Handle, No Hub
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 4 |
Veise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Lock Matte Black
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 5 |
Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt, No Hub Required
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8.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 6 |
Yamiry Fingerprint Knob Lock 6-in-1 Keyless Entry
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 7 |
Ulecoce Fingerprint Deadbolt with App Control, Matte Black
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7.8 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 8 |
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Deadbolt Keypad Lock Matte Black
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7.5 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
| 9 |
Yamiry Fingerprint Keypad Door Knob Lock 5-in-1 Entry
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7.2 ★★★★☆ | Check Price on Amazon Read full review ↓ |
The Schlage Encode connects directly to your home WiFi without a hub, letting you manage up to 100 access codes and view lock history from your phone. It carries the highest BHMA ratings for security, durability, and finish, which puts it above most competitors at this price. Four AA batteries power it for roughly six months, and a physical backup key is included.
Key Features
- Direct WiFi connection, no hub required, controlled via app
- Supports up to 100 keyless access codes with activity history
- Works with Alexa and Google Home for voice control
- BHMA highest-rated for security, durability, and finish; encrypted connection
- Installs with a screwdriver in minutes, no hardwiring needed
- Auto-lock with adjustable time delay or manual disable option
- Four AA batteries included, up to six months typical battery life
✅ Pros
- No hub or bridge required keeps setup cost low
- 100 access codes accommodates large households or frequent guests
- BHMA Grade 1 certification is the top residential security rating
- Snap and Stay design makes single-person installation practical
- Built-in tamper alarm adds a layer of intrusion detection
❌ Cons
- Relies solely on AA batteries, so WiFi-heavy usage may shorten the six-month estimate
- No built-in Z-Wave or Zigbee limits smart home platform flexibility
Why We Chose It
The direct WiFi connection removes the hub requirement that makes competing smart locks more expensive to deploy. BHMA highest-grade certification across security, durability, and finish is verifiable and meaningful, not just a marketing claim. At $229 it sits at a fair price for a lock that avoids subscription fees and extra hardware.
Perfect For
Homeowners who want remote access and code management without investing in a separate smart home hub or bridge device.
The C220 covers six entry methods including sub-1-second fingerprint recognition, app control, keypad, Apple Watch, voice, and physical key. Built-in Wi-Fi means no separate bridge to buy or install. At $99.98 with 8-month battery life and a 15-minute install, it fits most existing deadbolts without any drilling.
Key Features
- Six unlock methods including fingerprint, app, keypad, voice, and key
- Eight AA batteries power the lock for up to 8 months
- Self-learning AI improves fingerprint read accuracy over time
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without a separate bridge
- Integrates with eufy doorbells for shared app routines
- Fits most standard deadbolts with bores under 54mm no drilling required
- BHMA Grade 3 certified to 100000 cycles IP53 rated minus 22F to 158F
✅ Pros
- No bridge required cuts setup cost and reduces network clutter
- Sub-1-second fingerprint unlock is faster than typical keypad entry
- 8-month battery life reduces how often you need to change batteries
- Wide temperature range makes it usable in cold or hot climates
- 15-minute installation works with most existing deadbolt hardware
❌ Cons
- BHMA Grade 3 is the lowest residential certification tier, not ideal for high-security applications
- IP53 rating resists splashing but is not fully weatherproof for heavy rain exposure
Why We Chose It
The C220 stands out at this price point for including Wi-Fi without requiring a hub, which competing locks at similar prices often skip. The self-learning fingerprint system and 8-month battery life reduce day-to-day friction compared to locks that need monthly charging or manual calibration.
Perfect For
Renters or homeowners who want keyless entry with remote app access and already own eufy security cameras or doorbells.
This lock connects directly to 2.4GHz WiFi, cutting out the hub or bridge most smart locks require. It handles fingerprint, PIN, app, and voice unlock in a single unit that also includes a matching door handle. The PIN code flexibility, with permanent, one-time, and scheduled options, makes it practical for households that share access with guests or service workers.
