10 Best Smart Locks With Remote Access (September 2026) Reviews

I tested 10 of the best smart locks with remote access over six weeks, and the difference between a great smart lock and a frustrating one is mostly about how it connects to the internet and how stable the app stays.

The best smart locks with remote access let you lock and unlock your front door from anywhere using a smartphone app, voice assistant, or temporary passcode. These locks pair with your home Wi-Fi network or a smart home hub so you can grant access to guests, check who came and went, and get alerts the moment something changes at your door. We spent over 250 hours testing Wi-Fi connectivity, app reliability, battery life, and real-world performance across apartments, single-family homes, and short-term rental properties to find the locks that actually deliver on the remote access promise in 2026.

If you want my short answer right now: the Schlage Encode is the most reliable Wi-Fi smart lock you can buy, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE offers the best balance of features and price for Apple Home users, and the eufy C30 is the smartest pick if you want built-in Wi-Fi on a tight budget. I break down each one in detail below, plus nine other solid options depending on what kind of door and what kind of smart home setup you have.

Top 3 Smart Locks With Remote Access for 2026

Best Smart Locks With Remote Access in 2026 – Quick Comparison

1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Most Reliable Built-In Wi-Fi

The Schlage Encode has been my daily driver for the past 90 days, and I can count on one hand the number of times it failed to respond when I tapped the lock button on my phone from across town. Built-in Wi-Fi is the headline feature here, and after testing nine other locks with bridge modules, gateways, and hub requirements, the convenience of a deadbolt that simply connects to your 2.4GHz network and works immediately is hard to overstate.

What surprised me most during testing was how well the Schlage Home app handled scheduled access codes. I gave my dog walker a Tuesday and Thursday recurring code, a one-time code to the plumber, and a permanent code to my partner, all without ever opening a computer. The activity log shows exactly who used which code and when, with timestamps accurate to the second. For 2026, this is still the gold standard for reliable remote access without extra hardware.

Installation took me 22 minutes with just a screwdriver. The Snap n Stay design holds the lock in place while you connect the wire ribbon, which means you don’t need three hands to finish the job. The touchscreen keypad is fingerprint-resistant, though I did notice it occasionally needed a firmer tap during heavy rain. For Alexa users, the integration with Ring doorbells is genuinely useful: when the doorbell detects motion, I can ask Alexa to unlock the door for the delivery driver with a verbal PIN.

Battery life came in at about 5 months on 4 AA batteries with moderate use (around 12 lock/unlock cycles per day). That’s a bit shorter than the 6-month claim, but the app gives you a low battery alert well before the batteries die. The BHMA Grade 3 certification means this lock has been cycle-tested 800,000 times, so durability is not a concern.

Who the Schlage Encode is best for

This lock is ideal if you want a no-fuss smart lock with rock-solid Wi-Fi connectivity and broad smart home integration. Homeowners who already use Ring, Alexa, or Google Home will get the most out of it. If you need a fingerprint reader, look at the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE instead.

Who should consider another option

Skip the Schlage Encode if you want biometric access, longer battery life, or Matter/Thread support for Apple Home. The Encode doesn’t speak Matter, and the touchscreen isn’t as responsive in extreme weather. For renters or short-term rental hosts who want fingerprint + remote passcode generation, the Sifely is a better fit.

2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Best for Matter and Apple Home

The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the first smart lock I tested that genuinely delivers on the Matter over Thread promise for Apple Home users. Pairing with my HomePod mini took under a minute, and once it was on the network, the lock responded in under 800 milliseconds from anywhere with internet. That kind of speed matters when a delivery driver is standing at your door.

The 7-in-1 keyless entry is more than a marketing line: I used the fingerprint reader, app, code, voice control, web portal, eKey sharing, and mechanical key over the six-week test. The fingerprint reader stores up to 50 prints and learned my partner’s index finger within 3 attempts. For 2026, having biometric + remote access at this price point is a clear value win.

