10 Best Electronic Deadbolts in 2022 - Popular Mechanics
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Building a solid home security system requires multiple products working in tandem, though not all need to fall into the high-tech category. Something as simple as upgrading your front door’s regular lock to an electronic deadbolt makes your home much safer, and you you can spend under $100 to get one that’s top quality. There are basic models, those that are a step up and can become “smart” when paired with a separate device, and full-on smart locks. It’s always nice to have options, which is why we’re sharing several of our favorites below.
Read on for recommendations on electronic deadbolts well worth considering, plus advice to consider before you shop.
Best Electronic Deadbolts
What to Consider
Whether you're shopping for a basic, budget-friendly electronic deadbolt or a biometric smart lock, there are several important considerations regarding everything from security to aesthetics. Below, we break them down the most critical considerations to make before making a purchase.
The Basics
There are electronic deadbolts that work with and without wireless access, called smart locks, and both styles are available with or without a traditional key. A good first decision to make is whether a key will give you peace of mind. While knowing you can unlock the door the old-school way may make some people feel more secure, having to carry around an extra key may be seem like more of an inconvenience than a benefit to others. The most basic electronic deadbolts have a keypad or touchscreen for access, plus or minus a key, depending on your preference.
Smart locks feature all electronic deadbolt basics and add connectivity. As a general rule, they’re more than double the price, but there are also lower-cost “smart-ready” locks (we cover a few below), with basic functionality plus the ability to convert to wireless with a hub purchased separately. Smart locks connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave (or a combination), and are available with a range of setup choices that pair with your smart home ecosystem (including third-party security systems, like Ring) or operate independently via app. Smart locks typically offer three or more access options, including touch ID with fingerprint scan.
Security
All locks are subject to one or more rating systems that measure their security level based on a range of metrics. The most common is from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which rates locks from most to moderately secure to least secure with Grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There's also the Builder's Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA), which provides residential security certification that uses an A, B, or C grading system that rates locks for security, durability, and finish. So, the highest BHMA certification is AAA. Also, electronic deadbolts have backup batteries in case of a power failure.
Features
Electronic deabolts come with a long list of features, the most basic of which include a backlit keypad, storage for multiple key codes, an auto-lock feature, and and a battery life sensor. Higher-end locks come with additional features such as bump- and pick-proofing, code customization, alarms, notifications, and double authentication. Things like ease of installation, setup, and connection to home ecosystems are other features to consider, as is having an intuitive and easy-to-navigate app.
Design
Your electronic deadbolt can be small and inconspicuous, or a decorative accessory for your front door and entry. Generally speaking, locks styles fall into two camps: traditional, with rounded edges, decorative trim, and curved handles; and modern, with squared-off door plates and handles, and streamline touchscreens with sans-serif numerals.
How We Selected
Every electronic deadbolt we write about has an average customer rating of at least 4 stars, and the majority of our picks have average ratings of 4.5 stars or higher. To make our selection, we dug into our own research and familiarity with locks from top brands, including Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale Security, plus considered findings from other expert sources including Wirecutter and Tom's Guide. We cover options in modern and traditional styles, and with a wide range of features as mentioned above. We also offer options from budget-friendly to high-end, and judged locks based on security rating, quality of construction, and value-added extras, as well as size and overall design.
1
Best for the Shed
Single-Cylinder Electronic Deadbolt
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.5 x 3.5 x 9.5 inches
Connectivity: No
Access codes: Up to 6
Security: Grade 3
Options: 1 finish; 1 style
This electronic deadbolt is essentially a basic residential lock with keypad entry added. It's a solid choice for a shed or cellar, though you'll want something more secure for your front door. The single-cylinder model features a low profile and a low-battery indicator, plus it sounds an alarm and the backlit keypad freezes for 45 seconds after five consecutive incorrect entries. Its Grade 3 ANSI rating and storage of only six access codes are drawbacks reflected in the price.
