Fingerprint, Keypad, or App: Picking a Smart Deadbolt
Schlage Encode Plus leads this list with built-in wifi and Apple Home Key support for tap-to-unlock entry. Kwikset Halo Touch suits households wanting fingerprint access instead. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro delivers the strongest value, combining fingerprint, keypad, and app entry in one lock body without a required subscription.
Schlage Encode Plus tops this roundup for anyone building an Apple Home or wifi-based setup, pairing a built-in wifi radio with ANSI Grade 2 security. It skips fingerprint entry, so biometric fans will want a different pick.
Entry method, battery type, and smart home protocol all vary by brand, which complicates the choice fast. We compared published specifications, owner feedback on app reliability, and how each lock fits retrofit versus full-replacement installs.
What matters most
Keypad, fingerprint, or app entry: which fits your household? Simple backup codes for guests or kids without smartphones come from keypad entry, which every lock in this list includes in some form. Fingerprint locks like the Kwikset Halo Touch or eufy C220 speed up entry for family members, though wet or gloved hands can trip up the sensor. People who already carry a phone to the door often prefer app-only access with remote lock status. Most current models combine at least two of these methods instead of forcing a single choice.
Retrofit or full replacement: which installation makes sense? Mounting over your current deadbolt cylinder, as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock does, leaves exterior hardware untouched and suits renters who want to keep existing keys. Full-replacement locks such as the Schlage Encode Plus or Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro swap the entire deadbolt body, giving more control over keypad placement and finish. Landlord approval for drilling matters before choosing a full-replacement model. Level Lock+ sits between the two approaches, replacing internal hardware while keeping the original exterior keyhole.
Which smart home platforms actually work with these locks? Built-in wifi on the Schlage Encode Plus and Kwikset Halo Touch connects straight to a home network without extra hardware. Yale Assure Lock 2 takes a modular route instead, letting owners add a Z-Wave, Matter, or wifi module that matches an existing hub. HomeKit support comes built into Level Lock+, so Apple Home users skip a bridge for local control. Bluetooth-only locks such as the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and eufy C220 need an optional bridge accessory for access away from home.
How long do batteries last, and what does ANSI grade mean? Four AA batteries power most locks here, lasting between six months and a year, and wifi-connected models like the Schlage Encode Plus drain faster than Bluetooth-only locks. ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 covers moderate residential security and durability testing, and it is the rating most current smart deadbolts carry. Grade 1 locks exist for higher security needs but rarely show up in consumer smart deadbolts. Checking a lock’s low-battery alert method, whether an app notification or an audible chirp, avoids an unexpected lockout.
What we recommend
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
No separate hub is needed since this lock connects straight to home wifi, and it supports Apple Home Key for tap-to-unlock entry. Up to 100 codes fit in keypad memory, and the Schlage Home app logs activity in real time. Owners cite steady wifi reliability as a standout over Bluetooth-only rivals.
Pros
- Built-in wifi skips extra hub hardware
- Stores up to 100 keypad codes
- Apple Home Key adds tap-to-unlock convenience
Cons
- No fingerprint entry option
- Larger interior assembly than slimmer competitors
Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint WiFi Deadbolt
A fingerprint reads in under a second according to the listing, backed by a keypad and app as fallback options. Built-in wifi reports lock status without needing a bridge accessory. Kwikset rates the scanner to recognize up to 50 fingerprints, which suits shared households.
Pros
- Fast fingerprint recognition
- No separate hub needed
- Backup keypad covers guests without app access
Cons
- Sensor can struggle with wet or dirty hands
- Higher battery draw than Bluetooth-only locks
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen Deadbolt
A Bluetooth-only base ships standard, and swappable modules add Z-Wave, Matter, or wifi so owners pick their own protocol. That modular setup makes it a common choice for existing Z-Wave or SmartThings systems. Yale sells the connectivity modules separately from the lock body itself.
Pros
- Swappable modules match existing smart home protocol
- Works with SmartThings, Z-Wave, and Matter hubs
- Slim touchscreen keypad
Cons
- Module sold separately from base lock
- Matter module limits some Yale app features
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Mounting happens over an existing deadbolt cylinder from inside the door, leaving the outside keyhole and hardware untouched. Built-in wifi handles remote lock and unlock without a bridge accessory. DoorSense reports whether the door itself sits open or closed, not just bolt position.
