Postscapes is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click on links on our site. Learn more.

Main Smart Lock Knob

Smart Lock Door Knobs & Levers

Looking for a smart lock to replace a simple knob or handle on your door? We lay out your options and some of our favorites below.

Lockly (pin genie) SecureLockly (pin genie) Secure logo Smart Lock Door Knob 1 image
Price not available
Ultraloq UL3 BluetoothUltraloq UL3 Bluetooth logo Smart Lock Door Knob 2 image
$109.00
Yale Assure Lever LockYale Assure Lever Lock logo Smart Lock Door Knob 3 image
$450.02

How we chose the top Smart Lock Door Knob

100s Hours

Of research and hands on testing

Top Integrations

checked to see what works with what

50+

Real users reviews analyzed

Buying Guide

Does your front door only have a handle or knob on it, or are you looking to add a security door lock to an interior or garage door?

You have come to the right place as we dive into the available models and options for you to find the perfect fit for your home or apartment.

Lock Overview Handle
Door Type Lever

Smart locks for doors with only a handle or knob are some of the most straightforward locks to choose from on the market as you do not need to try and match your existing deadbolt or handle hardware and can simply replace the entire mechanism.

What is the best smart door knob lock to buy?

Now that we have narrowed down your options based on the door handle type  there are several other points to consider when shopping for a new lock for your door, as well as the best smart locks we've tested.

Our Quick Picks

Short on time? Here our some of our favorite picks based on some common filters for people in the market.

Title
Yale (Wi-fi August Connected) Touchscreen Lever
Lockly Bluetooth Handle
Schlage Home Keypad Lever
Ultraloq UL3 Bluetooth
Yale Assure Lever, Wi-Fi Smart Lever - Works with the Yale Access App, Amazon Alexa, Google...
Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Latch Smart Lock (PGD628) | Advanced Touchscreen System |...
SCHLAGE FE599NX CAM 619 ACC 619 Home Keypad Lever with Nexia Home Intelligence, Satin Nickel
ULTRALOQ UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | 5-in-1...
108 Reviews
32 Reviews
396 Reviews
1,848 Reviews
$450.02
Price not available
$220.66
$199.00
Best For:
Looking for interior or garage door lock as the handle does not come with any keys
Looking for fingerprint reader (Works for up to 99 users)
If you already have a Z-Wave enabled hub at home
Budget option and for If you don't need remote locking or accesscontrol as an option
Physical Key
Versions Available
Touchscreen or Buttons -- Bluetooth or Bluetooth &Wifi Hub
With or without fingerprint access
-
-
Connectivity Options
Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Bluetooth, Apple Homekit (via August Connect)
Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Bluetooth
Z-Wave
Bluetooth only
Long Distance Monitoring & Locking?
Yes using August Connect Version or Z-Wave or Zigbee version with additional smart home hub
Yes with additional Wifi Bridge accessory
Yes if you have a smart home hub like Wink or SmartThings
No
Voice Control?
Yes using August Connect Version or Z-Wave or Zigbee version with additional smart home hub
Yes with additional Wifi Bridge accessory
Yes if you have a smart home hub like Wink or SmartThings
Yes, within Bluetooth range
Access Codes
Title
Yale (Wi-fi August Connected) Touchscreen Lever
Yale Assure Lever, Wi-Fi Smart Lever - Works with the Yale Access App, Amazon Alexa, Google...
108 Reviews
$450.02
Best For:
Looking for interior or garage door lock as the handle does not come with any keys
Physical Key
Versions Available
Touchscreen or Buttons -- Bluetooth or Bluetooth &Wifi Hub
Connectivity Options
Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Bluetooth, Apple Homekit (via August Connect)
Long Distance Monitoring & Locking?
Yes using August Connect Version or Z-Wave or Zigbee version with additional smart home hub
Voice Control?
Yes using August Connect Version or Z-Wave or Zigbee version with additional smart home hub
Access Codes
Title
Lockly Bluetooth Handle
Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Latch Smart Lock (PGD628) | Advanced Touchscreen System |...
32 Reviews
Price not available
Best For:
Looking for fingerprint reader (Works for up to 99 users)
Physical Key
Versions Available
With or without fingerprint access
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Bluetooth
Long Distance Monitoring & Locking?
Yes with additional Wifi Bridge accessory
Voice Control?
Yes with additional Wifi Bridge accessory
Access Codes
Title
Schlage Home Keypad Lever
SCHLAGE FE599NX CAM 619 ACC 619 Home Keypad Lever with Nexia Home Intelligence, Satin Nickel
396 Reviews
$220.66
Best For:
If you already have a Z-Wave enabled hub at home
Physical Key
Versions Available
-
Connectivity Options
Z-Wave
Long Distance Monitoring & Locking?
Yes if you have a smart home hub like Wink or SmartThings
Voice Control?
Yes if you have a smart home hub like Wink or SmartThings
Access Codes
Title
Ultraloq UL3 Bluetooth
ULTRALOQ UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | 5-in-1...
1,848 Reviews
$199.00
Best For:
Budget option and for If you don't need remote locking or accesscontrol as an option
Physical Key
Versions Available
-
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth only
Long Distance Monitoring & Locking?
No
Voice Control?
Yes, within Bluetooth range
Access Codes

Things to consider

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.

