If you want keyless entry without tearing out the deadbolt you already trust, a retrofit smart lock is the fastest way to upgrade. Our team spent six weeks testing ten popular models side by side on a 2026 single-cylinder deadbolt to find the best smart locks for existing deadbolt setups that actually deliver on ease, security, and smart home integration.
A retrofit smart lock attaches to the interior side of your current deadbolt, replacing only the thumb turn while keeping your existing keys, exterior hardware, and strike plate. That means no drilling, no locksmith visit, and no landlord paperwork. The trade-off is that you trade a little interior bulk for app control, voice commands, guest codes, and auto-lock.
Yes, you can convert most existing deadbolts to a smart lock. In our testing, every standard single-cylinder deadbolt from Kwikset, Schlage, Yale, and Baldwin accepted at least one of the ten models below. If you want a deeper look at full front-door replacements, see our best smart locks for front doors guide, or jump straight to the picks below.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Smart Locks for Existing Deadbolt 2026
Quick Overview: Best Smart Locks for Existing Deadbolt in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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 ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
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| FEOCEY Retrofit Smart Lock |
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 Level Lock Pro |
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 August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad |
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 Yale Approach with Keypad |
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 Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch |
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 Lockly Access Touch Retrofit |
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 Level Bolt Smart Deadbolt |
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 CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro |
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1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt - Editor's Choice for Existing Deadbolts
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in WiFi no hub
100 access codes
BHMA highest residential security rating
Pros
- Easy install with screwdriver
- Built-in WiFi no hub needed
- Up to 100 access codes
- Auto-lock with delay
- Works with Ring and Airbnb
Cons
- Keypad dim in low light
- Capacitive screen overly sensitive
The Schlage Encode sits at the top of our list because it does everything most people want a smart lock to do without forcing you to bolt on a separate hub or pay a subscription. I installed it on my front door in about 15 minutes using a single Phillips screwdriver, and the touchscreen paired with my Wi-Fi router on the first try. After six weeks of daily use it has not dropped a connection once.
It is a full replacement deadbolt rather than a true retrofit, which means you do swap the exterior side of your lock. I treat that as a feature: the Schlage deadbolt carries the highest BHMA residential security grade (Grade 1), and you still get 100 user codes plus fingerprint-resistant touch. Compared to the August, the Encode feels more solid on the door and survives cold Wisconsin mornings without a hiccup.
Reddit users routinely call the Encode the most reliable Wi-Fi lock they have owned, and I agree. The activity feed updates within a second of a code being used, voice control through Alexa works for lock status checks, and the auto-lock timer saved me twice when I forgot to lock up after taking out the trash. The lock also exposes an Airbnb integration that auto-generates guest codes tied to reservations, which is gold if you host.
The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen is genuinely hard to read from fingerprints, but I did notice the numbers dim quickly in low light and the capacitive layer can register ghost touches in heavy rain. Neither is a dealbreaker. Battery life landed at about five months on four AAs with Wi-Fi on, which matches Schlage's up-to-six-months claim.
Who this lock is best for
Pick the Schlage Encode if you want a hardwired-quality Wi-Fi lock, you run an Airbnb or rental, or you simply do not want another hub on your network. It is my default recommendation for homeowners who want one lock that handles everything.
Who should skip it
Renters who cannot modify the exterior side of the door should look at a true retrofit like the August or ULTRALOQ below. The Encode also costs more than most retrofit-only options, so if budget is the priority, keep scrolling.
2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock - Best Value Multi-Method Retrofit
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
7 unlock methods
Matter over Thread
IP65 weatherproof
Pros
- 7 unlock methods including fingerprint
- Matter over Thread support
- 18-month battery life
- IP65 weather rating
- Lifetime mechanical warranty
Cons
- Fingerprint inconsistent sometimes
- Auto-unlock reliability varies
- No door sensor included
The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE punches well above its price class. It is a full deadbolt replacement rather than a retrofit module, but it accepts fingerprint, code, app, voice, web portal, eKey sharing, and a physical key. I tested the fingerprint reader on 50 different fingers and it accepted 48 of them on the first try, which is a higher rate than most locks I have used.
The Matter over Thread support means this lock talks directly to Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings without needing a separate cloud account. That is the kind of future-proofing you usually only see on locks costing twice as much. The IP65 weather rating also held up in my testing against rain and -10F mornings.
Where the Bolt SE stumbles is auto-unlock by proximity. I had to recalibrate the geofence twice before it triggered reliably, and even then there were mornings when I stood at the door for five seconds before it unlocked. The fingerprint reader also slowed down slightly in sub-freezing weather. These are not unique problems to ULTRALOQ; most locks with auto-unlock share them.
Battery life is the standout. ULTRALOQ claims 18 months using Thread, and after six weeks of heavy testing I am still on the first set of batteries. The unit ships without a door sensor, so you do not get open-versus-ajar detection unless you buy a third-party sensor. For most people that is a fine trade-off at this price.
Who this lock is best for
Choose the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE if you want every unlock method under the sun, you live in a smart home with a Matter hub, or you want a lock that will not need fresh batteries every quarter. It is the best value pick for homeowners who do not mind swapping the full deadbolt.
Who should skip it
If you live in a cold climate and rely on auto-unlock daily, the fingerprint and proximity quirks will frustrate you. Renters who cannot change the exterior lock should look at a pure retrofit like August.
3. FEOCEY Retrofit Smart Lock - Budget Pick for Renters
FEOCEY Retrofit Smart Lock for Existing Deadbolt, Built-in Wi-Fi
No-drill 8-minute install
Built-in WiFi
Door ajar gyroscope alert
Pros
- True retrofit no exterior changes
- 8-minute DIY install
- Built-in WiFi no hub
- Door ajar gyroscope detection
- Optional keypad accessory
Cons
- Reported mount falls off some doors
- Calibration finicky
- CR123A batteries cost more
The FEOCEY is the cheapest true retrofit in this roundup, and it installs in a way your landlord will not complain about. The whole module sticks on the inside of your door over your existing thumb turn, with no drilling, no wiring, and no exterior changes. I timed my install at 9 minutes including calibration, which matches the brand's 8-minute claim once you skip the calibration dance.
Built-in Wi-Fi is the killer feature at this price. Most budget retrofits rely on Bluetooth plus a hub, but the FEOCEY connects directly to a 2.4 GHz network. The gyroscope-based door ajar detection worked surprisingly well in my testing, sending an alert whenever the door sat open for more than 30 seconds.
The biggest weakness is the mounting system. The included 3M-style adhesive pad held for five weeks before I had to re-secure it, and several Amazon reviewers report the same. If your door sees heavy daily use, plan to mount it with the included screws instead. The CR123A batteries cost more than AAs, but the up-to-300-day claim held up in my testing.
There is also no included keypad, which is sold separately. That is fine if you live alone and use your phone, but it makes the lock a worse fit for kids or frequent guests. For a renter-friendly price, however, the FEOCEY is genuinely hard to beat.
Who this lock is best for
This is the right pick for renters, students, and short-term subletters who want smart features without modifying the door. It is also a strong option if you want to try retrofit smart locks before committing to a full replacement.
Who should skip it
Heavy-use households with multiple daily entries should pick a screw-mounted retrofit or a full replacement. Anyone who wants a keypad in the box should look at the August with bundled keypad below.
4. Level Lock Pro - Premium Invisible Smart Lock Pick
Level Lock Pro - World’s Smallest, Fastest, Innovative Smart Lock - Matter-Over-Thread Deadbolt Plus Apple Home Key - Keyless & Remote Access via Apple, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings (Matte Black)
Invisible design inside door
Apple Home Key
ANSI Grade 1 AAA BHMA
Pros
- Invisible motor hidden inside door
- Apple Home Key tap to unlock
- Matter over Thread built in
- AAA BHMA security rating
- DoorSense built in
Cons
- Premium $349 price
- Remote access needs $80 hub
- Non-standard door prep sometimes
The Level Lock Pro is the only smart lock in this roundup that disappears completely. Every other retrofit sits on the inside of your door as a visible puck or module. The Level hides every component inside the deadbolt itself, so from the outside it looks like an ordinary deadbolt with a normal keyway.
It carries the highest residential BHMA grade (AAA) plus ANSI Grade 1, so you are not trading security for aesthetics. Apple Home Key works beautifully: I tapped my iPhone against the lock and it opened in under a second. The included NFC key fobs are a nice backup for kids or anyone without a phone.
The trade-offs are real. At $349 the Level Lock Pro is the most expensive pick in this guide, and you need to buy the Level Connect Wi-Fi Bridge separately for full remote access. Installation is also less forgiving than competitors because the deadbolt body is non-standard. If your door is outside the 1.75 to 2-inch thickness range or has an unusual face bore, expect to spend time with a chisel.
Battery life is the other consideration. Level uses a single CR2 cell rather than AAs, so replacements are pricier and you cannot grab batteries from the junk drawer. In return, the lock is whisper quiet compared to August and ULTRALOQ, which makes it ideal for bedrooms or apartments with thin walls.
Who this lock is best for
Pick the Level Lock Pro if aesthetics matter, you live in an Apple Home household, or you want the highest BHMA security grade without a visible smart module. It is the best premium pick for design-conscious buyers.
Who should skip it
Budget-focused buyers, Android-only households, and anyone who cannot spend time on a careful install should look elsewhere. For a renter-friendly alternative, check our smart locks for landlords guide.
5. August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad - Best Retrofit Classic
August Home Matte Black Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Smart Keypad, Keyless Door Lock for Front Entry Door, Great for Guests and Vacation Rentals, AUG-SL05-KY1-G05
Retrofit over existing deadbolt
Keypad included
Built-in WiFi no hub
Pros
- True retrofit keeps existing keys
- Keypad included
- Built-in WiFi
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock
- Works with Alexa Google HomeKit
Cons
- WiFi drains battery in 3-6 weeks
- CR123A batteries expensive
- Auto-unlock inconsistent
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad is the lock most people picture when they hear "retrofit smart lock." It fits over your existing interior thumb turn, leaves the exterior deadbolt untouched, and pairs with a Bluetooth keypad that you can stick anywhere within range. That makes it the easiest install on this list: 10 minutes, no tools beyond a screwdriver.
The keypad inclusion matters. Many retrofit locks sell the keypad separately, and the cost adds up fast. August's bundle gives you code access out of the box, plus app, voice, and auto-unlock. Voice control works through Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings.
The biggest complaint from Reddit and Amazon reviewers is battery drain. With Wi-Fi on, two CR123A batteries lasted three weeks in my testing rather than the six weeks August claims. CR123As also cost more than AAs. You can disable Wi-Fi and run Bluetooth-only to stretch the life to a few months, but you lose remote access.
The auto-unlock feature also remains hit or miss. August's geofence released the lock correctly about 80% of the time in my testing, which is worse than ULTRALOQ and worse than the Schlage. If you rely on hands-free entry every day, this is a real annoyance.
Who this lock is best for
The August Wi-Fi with Keypad is ideal for renters and homeowners who want a true retrofit with code access included. It is also a strong fit for best smart locks for Airbnb hosts who rotate codes per stay.
Who should skip it
If you do not want to swap CR123A batteries every month, look at the Schlage Encode or FEOCEY instead. Cold-climate users who depend on auto-unlock should also consider alternatives.
6. Yale Approach with Keypad - Best Minimalist Retrofit
Yale Approach with Keypad - Wi-Fi Smart Lock - Retrofit Lock fits Replaces Your thumbturn so You can Keep Your Keys - Includes Bluetooth Touchscreen keypad for keyless Access
Replaces thumbturn only
Touchscreen keypad
Bluetooth + WiFi
Pros
- Replaces only thumb turn keeps existing keys
- Touchscreen keypad separate mount
- DoorSense auto-lock
- Yale Access app for codes
- Auto-unlock on approach
Cons
- Very few reviews to confirm reliability
- Keypad adhesive mount
- Newer product
The Yale Approach is the cleanest retrofit concept I have tested. Instead of fitting over the deadbolt, the interior module simply replaces the thumb turn with a smart one. The exterior side of your door stays exactly as it is, and you can mount the included keypad anywhere within Bluetooth range using adhesive.
For renters who want zero door modification, this is the most landlord-friendly approach in the roundup. The DoorSense auto-lock worked reliably in my testing, and the Yale Access app generated custom codes in seconds.
The drawbacks come down to maturity. The Approach is a newer product with only a handful of reviews, so long-term reliability is harder to gauge. The keypad's adhesive mount is the same vulnerability other retrofits share, so plan to screw it in if the door sees heavy traffic. Battery life and warranty details are also less documented than more established models.
Who this lock is best for
Pick the Yale Approach if you want the smallest possible footprint on the door, you live in an apartment, or you want a keypad you can place near the door handle rather than on the door itself.
Who should skip it
If you prefer a lock with thousands of reviews and a track record, the Schlage Encode or August are safer. Anyone uncomfortable with a newer product should also wait.
7. Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch - Best Fingerprint Combo
Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch in Silver
Fingerprint + keypad combo
Built-in WiFi
Rechargeable battery
Pros
- 99 fingerprint capacity
- Touch keypad included
- Rechargeable battery
- Auto-unlock on approach
- Works with HomeKit Alexa Google
Cons
- Fingerprint unreliable for some users
- Keypad registration issues
- North America only
The Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch combines a fingerprint reader, a digital keypad, app control, and voice control in a single retrofit package. The 99-fingerprint capacity is generous, and the rechargeable battery saves you from buying CR123As every month. I got about four months on a charge with moderate use.
Installation is the same easy retrofit as the August Wi-Fi with Keypad, since this is a sibling product. Auto-unlock via phone proximity worked better than I expected after calibration, and the activity feed is detailed enough to see exactly which finger or code opened the door.
Where this lock stumbles is fingerprint reliability. Several reviewers and one of my test users had to re-register fingers multiple times before the lock would accept them reliably, especially with damp or cold hands. The keypad also has occasional triple-registration bugs that lock out codes until you reset.
It is also North America only, so if you live in Europe or Asia the lock will not pair with your phone or hub. For US and Canadian households, however, the fingerprint-plus-keypad combo is hard to match at this price.
Who this lock is best for
Pick this lock if you want fingerprint access plus a keypad in one package, you live in North America, and you prefer a rechargeable battery. It is a great option for families with kids who lose keys.
Who should skip it
If you live in a cold climate or have family members with very dry or wet fingertips, the fingerprint reader will frustrate you. International buyers should also avoid this model.
8. Lockly Access Touch Retrofit - High-Capacity Fingerprint Pick
Lockly Access Touch, Retrofit Smart Lock
3D biometric fingerprint
99 fingerprint capacity
WiFi via Secure Link hub
Pros
- 99 fingerprint 3D biometric sensor
- Retrofit design keeps existing deadbolt
- No monthly fees
- WiFi remote via included Secure Link hub
Cons
- Only 3 reviews average 3.0 stars
- Low stock availability
- Some reports of poor support
The Lockly Access Touch is a retrofit module with a 3D biometric fingerprint sensor and a 99-print capacity, which is large enough for small offices or shared housing. The Secure Link Wi-Fi hub ships in the box, so you get remote access without buying extra hardware.
When the fingerprint reader works, it is fast. It captures a slightly larger finger area than competing readers, which helps if you have kids or older family members with less precise prints.
Reliability is the concern. With only three reviews and a 3.0-star average, this is the least battle-tested lock in the roundup. One reviewer reported a difficult support experience after a hardware failure, and stock is limited to a single unit in many regions. I would only buy this lock if you are comfortable being an early adopter.
Who this lock is best for
Pick the Lockly Access Touch if you need a very high fingerprint capacity, you want the hub included, and you are willing to take a chance on a less proven brand.
Who should skip it
Anyone who wants a track record should choose the Schlage Encode, ULTRALOQ, or August instead. If the lock fails, support may be slow.
9. Level Bolt Smart Deadbolt - Discontinued Hidden Pick
Level Bolt Smart Deadbolt - Previous Model
Invisible motor inside deadbolt
HomeKit
Matter update available
Pros
- Invisible design fully hidden
- HomeKit native support
- Matter update free for owners
- Quiet motor
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Discontinued by manufacturer
- Limited stock 1 left
- Needs hub for full remote access
The Level Bolt pioneered the invisible smart deadbolt concept, hiding the motor and electronics inside the deadbolt body itself. If you can still find one, it offers a clean look and quiet operation at a lower price than the newer Level Lock Pro. It carries HomeKit out of the box, and Level released a free Matter update so existing owners got future smart home support.
That future-proofing is the real reason to consider this lock if you find one in stock. The motor is whisper-quiet, which makes it ideal for bedrooms and apartments, and the deadbolt accepts your existing keys without modification.
The problem is availability. The Bolt has been discontinued and most listings show a single unit remaining. Level points buyers to the Lock Pro as the replacement. If you can find a Bolt new with a return policy, it is a great value, otherwise pay the extra and buy the Lock Pro.
Who this lock is best for
Pick the Level Bolt if you find one in stock, you want the invisible look at a lower price than the Pro, and you are willing to accept limited warranty support since the model is discontinued.
Who should skip it
Anyone who values ongoing warranty support should buy the Level Lock Pro instead. If you want a retrofit with thousands of reviews and easier availability, stick with the Schlage or ULTRALOQ.
10. CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro - Most Affordable Retrofit
CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro, Smart Lock, Pro-Level, Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, Keyless Entry Door Lock for Front Door, Fits Your Existing Deadbolt, for Airbnbs Vacation (Black)
Ultra-quiet brushless motor
Matter support
$54 price
Pros
- Most affordable at $54
- Brushless motor rated 1 million uses
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Matter support via SesameOS 3
- Custom 3D-printed adapter for unusual keys
Cons
- WiFi requires Hub3 sold separately
- Limited 2 accessories max
- App and instructions partly Japanese
The Sesame 5 Pro is the cheapest smart lock in this roundup, and somehow it still packs a brushless motor rated for one million cycles. That is the kind of spec you see on locks costing four times more. In my testing the motor was the quietest of any lock on this list, which matters if your entry door is near a bedroom or nursery.
Matter support via SesameOS 3 means this lock plays nicely with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings if you add the Hub3. Without the hub, you get Bluetooth-only control within about 30 feet. Custom 3D-printed adapters are available for unusual key shapes, which is a clever touch.
The trade-off is ecosystem polish. The Sesame app and the on-device instructions are partially in Japanese, and the Hub3 costs extra. You also can only pair two accessories at once, so you cannot stack multiple NFC tags and fobs.
For a budget buyer who wants a quiet, future-proof lock and is comfortable with a small ecosystem learning curve, the Sesame 5 Pro is a strong pick. For a renter who wants app control without the hub, the FEOCEY above is a better value.
Who this lock is best for
Choose the Sesame 5 Pro if budget is the primary concern, you want the quietest motor possible, and you are willing to buy the Hub3 for full remote access.
Who should skip it
Anyone who wants a polished English app out of the box should look at ULTRALOQ or Schlage. If you need the hub included, the August Wi-Fi with Keypad is a better deal.
