Making your home smarter seems to be all the rage these days. There are smart speakers, smart TVs, and other accessories that let you control your life with your voice. One of the biggest conveniences in a home can come from installing smart locks, so you never have to fish a key out again and can manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.
Modern chic
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
Staff pick
The Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don’t need to replace your keys to use it. You can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple’s HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi.
From $230 at Amazon
Smart yet simple
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation
The standard Smart Lock doesn’t support HomeKit, even when attached to an August Connect (which isn’t included), but it works just fine with Alexa for considerably less than the Pro. You can create guest “keys” for friends’ phones with a set expiration date, which makes it an ideal choice for Airbnb hosts, or anyone who might hire babysitters or cleaners and don’t want to give out a physical key.
$113 at Amazon
Tamper alerts
Schlage Centruy Touchscreen Deadbolt
If you leave your phone at home, having a backup way to get back in your house is essential. A physical key is always smart, but a PIN may be more convenient. With the Schlage Century, you can lock and unlock your door with Alexa (with a hub, sold separately), and the touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant so that you won’t give away your PIN. You can also set up alerts to tell if someone is trying to tamper with the lock or force their way inside. While this model does not work with the Amazon Key service, Kwikset offers several compatible models.
From $185 at Amazon
Touch sensitive
Yale Assure Lock
The Asure Lock works perfectly with Alexa — with the additional purchase of a hub — and you can manage the lock from anywhere. It can remember 250 unique PIN codes, so you can assign codes to guests without giving out our master PIN. You can also lock every code out of the system at once just in case something goes wrong. There are two physical keys included if you need them as well, and installation only takes a few minutes and a screwdriver. This lock is also equipped to work with the Amazon Key service.
From $172 at Amazon
Traditional approach
Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt
A more conventional-looking option, the Kwikset SmartCode Deadbolt uses regular old buttons to authenticate users. As with the other options, you can control it with your voice with Alexa, provided you purchase a hub. It supports up to 30 unique codes, and if you forget to lock the door, it will automatically lock itself after thirty seconds. The lock operates on four AA batteries, though these are not included. While this model does not work with the Amazon Key service, Kwikset offers several compatible models.
From $140 at Amazon
Great for renters
Kwikset Kevo Convert
Like the August locks, the Kevo Convert only replaces your interior lock, meaning you don’t have to replace your keys — perfect for rental homes. It automatically unlocks when you approach it, and it can automatically lock after 30 seconds. If you purchase the Kevo Connected Hub, you’ll be able to operate the lock with Alexa, too. You can also send eKeys to your guests’ smartphones, or lock any guest out remotely. While this model does not work with the Amazon Key service, Kwikset offers a version of the Kevo Convert, as well as several other models, that are compatible.
From $88 at Amazon
Bottom line
We like how inconspicuous Kwikset’s SmartCode looks, and August’s Smart Lock Pro, though expensive, supports a wide range of smart home standards. It also works without replacing your external lock, as does the Kwikset Kevo Convert, making both great options for people renting apartments or in houses where they’re not allowed to swap out the front locks.
Some of these smart locks from manufacturers like Yale, Kwikset, and Schlage work with Amazon’s new Key service. Amazon Key connects certain smart cameras, security systems, and doorbells and/or smart locks, allowing you to see and grant access to your home to friends and family, Amazon delivery drivers, or other authorized service providers. However, the Amazon Key service requires that you purchase a pre-set security bundle (or buy the items a-la-carte), which can be a pricey proposition.
Note that many of these smart locks will require the purchase of batteries and/or a hub – so be sure to factor that into your purchasing requirements. All in all, you can’t go wrong with one of the smart locks on this list if you’re looking to get set up with Alexa!
