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Z-Wave Icon

2019 Buyers Guide

Z-Wave Smart Locks

In the market for a door lock that is compatible with your Z-Wave or Z-Wave Plus smart home hub?

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

August Smart Lock Pro 3rd GenAugust Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen logo Z-Wave Smart Locks 1 image
$179.00
Kwikset 910Kwikset 910 logo Z-Wave Smart Locks 2 image
$174.47
Yale Assure Lever LockYale Assure Lever Lock logo Z-Wave Smart Locks 3 image
$450.02
Schlage ConnectSchlage Connect logo Z-Wave Smart Locks 4 image
$177.78

How we chose the top Z-Wave Smart Locks

100s Hours

Of research and hands on testing

Top Integrations

checked to see what works with what

50+

Real users reviews analyzed

Z-Wave Lock Overview
Z-Wave Door Lock Icon

Z-wave enabled smart locks are some of the most popular locks in the market due to their integration with popular smart home hub and controller devices on the market.

If you are looking for a full home automation and control features a Z-Wave lock will provide this much more than a Bluetooth lock and in some cases even a Wi-Fi enabled lock.

Z-Wave Lock Pros

  • Largest number of integrations with hubs and other smart home products on the market
  • The new Z-Wave Plus offers excellent battery life, communication range and the ability to mesh connect and OTA updates

Z-Wave Lock Cons:

  • Won't communicate directly with your smart phone.
  • Typically you are going to need to have an additional Z-Wave hub to get all of the features.

Z-Wave vs Z-Wave Plus?

What is the difference and should it impact your lock purchasing decision?

Z-Wave plus is essentially just the next generation of the protocol that has some benefits including decreased power consumption and farther range.

Luckily they designed it to be backwards compatible with existing Z-Wave products, so if you have older Z-Wave products you are in luck that they will still retain their old functionality. If you have the choice we recommended everyone get Z-Wave Plus for all new products moving forward to get the new features and increase their useful lifespan.

What is the best Z-Wave enabled smart lock to buy?

The smart lock market has a large range of options and configurations to choose from ranging from door fit and installation to making sure it works well with other smart home devices and your phone. But which one should you buy?

Here are the main 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.

Lock
August Pro 3rd Generation
Schlage Connect Z-Wave Plus Contemporary "Century"
Yale Assure Lever Lock
910 Traditional Z-Wave
August AUG-SL-CON-S03 Silver Smart Lock Pro, 3rd Generation-Dark Gray, Apple Home Kit Compatible and...
SCHLAGE BE469ZP CAM 619 Connect Smart Deadbolt with alarm with Camelot Trim in Satin Nickel, Z-Wave...
Yale Assure Lever - Smart Touchscreen Lever with Z-Wave Plus - Works with Ring Alarm, Samsung...
Kwikset 910 Door Lock for U.S., 910TRL ZW 15 SMT (Satin Nickle), by Kwikset, Cert ID: ZC08-15060007
Best For
Most Popular
Needing a keypad and touchscreen
If you need to replace handle / knob only
Budget Option
Lock Type
Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Deadbolt Replacement
Handle or Knob Replacement
Deadbolt Replacement
Alexa Integration?
Needs Wi-fi bridge
Yes, if you have a hub
Yes, if you have a hub
Yes with add-on hub
Siri / Homekit Integration?
Yes
Yes, but requires technical knowledge
Yes, if you have a hub
No
User Reviews
576 Reviews
921 Reviews
108 Reviews
1,064 Reviews
Price
$179.00
$239.82
$389.99
Price not available
Lock
August Pro 3rd Generation
August AUG-SL-CON-S03 Silver Smart Lock Pro, 3rd Generation-Dark Gray, Apple Home Kit Compatible and...
Best For
Most Popular
Lock Type
Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Alexa Integration?
Needs Wi-fi bridge
Siri / Homekit Integration?
Yes
User Reviews
576 Reviews
Price
$179.00
Where to Buy
Our Review
Lock
Schlage Connect Z-Wave Plus Contemporary "Century"
SCHLAGE BE469ZP CAM 619 Connect Smart Deadbolt with alarm with Camelot Trim in Satin Nickel, Z-Wave...
Best For
Needing a keypad and touchscreen
Lock Type
Deadbolt Replacement
Alexa Integration?
Yes, if you have a hub
Siri / Homekit Integration?
Yes, but requires technical knowledge
User Reviews
921 Reviews
Price
$239.82
Where to Buy
Our Review
Lock
Yale Assure Lever Lock
Yale Assure Lever - Smart Touchscreen Lever with Z-Wave Plus - Works with Ring Alarm, Samsung...
Best For
If you need to replace handle / knob only
Lock Type
Handle or Knob Replacement
Alexa Integration?
Yes, if you have a hub
Siri / Homekit Integration?
Yes, if you have a hub
User Reviews
108 Reviews
Price
$389.99
Where to Buy
Our Review
Lock
910 Traditional Z-Wave
Kwikset 910 Door Lock for U.S., 910TRL ZW 15 SMT (Satin Nickle), by Kwikset, Cert ID: ZC08-15060007
Best For
Budget Option
Lock Type
Deadbolt Replacement
Alexa Integration?
Yes with add-on hub
Siri / Homekit Integration?
No
User Reviews
1,064 Reviews
Price
Price not available
Where to Buy
Our Review

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

  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 Z-Wave 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.

