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.
How we chose the top Z-Wave Smart Locks
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.
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 Z-Wave 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Danalock V3
Finish Options: Nickel
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee
Siri Support: Yes with add-on hub
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- Four tailored versions for integration with popular smart home hubs: HomeKit & Bluetooth, Z-Wave & Bluetooth, Zigbee & Bluetooth, and Bluetooth-only.
- Simple installation and calibration, with extensive documentation to speed things up.
- A range of smart features including auto-unlock, twist assist, and geofencing
- Estimated 12 months battery life.
- Can be paired with the Danapad, a manual keypad enabling keyless entry for visitors – without downloading an app.
- Remote locking with versions that have Z-Wave or Zigbee and future integration with their to be released DanaBridge.
- No remote controlling options, though this should be corrected when the Danabridge V3 Plug launches this year.
- No native compatibility with Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
- Loud noise during locking and unlocking.
- Homekit version does not support auto-unlock or digital key sharing features.
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.
Your Danalock V3 options:
Comparisons
How do the different Danalock V3 models compare?
Option 2) Add Remote Locking
Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs? Choose either the locks with Zigbee or Z-Wave support and add a smart home hub from below.
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 Danalock lock or save a bit of $$ and buy as a package.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub
These hubs integrate with the Danalock and help with remote controlling the locks and connecting your door to other security or other smart devices in your home for a complete smart home system.
Kwikset 910
Finish Options: Bronze, Chrome, and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Z-Wave, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: No
Android App: No
- Plays well with top ranking smart home hubs like Wink, SmartThings and Vera
- Wide range of finish and style choices
- Backed by solid Kwikset warranty
- Integrated with wide range of Z-Wave or Zigbee security systems like ADT, Alarm.com with many users saying this is the best feature.
- No dedicated smart phone app so any app integration will come from your smart home hub like SmartThings app
- Cannot set new access codes remotely
- A few user complaints on battery life and build quality.
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.
Your Kwikset 910 options:
Comparisons
How do the different versions of the 910 smartlock compare?
Option 1) Pick a finish and style
Just want the lock? Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub and voice control
These hubs integrate with the Kwikset 910 locks and will provide Alexa integration and help connect your door to other security or other products in your home for a complete smart home system.
Kwikset 916
Finish Options: Brass, Bronze, Chrome, and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Z-Wave, Z-Wave Plus, and Zigbee
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- Can work with Alexa if you already have a smart home hub like SmartThings or Vera setup in your house.
- Users praise the easy installation process.
- Could be a positive or negative but you have to program codes directly on the lock itself for security reasons. Peace of mind for those security minded folks but not helpful if trying to use the lock to remotely manage codes or if wanting to use for Airbnb, etc
- Inconsistent battery life. Some users say they have used their batteries for multiple years where others only a few months. This also is impacted by how flush your door and lock mechanism is and how hard it has to work.
- If you dont have a smart home hub you are limited in that you cannot lock and manage the lock remotely. Also the hub integration allows you to lock the door and check its status but does not let you unlock the door or add new user access codes.
- Some users have complained about lock reliability with the lock failing to work reliably after a year or more of operation (Kwikset does have a very generous Warranty that should help offset concerns on this front)
- Changing batteries can be a bit of a hassle with the battery pack area being more difficult to access than it should be.
- The SmartThings app only controls basic locking and unlocking. For more advanced features a developer app is required so out of the box you won’t be able to unlock all functionality through the standard app.
- No a huge deal but the 4 AA batteries are not included.
The Kwikset smart lock is a decent tool for homes that are looking for basic smart lock functionality and becomes a much better choice if you already have a Zigbee or Z-Wave smart home hub in your home.
Features like pin access codes, auto-lock and a touchscreen panel come out of the box. If you don’t already have a smart home hub than we suggest you look elsewhere for locks with more features at a similar price point.
If you do have a smart home hub than the door opens up more options like Alexa integration (Siri/Homekit not supported) and features like setting automation schedules or integrations with other settings like turning off your lights when at the same time as locking your door.
Even with a smart home hub their are a few things to be aware of with the 916, you can not add new access codes remotely or unlock the door remotely. This is done for security reasons. If you really need this option we recommend looking at another lock.