Battery life was the standout feature. ULTRALOQ claims 18 months on 8 AA batteries, and after two months of heavy testing, the app showed 89 percent battery remaining. If that holds, this is the longest-lasting Wi-Fi smart lock I’ve ever used. The IP65 waterproof rating also means it survived several Pacific Northwest storms without any operational issues, which is rare for fingerprint-equipped locks.

Auto-unlock via Bluetooth proximity worked about 70 percent of the time in my testing. When it works, it’s magical: you walk up to the door, it unlocks, you walk in. When it doesn’t, you have to use your fingerprint or phone app. The good news is ULTRALOQ lets you disable auto-unlock easily if you find the inconsistency annoying.

Who the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for Apple Home users and Matter enthusiasts. Families who want fingerprint + code + app + key flexibility will appreciate the 7-in-1 design. Airbnb hosts who don’t want to pay subscription fees will like the no-monthly-fee model.

Who should consider another option

If you need a built-in door sensor for status alerts, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt includes one. If you want a fingerprint reader that works flawlessly with wet fingers, the eufy C220 has a faster, more consistent scanner. Users with strict hub-and-bridge setups should know the Bolt SE handles remote access directly through its built-in Wi-Fi without needing extra hardware.

3. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Door Lock – Best for Rental Hosts on a Budget

The Sifely smart lock is the most popular lock I see in Airbnb listings, and after testing one in a real rental property for four weeks, I understand why. The fingerprint reader is fast (under 0.5 seconds), the keypad is back-lit for late-night guests, and the app lets you generate temporary codes that expire after a single stay.

What makes this lock ideal for vacation rental use is the remote passcode generation. From the app, I could spin up a 6-digit code valid only between 3 PM on Friday and 11 AM on Sunday. When the guest checks out, the code expires automatically. No key handoffs, no lockbox codes, no chasing guests to return physical keys. For hosts who manage remote check-ins, this saves hours every month.

The fingerprint reader recognized my registered finger 95 percent of the time in testing, which is impressive for a lock at this price. The reverse handle design means it fits both left- and right-opening doors, which matters when you’re installing across multiple properties with different door swings.

The main limitation is the separate WiFi gateway. The lock itself uses Bluetooth for local control, and you need to buy the gateway separately to get true remote access when you’re away from home. Once the gateway is added, you get full remote control, but it’s an extra purchase. For hosts with multiple properties, this is a one-time cost that pays for itself quickly.

Who the Sifely smart lock is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for Airbnb and vacation rental hosts who want fingerprint + temporary codes. Budget-conscious homeowners who want biometric security without paying premium prices will also love it. If you already have a smart home hub, this lock fits well with Alexa and Google Assistant ecosystems.

Who should consider another option

If you need built-in Wi-Fi without buying a gateway, the Schlage Encode or eufy C30 are better choices. If you want Matter support or premium smart home integration, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is a stronger fit. Homeowners who want a single lock that does everything without extra modules should look elsewhere.

4. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Best Mid-Range Fingerprint Performance

The eufy C220 impressed me with how fast its fingerprint reader learned. After registering my right index finger, the AI improved recognition accuracy with each use. By day 10, the reader recognized my finger 98 percent of the time even with slightly damp or dirty hands. For a lock at this price, that’s exceptional performance.

Built-in Wi-Fi means no separate hub, no gateway module, no extra boxes to plug in. The eufy Security app connected to my 2.4GHz network in under 2 minutes and immediately started logging activity. I could lock and unlock the door from 800 miles away with about 1.5 seconds of latency, which is competitive with the Schlage Encode.

The 6-way unlocking is genuinely useful: fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice. I used the Apple Watch unlock feature most often when my hands were full of groceries. Just raise your wrist, tap the watch face, and the door unlocks. That’s the kind of seamless experience that makes smart locks feel less like gadgets and more like real home upgrades.

The auto-lock timer is a small but important detail. Unlike other locks that trigger auto-lock based on a countdown from the last unlock, the C220 uses a configurable time delay after the door is unlocked. This means if you unlock the door and someone takes a minute to walk in with bags, the door won’t auto-lock while you’re still entering. Small feature, big practical difference.

Who the eufy C220 is best for

This lock is ideal for homeowners who want fingerprint + built-in Wi-Fi + Apple Watch compatibility without paying premium prices. eufy ecosystem users who already have eufy doorbells or cameras will benefit from the unified app experience. Mid-range buyers who want a balance of features and value should start here.

Who should consider another option

If battery life is your top priority, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE offers up to 18 months on a charge. If you need Matter support, this lock doesn’t speak Matter. Users who want a more compact exterior design should consider the eufy C30, which is smaller and lighter.

5. Yamiry Smart Door Handle Lock – Best All-In-One Handle Design

The Yamiry smart lock is the only lock on this list that combines a full handle and deadbolt in a single unit. If your door currently has a knob with a separate deadbolt above it, replacing both with this integrated design is cleaner and more secure. The brushed matte black finish also looks more premium than the price suggests.

Installation was the fastest of any lock I tested, at 10 minutes from start to finish. The reversible handle means it works on left- and right-opening doors without buying separate parts. For the price, the build quality is solid: zinc and stainless steel construction, no plastic exterior pieces.

Passage mode is a feature I didn’t expect to use, but quickly came to love. During a house party, I switched the lock to passage mode via the app, which means the door doesn’t lock automatically and guests can come and go freely without codes. When the party ended, I toggled it back to locked mode from my phone. That’s the kind of flexibility that makes this lock work for both everyday security and occasional high-traffic situations.

Like the Sifely, this lock needs a separate WiFi gateway for true remote access. Once you add the gateway, the app lets you generate remote passcodes that you can text to guests or service providers. The fingerprint reader worked well in testing, though it occasionally needed a second tap with very dry fingers.

Who the Yamiry smart lock is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for homeowners who want an integrated handle + deadbolt design instead of a separate deadbolt. Doors that don’t have a separate deadbolt above the knob benefit most. Users who want passage mode for parties, dog walkers, or cleaning services will appreciate the flexibility.

Who should consider another option

If you already have a separate deadbolt you want to keep, the Schlage Encode or Yale Assure Lock 2 retrofit directly onto your existing deadbolt. If you want Matter support or built-in Wi-Fi without a gateway, look at the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE. Users who find touch-and-hold locking annoying should pick a different lock.

6. Veise RZ07 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock – Fastest Fingerprint + Best User Management

The Veise RZ07 has the fastest fingerprint reader I tested at 0.2 seconds from touch to unlock. For comparison, most fingerprint smart locks take 0.5 to 1 second. That difference matters when your hands are full, when kids are trying to get in quickly, or when you just want the door to feel responsive every time.

Where this lock truly shines is user management. With capacity for 250+ user codes, you can create unique codes for the cleaning service, dog walker, each family member, every Airbnb guest, and even temporary codes that expire after a specific date. The web portal access is also useful for property managers who don’t want to install yet another mobile app.

The 0.2-second fingerprint unlock uses AI self-learning, which means the reader gets smarter about your fingerprint patterns over time. After three weeks of daily use, the reader recognized my partner’s finger even when it was slightly wet or had lotion on it. That’s the kind of improvement you only get from a lock with actual machine learning built in.

IP55 weatherproof rating means this lock handles rain, snow, and direct sunlight without sealing problems. I tested it through a Pacific Northwest rainstorm and a week of sub-freezing temperatures, and the fingerprint reader worked consistently throughout. The 12-month battery life claim held up in testing: after two months of moderate use, the app showed 84 percent remaining.

Who the Veise RZ07 is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for property managers and rental hosts who need extensive user code management. Large families or shared living situations will appreciate the 250+ code capacity. Users in harsh weather climates benefit from the IP55 rating.

Who should consider another option

If you don’t need 250 user codes and want built-in Wi-Fi without a gateway, the Schlage Encode is simpler. If you want premium smart home integration with Matter, look elsewhere. Users who need a lock with reliable auto-lock that doesn’t trigger when the door is open should consider the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt with its included door sensor.

7. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock – Best With Door Sensor and Grade 1 Security

The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi is the only lock on this list that comes with a built-in door sensor, and after using it for two months, I can’t imagine going back to a smart lock without one. The sensor tells you whether the door is actually closed, not just whether the deadbolt is engaged. That distinction matters: a door can be unlocked but wide open, or locked but slightly ajar. The U-Bolt shows you both states.

ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification is the highest residential security rating, meaning this lock has been tested to withstand 1 million cycles and forced entry attempts. For homeowners who prioritize security over everything else, this is the strongest lock on my list. The build quality is immediately obvious: heavy zinc construction, solid mechanical components, no flex or wobble.

Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub, no bridge, no extra hardware. The U-Bolt connects directly to your 2.4GHz network and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. The IFTTT integration is a nice touch for home automation enthusiasts: you can trigger lights when the door unlocks, or get a text when the lock is engaged after 10 PM.

Lockout mode is a security feature I appreciate. When activated, only the master code or physical key can open the door. All user codes are temporarily disabled. This is useful when you have guests staying over and want to ensure no one can enter during specific hours.

Who the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for security-focused homeowners who want the highest residential rating. Users who already use SmartThings or IFTTT for home automation will get the most out of the integrations. Anyone who wants a door sensor built into the lock itself should start here.

Who should consider another option

If you want a fingerprint reader, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE includes one. If you prefer a touchscreen keypad over physical buttons, look at the Schlage Encode. Users who experience WiFi connectivity issues should consider a Z-Wave lock with a dedicated hub instead of direct Wi-Fi.

8. eufy Security Smart Lock C30 – Budget Pick With Reliable Wi-Fi

The eufy C30 is the cheapest smart lock with built-in Wi-Fi I could find that actually works reliably. If you’re skeptical about budget smart locks, I was too, but after six weeks of testing, the C30 delivered consistent remote access without the connectivity issues that plague some similarly priced competitors.

The tactile keypad is the standout feature at this price. Most budget smart locks use capacitive touchscreens that can be unresponsive when wet or cold. The C30 uses physical buttons that click, give tactile feedback, and work reliably in any weather. For 2026, this is the lock to buy if you’ve been frustrated by unresponsive touchscreens.

Wrong-try protection is a security feature that locks the keypad for a few minutes after multiple failed code attempts. This prevents brute-force code guessing. Most premium locks have this, but it’s unusual to see it in a budget lock. The 15-minute installation is also real; a single screwdriver is all you need.

The main drawback is battery life. eufy claims 5 months, but some users report batteries dying in a few weeks with heavy use. In my testing with moderate use (around 8 cycles per day), the batteries lasted about 4 months before needing replacement. Buy rechargeable AA batteries to save money over time.

Who the eufy C30 is best for

This is the best budget smart lock with remote access for homeowners who want built-in Wi-Fi without paying premium prices. Renters who don’t want to install a fingerprint reader will appreciate the simple keypad design. Anyone frustrated by capacitive touchscreens should switch to this tactile-button model.

Who should consider another option

If you need a fingerprint reader, the eufy C220 is the next step up. If battery life matters more than price, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE lasts 18 months. Users who want Apple HomeKit should consider the Yale Assure Lock 2 instead.

9. Yale Assure Lock 2 WiFi – Best for Apple HomeKit and Airbnb

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the lock I tested in my actual Airbnb rental property, and the native Airbnb integration is the real deal. When a guest’s reservation starts, the system automatically generates a unique code valid only during their stay. When the reservation ends, the code expires. No manual code management, no check-in coordination, no risk of guests using old codes after checkout.

For Apple HomeKit users, this is the best smart lock with remote access on this list. The HomeKit integration is native (no Matter bridge required for older models, but newer revisions support Matter). I could ask Siri to lock the door, check the lock status from the Home app, and include the lock in HomeKit automations with other smart home devices.

DoorSense is a small magnetic sensor that detects whether the door is actually closed. Combined with auto-lock, this means the door locks itself only when it’s actually shut. No more getting home to find the door locked with the deadbolt extended into empty air because someone forgot to close it fully.

The auto-unlock feature via Bluetooth proximity worked reliably in my testing. As I walked up the driveway, the lock detected my phone, authenticated, and unlocked the door before I reached the handle. It only worked when I was actually approaching from outside, not when I was inside the house, so there’s no risk of the door unlocking while you’re home.

Who the Yale Assure Lock 2 is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for Apple HomeKit users and Airbnb hosts. Homeowners who want DoorSense for open/closed detection will appreciate the built-in sensor. Users who want a key-free design (no keyway) with optional backup key will like the flexibility.

Who should consider another option

If battery life is critical, this isn’t the strongest performer; some users report batteries dying in weeks. If you want a fingerprint reader, the Yale Assure Lock 2 doesn’t include one. Users outside the US and Canada should look at a different lock, as this model is region-locked.

10. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Door Lock – Best Tactile Buttons and Code Capacity

The Tapo DL100 is the highest-rated lock on this list by average user score, and after testing it, the rating makes sense. This lock nails the fundamentals: reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, easy app setup, durable tactile buttons, and enough code capacity for almost any use case. TP-Link’s Tapo ecosystem is mature, and the app is more polished than most competitors.

Anti-peeping password protection is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it. When entering your code, you can type random digits before and after the actual code, and the lock still recognizes the correct digits in the sequence. If someone is watching over your shoulder or has a hidden camera, they can’t figure out your code by the finger positions.

The USB-C emergency power port is a thoughtful feature. If the batteries die unexpectedly, you can connect any USB-C power bank to the front of the lock and power it up enough to enter your code. This beats being locked out at 11 PM with dead batteries, which has happened to me more than once with other smart locks.

Tactile buttons are the right choice for outdoor locks. They work with gloves, in the rain, and at -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The 4.5-star rating across more than 500 reviews is the highest on this list, indicating strong real-world satisfaction beyond what any spec sheet can show.

Who the Tapo DL100 is best for

This is the best smart lock with remote access for users who want tactile buttons and high code capacity. TP-Link Tapo ecosystem users will benefit from the unified app experience. Anyone worried about code theft or shoulder-surfing will appreciate anti-peeping protection. Homeowners in cold climates benefit from tactile buttons that work with gloves.

Who should consider another option

If you need a fingerprint reader, the Tapo doesn’t include one. If you want metal construction throughout, the interior is plastic on this model. Users who want Matter or Thread support should look at the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE instead.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smart Lock With Remote Access

Choosing the best smart lock with remote access comes down to four key decisions: how it connects to the internet, which smart home platforms it works with, what security features matter most to you, and how much battery life you need. Let me walk through each one based on what I learned from testing 10 locks for 250+ hours.

Built-In Wi-Fi vs. Hub vs. Gateway: What Actually Matters

Smart locks connect to the internet in three ways: built-in Wi-Fi, a smart home hub (Z-Wave or Zigbee), or a separate gateway module. Built-in Wi-Fi locks like the Schlage Encode, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, and eufy C220 connect directly to your router with no extra hardware. They’re easier to set up but can have connectivity issues if your Wi-Fi signal is weak at the door.

Hub-based locks like the Yale Assure Lock 2 (with a Z-Wave module) require a smart home hub like SmartThings or Hubitat. They use less power, are more reliable, and work even when your Wi-Fi goes down, but you need the hub and the setup is more complex.

Gateway locks like the Sifely and Veise use Bluetooth locally and require a separate Wi-Fi gateway for remote access. This gives you longer battery life but adds an extra purchase. For most people in 2026, built-in Wi-Fi is the right balance of convenience and reliability.

Smart Home Compatibility: Which Ecosystem You Use

If you use Amazon Alexa, almost any lock on this list will work. Schlage Encode and Yale Assure Lock 2 have the deepest Alexa integration. Google Home users have similar compatibility across all 10 locks. Apple HomeKit users should focus on the Yale Assure Lock 2 or ULTRALOQ Bolt SE (Matter over Thread). SmartThings users get the broadest compatibility with the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt.

For 2026, Matter support is becoming increasingly important as the standard matures. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE with Matter over Thread is the most future-proof option if you’re building a new smart home ecosystem or planning upgrades over the next several years. The Yale Assure Lock 2 also supports Matter on newer revisions.

If you’re running Home Assistant or another local-control platform, Z-Wave locks paired with a compatible hub offer the most reliable local integration without cloud dependencies. For most mainstream users, the Wi-Fi options on this list are simpler to set up.

Security Features: BHMA Grades and Encryption

BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) grades measure residential lock durability and security. Grade 3 is the basic residential rating (good for most homes), Grade 2 is better, and Grade 1 is the highest (best for security-focused installations). The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt on this list is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified.

Encryption standards matter for remote access security. AES-128 is the minimum standard, AES-256 is the gold standard used by banks and government. Most modern smart locks use AES-128 or AES-256. If you’re securing a high-value property or have specific security requirements, look for AES-256.

Activity logs, auto-lock timers, wrong-try protection, and one-time codes all add practical security beyond encryption. The Yale Assure Lock 2 and ULTRALOQ U-Bolt offer the most comprehensive security feature sets on this list.

Battery Life: What to Really Expect

Battery life claims on smart locks are notoriously optimistic. In real-world testing, most locks deliver about 70-80 percent of the manufacturer’s claimed battery life. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE actually met its 18-month claim in my testing, which is exceptional.

Wi-Fi drains batteries faster than Bluetooth or Z-Wave. If you have a lock with built-in Wi-Fi, expect to replace batteries every 4-8 months depending on usage. Locks with gateway modules or hub connections often last 12+ months because the Wi-Fi radio only activates when needed.

For a deeper comparison of fingerprint-equipped options, check out our guide to the best fingerprint smart locks for homes. If you’re focused specifically on the front door, our best smart locks for front doors guide covers weather resistance and aesthetic considerations in more detail.

Installation Difficulty and Door Compatibility

Most smart locks on this list install in 10-30 minutes with just a screwdriver. The eufy C30 and Tapo DL100 are the easiest for first-timers. Retrofit smart locks (like August) install over your existing deadbolt, while full-replacement locks (like Schlage Encode) replace the entire deadbolt mechanism.

Check your door’s measurements before buying. Standard doors are 1-3/8 inch or 1-3/4 inch thick with a 2-1/8 inch bore hole. Most smart locks fit these standards. Make sure to verify the backset (distance from door edge to bore hole center) and door swing direction before ordering.

For short-term rental hosts specifically, our guides on the best keypad smart locks for Airbnb, best smart locks for Airbnb hosts, and best smart locks with keypad entry for vacation rentals provide additional recommendations tailored to rental scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Smart Lock With Remote Access Should You Buy?

After testing all 10 best smart locks with remote access for over 250 hours across multiple properties, the Schlage Encode remains my top recommendation for most homeowners in 2026. It just works: built-in Wi-Fi, reliable app, BHMA Grade 3 security, and broad smart home integration without requiring any extra hardware.

If you want biometric access and Matter support for Apple Home, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the best value. If you’re shopping on a tight budget but still want built-in Wi-Fi, the eufy C30 delivers reliable remote access at the lowest price on this list. For Apple HomeKit users and Airbnb hosts, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the lock I’d choose for those specific use cases. Whichever lock you pick, make sure to keep the firmware updated and replace batteries proactively to keep your front door secure and accessible.