Buying Guide
Best Smart Locks That Are Easy to Use
No more fumbling with keys — how to choose a smart lock that's genuinely simple, not just marketed that way.
7 min read
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A smart lock removes the need to fumble with keys — punch in a code, use a fingerprint, or unlock automatically as you approach. For anyone managing arthritis, memory changes, or just wanting one less thing to carry, that's a meaningful daily improvement. Not every "smart" lock is actually simple to use, though, so this guide focuses on what genuinely makes one easy day to day.
What to look for
- A large, backlit keypad — easier to see and use at night than a small, unlit one, and doesn't require reaching for a phone.
- Grade 1 security rating — look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, the highest residential security rating; many models are only Grade 3.
- A physical key backup — confirm the lock includes one, since batteries die and Wi-Fi occasionally goes down.
- Individual access codes — useful for giving a caregiver or family member their own code rather than sharing one code with everyone.
- Simple setup — most smart locks replace a standard deadbolt using the existing door prep; look for reviews that specifically mention easy installation.
A note on auto-lock: an auto-lock feature, which locks the door automatically after a set time, is worth considering carefully for anyone who may wander or become disoriented, since it prevents a door from being left unlocked accidentally. Some locks also support alerts to a family member's phone when the door opens, which can add peace of mind in a care situation.
Where to start, by need
A keypad deadbolt with a large, backlit keypad
Brands like Schlage Encode build Grade 1 certified locks with a simple keypad, no app required for basic use, and a physical key backup for power outages.
- Large, backlit keypad
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rated
- Physical key backup included
A Wi-Fi lock with a simple companion app
Brands like August and Yale connect directly to Wi-Fi, letting a family member check lock status or grant access remotely without a separate hub.
- No separate hub required
- Remote lock status and control
- Simple, uncluttered app
A lock with individual, time-limited access codes
The ability to create a caregiver-specific code that only works during set hours, and delete it instantly when no longer needed, is one of the most useful features for shared or supported living situations.
- Individual PIN codes per person
- Time-restricted code scheduling
- Instant code removal
A Bluetooth keypad lock
Bluetooth-only locks skip the Wi-Fi connection and app complexity, working directly with your phone or a keypad.
- Lower price point
- Simple keypad operation
- No Wi-Fi setup required
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Wi-Fi for a smart lock to work?
Not necessarily — many smart locks work fine for basic keypad or key use without Wi-Fi. You only need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for remote access and app-based features like checking lock status from another room or another location.
What happens if the power goes out?
Most smart locks run on batteries, not household power, so a power outage doesn't affect them directly. Still, confirm the lock includes a physical key backup for the rare case the batteries die unexpectedly.
Can a family member help manage access remotely?
Yes — most app-based locks let you add additional users who can view lock status, create or remove codes, and receive notifications, which is useful if a caregiver wants to help manage access without being on-site.
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How We Selected These Products
Our recommendations are based on research into publicly available product information — manufacturer specifications, verified buyer feedback patterns, and expert and caregiver consensus — rather than an in-house lab testing program. Where we've done firsthand testing of a specific product, we say so directly on that product's page. When we haven't, these picks reflect careful research, not personal use. How we review products
This guide covers 4 options we researched for this category. Some labels here simply describe what a pick is; where a label does rank one against the others, it means the best of these 4, judged on the criteria shown here. It is not a survey of the whole market, and an option we did not include may suit you better.
What we weigh most for this category