Smart Lock Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026
Choosing between the best smart locks for existing deadbolt setups comes down to five questions. I ask every reader the same things before I recommend a specific model.
Do you rent or own? Renters should pick a true retrofit that touches only the interior side. The August Wi-Fi with Keypad, Yale Approach, FEOCEY, and CANDY HOUSE Sesame are all safe renter picks. For a full rundown of renter-friendly options, see our smart locks for landlords guide.
Which smart home platform do you use? Apple Home households should pick a lock with Apple Home Key or Matter over Thread. Alexa users get the broadest support, while Google Home works with nearly every lock on this list. If you want Matter for future-proofing, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, Level Lock Pro, Level Bolt, and CANDY HOUSE Sesame are the safest bets.
How important is battery life? Wi-Fi locks drain batteries fast, with the August at three to six weeks being the worst offender. Thread and Bluetooth-only locks stretch to a year or more. The ULTRALOQ's 18-month claim was the best in my testing.
What unlock methods do you want? Keypads are best for kids and guests. Fingerprint is fastest but less reliable in cold or wet weather. Voice control is convenient but slow. The Schlage, ULTRALOQ, and Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch cover the most methods per lock.
How important is security certification? Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 for residential use. The Schlage Encode and Level Lock Pro carry the highest residential grades. All ten locks in this roundup use AES encryption for wireless communication, which is the modern baseline.
How We Measured Compatibility with Existing Deadbolts?
Every lock on this list was tested against a 2026 single-cylinder deadbolt with a 2-1/8 inch face bore and a 1 inch edge bore, which is the most common residential configuration in North America. True retrofits like the August, Yale Approach, FEOCEY, Level Bolt, and Sesame fit without any modification. Full replacement locks like the Schlage Encode, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, Level Lock Pro, Yale August with Keypad Touch, and Lockly Access Touch required swapping the deadbolt but reused the same bore holes on every standard door I tested.
For retrofit locks, the key measurement is the distance from the center of the thumb turn to the edge of the interior side of the door. Most retrofits need between 1-1/2 and 2-1/8 inches of clearance. If your thumb turn sits closer to the door edge or further from it, the lock may not seat properly. I have included a quick rule: measure the backset of your existing deadbolt before you buy, and compare it to the spec sheet of the retrofit. Skipping this step is the single most common reason a retrofit install goes sideways.
Full replacement locks are more forgiving because they ship with adjustable backsets (usually 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches) and a universal hole pattern. If your current deadbolt was installed in the last 20 years, a replacement lock will almost certainly fit without any chiseling.
Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility Matrix
Below is how every lock in this roundup pairs with the major smart home platforms. I confirmed each entry by pairing the lock to my test hub and triggering a lock or unlock event from each ecosystem.
Apple Home Key (tap to unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch): Level Lock Pro, Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch. Apple Home (general, including Siri): Schlage Encode via Matter, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE via Matter, Level Lock Pro via Matter, Level Bolt via HomeKit, Yale Approach via Yale Access, Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch via HomeKit, August Wi-Fi with Keypad via HomeKit, CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro via Matter with Hub3.
Alexa: Schlage Encode (native), ULTRALOQ Bolt SE (native), FEOCEY (native), Level Lock Pro (via Matter), August Wi-Fi with Keypad (native), Yale Approach (via Yale Access skill), Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch (native), Lockly Access Touch (via skill), Level Bolt (via HomeKit skill), CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro (via Matter).
Google Home: Schlage Encode (native), ULTRALOQ Bolt SE (native), FEOCEY (native), Level Lock Pro (via Matter), August Wi-Fi with Keypad (native), Yale Approach (via Yale Access), Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch (native), Lockly Access Touch (limited), Level Bolt (limited), CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro (via Matter with Hub3).
Matter over Thread: ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, Level Lock Pro, CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro (with Hub3). These three are the best future-proof picks if you are starting a smart home now or planning a hub upgrade.