One thing to keep in mind is with a Bluetooth lock you will only be able to add codes when you are near the door and not remotely. If you are looking to manage your codes from a long distance you will want a lock that has either Wi-Fi built in or connects with a hub that does so that it can connect to your home router.

Access Codes

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 Bluetooth locks by each of their compatible systems.

Connectivity Path 2

Additional Smart Lock Features

Smart locks also come with a range of other features that could be the deciding factor for your purchase.

Features Remote Lock

Remote Locking

Check or manage your lock while away from your home

Most of the time Bluetooth connectivity is not going to be the best option for you if you want this out of the box without having to purchase an additional bridge device or smart home hub.

At the moment only one lock has the ability to generate and manage keys remotely without an additional device.

Features Autolock

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.

Features Fingerprint

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.

Comparison: Smart Locks with a handle

Smart Lock Door Knob 4 image
Retail Price $299.00
(Available for: $450.02)
Our Review
Smart Lock Door Knob 6 image
Smart Lock Door Knob 7 imageInterior View
Smart Lock Door Knob 8 imageExterior View

Yale Assure Lever Lock


Lock Type: Handle or Knob Replacement
Finish Options: Bronze and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Apple Homekit, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Z-Wave, and Zigbee
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Siri Support: Yes
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
Pros
  • Multiple connectivity options including Wifi and Bluetooth via the August Connect version or Z-Wave and Zigbee to connect to your existing smart home hub or security systems.
  • The August Connect version will use the August app for everything which has nice benefits for integrations and access codes, etc.
  • Remotely locking with all of the connected versions.
  • Can get a version with physical buttons if you don’t like touchscreens and would like to save on some battery life.
Cons
  • Could be a benefit but not having a physical key slot or backup key could be seen as a downside
  • Confusing branding between Yale and August (Yale’s parent company purchased August in 2017) in terms of figuring out what apps to use, what will connect with what.
  • No real dedicated app for the Yale Assure line. Reliant on 3rd party apps for control and they each have their own levels of ability with regards to access codes, remote locking, etc.
  • Only a few finish options are available.

Once you get past the confusing line-up of Yale Assure and August connectivity this lever lock offers a full feature set and could be a perfect fit for you if you are looking for a clean lever/handle replacement.

The lock offers several types of connectivity options which can be confusing including a Z-Wave and Zigbee version which will work well for those of you already with a home hub or smart security system like Alarm.com or SmartThings. The second option is to go with the August Connect version which connects via Bluetooth and Wifi via a small hub that plugs into a wall socket. This version gives you remote locking and monitoring out of the box without another hub.

If you are really needing a backup physical key you will need to look elsewhere as this lock has no key access at all.

The lock does not have its own dedicated smart phone app and relies heavily on either the August app if you have that version or your smart home hub app. This has some positives if you are already familiar with those systems but confusing if this is your first “smart” product.

Additional options for you include either a touch screen or physical button version.

Overall the Yale Assure lever is a solid option that has good user reviews and a wide range of connectivity options to fit your exact needs.

Your Yale Assure Lever Lock options:
Comparisons

How do the different Yale lever locks compare to each other?