Access Codes

Integration with smart home ecosystems

Since you are searching for a Z-Wave lock you more than likely already have a Z-Wave enabled hub in your home.

Once connected to your home hub and router the locks will 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 Z-Wave locks by each of their compatible systems.

Z-Wave Connectivity

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 Z-Wave connected locks will work well to manage and control your lock while away from home. 

The locks will connect to your smart home hub like SmartThings or Wink and then to your home Wifi network so that it can be managed while you are away from home.

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.

Z-Wave Lock Comparison

Z-Wave Smart Locks 5 image
Retail Price $229.00
(Available for: $179.00)
Our Review
Z-Wave Smart Locks 7 image
Z-Wave Smart Locks 8 imageInterior View
Z-Wave Smart Locks 9 imageExterior View

August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen


Lock Type: Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Finish Options: Black and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Apple Homekit, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, and Z-Wave Plus
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Siri Support: Yes
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
Pros
  • Seamless integration with Alexa, Google, Siri, Homekit, and Z-Wave Plus.
  • Easy to create and manage digital keys, making it ideal for vacation rentals.
  • Simple installation with only a screwdriver, plus instructional videos if you get stuck.
  • No changes to the exterior, keeping HOAs and landlords happy
  • Sturdy, high-quality build with solid metal exterior.
Cons
  • The auto-unlock feature can be unreliable (especially with Android), and opening directly from the app can take longer than a key.
  • The app does not always show real-time information.
  • If you run into problems, it can be difficult to get in touch with customer service.
  • Larger than the base model, so it can cause issues when there is a tight fit (measure first!)

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.

Your August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen options:
Comparisons

How does the standard 3rd gen model stack up to the Pro model?

Title
Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen)
Smart Lock (3rd Gen)
Smart Lock (3rd Gen) + Connect
Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect
August AUG-SL-CON-S03 Silver Smart Lock Pro, 3rd Generation-Dark Gray, Apple Home Kit Compatible and...
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home Entry from...
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
Price
$179.00
$96.62
$149.00
$188.10
-
-
-
-
Rating
576 Reviews
2,498 Reviews
575 Reviews
5,172 Reviews
iOS App
Android App
Remote Locking
Keypad & Access Codes?
Requires add-on
Requires add-on
Requires add-on
Requires add-on
Smart Home Integration?
Alexa Support?
Siri / Homekit Support?
Google Assistant Support?
Title
Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen)
August AUG-SL-CON-S03 Silver Smart Lock Pro, 3rd Generation-Dark Gray, Apple Home Kit Compatible and...
Price
$179.00
-
Rating
576 Reviews
iOS App
Android App
Remote Locking
Keypad & Access Codes?
Requires add-on
Smart Home Integration?
Alexa Support?
Siri / Homekit Support?
Google Assistant Support?
Title
Smart Lock (3rd Gen)
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
Price
$96.62
-
Rating
2,498 Reviews
iOS App
Android App
Remote Locking
Keypad & Access Codes?
Requires add-on
Smart Home Integration?
Alexa Support?
Siri / Homekit Support?
Google Assistant Support?
Title
Smart Lock (3rd Gen) + Connect
August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home Entry from...
Price
$149.00
-
Rating
575 Reviews
iOS App
Android App
Remote Locking
Keypad & Access Codes?
Requires add-on
Smart Home Integration?
Alexa Support?
Siri / Homekit Support?
Google Assistant Support?
-
Title
Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
Price
$188.10
-
Rating
5,172 Reviews
iOS App
Android App
Remote Locking
Keypad & Access Codes?
Requires add-on
Smart Home Integration?
Alexa Support?
Siri / Homekit Support?
Google Assistant Support?
-

lock finish

Option 1) Pick a finish

Just want the lock? Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.

remote locking smart lock option icon

Option 2) Add Remote Locking

Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs? Add either the Connect Bridge or the August Door Cam to add this feature to your lock.

smart lock keypad

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 August lock.

smart lock hub option icon

Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub

These hubs integrate with the August and help connect your door to other security or other smart devices in your home for a complete smart home system.

Z-Wave Smart Locks 11 image
Retail Price $299.00
(Available for: $450.02)
Our Review
Z-Wave Smart Locks 13 image
Z-Wave Smart Locks 14 imageInterior View
Z-Wave Smart Locks 15 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.

