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)
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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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