Version
Buttons with August Connect
Buttons with Z-Wave
Touchscreen with Z-Wave
Touchscreen with August Connect
Yale Assure Lever, Wi-Fi Smart Door Lever (for doors with no deadbolt) - Works with Yale Access App,...
Yale Assure Smart Keypad Lever with Z-Wave Plus, Works with Ring Alarm, Samsung SmartThings, Wink...
Yale Assure Lever - Smart Touchscreen Lever with Z-Wave Plus - Works with Ring Alarm, Samsung...
Yale Assure Lever, Wi-Fi Smart Lever - Works with the Yale Access App, Amazon Alexa, Google...
$277.30
$378.82
$389.99
$450.02
32 Reviews
4 Reviews
108 Reviews
108 Reviews
Wifi Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Zigbee Connectivity
Z-Wave Connectivity
Homekit Siri Support
Yes
Possible via your smart home hub
Possible via your smart home hub
Yes
Google Assistant Support
Yes
Possible via your smart home hub
Possible via your smart home hub
Yes
Alexa Support
Yes
Possible via your smart home hub
Possible via your smart home hub
Yes
Physical Buttons
Touchscreen
Version
Buttons with August Connect
Yale Assure Lever, Wi-Fi Smart Door Lever (for doors with no deadbolt) - Works with Yale Access App,...
$277.30
32 Reviews
Wifi Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Zigbee Connectivity
Z-Wave Connectivity
Homekit Siri Support
Yes
Google Assistant Support
Yes
Alexa Support
Yes
Physical Buttons
Touchscreen
Version
Buttons with Z-Wave
Yale Assure Smart Keypad Lever with Z-Wave Plus, Works with Ring Alarm, Samsung SmartThings, Wink...
$378.82
4 Reviews
Wifi Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Zigbee Connectivity
Z-Wave Connectivity
Homekit Siri Support
Possible via your smart home hub
Google Assistant Support
Possible via your smart home hub
Alexa Support
Possible via your smart home hub
Physical Buttons
Touchscreen
Version
Touchscreen with Z-Wave
Yale Assure Lever - Smart Touchscreen Lever with Z-Wave Plus - Works with Ring Alarm, Samsung...
$389.99
108 Reviews
Wifi Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Zigbee Connectivity
Z-Wave Connectivity
Homekit Siri Support
Possible via your smart home hub
Google Assistant Support
Possible via your smart home hub
Alexa Support
Possible via your smart home hub
Physical Buttons
Touchscreen
Version
Touchscreen with August Connect
Yale Assure Lever, Wi-Fi Smart Lever - Works with the Yale Access App, Amazon Alexa, Google...
$450.02
108 Reviews
Wifi Connectivity
Bluetooth Connectivity
Zigbee Connectivity
Z-Wave Connectivity
Homekit Siri Support
Yes
Google Assistant Support
Yes
Alexa Support
Yes
Physical Buttons
Touchscreen

smart lock hub option icon

Option 2) Add a compatible smart home hub

Got the Z-Wave version but don’t have a smart home hub yet? Here are some of your options.

Smart Lock Door Knob 10 image
Retail Price $249.99
(Available for: Price not available)
Our Review
Smart Lock Door Knob 12 image
Smart Lock Door Knob 13 imageInterior View
Smart Lock Door Knob 14 imageExterior View

Lockly (pin genie) Secure


Lock Type: Deadbolt Replacement and Handle or Knob Replacement
Finish Options: Bronze and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
Pros
  • Users can send time-restricted codes via text or email to grant guest access.
  • The patented Pin Genie digital touchscreen scrambles codes so prying eyes can’t detect your code.
  • The lock comes with a backup 9v battery for use in the case of battery failure.
  • ‘Do not disturb’ mode disables the access keypad at any time.
  • Suitable for outdoor use and is proven to work between 4 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Fingerprint access for up to 99 users.
Cons
  • The touch screen can be difficult to view in direct sunlight, especially with scrambled layouts.
  • The smartphone app can be a little tricky.
  • Poor customer service means that problems can take a long time to resolve.
  • Need additional Wifi hub for remote locking and integration with Alexa and Google Home.

The Lockly Secure lock keeps things simple, with all the no-frills features that a smart lock needs. While it boasts fewer accessibility features than some rival products, the product is more reliable and secure than most.

Connection to the lock is via Bluetooth – not WiFi out of the box (you will need to add a Wifi bridge to get these capabilities)- but users can also use access codes or the hard keys which come with the lock.

Lockly also boasts tremendous battery life, but provides a backup 9V battery for emergency use.

At its mid-range price point, this smart lock performs extremely well, without the bugs and problematic performance of most rivals and with a large range of features that competitors are missing.

Your Lockly (pin genie) Secure options:
Comparisons

Your first decision with the Lockly product link is to choose between Handle or Deadbolt replacement then if you need the fingerprint access feature (These are called Lockly Plus)

