Here's why a smart lock should be the first smart home device you own

If there's one thing in your home that deserves to be accessible from anywhere, it's your front door lock.

Think about it: It's something that you use on a daily basis (at least, before social distancing was a thing) and it serves as the barrier that keeps you, your family, and your belongings safe from the outside world. Maybe you're not particularly paranoid about a thief in a ski mask stealing the antique vase that you don't own, but you've almost certainly turned the car around to double check that you locked the door at least once in your life. And parents are all too familiar with the struggle of getting a kid to keep track of a physical key. Read more...

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IMAGE: Best Buy

BEST FOR RENTALS AND ROOMMATES

August WiFi smart lock

A retrofit lock with built-in WiFi and versatile features that won't damage your apartment's current deadbolt.

• Modes of entry: App, auto-unlock, voice command
• Smart home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Zigbee
• Power: 2 CR123 batteries
• Finishes: Silver, matte black

$249.99 from Best Buy

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR AIRBNB OWNERS

Yale Assure Lock SL x Connected by August

Yale's slick keypad works directly with the Airbnb app and doesn't use keys at all.

• Modes of entry: Keypad, app, auto-unlock, voice command
• Smart home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Zigbee
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Finishes: Oil-rubbed bronze

$299 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR FOLKS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY

Schlage Sense

The Sense is a stellar pick for those who want a traditional key as well and features luxurious craftsmanship to match your home.

• Modes of entry: Keypad, app, mechanical key
• Smart home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Zigbee
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Finishes: Satin nickel, matte black, aged bronze

$229 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro

It doesn't get more flexible than six entry methods, including a fingerprint scanner that's great for forgetful kids.

• Modes of entry: Fingerprint, keypad, app, mechanical key, auto-unlock, shake to open, voice command
• Smart home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Finishes: Black

$179 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR VACATION HOMES

Lockly Secure Pro

Feel confident leaving your property unattended with fingerprint tech and a keypad that's hard to hack.

• Modes of entry: Fingerprint, keypad, app, mechanical key, auto-unlock, voice command
• Smart home integration: Alexa, Google Assistant
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Finishes: Venetian bronze, satin nickel, matte black

$299.99 from Amazon

IMAGE: Amazon

BEST FOR LIVING ALONE

Wyze Lock

If you can get past the quirks, Wyze's affordable lock nails all of the basics and works with your existing keys.

• Modes of entry: Keypad (sold separately) app, auto-unlock, voice command
• Smart home compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Zigbee
• Power: 4 AA batteries
• Finishes: Silver

$107.98 from Amazon

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