Z-Wave Smart Locks 17 image
Retail Price $299.99
(Available for: $346.22)
Our Review
Z-Wave Smart Locks 19 image
Z-Wave Smart Locks 20 imageInterior View
Z-Wave Smart Locks 21 imageExterior View

Yale Assure Lock SL


Lock Type: Deadbolt Replacement
Finish Options: Brass, Bronze, and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Apple Homekit, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Z-Wave, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Siri Support: Yes
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
Pros
  • With all of its radio offerings it can connect with almost any of your smart home hubs and security systems on the market today.
  • Small and clean design with a decent number of finish options.
Cons
  • Need to have a plan on what kind of system you want to build and integrate with in your home as the connectivity options are only offered one at a time.
  • No backup physical key. If your lock battery dies, you can recharge from outside using a 9v battery backup.
  • Reliant on August Connect Wifi bridge (Yale acquired August the company) so if you have tried August Wifi connection and didn’t like it you will be disappointed here as well.
  • Doesn’t really have a strong stand-alone app and if you use the August Wifi bridge will be using their software.
  • Retail price is on the expensive side of the market.

The Yale Assure SL lock features a clean touchscreen design.

You will get the most out of the unit if you already have an Apple TV (4th Gen and above) for the Homekit version or a smart home hub or security system like Wink, SmartThings, Alarm.com that you can integrate with and monitor and control the lock while you are away from your home or apartment.

The higher price might set you back especially if you don’t already have a smart hub or security system in place and need to add that to your order. (Note: The Wifi version offers a nice middle ground as the price is only a bit higher and will get you remote monitoring and control).

The Yale apps are not their strong suit and will be different depending on if you are on iOS or Android. You will be relying some on your 3rd party software support like for Wink or SmartThings if you really want to get the advanced features outside of setting and managing access codes.

Overall a solid if a little pricey offering from Yale with a range of connectivity options to fit your exact needs along with the normal range of smart lock features.

Your Yale Assure Lock SL options:
Comparisons

How does the standard 3rd gen model stack up to the Pro model?

Title
Homekit Enabled
Z-Wave Enabled
Zigbee Enabled
Wifi hub (Connected by August)
Yale Assure Lock SL - Key Free Smart Lock with Touchscreen Keypad - Works with Apple HomeKit and...
Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave, Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt, Lock only, Oil Rubbed Bronze
Yale Assure Lock SL with Zigbee - Smart Key Free Touchscreen Keypad Deadbolt - Works with Xfinity...
Yale Assure Lock SL, Wi-Fi Smart Lock - Works with the Yale Access App, Amazon Alexa, Google...
$346.22
$219.00
$219.00
$298.00
153 Reviews
1,020 Reviews
153 Reviews
635 Reviews
Homekit / Siri Enabled
Alexa Support
No
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
Yes
WiFi Support (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Zigbee Support (Echo Plus, Xfinity Home)
Z-Wave Support (SmartThings, Wink, Alarm.com)
Remote Locking
Yes, with Apple TV (4th Gen or later)
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
Yes
Title
Homekit Enabled
Yale Assure Lock SL - Key Free Smart Lock with Touchscreen Keypad - Works with Apple HomeKit and...
$346.22
153 Reviews
Homekit / Siri Enabled
Alexa Support
No
WiFi Support (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Zigbee Support (Echo Plus, Xfinity Home)
Z-Wave Support (SmartThings, Wink, Alarm.com)
Remote Locking
Yes, with Apple TV (4th Gen or later)
Title
Z-Wave Enabled
Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave, Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt, Lock only, Oil Rubbed Bronze
$219.00
1,020 Reviews
Homekit / Siri Enabled
Alexa Support
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
WiFi Support (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Zigbee Support (Echo Plus, Xfinity Home)
Z-Wave Support (SmartThings, Wink, Alarm.com)
Remote Locking
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
Title
Zigbee Enabled
Yale Assure Lock SL with Zigbee - Smart Key Free Touchscreen Keypad Deadbolt - Works with Xfinity...
$219.00
153 Reviews
Homekit / Siri Enabled
Alexa Support
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
WiFi Support (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Zigbee Support (Echo Plus, Xfinity Home)
Z-Wave Support (SmartThings, Wink, Alarm.com)
Remote Locking
Yes, with additional smart home or security hub
Title
Wifi hub (Connected by August)
Yale Assure Lock SL, Wi-Fi Smart Lock - Works with the Yale Access App, Amazon Alexa, Google...
$298.00
635 Reviews
Homekit / Siri Enabled
Alexa Support
Yes
WiFi Support (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Zigbee Support (Echo Plus, Xfinity Home)
Z-Wave Support (SmartThings, Wink, Alarm.com)
Remote Locking
Yes

remote locking smart lock option icon

Option 2) Add remote locking and voice control

Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs? Add either the Wifi Bridge version or you will need to get an Apple TV (4th Gen and above) for the Homekit version or an SmartThings/Wink type hub for the Zigbee & Z-Wave versions.

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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