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)
AKASO Smart Lock
Finish Options: Black
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- The auto lock feature automatically locks the door after 30 seconds whenever someone enters or leaves the building.
- The deadbolt feature prevents access from outside until it is securely released from the inside – a valuable security perk.
- “Low battery” alerts so you never run out of charge (if you do a backup 9v recharge system allows you to get in).
- Can use physical key or codes to get in
- Built-in intrusion alarm will sound during any lock tampering.
- The locking mechanism can be buggy and inconsistent, meaning the door sometimes remains unlocked.
- Access codes do not always work properly.
- Poor customer service means that problems can take a long time to resolve.
- Users must be within Bluetooth range of the lock to adjust any settings.
- No Wifi Access for remote locking from a distance.
- Lack of integrations with smart home ecosystems
- Uses 3rd part app
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.
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.
Kwikset 910
Finish Options: Bronze, Chrome, and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Z-Wave, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: No
Android App: No
- Plays well with top ranking smart home hubs like Wink, SmartThings and Vera
- Wide range of finish and style choices
- Backed by solid Kwikset warranty
- Integrated with wide range of Z-Wave or Zigbee security systems like ADT, Alarm.com with many users saying this is the best feature.
- No dedicated smart phone app so any app integration will come from your smart home hub like SmartThings app
- Cannot set new access codes remotely
- A few user complaints on battery life and build quality.
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.
Your Kwikset 910 options:
Comparisons
How do the different versions of the 910 smartlock compare?
Option 1) Pick a finish and style
Just want the lock? Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub and voice control
These hubs integrate with the Kwikset 910 locks and will provide Alexa integration and help connect your door to other security or other products in your home for a complete smart home system.
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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