Key takeaways
- Check your door type and whether the lock fits your existing cylinder.
- Keypads, fingerprints and phone access add convenience; keep a backup way in.
- Battery life and low-battery alerts matter.
In this article
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This buying guide is for anyone shopping for smart locks in the US who wants a straight answer rather than a spec sheet. Work through the checks below and you will know what to buy and what to skip.
What to check before you buy
- Check your door type and whether the lock fits your existing cylinder.
- Keypads, fingerprints and phone access add convenience; keep a backup way in.
- Battery life and low-battery alerts matter.
How much to spend
The smart locks we rate range from about $200 (August Wi-Fi Smart Lock) to about $300 (Yale Assure Lock 2). Retrofit locks that keep your existing key are a cheaper start.
The mistake to avoid
Choosing a lock without a physical backup key.
Our shortlist
If you want to skip the research, these are the smart locks we would buy in the US:
- Yale Assure Lock 2 ($230 – $300) – Check Price on Amazon
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock ($200 – $250) – Check Price on Amazon
See every pick, with pros and cons, in Best Smart Locks (2026): What to Buy and What to Skip.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right smart locks?
Check your door type and whether the lock fits your existing cylinder. Keypads, fingerprints and phone access add convenience; keep a backup way in.
How much should I spend on smart locks in the US?
The models we rate range from about $200 to about $300. Retrofit locks that keep your existing key are a cheaper start.
What is the biggest mistake when buying smart locks?
Choosing a lock without a physical backup key.
When should I buy smart locks in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.