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Wifi Category

2019 Buyers Guide

Wi-Fi Enabled Locks

In the market for a lock that has Wifi built-in so you can remotely monitor your home and add access codes without the need for another device or hub?

Below we dive into your options and what you should look out for when making a purchase.

Schlage EncodeSchlage Encode logo Wi-Fi Smart Lock 1 image
$499.98
Gate Labs Camera Smart LockGate Labs Camera Smart Lock logo Wi-Fi Smart Lock 2 image
Price not available

How we chose the top Wi-Fi Smart Lock

100s Hours

Of research and hands on testing

Top Integrations

checked to see what works with what

50+

Real users reviews analyzed

Wi-Fi lock overview
Wi-fi Lock

There has not been a large number of stand-alone Wi-fi enabled locks on the market due to the fact that they are more power hungry than their Bluetooth and Z-Wave counterparts (Most Wi-fi locks require an add-on device to connect to your home router).

This has caused some confusing marketing by lock makers where they say they are Wi-fi but will actually require an additional $50-100 hub to connect to your network.

We have listed both types (Stand-alone Wi-fi and Wi-fi locks enabled by a separate device so you can get a full overview of what will work for you)

Wi-Fi Lock Pros

  • Already enabled on your smart phone with no additional hubs needed.
  • Has a longer range compared with Bluetooth locks (especially if you have a Wi-fi extenders in your home)
  • Enables remote monitoring and access control since your locks will always be connected to the Internet via your home router.

Wi-Fi Lock Cons:

  • Some see having Wi-fi enabled locks as a security concern for your whole home network.
  • Can use battery up quickly compared to other connectivity protocols.

What is the best Wi-fi enabled smart lock to buy?

Our Quick Picks

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

Lock
Schlage Encode
Gate Labs Video Lock
August Pro w/ Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
August w/ Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Matte Black
Smart Lock by Gate Labs: WiFi All-in-One Doorbell & Deadbolt | App Enabled, Built-in Camera, Two-Way...
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home Entry from...
Best For
Overall Value & Features
Needing built-in Video
Want connection with smart home hub
Budget Option
Wi-Fi Built In
Wi-Fi via Add-on
Alexa Integration
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Siri / Homekit Integration
No
No
Yes
Yes
Google Assistant
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
User Reviews
1,728 Reviews
342 Reviews
5,172 Reviews
575 Reviews
Price
$499.98
Price not available
$188.10
$149.00
Lock
Schlage Encode
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Matte Black
Best For
Overall Value & Features
Wi-Fi Built In
Wi-Fi via Add-on
Alexa Integration
Yes
Siri / Homekit Integration
No
Google Assistant
Yes
User Reviews
1,728 Reviews
Price
$499.98
Where to Buy
Our Review
Lock
Gate Labs Video Lock
Smart Lock by Gate Labs: WiFi All-in-One Doorbell & Deadbolt | App Enabled, Built-in Camera, Two-Way...
Best For
Needing built-in Video
Wi-Fi Built In
Wi-Fi via Add-on
Alexa Integration
No
Siri / Homekit Integration
No
Google Assistant
No
User Reviews
342 Reviews
Price
Price not available
Where to Buy
Our Review
Lock
August Pro w/ Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
Best For
Want connection with smart home hub
Wi-Fi Built In
Wi-Fi via Add-on
Alexa Integration
Yes
Siri / Homekit Integration
Yes
Google Assistant
Yes
User Reviews
5,172 Reviews
Price
$188.10
Where to Buy
Our Review
Lock
August w/ Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home Entry from...
Best For
Budget Option
Wi-Fi Built In
Wi-Fi via Add-on
Alexa Integration
Yes
Siri / Homekit Integration
Yes
Google Assistant
Yes
User Reviews
575 Reviews
Price
$149.00
Where to Buy
Our Review

Things to consider

Built-in or via Hub?

As mentioned above their are two types of Wi-fi locks

  1. Standalone
    - These don't require a separate add-on to connect to your router
  2. Via Add-on
    - Generally a $50-100 add-on that will plugin into your wall socket and act as a bridge between your lock and your home wireless router.

We have two sections in this guide to help you filter based on which one you prefer.

Wi-Fi Direct vs Add-on

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

  1. Attach on your deadbolt (only 1 model on the market is like this)
  2. Interior deadbolt replacement where on the outside your door looks the same but the interior deadbolt section controls the lock and is replaced
  3. Complete deadbolt replacement
  4. Handle / Lever / Knob replacement where you only have one hole on your door
  5. Integrated lock where your deadbolt and handle are in one mechanism where they lock but are separated on the door
  6. Mortise - a fully integrated system

You can click on the images below to filter down the Wi-fi door locks that fit each particular door type.

Handle / Knob

handle-yes-01

Deadbolt Replacement

Deadbolt Replacement

Interior Deadbolt Replacement

interior-replacement-yes-01-01-01-01

Mortise

Mortise Smart Lock

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 Wifi

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

A Wi-Fi connected lock will be your most straightforward option to remote manage and monitor your lock.

Using your home wireless router and not having to rely on an additional smart home hub to connect.

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 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.

Wi-Fi Direct Lock Comparison

Wifi Direct Attachment
Wi-Fi Smart Lock 3 image
Retail Price $249.00
(Available for: $499.98)
Our Review
Wi-Fi Smart Lock 5 image
Wi-Fi Smart Lock 6 imageInterior View
Wi-Fi Smart Lock 7 imageExterior View

Schlage Encode


Lock Type: Deadbolt Replacement
Finish Options: Black, Bronze, and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi
Google Assistant: Yes
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
Pros
  • Built-in Wi-Fi so you don’t need to purchase an additional hub to get remote monitoring capabilities
  • Integration out of the box with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls
  • High rated app for both Android and iOS devices.
  • Integrations with Key by Amazon (and their video doorbell) and with Ring for additional home security monitoring.
  • Up to 100 virtual keys you can set and manage remotely from your mobile app
Cons
  • Since it is Wifi enabled you will not be able to connect to Z-Wave or Zigbee enabled devices directly without the use of an additional smart home hub.
  • Is not sold with a matching handle set so you will have to add these in a separate purchase if you are trying to get a whole door set and not just replace your deadbolt.
  • The Encode does not come with as many finish options as others on the market.
  • A few users have had issues with the Schlage Home app syncing correctly but these seemed to have been fixed in a recent app update.

The Wifi enabled Schlage Encode is a new release on the market and has been met with almost universal approval from users for both the lock and the partner Schlage Home control app.

The Wifi connectivity allows this to work with your Alexa and Google Assistant devices right out of the box unlike most models of smart locks on the market.

If you are having trouble with thieves coming and snagging your Amazon deliveries off of your porch it comes with Key by Amazon support and their video security camera. Ring is also supported if you have one installed already.

The Schlage Home app lets you add up to 100 access codes for your renters, kids or deliveries and is rated at almost 5 out of 5 stars with thousands of reviews on both app stores.

Overall the Encode is one of our top picks and actually delivers on the ease of use, integrations and convenience that have smart locks have promised for years.

Your Schlage Encode options:
lock finish

Option 1) Pick a finish

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

smart lock hub option icon

Option 4) Add voice control

Looking to add hands free voice control to your Schlage Encode system?.

Wi-Fi Via Add-on Bridge Locks

Wifi via Bridge

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

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