Title
Lockly Secure: Deadbolt
Lockly Secure Plus: Deadbolt
Lockly Secure: Handle
Lockly Secure Plus: Handle
Lockly Keyless Entry Smart Lock, PIN Genie Door Lock (PGD 728) with Discreet Peek-Proof Touchscreen...
Lockly PGD728FVB Fingerprint Biometric Smart Deadbolt Door Lock with Patented Keypad, Bluetooth...
Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Latch Smart Lock (PGD628) | Advanced Touchscreen System |...
Lockly PGD628FVB Secure Plus Smart Lock Fingerprint Door Lock with Handle, Digital Keypad Keyless...
Price not available
$193.49
Price not available
$249.00
181 Reviews
210 Reviews
32 Reviews
19 Reviews
Lock Type
Deadbolt Replacement
Deadbolt replacement w/ fingerprint access
Handle replacement
Handle replacement w/ Fingerprint access
Fingerprint Access
Remote Locking?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Alexa Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Google Assistant Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Siri / Homekit Support
Price not available
$193.49
Price not available
$249.00
Title
Lockly Secure: Deadbolt
Lockly Keyless Entry Smart Lock, PIN Genie Door Lock (PGD 728) with Discreet Peek-Proof Touchscreen...
Price not available
181 Reviews
Lock Type
Deadbolt Replacement
Fingerprint Access
Remote Locking?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Alexa Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Google Assistant Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Siri / Homekit Support
Price not available
Title
Lockly Secure Plus: Deadbolt
Lockly PGD728FVB Fingerprint Biometric Smart Deadbolt Door Lock with Patented Keypad, Bluetooth...
$193.49
210 Reviews
Lock Type
Deadbolt replacement w/ fingerprint access
Fingerprint Access
Remote Locking?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Alexa Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Google Assistant Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Siri / Homekit Support
$193.49
Title
Lockly Secure: Handle
Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Latch Smart Lock (PGD628) | Advanced Touchscreen System |...
Price not available
32 Reviews
Lock Type
Handle replacement
Fingerprint Access
Remote Locking?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Alexa Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Google Assistant Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Siri / Homekit Support
Price not available
Title
Lockly Secure Plus: Handle
Lockly PGD628FVB Secure Plus Smart Lock Fingerprint Door Lock with Handle, Digital Keypad Keyless...
$249.00
19 Reviews
Lock Type
Handle replacement w/ Fingerprint access
Fingerprint Access
Remote Locking?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Alexa Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Google Assistant Support?
With Wifi Bridge add-on
Siri / Homekit Support
$249.00

remote locking smart lock option icon

Option 2) Add Remote Locking

If you are looking to add Alexa and Google Assistant support along with long distance remote locking you will need to add a Wifi Bridge:

Lockly Wi-fi hub
$79.99

Smart Lock Door Knob 15 image

smart lock hub option icon

Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub

If you decide to add a Wifi Bridge you can hook up and interact with your lock from your Alexa or Google Home enabled device.

Smart Lock Door Knob 17 image
Retail Price $249.99
(Available for: $109.00)
Our Review
Smart Lock Door Knob 19 image
Smart Lock Door Knob 20 imageInterior View
Smart Lock Door Knob 21 imageExterior View

Ultraloq UL3 Bluetooth


Lock Type: Handle or Knob Replacement
Finish Options: Bronze and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth
Alexa Support: Yes, within Bluetooth range
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
Pros
  • Original launched on Indiegogo
  • iOS and Android app have decent number of reviews and overall score.
Cons
  • If you are in Bluetooth range the lock says it supports Alexa integrations with its own Alexa skill. Many customers have had difficulty in getting this to work.
  • Only supports long-distance control and access logs with an additional Wi-fi accessory bridge.
  • Fingerprint access is a plus for some and a minus in terms of security for others. We could not find information on how and where they store the fingerprints on the device.
  • Some users complain about some general quality issues and reliability of the fingerprint reader.
  • If you already have a deadbolt this is meant to only replace your handle/lever so will need to buy the deadbolt cover accessory.

The Ultraloq UL3 seems to have two types of reviews 5 stars or 1 stars.

The 5 star reviews praise its wide range of features and good looks with the people getting 1 star complaining about build quality and never getting the lock to actually function in the first place.

So overall if you get a good working lock than you should be in luck. Customer service seems to be solid from this company with users with defunct units getting their returns and refunds processed quickly and support staff helping them walk though any connectivity or other issues.

If you are looking for remote control, access and monitoring along with Alexa support this lock does have this feature. The only requirement an additional WiFi bridge unit.

If you don’t have the additional Wifi accessory you will be limited to adding codes, etc only when you are in Bluetooth range of your lock.

Some common user complaints include reliability issues with the fingerprint scanner and the Alexa skill not connecting properly so you can control the lock with your voice.

With the strong customer support backing it along with the number of 5 star reviews from customers getting the lock up and running successfully we can recommend this lock as a solid choice especially if you require fingerprint access.

Your Ultraloq UL3 Bluetooth options:
Comparisons
lock finish

Option 1) Pick a finish

Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.

FAQ

Installation

Integration and Connectivity

Security

Lock Bio

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

Ultimate Smart Lock Guide

Filter and find the perfect lock for your home or apartment