For some people, especially those who live in urban environments, the risk is just not worth taking, and so opting for another smart lock may be the best route. You can also have the lock set off its internal chime if the door stays open for too long, which can be useful (or aggravating if you are the spouse of a writer and product reviewer and you just want to open the door to let in some fresh air, for crying out loud). It’s the one I’ve kept on my front door for long-term testing. The volume and auto-lock feature both have multiple settings, and the movement of the deadbolt is quieter and quicker than with others. This reveals a programming button (to add or delete codes) and a series of almost microscopic switches to alter the other functions, like volume control or to disable the auto lock. To exit, either enter your code or, as we did, enable one-touch locking and then press and hold the screen for a second until it locks (this method, however, prevents you from knowing who specifically has locked the door). A number of useful settings within the August app let you turn the button-press sound on and off, change the volume level, enable one-touch locking, and so on. It also has a security grade of 2, which still meets our requirements but is lower than the other Schlage. He has been covering technology as a writer and editor since the days before mobile phones got smart. Buy on Amazon. Oddly, only one model we tested, the Schlage BE375, has booklet instructions. Does this device record and share location data? The hardware is easy to install, and in our testing it worked well—and unlike our previous budget pick, the August Smart Lock, it’s whisper quiet. Forget to unplug the iron this morning? Its tidy glass touchscreen keypad, the handsomest we’ve seen, wakes with a finger press, is second nature to operate for virtually anyone, and unlocks a door quickly and quietly. If you live in a suburban or rural location, we think the risks are more of a personal judgment call. The Best Smart Locks. "The Best Smart Lock" The Wirecutter names Kevo "the best choice for most homeowners." The newer Secure Pro model is available for purchase with a wireless bridge, but at $300 it’s not a good value compared with our picks. We’ve also added several models to The competition, and created a new Other locks we like section. That meant avoiding unknown brands with rudimentary websites and no apparent phone number. Technically, the U-Bolt Pro provides six methods of triggering the lock (including shaking your phone when you’re in front of it); however, the most useful and, we think, the most likely to be used are the fingerprint and door code methods. Once you input your code correctly, pressing the checkmark causes the screen to flash, and with a gentle whir the lock activates. This is only a minor gripe and doesn’t take away from all of the elements we liked about the Yale lock. For the previous version of this guide, we researched the different rating systems from foundations such as ART and Sold Secure, and we spoke to professional bicycle thieves. It is available in two styles (Camelot and Plymouth), each with a variety of finishes, and you have the option of knob or handle versions. The Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256) Connected by August is fast, quiet, and completely keyless, and in contrast to many keypad models, its sleek, slim, glass-and-metal housing is stylish. Even Leimer mentioned this to us: “It’s big and bulky and beefy looking.” The keyway is integrated into the thumb turn, creating a large protrusion out the front of the lock. Some can be installed inside the house to replace the deadbolt, for example, with an option to open either with your standard key still or the smartphone app. For something that may need to be referred to from time to time, folding and unfolding this gigantic sheet to get to the programming section is tedious. A Grade 2 lock is considered closer to residential level, with a bolt that is ⅝ inch thick and able to withstand five strikes of 75 pounds and 800,000 cycles. It also has a built-in sensor to detect when your door is ajar and includes a tiny plug-in Wi-Fi adapter. At this writing I have four smart locks installed in my home, as well as three smart thermostats, five smart bulbs, five smart switches, two smart outlets, two smart smoke detectors, two smart water valves, a smart security system, a smart doorbell, two smart cameras, a smart noise detector, six smart speakers, and a smattering of sensors. When you’re accessing the lock from outside, the glass touchscreen is dark by default. Our top pick, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, is small and attractive, and can be used in multiple ways. For this guide, we spoke with Greg Leimer, product manager for Schlage Residential Electronic Locks, and Jason Tu, product marketing manager in the hardware and home improvement division at Spectrum Brands, which makes the Kwikset, Baldwin, and Weiser lines. What is HomeKit? Last, the Yale can be upgraded to a device-controlled smart lock with the addition of a separately purchased smart module. Has a sleek interface and easy programming, and partners popular August line of smart locks, Kwikset... “ they ’ re accessing the lock using a code and get.... Keyed locks and smart locks, as well as compatibility with other smart-home devices with Siri your. Can give a babysitter, nanny, or satin nickel than that of any lock we tested it the! 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