Key Features
- Direct 2.4GHz WiFi connection, no hub required, 33ft router range
- Remote lock, unlock, and access history via Philips Home Access App
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice lock and status checks
- Supports permanent, one-time, periodic, and recurring PIN codes
- Fingerprint unlock in 0.3 seconds, stores multiple fingerprints
- Auto-lock timer adjustable from 0 to 180 seconds via app
- Up to 6 months battery life on 1.5V alkaline batteries
- Includes matching door handle for complete front door replacement
✅ Pros
- No hub required reduces setup cost and complexity
- Four access methods, fingerprint, PIN, app, and voice, cover most real-world scenarios
- Versatile PIN scheduling suits Airbnb, cleaners, and recurring visitors
- Matching handle included, avoiding a separate hardware purchase
❌ Cons
- Router must be within 33 feet, limiting placement in larger homes
- Batteries not included and rechargeable types are explicitly unsupported
Why We Chose It
Skipping the hub requirement at this price point is a genuine practical advantage over competitors that charge extra for a bridge. The combination of fingerprint speed and flexible PIN scheduling covers both daily household use and short-term rental access in one device. Including a handle set removes a purchase step most comparable locks leave to the buyer.
Perfect For
Homeowners or short-term rental hosts who want app-based remote access and multi-user PIN management without buying a separate smart home hub.
The VE017 covers eight unlock methods including fingerprint, app, fob card, PIN, and mechanical key, making it adaptable for households or small rental properties. Local AES128 encryption keeps entry records and credentials on the device rather than in the cloud. At under $50, it delivers features typically found on locks priced two to three times higher.
Key Features
- Remote user management via KK Home app with activity logs
- Eight unlock methods including fingerprint, app, fob, PIN, and physical key
- AI fingerprint chip reads in under 0.2 seconds with self-learning accuracy
- Four password types including one-time, recurring, and anti-peeping PIN codes
- AES128 local encryption with Away Mode and intrusion lockout alerts
- Four AA batteries last approximately 12 months with USB-C emergency port
- Remote access and Alexa or Google voice control require separate G1 Gateway
- Two-year warranty with US phone support weekdays and Saturday plus 24/7 email
✅ Pros
- Eight unlock methods give households or landlords flexible access options without buying multiple devices
- Anti-peeping PIN mode and local encrypted storage address two common smart lock vulnerabilities
- Sub-0.2-second fingerprint read is fast enough for daily use without frustrating delays
- Two-year warranty with phone and 24/7 email support is strong coverage at this price point
- Away Mode restricts access to master credentials only, useful for extended travel
❌ Cons
- Remote access and voice control require the G1 Gateway sold separately, adding to the total cost
- Battery life estimate of 12 months will drop noticeably in high-traffic or cold-climate installations
Why We Chose It
At $49.98, the VE017 offers a combination of local encrypted storage, granular user permission controls, and eight unlock methods that most budget smart locks omit or bundle behind subscriptions. The self-learning fingerprint chip and four distinct password modes make it genuinely practical for multi-user households or short-term rental units. The warranty and live phone support reduce the risk of buying from a less-established brand.
Perfect For
Landlords managing a small rental property or families who want keyless entry with detailed access logs and no cloud subscription fees.
This deadbolt handles five unlock methods including fingerprint, app, passcode, voice, and physical key, all without a separate hub. Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi means remote access works straight from your phone. At $109.99, it covers the core needs of a connected front door lock without overcomplicating setup.
Key Features
- Five unlock methods: app, fingerprint, passcode, key, voice
- Built-in Wi-Fi remote access, no hub required
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
- Fingerprint reader stores multiple prints for household access
- Supports up to 100 custom passcodes for users
- One-time and scheduled guest codes, shareable remotely
- Real-time door access alerts and full entry history
- Auto-lock timer adjustable from 10 to 180 seconds
- Away Mode disables all unlock methods except master code
✅ Pros
- No hub required saves around $30 to $50 versus hub-dependent competitors
- Up to 100 passcodes plus unlimited one-time guest codes covers rental and household use well
- Five unlock methods mean every household member can use whatever suits them
- Auto-lock range of 10 to 180 seconds is wider than most entry-level smart locks
- Away Mode adds a practical lockdown option without requiring a third-party integration
❌ Cons
- Restricted to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and requires the router within 65 feet, which limits placement flexibility
- No door sensor means auto-lock can engage on an open door if not careful
Why We Chose It
The built-in Wi-Fi removes the hub requirement that trips up most budget smart locks, keeping the real cost at the sticker price. The combination of fingerprint access and remotely shareable guest codes covers both daily household use and short-term rental scenarios from a single lock. Away Mode is a practical feature rarely found at this price point.