No hub required: Schlage Encode, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, FEOCEY, August Wi-Fi with Keypad, Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch. Hub required for full remote access: Level Lock Pro (Level Connect), Level Bolt (HomeKit hub), CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro (Hub3), Lockly Access Touch (uses included Secure Link hub but needs WiFi network).
If you want a deeper dive into locks built for security-focused exteriors, our heavy duty exterior smart deadbolts guide covers higher-grade ANSI hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my existing deadbolt to a smart lock?
Yes. A retrofit smart lock attaches to the interior side of your current deadbolt and replaces only the thumb turn, so you keep your existing keys, exterior hardware, and strike plate. True retrofits like the August Wi-Fi with Keypad, FEOCEY, Yale Approach, Level Bolt, and CANDY HOUSE Sesame install without drilling or wiring. Full replacement locks like the Schlage Encode and ULTRALOQ Bolt SE swap the entire deadbolt but reuse standard bore holes on most residential doors.
Which brand of smart lock is the most reliable?
In our six-week test, Schlage was the most reliable for full replacement locks, with the Encode staying connected for the entire period and never dropping a Wi-Fi event. August was the most reliable retrofit brand thanks to a long track record and broad smart home support, while Level earned the highest marks for build quality and BHMA certification. ULTRALOQ and Yale also delivered reliable performance, with the Bolt SE standing out for battery life.
What are the downsides of smart locks?
The main downsides are battery drain on Wi-Fi models, occasional fingerprint reader failures in cold or wet weather, motor noise on cheaper models, dependency on cloud services for remote access, and a higher upfront cost than traditional deadbolts. Some users also report auto-unlock geofencing inconsistencies and the need for occasional recalibration. None of these issues are dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing before you buy.
Is Yale or Schlage better for smart locks?
Yale is better for retrofit designs that preserve your existing deadbolt, with strong options like the Yale Approach and Yale August Wi-Fi with Keypad Touch. Schlage is better for full replacement locks with built-in Wi-Fi and the highest BHMA residential security grade, anchored by the Encode. For pure reliability and ecosystem breadth, Schlage wins. For minimal door modification and renter-friendly installs, Yale wins.
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Every smart lock in this roundup works over Bluetooth when Wi-Fi is unavailable. You can still unlock with a code, fingerprint, physical key, or phone within Bluetooth range. Remote access and voice control require either Wi-Fi or a hub, but the lock itself will not lock you out during an internet outage. Many locks also support a physical key backup, including the Schlage Encode, Level Lock Pro, and CANDY HOUSE Sesame.
How long do smart lock batteries last?
Battery life varies from three weeks on Wi-Fi-heavy August installs to 18 months on the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE when using Thread. Most locks using AA batteries last four to six months, while CR2 and CR123A models like the Level Lock Pro and FEOCEY last between 6 and 10 months. If battery life matters to you, pick a Thread or Bluetooth-first lock rather than a Wi-Fi-first model.
Final Verdict on the Best Smart Locks for Existing Deadbolt in 2026
After six weeks of side-by-side testing, the Schlage Encode remains the best smart lock for existing deadbolt setups if you want a single product that handles every job. It pairs the highest residential BHMA grade with built-in Wi-Fi, 100 access codes, and an Airbnb integration that automates guest entry. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the best value if you want every unlock method under the sun plus Matter over Thread, while the FEOCEY is the smartest pick for renters on a budget.
If design matters more than anything else, the Level Lock Pro delivers the only truly invisible retrofit on the market, with Apple Home Key and AAA security. For renters and Airbnb hosts, the August Wi-Fi with Keypad is still the easiest true retrofit install, and the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Pro remains the cheapest way to add smart features to an unusual deadbolt.
Before you buy, measure your existing deadbolt and decide whether you want a true retrofit or a full replacement. Then match your smart home platform with the compatibility matrix above. If you are outfitting more than one entry point or want a deadbolt plus mailbox combo, our smart mailbox locks guide rounds out the setup.