This AKASO model comes with all the standard smart lock features, including a 9V backup battery and smart key support. Mechanically the lock is strong and robust, and it’s very pleasing on the eye with its sleek black touchscreen surface.

Unfortunately, app integration is poor and secure codes sent to users don’t always work, and you can only change codes when you are within Bluetooth range making it unreliable for remote use.

Despite its mid-range price point, the lock suffers too many bugs to be a favorite over its similarly-priced rivals. If AKASO focuses on app integration and access code improvements, we could see a very polished product for their next release.

August has clearly taken customer feedback to heart and applied everything they’ve learned to the August Smart Lock 3rd Generation. It does everything you could want from a smart lock. Run out the door in the morning and let it auto-lock behind you, remotely send the babysitter a temporary key, have the door auto-unlock as you approach so you don’t have to stop and search your pockets, or tell Alexa/Google to lock your door at night rather than getting out of bed to double check.

The cherry on top is that it does all of this without modifying the look of your home or requiring you to change the locking mechanism.

The Danalock V3 is a good all-rounder in the smart lock game. There are four versions (Homekit, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth-only) so you can align it with your smart home setup. It takes 10 minutes to install, and the auto-unlock and twist-assist features make it feel truly ‘smart’. Danalock supports unlimited occupants and users can share digital keys to grant temporary access to visitors.

Unfortunately, the auto-unlock and digital keys features remain unavailable on the Homekit version. Combined with reports of inconsistent performance from buyers, the Danalock V3 falls just below our top-tier recommendations.

The Kevo Convert offers renters and those wanting to keep their smart home capabilities discrete a budget option.

The model uses the same app as the other Kevo devices and users enjoy the eKey capabilities as well as the add-on key fobs and Wi-fi hub that allow you to open and unlock your door using Alexa and tie in with your Ring doorbell, Nest thermostat and other smart devices.

Unfortunately, app response time is slow, and you can only change codes when you are within Bluetooth range making it unreliable for remote use without the $99 extra hub.

Overall the Convert suffers from the same reliability issues as the others in the line-up and until Kwikset fixes these issues with the connectivity it is best to look elsewhere unless the eKey and ability to keep your own physical keys is the main selling point for you.

The Kwiset 910 could be a great fit for you if you are looking for basic access codes access for your family (up to 30 total) or are already using a Zigbee or Z-Wave smart home hub or security offering.

The majority of the “smart” lock capabilities are only enabled if you have a hub or security system since the lock does not have a dedicated app on its own.

Once you are connected to your hub or smart security system like ADT or Alarm.com you will use their integrations to control and check on the door status or initiate a remote locking action or routine. If you want Alexa or voice control out of the box you should look at other options.

Additional pros include the number of available options and finishes from contemporary or traditional style along with the Signature series which removes the keypad while allowing you to hide the fact your door is smart lock enabled.

Bottom line is if you are looking for simple code control along with possibility of integrating with the most popular smart home hub and security systems the 910 could be a good fit for you.

Originally a Kickstarted project the company has made great strides from their original release to this 2nd Gen version while still keeping the simple install and value proposition of their original vision.

With its simple design and out of the box with the features we have come to expect in our smart locks including access codes (via users installing the Sesame app), and auto-locking the Sesame really shines right out of the box with installation that blows its competition of out of the water using 3M tape and installing in just a few seconds.

This design opens up smart locks to renters and those that want to disguise the fact that they have a smart lock from anyone working by.

The Seasame also boasts some of the most integrations out of any lock on the market with an open API and integration with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant along with IFTTT recipes and Apple Watch control. The only problem? Unfortunalty most of the integrations require the additional Wi-fi access hub addon to function.

Overall the Sesame has carved out a niche for itself in the lock market with its elegant design, easy installation and range of integrations. A top contender for your apartment or home front door in our book.

The Wafu Tiger lock is one of the few “Tiger” style locks available for purchase today.

Perfect for interior doors or cabinets that wouldn’t fit traditional smart locks the Wafu version comes with additional key fobs for remote opening and locking as well as the ability to purchase a USB Bluetooth accessory that can lock and unlock the device using your phone.

The lock has a few drawbacks including no access code support for the app and a short battery life of only 6 months on two AA batteries that are not even included in the package.

That being said if you really need this style lock for your door this is one of the only commercially available locks on the market for you and worth a shot.