Best WiFi Smart Locks (2026)
Quick Verdict: The best WiFi smart locks in 2026 have Wi-Fi built in, so you get remote locking, status alerts, and voice control with no separate hub or bridge. The Schlage Encode Plus is our top pick for combining built-in Wi-Fi with ANSI Grade 1 security, while the Eufy Smart Lock S230 is the best value. For fingerprint entry the Kwikset Halo Touch and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi stand out, and the Wyze Lock Bolt is the budget pick.
| Award | Smart Lock | Best For | Wi-Fi / Entry | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Schlage Encode Plus | Built-in Wi-Fi plus top security | Built-in Wi-Fi; keypad, app, key | Premium (around $280–$330) |
| Best Value | Eufy Smart Lock S230 | Wi-Fi, keypad, fingerprint on a budget | Built-in Wi-Fi; fingerprint, keypad, key | Mid (around $130–$170) |
| Best Fingerprint | Kwikset Halo Touch | No-hub fingerprint entry | Built-in Wi-Fi; fingerprint, app, key | Mid (around $180–$230) |
| Most Entry Methods | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi | Flexible keyless entry | Built-in Wi-Fi; fingerprint, keypad, app, key | Mid (around $180–$200) |
| Most Versatile | Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi | Configurable Wi-Fi lock | Wi-Fi module; keypad/key options, app | Mid–Premium (around $180–$280) |
| Best Budget | Wyze Lock Bolt | Inexpensive keyless entry | Bluetooth (gateway for remote); fingerprint, keypad | Budget (around $70) |
How We Picked the Best WiFi Smart Locks
We researched these models from a pool of expert recommendations across smart-home and security publications, including Consumer Reports, Tom’s Guide, and dedicated smart-lock testing sites. All specifications below come from manufacturer documentation and those sourced reviews — we have not personally installed or stress-tested every lock. We list real pros and honest cons.
Our selection criteria:
- Built-in Wi-Fi — We prioritized locks with Wi-Fi in the lock body, which avoids a separate bridge and is the preferred approach for new buyers per sourced reviews.
- Remote reliability — How dependable remote locking, status, and notifications are over Wi-Fi.
- Entry flexibility — Fingerprint, keypad, and key backups that keep working when the network drops.
- Battery impact — Always-on Wi-Fi uses more power, so battery life and low-battery alerts matter.
- Security and build — ANSI/BHMA grade and wireless encryption where published.
Best Overall — Schlage Encode Plus
Best for: Buyers who want the most dependable built-in-Wi-Fi lock with top security.
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most dependable WiFi smart lock for most homeowners in 2026, per sourced reviews. It has built-in Wi-Fi (no hub needed), an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating — the highest residential tier, with cited 250,000-cycle and 150-lb force resistance — and AES-128 encryption on the wireless link. It also supports Apple Home Key. A responsive keypad handles guest codes, and the strong motor drives the bolt reliably.
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — highest residential security rating
- AES-128 wireless encryption
- Apple Home Key plus a responsive keypad
- Premium price (around $280–$330)
- Always-on Wi-Fi means more frequent battery changes
Best Value — Eufy Smart Lock S230
Best for: Buyers who want built-in Wi-Fi, a keypad, and a fingerprint reader without overspending.
The Eufy Smart Lock S230 (Touch & Wi-Fi) is one of the best locks with built-in Wi-Fi, performing well in sourced testing for ease of remote access, convenience, and connectivity. It combines a touchscreen keypad, fingerprint reader, and physical-key backup, and links to Alexa and Google. For its mid-range price, it is a complete WiFi keyless package with no separate bridge.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub required
- Touchscreen keypad plus fingerprint and key entry
- Rates well for remote access and connectivity in sourced testing
- Strong value
- Always-on Wi-Fi shortens battery life versus Bluetooth locks
- Some advanced features rely on Eufy’s app
Best Fingerprint — Kwikset Halo Touch
Best for: Buyers who want fingerprint entry and Wi-Fi with DIY re-keying.
The Kwikset Halo Touch is a top-performing WiFi smart lock that doesn’t require an additional hub or bridge to connect to the internet, per sourced reviews. It offers fingerprint, app, and physical-key entry, and uses Kwikset’s SmartKey re-keying so you can re-key the cylinder yourself. It is a clean, fingerprint-first option for buyers who don’t need a keypad.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub required
- Fast fingerprint reader plus app and key entry
- SmartKey re-keying you can do yourself
- Works with Alexa and Google
- No keypad — guests need the app or a key
- Always-on Wi-Fi reduces battery life
Most Entry Methods — Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi
Best for: Buyers who want the widest range of keyless entry options over Wi-Fi.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi offers six entry methods — fingerprint, keypad, app, Auto Unlock, Magic Shake, and a backup key — with built-in Wi-Fi so you get remote control and notifications without a hub. It carries an IP65 weather rating and a wide operating temperature range (manufacturer-rated -22°F to 149°F), and supports up to 50 users. It works with Alexa and Google.
- Six entry methods including fingerprint and anti-peep keypad
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub required
- IP65 rating and wide operating temperature range
- Works with Alexa and Google
- Maximum of 50 users
- Bulkier exterior housing than slim designs
Most Versatile — Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi
Best for: Buyers who want to pick their body style and add Wi-Fi.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 accepts a Wi-Fi connectivity module (alongside Matter and Z-Wave options) and is sold in touchscreen, key-free, and fingerprint versions. With the Wi-Fi module it offers remote control and links to all major ecosystems. Confirm whether the Wi-Fi module is included or sold separately, as that affects the real-world price.
- Wi-Fi via module, plus Matter and Z-Wave options
- Multiple body styles to match your door
- Large access-code capacity
- Works with Apple Home, Google, Alexa, and SmartThings
- Wi-Fi module is sometimes sold separately, raising the price
- