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 August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Generation is all about seamless integration with the rest of your smart home. If this is the only smart product you ever plan on buying, save the extra money and get the base model. Otherwise, only the pro lets you connect through Z-Wave Plus, Siri, and Homekit (both support Alexa and Google Home).

Like the base version, you can use the app to tailor how this lock functions for you. Enable and disable auto-lock or unlock features, view and control access remotely (as long as you have the Wi-Fi bridge), get low battery alerts, and know when the door is closed or locked.

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 Gate Smart Lock is all about visibility and accessibility – for the right people of course! It includes a built-in camera, two-way audio and a pin number unlocking feature. Probably Gate’s strongest asset is the sheer number of ways it can be unlocked and of course the built-in video monitoring.

Whether using pin, smartphone app (IOS and Android) or the old-fashioned back-up hard key, you’ll never have to worry about being locked out. Assign different pins to different people, and record who has accessed your door at what time: perfect for offices or multiple occupancy houses (note: scheduled access codes require an add-on monthly service).

Integrations with other smart home systems like Alexa, Siri and others is non-existent so is a good choice if you are looking just for a smart video door lock without having to buy a lock and video camera or deal with other integrations headaches with smart home hubs or home security services this could be a good choice for you. If these are important to you would suggest you look at other locks.

An important note If you want to have scheduled access or video sharing and saved history you will have to upgrade to a paid monthly service plan starting at $4.99 a month.

The Kwikset Kevo Contempory Model has several features going for it with its touch to open technology, add-on key fobs for additional users and options Wi-fi hub for remote monitoring and access and to connect with other connected devices like Alexa and your Nest thermostat.

From many user reviews it seems like the technology does not always match up to its promise with many users complaining about slow connectivity from their phone to the door, and overall being unreliable from both a hardware and app perspective.

On the positive users have praised Kwikset for their customer service with people receiving replacement units and help walking through issues.

If you choose to add the Wi-fi hub this opens up more possibilities and users have positive results when using together with the lock.

Bottom line is that while Kwikset continues to improve on the model lineup each generation you will find more bang for your buck somewhere else until they fix all of the kinks.

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.