Model #: 92640-001
Reasonably priced
Low-profile design
Low-battery indicator
Backlit keypad
Lowest security rating
Storage for only six access codes
Only available in one finish and style
2
Best Upgrade
Camelot Keypad Electronic Deadbolt
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4.3 x 3.3 x 5.5 inches
Connectivity: No
Access codes: Up to 19
Security: Grade 2
Options: 7 finishes; 2 styles
For about $30 more than the basic single-cylinder Kwikset above, this electronic deadbolt from Schlage has a Grade 2 ANSI rating, which is much better for residential use. You may want a front door lock with more features than it offers, but it's a good option for a garage or back door. In addition to better security, it comes in seven finishes and two styles, plus it stores up to 19 access codes. There's also a backlit keypad and low-battery indicator.
While the lock is relatively small, it sticks out quite a bit from the door, so it isn't the best choice for those who want a slimmer silhouette.
Model #: BE365 V CAM 619
Great price for security level
Comes in seven finishes
Holds up to 19 access codes
Backlit keypad
Relatively small, but not low-profile
3
Best Premium
Assure Lock Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt
Yale Security
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.5 x 5.5 x 10 inches
Connectivity: Smart-ready
Access codes: Up to 250
Security: Grade 2
Options: 3 finishes; 1 style
This electronic deadbolt may be expensive, but unlike our two previous picks, it can be added to any compatible Z-Wave smart home or alarm system, including Alexa, Ring, and Samsung SmartThing. The caveat is that connectivity requires a hub, which is sold separately and costs upwards of $100.
Still, it offers solid features and a sleek design, including a Grade 2 ANSI rating, backlit touchscreen keypad, and low-battery indicator, plus you can program the door to lock behind you and it comes with two keys. You won't have to worry about it damaging your door, as the lock is backed with a rubber gasket. It also holds up to 250 access codes, which is impressive, though likely overkill for the average homeowner.
Model #: YRD226ZW2619
Sleek design with touchscreen
Smart-ready
Stores up to 250 access codes
Pricey and connectivity requires purchasing a hub
4
Best Traditional With Handle
Camelot Keypad Handled Electronic Deadbolt
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 3 x 3 x 6.8 inches
Connectivity: None
Access codes: Up to 19
Security: Grade 2
Options: 7 finishes; 7 handle styles; 2 designs
If you're in the market for a more traditional-looking electronic deadbolt and like the idea of an integrated handle, this is an excellent option. It's a customer favorite, with an average 4.7-star rating from more than 10,000 reviewers, and it comes in seven finishes and handle styles, plus two different trims. It features a Grade 2 ANSI rating along with standard features like a backlit keypad, low-battery indicator, and stores up to 19 access codes. The main drawback is its bulky design and large footprint, which may be issues for the design-savvy.
Model #:FE595 CAM 626 ACC
Lots of style and finish options
Solid number of access codes for the price
Very bulky design
5
Best Modern with Handle
SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 3.9 x 4.1 x 9.5 inches
Connectivity: No
Access codes: Up to 30
Security: Grade 2; AAA
Options: 2 finishes; 1 styles
This modern electronic deadbolt with a handle is available in either chrome or satin nickel and looks more upscale than its price tag. Clean lines and design details like rectangular keypad buttons add polish, plus it has a reversible lever. It also offers top-notch security, as it's BHMA-certified AAA and has a Grade 2 ANSI rating. The lock is pick-resistant and bump-proof, stores up to 30 access codes, and features a one-time user code that automatically deletes in 24 hours.
There's no doubt this lock's hefty appearance is meant to be a stylish and completely conspicuous front door accessory, and its design may not suit all tastes.
Model #: 99170-005
Streamlined and modern
Stores up to 30 access codes
Squared-off appearance may not suit all tastes
6
Best Keyless With Handle
Touch Century Electronic Deadbolt
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 2.8 x 3 x 5.4 inches
Connectivity: No
Access codes: Up to 19
Security: Grade 2
Options: 7 finishes; 5 handle styles
Here's another sleek and modern electronic deadbolt, but this one is keyless. It features a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen keypad, with an automatic LED light that shines down on the numbers and handle. The lock has a Grade 2 ANSI rating and is completely bump- and pick-proof, plus it has a low-battery indicator and stores up to 19 access codes. It also comes with a 3-year electronic warranty and is available in seven finishes and five handle styles.