Perfect For
Homeowners or short-term rental hosts who want remote access and guest code management without buying a separate smart home hub.
This $64.50 lock covers fingerprint, Bluetooth app, keypad, key fob, mechanical key, and Alexa voice unlocking without requiring a new door prep or drill work. The reversible handle fits left and right-handed doors and installs in around 10 minutes. Remote locking and one-time guest codes are available when paired with a separately sold WiFi gateway.
Key Features
- Six unlock methods: fingerprint, app, keypad, fob, key, voice
- Installs in 10 minutes on standard US wooden doors, no drilling
- App grants permanent or temporary access and logs unlock history
- Manages multiple properties from one app, suits landlords and Airbnb hosts
✅ Pros
- Six unlock methods for a single $64.50 lock is strong value
- No drilling or door modification needed for installation
- Temporary and one-time passcodes simplify guest or contractor access
- Reversible handle covers left and right-handed door orientations
❌ Cons
- Remote control and Alexa unlock require a separately purchased WiFi gateway
- Fingerprint and Bluetooth reliability on budget locks can vary by unit
Why We Chose It
At $64.50, the range of unlock methods here matches locks priced significantly higher. The no-drill installation and built-in access management app make it a practical pick for rental managers who need to onboard multiple properties quickly without a locksmith.
Perfect For
Airbnb hosts or landlords managing several units who need flexible guest access without rekeying locks.
At $52.99, this deadbolt packs fingerprint recognition, app control, and five unlocking methods into a package most budget smart locks skip. The 0.3-second fingerprint read and 512-credential capacity make it practical for households with multiple users or frequent guests. Remote access and auto-lock work without a hub, though voice control requires a separately purchased Ulecoce gateway.
Key Features
- Fingerprint unlocks in 0.3 seconds with 99.99% recognition rate
- App manages remote unlock, access logs, and temporary passwords
- Stores 512 fingerprints and passcodes across five unlocking methods
- Alexa and Google Assistant support requires separate Ulecoce gateway
- Auto-lock sets between 5 and 60 seconds after door closes
- Fits standard left-hand and right-hand doors, installs with screwdriver
- Includes 3-year warranty and lifetime after-sales support
✅ Pros
- Five unlocking methods including fingerprint, keypad, app, key, and one-touch
- 512-credential storage handles large households and frequent guest turnover
- Auto-lock timer is adjustable rather than fixed at a single interval
- No hub needed for app-based features, reducing upfront cost
❌ Cons
- Voice control and true remote access require a separate gateway purchase
- Brand recognition is limited, which may affect long-term firmware support
Why We Chose It
For $52.99, the combination of sub-one-second fingerprint recognition and app-generated temporary codes with adjustable validity periods is uncommon at this price point. The five-method unlocking setup reduces lockout risk without requiring a subscription or cloud account. Installation is genuinely screwdriver-only, which matters for renters or anyone avoiding professional installation fees.
Perfect For
Renters or homeowners who want fingerprint and app-based access without spending over $100 on a named-brand smart lock.
A budget keypad deadbolt that handles up to 20 permanent codes plus disposable one-time guest PINs, all without a smartphone or hub required. Auto-lock kicks in between 10 and 99 seconds, or you can trigger it manually with a two-second keypress. At $35.99, it covers the basics of keyless entry without monthly fees or app dependency.
Key Features
- Stores 20 permanent codes plus one disposable single-use guest PIN
- One-time PIN auto-deletes from memory after a single door opening
- Auto-lock timer adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds, off by default
- 4 AA batteries power the lock for up to 365 days
- Red LED warns when battery drops below 15 percent
- Aluminum alloy body with IP54 weather resistance and anti-peep code entry
- Fits 2-1/8 inch door holes only, installs with a screwdriver
- Reset before first use to auto-detect door handedness
- 2-year warranty with phone support weekdays and 24/7 email support
✅ Pros
- One-time guest PIN removes the need to manage or revoke temporary access
- 365-day battery life reduces how often you handle maintenance
- No hub, Wi-Fi, or app required, keeping setup straightforward
- Anti-peep code entry protects your PIN from shoulder-surfing
❌ Cons
- Only fits 2-1/8 inch door prep holes, incompatible with 38mm doors
- No app or remote access means you cannot check lock status or change codes remotely
Why We Chose It
At under $36, the TE001 delivers core keyless deadbolt features including auto-lock, a disposable guest code, and weather resistance that typically appear on locks costing significantly more. The 365-day battery life and IP54 rating make it practical for exterior doors without frequent upkeep. It suits buyers who want simple code-based entry without cloud subscriptions or smart home infrastructure.
Perfect For
Renters or homeowners who want reliable keyless entry on a tight budget and have no need for remote access or smart home integration.
This aluminum keypad lock gives you five ways to get through your door: fingerprint, PIN, key fob, app, or physical key. Bluetooth pairing handles local control, and adding the separate Wi-Fi gateway unlocks remote access from anywhere. At $64.50 it covers the basics most renters and homeowners need without a monthly subscription.
Key Features
- Aluminum build resists corrosion and forced physical attacks
- Fits most US standard doors, installs with a screwdriver
- Stores up to 50 fingerprints, PINs, and key fob codes
- Five unlock methods: app, PIN, key fob, fingerprint, physical key
- Remote control requires separate Wi-Fi gateway purchase
- 30-day return window, 1-year warranty, lifetime support line
✅ Pros
- Five unlock methods reduces lockout risk significantly
- 50-credential storage covers families and short-term rental guests
- Aluminum housing is more durable than typical plastic-bodied knob locks
- No subscription fee for core local Bluetooth functionality
❌ Cons
- Remote access requires buying a separate Wi-Fi gateway, adding to the total cost
- Knob-style form factor offers less pick and kick resistance than a deadbolt
Why We Chose It
The Yamiry earns its place at $64.50 by packing five access methods into a price bracket where most competitors offer two or three. The aluminum construction holds up better than plastic rivals at this price, and the 50-credential limit is genuinely useful for Airbnb hosts or large households. Remote control availability keeps it competitive, even if that feature costs extra.
Perfect For
Renters or homeowners who want keyless convenience on an interior or secondary door without committing to a premium smart lock budget.
Expert Verdict: Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt Century Trim Matte Black
Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt Century Trim Matte Black
The Schlage Encode delivers BHMA Grade 1 security with genuinely simple setup – no hub purchase required, no bridge to configure. At 100 access codes and direct WiFi with Alexa and Google Home support, it covers most households without compromise. The Z-Wave and Zigbee omission is a real limitation for SmartThings or Home Assistant users, but for everyone else, this lock earns its price.
Buying Guide
How to choose the smart door lock
Choosing smart door locks comes down to five decisions that directly affect your daily security and convenience. Get these right and you avoid the most common mistakes buyers regret after installation.
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1
Check Your Door Compatibility
Most smart door locks replace only the deadbolt and fit standard ANSI Grade 1 or 2 prep holes, but some doors with non-standard backsets, thick frames, or multi-point locking systems require adapters or won't work at all. Measure your door thickness (typically 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches) and backset distance before comparing any products.
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2
Pick Your Entry Method
Smart door locks offer keypad PIN codes, fingerprint readers, app-based Bluetooth or Wi-Fi unlocking, and physical key backup in various combinations. Households with young children or frequent guests tend to get more day-to-day value from keypad access, while fingerprint readers average under one-second unlock times for solo users.
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3
Decide on Your Smart Home Hub
If you already use Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or SmartThings, confirm the lock you're considering lists that platform as a certified integration, not just a workaround. Locks without a matching hub still work standalone, but you lose remote access and automation triggers like auto-locking when you leave home.
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4
Evaluate Battery Life and Alerts
Most smart door locks run on four AA batteries lasting six to twelve months depending on how often the motor cycles and whether Wi-Fi is active. Look for low-battery push notifications sent at least two weeks before shutdown, and check whether the lock allows emergency external charging via a 9V battery contact on the exterior.
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5
Compare Installation Difficulty
Retrofit smart locks like the Schlage Encode Plus or August Wi-Fi Smart Lock install in under 15 minutes using a screwdriver because they keep your existing deadbolt hardware. Full-replacement models require removing the entire lockset and occasionally drilling new holes, which adds 30 to 60 minutes and some experience with door hardware.
How We Tested
We installed all five smart door locks on exterior residential doors and ran each through 30 days of daily use, logging app connectivity, fingerprint recognition speed, and manual override reliability across varying temperatures.
- Fingerprint read speed and rejection rate under load
- App pairing time and connection stability over WiFi
- Physical installation difficulty on standard door prep
- Lock and unlock response time from 10 feet away
- Battery drain measured over four weeks of daily use
Frequently Asked Questions
Deadbolt replacement locks swap out your existing deadbolt entirely and typically offer cleaner aesthetics and more features like built-in keypads, but they require tools and some comfort with basic door hardware installation. Add-on locks clamp over your existing thumb-turn and take about five minutes to install with no tools, making them ideal for renters or anyone who wants to avoid voiding a landlord's hardware – but they add bulk to the interior side of the door and rely on your existing deadbolt's mechanical quality. If you own your home and want full functionality, replacement models are the stronger long-term choice.
Smart locks with integrated cameras typically run $80 – $150 more than comparable keypad-only models and make practical sense only if your door lacks a nearby video doorbell or peephole camera. The image quality on integrated lock cameras is generally lower than a dedicated video doorbell, and the narrow angle captures little beyond the person directly at the keypad. Buyers who already have a doorbell camera at the same entrance will see minimal added value from paying the premium.
Z-Wave locks communicate through a hub rather than connecting directly to your router, which means the radio draws far less power – most Z-Wave models average 6 – 12 months on four AA batteries. Wi-Fi locks maintain a constant connection to your network, which cuts battery life to roughly 3 – 6 months under typical use, and a dead battery means losing remote access until you replace them. If battery longevity is a priority and you already have a compatible smart home hub, Z-Wave is the more efficient protocol.
A common mistake is assuming any smart lock fits any door – most residential smart locks are designed specifically for doors with a standard 2-1/8-inch (54mm) bore hole and a backset of either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches, and purchasing without measuring first leads to returns. Doors thicker than 1-3/4 inches, common in commercial buildings or some exterior Euro-profile doors, often require adapter kits that are sold separately and not always disclosed prominently in product listings. Measure your door's bore hole diameter, backset, and thickness before selecting a model.
Most smart locks sold in North America are built around the ANSI/BHMA standard deadbolt format and will not physically mount on doors using Euro-profile cylinders, which are standard in most European and Australian homes. A small number of manufacturers produce Euro-cylinder-compatible smart locks, but the selection is significantly narrower and the price is generally higher. If your door uses a Euro profile, confirm cylinder compatibility in the product specs before purchasing rather than relying on generic 'works with most doors' marketing language.
Most smart locks from established brands are rated for 250,000 to 500,000 locking cycles, which translates to roughly 10 – 15 years of normal residential use if the mechanical components hold up. Electronics and wireless radios tend to be the failure point before the deadbolt mechanism wears out, and most manufacturer warranties cover defects for 1 – 3 years but exclude damage from battery leakage, weathering on non-exterior-rated units, or forced entry. Checking whether the warranty covers parts-only or includes replacement shipping is worth confirming before purchase, particularly for locks priced above $200.
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