Overall the 916 is a mid-range priced lock with mid-range features. it wont win any awards but could be a functional winner for you if you are looking for basic smart lock functionality from a reputable company.
Your Kwikset 916 options:
Comparisons
How does the standard 3rd gen model stack up to the Pro model?
Option 1) Pick a finish
Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
Option 2) Add a compatible smart home hub
These hubs integrate with the Kwikset 916 and help connect your door to other security or other smart devices in your home for a complete smart home system or with Alexa.
Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock
Finish Options: Black and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Z-Wave Plus and Zigbee
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: No
Android App: No
- The sleek obsidian color and design will fit in to any home.
- Can easily install onto the existing deadbolt in a short amount of time.
- SecureScreen patented technology prevents dirty fingerprints lingering on-screen and revealing your pin code.
- Connected version gives you 30 customizable user codes so family and friends can gain access.
- Users can plug in a 9V battery for backup power in case of failure.
- No backup key included.
- Short battery life means they need replaced several times a year.
- Battery replacement is quite complex and unintuitive, with hard-to-remove battery casing.
- You cannot remotely add access codes from your smart home hub
- No standalone app (you use your Z-Wave or Zigbee connected hub like Smarthings or Wink)
Kwikset have created a stylish alternative to the conventional lock. For those prone to losing keys, the Obsidian Smart Lock provides a sleek alternative for a reasonable price. The patented SecureScreen technology is also a nice touch, making sure that your pin number isn’t revealed by grubby fingerprints.
Thirty customizable user codes make the Kwikset a great tool for multiple occupancy home. The lock’s only real weakness is a short battery life compounded by a hard-to-remove battery casing.
The lock comes with both Zigbee or Z-Wave plus connectivity so you can integrate with smart home hubs. The lock however does not come outfitted with a stand-alone mobile app so you are limited in what you can do like adding access codes remotely from your phone.
If you value style over practicality, however, then the Kwikset Obsidian is as attractive as they come!
Your Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock options:
Option 1) Pick a finish
Just want the lock? In this model the difference in style mostly comes from the interior look not the exterior which is mostly just the keypad outside of the edges.
Option 3) Add a matching door handle
Need to add a matching lever for a new door?
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.
Schlage Connect
Finish Options: Black, Brass, Bronze, Chrome, and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Z-Wave Plus and Zigbee
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Alexa Support: Yes with add-on hub
iOS App: No
Android App: No
- The Connect has a wide range of styles (Contemporary and Traditional) along with finishes (Brass, Black, Chrome, Bronze and Nickel)
- Will work with a wide range of smart home hubs and security services like Vivint, Alarm.com, etc
- Users rave about ease of installation on door.
- Users get to choose the length of their pins (from 4-8 digits)
- Without an additional compatible smart home hub you are left with just being able to add and modify codes on the lock itself and you wont have any remote monitoring or locking ability.
- A few customers have complained of slow customer service responses.
- Doesnt have a dedicated app and does not work with the Schlage Home App (It only works with Encode and Sense locks)
The Schlage Connect comes outfitted in two model types Zigbee and Z-Wave Plus and without its own dedicated app is deeply tied to connected systems to get the most functionality out of it.
If you don’t already have a subscription to a smart home security system like Alarm.com or have any interest in adding a hub and doing deeper integrations with your home (ie: unlock your house when the garage door opens.) then you will be left with a smart lock that does the basics (auto-lock, access codes) but not much more than that.
The installation is dead simple with just a Phillips screwdriver and taking about 15-25 minutes and (then an additional 20-30 minutes to pair the device with your smart home hub.)
One thing to look out for when purchasing is the integration differences between the Zigbee and Z-Wave version. For example the Z-Wave version supports Google Assistant while the Zigbee version does not.
Overall the Schlage Connect has won good reviews from its customers with its consistent reliability, integrations and easy install. An overall winner in our book.
Your Schlage Connect options:
Comparisons
How do the different models of the Schlage Connect lock compare?
Option 1) Pick a finish
Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
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.
Yale Assure Lock SL
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
- 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.
- 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?
Option 1) Pick a finish
Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
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.
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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