A good smart lock means never being locked out, sharing codes instead of keys, and checking the door is locked from your phone. But not all smart locks are equal. Here's what actually matters when you're choosing one for an LA home.
What to look for
- It should be a real deadbolt. The best smart locks are smart *deadbolts* — full mechanical strength plus the electronics.
- Connectivity — Bluetooth (phone-close control), Wi-Fi (remote access, no hub) or Matter/Thread (works across Apple, Google and Alexa). Pick based on whether you want remote control.
- How you unlock — keypad code, app, auto-unlock, fingerprint or a keyed backup. More options mean more convenience, but confirm there's a fallback.
- Backup power — look for low-battery warnings and an emergency power option (or a physical key) so a dead battery never locks you out.
- Your ecosystem — if you're all-in on Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa, choose a lock that supports it.
The main options
Rather than one 'best' lock, think in categories. Reliable, widely used picks in 2026 include:
- Keypad Wi-Fi deadbolts (e.g. Schlage Encode, Yale Assure) — code or app entry with remote access built in, no separate hub.
- Retrofit smart locks (e.g. August Wi-Fi) — mount over your existing deadbolt, so you keep your keys while adding app control. Great for renters.
- Fingerprint deadbolts (e.g. Ultraloq, Aqara) — fast biometric entry plus code and app.
- Ecosystem locks (e.g. Google Nest x Yale, or Apple Home–focused Matter locks) — best if you want it tied into your smart home.
Owners vs. renters
Own your home? A keypad Wi-Fi smart deadbolt on the front door is the sweet spot. Renting? A retrofit lock (like August) adds app control and codes without changing the cylinder, so your landlord's key still works and you can take it with you.
Installation makes or breaks it
The #1 reason smart locks act up isn't the lock — it's a misaligned door that makes the motor fight the bolt. We handle the door prep and alignment and configure the app, codes and backups when we install your smart lock. Still deciding between keyed and keyless? See our deadbolt vs. smart lock guide.
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