Pros
- Leaves original exterior keyhole and hardware in place
- DoorSense confirms door position, not just lock state
- No separate keypad required for basic use
Cons
- Keypad entry requires a separate accessory purchase
- Bulkier interior housing than a standard deadbolt
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Deadbolt
Fingerprint, keypad, app, and physical key entry all live in one lock body, covering most access preferences without extra accessories. Bluetooth handles local app control, while an optional WiFi Bridge adds remote access. Ultraloq lists fingerprint recognition speed at under a second.
Pros
- Four entry methods in one lock body
- Physical key backup included
- Long battery life rating
Cons
- Remote access requires a separate wifi bridge
- App interface feels less polished than bigger brand apps
eufy Security Smart Lock C220
Fingerprint and keypad entry pair with Bluetooth app control here at a lower cost than fingerprint competitors, and eufy charges no subscription for app features. Auto-lock engages a set time after the door closes. Owners compare the matte finish favorably to pricier locks.
Pros
- Fingerprint and keypad entry at a budget price point
- No monthly subscription for app access
- Simple auto-lock timer setting
Cons
- Bluetooth-only range limits remote access without a bridge
- Fewer smart home integrations than Yale or Schlage
Level Lock+ Smart Deadbolt
This lock fits entirely inside the door edge and existing deadbolt hole, so it looks like standard hardware from outside while keeping the original keyhole functional. Built-in Bluetooth and HomeKit support unlock the door from an iPhone or Apple Watch. A separate Level Connect Wifi Bridge adds remote access away from home.
Pros
- Nearly invisible from outside the door
- Native HomeKit support without a bridge
- Keeps original exterior keyhole functional
Cons
- Remote access needs a separate wifi bridge accessory
- No built-in keypad without buying one separately
How they compare
| # | Model | Connectivity | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Built-in wifi, no hub required | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint WiFi Deadbolt | Fingerprint, keypad, app | Best for fingerprint entry | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen Deadbolt | Keypad, app, optional key cylinder | Best for smart home compatibility | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Retrofits over existing deadbolt cylinder | Best for retrofit installs | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Deadbolt | Fingerprint, keypad, app, physical key | Best value | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | eufy Security Smart Lock C220 | Fingerprint, keypad, app | Best budget | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Level Lock+ Smart Deadbolt | Fits inside existing door, no visible smart hardware | Best for discreet design | 8.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
Do smart deadbolts work without wifi?
Yes, several models including the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and eufy Security Smart Lock C220 run on Bluetooth alone. Wifi only comes into play if you add an optional bridge for remote access.
Can smart deadbolts connect to Alexa or Google Home?
Wifi-enabled models like the Schlage Encode Plus and Kwikset Halo Touch integrate with major voice assistants through their manufacturer apps. Bluetooth-only locks need a bridge accessory first.
Are smart deadbolts as secure as traditional deadbolts?
Most current smart deadbolts carry the same ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 rating as many traditional deadbolts. The security-focused bolt mechanism itself does not change much between smart and manual versions.
What happens to a smart lock during a power outage?
Internal batteries keep battery-powered smart deadbolts working during a home power or wifi outage, since they do not rely on household electricity. Remote app access may still drop if your router loses power.
Can you install a smart deadbolt without a locksmith?
Most models, including retrofit options like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, are built for a homeowner to install with a screwdriver in under 30 minutes using the included template.
Is a fingerprint lock better than a keypad lock?
Fingerprint locks like the Kwikset Halo Touch speed up entry for household members but still include a keypad backup, since sensors can misread wet, cold, or gloved hands.
Does Matter support matter when buying a new smart lock?
Matter support lets a lock work across multiple smart home apps instead of just the manufacturer’s own, which the Yale Assure Lock 2 offers through an optional module.
Do smart deadbolts fit standard door hardware?
Most fit a standard 2 1/8 inch cross bore and 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inch door thickness, though checking backset measurements against the listing is worth the extra minute.
Which smart deadbolt is best for renters?
Retrofit models like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Level Lock+ preserve the original exterior keyhole and hardware, which suits renters who cannot swap the full deadbolt body.
The verdict
Schlage Encode Plus remains the strongest overall pick, combining built-in wifi, Apple Home Key support, and Grade 2 security without extra hub hardware. Households wanting faster hands-free entry should choose the Kwikset Halo Touch instead, since its fingerprint scanner beats typing a code. Renters or anyone keeping an existing exterior keyhole get more value from the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock’s retrofit design.