Model #: FE695 CEN 625 LAT
Great design and lots of style and finish options
Touchscreen with down lighting
Some reviewers say the LED light shuts off too quickly
7
Small and Smart-Ready
Real Living Assure Lock
Yale Security
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 1 x 2.5 x 3 inches
Connectivity: Wi-Fi-ready
Access codes: Up to 25
Security: Grade 2
Options: 4 finishes; 1 style
For an attractive electronic lock with a footprint that's smaller than a deck of cards, look no further than this option from Yale Security. Highlights include voice assistance during setup and a backlit touchscreen, plus the ability to customize things like auto-relock and privacy mode. It's also bump- and pick-proof, stores up to 25 access codes, and is available in four finishes.
You can use it as a simple keypad lock out of the box and add Wi-Fi later, but like the brand's other Assure lock covered above, connectivity requires purchasing a hub.
Model #: YRD256-NR-619
Attractive, compact design
Bump- and pick-proof
Nest app integrated
Connectivity requires purchasing an extra device
8
Most Secure
Encode Smart Electronic Deadbolt
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 0.89 x 3 x 5 inches
Connectivity: Yes
Access codes: Up to 100
Security: Grade 1
Options: 3 finishes; 2 styles
This smart lock received high marks across the board during our testing. It features the highest ANSI Grade 1 rating, with heavy metal casings around the mechanisms and deadbolt, plus it's easy to install and connect to your Wi-Fi network. There's also a built-in alarm.
All of the lock's functions, like setting alerts and creating up to 100 access codes, are controlled via app, so there's no need for a hub or bridge. You can also use the app to check activity logs and manage Schlage smart locks in multiple residences, plus the lock is compatible with Ring security devices, Alexa, and Google Assistant using the Amazon Key app.
It's an impressive package, though it doesn't come cheap—and considering the price, the lack of an auto-unlock feature is definitely an oversight.
Model #: BE489WB CEN 619
Highest ANSI security rating
Connects directly to Wi-Fi; no hub or bridge required
Easy installation and setup
Stores up to 100 access codes
No auto-unlock feature
9
Best With Touch ID
Smart Lock Touch
Eufy Security
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 6.3 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches
Connectivity: Yes
Access codes: Up to 50 (fingerprints)
Security: Grade 2
Options: 2 finishes; 1 style
Eufy is a brand typically associated with robot vacuums, but it also has a lineup of other smart home products, including this touch ID lock. In addition to fingerprint scanning, this versatile electronic deadbolt can be unlocked with an app, your home's digital assistant, with the touchscreen keypad, or with a traditional key.
Its features measure up to competition from popular lock brands like Schlage and Kwikset—and at a lower price point, in many cases. The lock, which comes in two finishes, is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, though not with Siri, and it comes with five keys.
There's a rechargeable 10000 mAh battery, though during our testing, some experienced inconsistent performance and found that the motor isn't as strong as some other options.
Model #: T8510
Ultra-versatile, with five ways to unlock
Offer more features for the price than some competitors
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Not compatible with Apple HomeKit/Siri
Iffy battery life and weak motor
10
Best High/Low tech
Halo Touch Smart Lock
Key Specs
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4.2 x 5.4 x 9.8 inches
Connectivity: Yes
Access codes: Up to 50 (fingerprints)
Security: Grade 1
Options: 2 finishes; 1 style
The Kwikset Halo's features are often compared to Eufy's Smart Lock Touch, and while there are pros and cons to each, this model comes out on top for security, with a ANSI Grade 1 rating.
This electronic deadbolt offers fingerprint-scan access, plus the option of using a physical key or digital assistant, and connects directly to your home's Wi-Fi network without a hub or bridge. The app is easy to use, and allows you to manage multiple locks, set alerts, and create and delete fingerprints, among other attractive features. It's also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, but not Apple HomeKit/Siri.
We tested it and found that it's quick to re-key, so you won't have to shell out money for a pricey locksmith visit, plus it's easy to install and set up. Less attention is paid to overall design, which is somewhat industrial.
Model #:99590-003
Highest ANSI security rating
Multiple access options, from touch to physical key
Easy to install and set up
Not compatible with Apple HomeKit/Siri
Drab, industrial design
Rachel KleinRachel KleinRachel Klein has been a professional editor and writer for more than a decade, with a background in digital media, publishing, and journalism.
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