Turning your abode into a smart home isn't an easy process, especially when it comes to your wallet. Fortunately, now that automating your home is no longer a novel concept, there are many reasonably priced smart devices out there for you to upgrade your home with. We've gathered together a list of the best cheap smart locks like the August Smart Lock (3rd Gen). See which ones catch your eye.
Best Overall: August Smart Lock (3rd Gen)
August is one of the best known smart lock companies in the industry. What makes this one so much less expensive than the other August smart locks is that it doesn't come with internal Wi-Fi or even a Wi-Fi bridge. As long as you're near enough for your phone's Bluetooth to interact with the lock, you'll be able to open and close this device using the August app. If you really want to, you can purchase the August Wi-Fi Bridge separately, which will allow you to interact with the lock from anywhere as long as you have access to the internet. The bridge also makes it compatible with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The lock is installed on the interior, and while bulky on the inside, you won't be able to tell that a smart lock is even installed on your front door when looking at your house from the street. Using the August app, you'll be able to adjust your settings, give out keys to guests so they can access your home, or track any unlock activity associated with your door.
Another key feature is being able to set up auto-lock and unlocking. Basically, the lock can detect when your phone approaches the door and when it leaves and changes it's lock positioning accordingly. This feature can be helpful if you're coming home with a large load of groceries and don't want to fumble for your keys or your phone.
Pros:
- Control it with August app
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock
- Give out guest keys
- Track unlock activity
Cons:
- Bulky interior design
- Wi-Fi bridge sold separately
Best Overall
August Smart Lock (3rd Gen)
$150 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy
Trusted smart lock company
Control this smart device with the August app to set up auto-lock, auto-unlock, and other settings.
Best Design: Hornbill Smart Deadbolt
This is the latest model from Hornbill. It sports a sleek pinpad design and installs in place of your current deadbolt. Family members can either type in their specific code to enter the house or can whip out their phones and use the Hornbill app in conjunction with Bluetooth to control the device. As with the August Smart Lock, this one doesn't include built-in Wi-Fi. However, homeowners can purchase the Hornbill Wi-Fi bridge if they decide they want to be able to control the smart lock from anywhere.
You'll notice that two metal prongs stick out from beneath the key slot. That's there in case the batteries die while you're out. If you hold a 9-volt battery to that spot, the device will have enough power for you to type in your code or use your phone to unlock the bolt. It's a nice little safety feature.
As far as installation goes, it should only take you about 20 minutes to get this device installed on your door. There are handy instructions to help you with the process. Once installed, you'll be able to check the lock's history and adjust the settings via the app.
Pros:
- Pinpad key codes
- Control it with app
- Track unlock activity
- Quick install
- Backup in case battery goes out
Cons:
- Wi-Fi bridge sold separately
Best Design
Hornbill Smart Deadbolt
Sleek smart pinpad
Use Bluetooth to check the status of your door or unlock it. You can also create various key codes.
Best Pinpad: Kwikset Smart Code 888
The Kwikset Smart Code 888 is yet another well-priced smart lock. It sports a pinpad and has a relatively simple design, which makes it stand out much less than some other smart locks out there. It does have the potential to work with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but as with the other products in this article, you'll need to purchase a hub in order to make that work. When the hub is in place, you'll be able to open the lock using your app, the pinpad, or your key.
Choose from the three color options to best match your door. You can even upgrade to the Smart Lock Keypad + Handleset if you want your lock and door handle to perfectly match colors. Just note that there is no battery life indicator on this device, so you'll need to pay attention to the battery on your own.
Pros:
- Keypad codes
- Physical key slot
- Simple design
- Can upgrade to entire handle set
- Color options
Cons:
- Requires hub for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, extra features
- No battery life indicator
Best Pinpad
Kwikset Smart Code 888
Simple pinpad lock
This smart lock features a keypad, key slot, and 30-second autolocking, although you'll need a separate hub for some features.
Best Value: Wyze Lock WLCKG1
The Wyze Lock WLCKG1 is one of the only smart locks on this list to come with a Wi-Fi hub. This means that you'll be able to control the lock from anywhere or control it using a smart assistant. Considering how little this device costs, this is a great deal just on that feature alone. You can adjust the locks settings in the Wyze app. The unit can even be set to auto-lock when you leave the house and auto-unlock when you come back home.
If you don't want to replace your current deadbolt, then you'll be happy to know that this one gets put in place over your existing hardware. That means you'll still be able to use your original keys and deadbolt to access the house. It is a little bulky and doesn't have the prettiest design. However, it will definitely get the job done without costing an arm and a leg.
Pros:
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock
- Works with existing deadbolt and keys
- Comes with Wi-Fi hub
Cons:
- Doesn't have the best design
Best Value
Wyze Lock WLCKG1
Inexpensive and comes with hub
After setting up the included hub you'll be able to access your house using the Wyze app or your key.
Best Built-in Alarm: Schlage Camelot Connect
Anyone looking for a smart lock with an elegant design ought to consider the Schlage Camelot Connect. There are a few different colors to help you match your door. One of the things that makes this lock stand out is that it has a built-in alarm. If someone is tampering with the lock the alarm should hopefully scare them away. It also has an impressively long battery life and a yellow light will turn on letting you know when it needs new batteries.
The lock can remember up to 30 different access codes, giving you plenty of options for family members, close friends, or anyone who frequently needs access to your home like nannies or maids. This feature also makes it a helpful lock for a B&B. Use the app to monitor your lock's activity.
However, if you're looking to control it via the internet, then you're going to need to invest in the Wink hub or this SmartThings hub. Having a hub will also let you control it using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Pros:
- Built-in alarm
- Two color options
- Low battery indicator
Cons:
- Requires smart hub to use Wi-Fi
Best Built-in Alarm
Schlage Camelot Connect
A beautiful multi-control smart lock
Control your deadbolt via the keypad, key, smart assistant, or app. It comes in beautiful designs that will match the look of your door.
Easy to install: Reagle Smart Lock
As we've seen with many other locks in this article, many of the cheapest smart locks require you to purchase an external hub in order for these units to access Wi-Fi. The Reagle Smart Lock works the same way. Without the hub, you'll be able to unlock your door using the phone as long as you are close enough for Bluetooth to work. But you'll need to purchase the Reagle Gateway hub if you want to access the lock via the internet.
There are two color options so you can purchase the look you like best for your door. Installation is relatively easy and shouldn't require too much effort. Once in place, the device will operate and then send you a message on the app if the batteries get low. You can hand out codes to your family members so they don't have to have any keys on them in order to enter the house.
Pros:
- No keys needed
- Two color options
- Easy install
- Notifies your phone of low batteries
Cons:
- Must buy Wi-Fi hub separately
Easy to install
Reagle Smart Lock
A lock that doesn't require keys
This handy keypad attaches directly to your door's bolt and can be controlled via touchscreen and different automation services.
Best Fingerprint Reader: Ultraloq UL3
Nothing makes you feel more cool than doing something like a spy. This inexpensive smart lock features a key pad and a fingerprint reader that can remember up to 95 fingerprints and 95 codes at a time. That's more than enough slots for use in your home, for a special room at work, or for a neighborhood clubhouse. You can check the history of the lock usage by looking at the Ultraloq app.
It comes in both Aged Bronze and Satin Nickel so you can choose the look that you think looks best for your door. As with many other smart locks in this price range, you will need to purchase the Ultraloq Bridge Wi-Fi adapter separately if you want to control the unit using the internet.
Pros
- Keypad and up to 95 codes
- Remembers up to 95 fingerprints
- Two color options
- Features a handle
Cons
- Wi-Fi adapter sold separately
Best Fingerprint Reader
Ultraloq UL3
Unlock it in several ways
Use your phone, the keypad, or the fingerprint reader in order to unlock the door and gain entry into your home.
Low-Profile: Ultraloq U-Bolt
This relatively small smart lock features a pinpad that surrounds the key slot. You can either get it in Satin Nickel or Black to better match the look of your home. The unit can be controlled via Bluetooth and the Ultraloq app. Even though it doesn't cost very much, this device comes with the Ultraloq Bridge, which enables Wi-Fi controls. Once in place, buyers can lock and unlock their doors using the app from anywhere they have an internet connection. Additionally, this device will work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
You can enable auto-unlock so that the lock opens when you approach the door with your phone. That's especially helpful when you come back from running errands and your hands are full. If this design catches your interest, it's worth noting that there's also an upgraded version that comes with a fingerprint reader: The U-bolt Pro.
Pros
- Control it with app
- Works with smart assistants
- Two colors
Cons
- Must purchase Ultraloq Bridge separately
Low-Profile
Ultraloq U-Bolt
Lock up your Nest
Unlock your door keylessly by either using the touchpad or by accessing the Nest app. You can also set it to automatically lock when you're away.
Safe and secure
The main goal with any smart lock is providing a security for your home along with an ample amount of convenience. At the very least, you'll want something that has the potential to work with Wi-Fi, gives you multiple options for opening your door, and makes it easier for your family and trusted friends to access your home.
We really think you should consider the August Smart Lock (3rd Gen) since it's made by a trusted smart lock company, comes in two different colors, and has the option for you to use it with Bluetooth. Or, if you're willing to pay for the hub, you can also upgrade it to make it work via Wi-Fi. It has a pleasant design and is highly rated.
Credits
Rebecca Spear loves keeping up-to-date with the latest and greatest electronics. She is a life-long gamer and a writer who has written hundreds of online articles over the past four years. On any given day you'll find her drawing with her Wacom tablet, playing video games, or reading a good book.
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