2019 Buyers Guide
Cheap Smart Locks
In the market for a smart lock that won't break your budget?
Below we dive into your options and what you should look out for when making a purchase and compare them with tradeoffs to the higher priced models.
How we chose the top Cheap Smart Lock
Quality home door locks on their own are not exactly the cheapest product you will find for your home so finding a "smart" one with additional connectivity chips, batteries are even more expensive.
That being said as the smart lock market matures and the number of door locks being sold has increased in popularity we have also seen their prices begin to fall.
For this guide we have only listed locks with a price of under $179 retail price.
We will continue to scour the web looking for the best deals on the locks and post any specials or sales that we find here.
Our Quick Picks
In general with the budget offerings you will lose touchscreen capability and lose long range remote monitoring and control (usually locks can be outfitted with this for an extra $50-$80 add-on device but then you would be out of our sub $179 total budget price point)
Here our some of our favorite budget friendly picks based on some common filters for people in the market.
Things to consider
Your door Fit
One of the first things to consider before falling in love with one particular model is to make sure it fits with your door in size and lock type.
Locks typically come in a few standard configurations
- Attach on your deadbolt (only 1 model on the market is like this)
- Interior deadbolt replacement where on the outside your door looks the same but the interior deadbolt section controls the lock and is replaced
- Complete deadbolt replacement
- Handle / Lever / Knob replacement where you only have one hole on your door
- Integrated lock where your deadbolt and handle are in one mechanism where they lock but are separated on the door
- Mortise - a fully integrated system
You can click on the images below to filter down the cheapest door locks that fit each particular door type.
Access Codes
If you are looking for the ability to add access codes for your kids and guests or to make sure the delivery gets into your home safely there are several options these locks accomplish this.
Some have them built-in and will include either push buttons or commonly a touchscreen that will light up as you approach.
The other option is to add a keypad accessory that is installed next to your door and communications to the lock.
The third is via the locks smart phone app which can act as a key for other users.
For the cheapest smart locks the offerings will mostly be via app and possibly with a button keypad. Touchscreen and accessory keypads will push the prices higher than our price limit.
Integration with smart home ecosystems
Do you already have an Alexa, Apple TV or a smart home hub in your home?
Many of the smart locks on the market let you:
- Check status of your lock from your phone
- Lock and unlock the door using voice control
- Have your lock be a part of a "recipe" like a good night mode that turns off lights, locks door and sets security system.
Click on the buttons below to filter the budget friendly smart lock options by which systems they are compatible with.
Additional Smart Lock Features
Smart locks also come with a range of other features that could be the deciding factor for your purchase.
Remote Locking
Check or manage your lock while away from your home
One of the most sought after smart lock features is the ability to add access codes and monitor the activity of your home or apartment while you are away at work or on vacation.
Proximity Locking
Automatically lock behind you or unlock as you approach
With this feature you can have your door automatically lock behind you after a certain amount of time (typically 30 seconds) or have it use your phone's GPS and Bluetooth to automatically unlock the door as you approach.
Fingerprint or Touchscreen
Use your fingerprint to open your door or a touchscreen
With this feature you can either open the door using an access code and a back-lit touchscreen or your fingerprint to securely open your doors.
Budget Friendly Lock Comparison (Under $179.00 Retail Price)
August Smart Lock 3rd Gen
Finish Options: Black and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Siri Support: Yes with add-on hub
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- Ridiculously easy install with only a screwdriver, plus helpful videos if you get stuck.
- Perfect option for renters because you keep your own keys and it doesn’t change the look of the exterior.
- Sturdy, high-quality build with solid metal exterior.
- The app is easy to configure and use.
- Ability to give temporary digital keys makes this a great option for vacation rentals.
- The wifi bridge is sold separately, meaning none of the remote access features can be used until you spend the extra money.
- The auto-lock feature makes it too easy to lock yourself out if you’re just stepping out for a moment, however it can be disabled.
- Spotty connection for auto-unlock, especially for those using Android.
- Locks and bridges are 1:1, so if you’re outfitting multiple doors, it can get expensive.
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.
Your August Smart Lock 3rd Gen options:
Comparisons
How does the standard 3rd gen model stack up to the Pro model?
Option 1) Pick a finish
Just want the lock? Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
Option 2) Add Remote Locking
Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs? Add either the Connect Bridge or the August Door Cam to add this feature to your lock.
Option 3) Add a Keypad & Access Codes
Need one-use and timed codes for deliveries or for guests? Add their accessory to enable this for your August lock.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub
These hubs integrate with the August and help connect your door to other security or other smart devices in your home for a complete smart home system.
Danalock V3
Finish Options: Nickel
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee
Siri Support: Yes with add-on hub
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- Four tailored versions for integration with popular smart home hubs: HomeKit & Bluetooth, Z-Wave & Bluetooth, Zigbee & Bluetooth, and Bluetooth-only.
- Simple installation and calibration, with extensive documentation to speed things up.
- A range of smart features including auto-unlock, twist assist, and geofencing
- Estimated 12 months battery life.
- Can be paired with the Danapad, a manual keypad enabling keyless entry for visitors – without downloading an app.
- Remote locking with versions that have Z-Wave or Zigbee and future integration with their to be released DanaBridge.
- No remote controlling options, though this should be corrected when the Danabridge V3 Plug launches this year.
- No native compatibility with Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
- Loud noise during locking and unlocking.
- Homekit version does not support auto-unlock or digital key sharing features.
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.
Your Danalock V3 options:
Comparisons
How do the different Danalock V3 models compare?
Option 2) Add Remote Locking
Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs? Choose either the locks with Zigbee or Z-Wave support and add a smart home hub from below.
Option 3) Add a Keypad & Access Codes
Need one-use and timed codes for deliveries or for guests? Add their accessory to enable this for your Danalock lock or save a bit of $$ and buy as a package.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub
These hubs integrate with the Danalock and help with remote controlling the locks and connecting your door to other security or other smart devices in your home for a complete smart home system.
Sesame Smart Lock 2nd Gen
Finish Options: Black, Brass, Nickel, and White
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Siri Support: Yes with add-on hub
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- Stylish line of locks with 4 different color options that would work great in any modern home.
- History access log of who has been in and out
- Perfect for renters as it comes with a no tool installation and can be hidden from your landlord from the exterior.
- If you are really computer saavy you can dive into the lock’s API and create some custom modes for access and unlocking
- Some complaints on real world battery life.
- Knock feature (where you knock on your phone on iOS to unlock your phone) has not been consistent in working
- Remote capabilities and integrations are only included when you have the additional Wi-fi add-on
- A few issues with construction (not sure if the customers were referring to 1st or 2nd gen though)
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.
Your Sesame Smart Lock 2nd Gen options:
Option 1) Pick a finish
The Sesame lock has a range of elegant lock styles for you to choose from.
Option 2) Add Remote Locking
Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs and voice assistants including Google Home, Alexa, and Siri? Add the Wi-Fi access point to your lock.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub
If you don’t have a smart home hub yet the Sesame lock and Wifi combo let you control the device from your voice assistant smart home.
FAQ
Installation
Integration and Connectivity
Security
About Smart Lock Scout
We are here to help you keep your home and family safely connected. Whether you’re looking to pick a smart lock system, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching locks to help you find the best product to fit your specific situation.
At Postscapes we combine our years of experience following the smart home market along with user reviews to take the guesswork out of living securely connected. Learn More
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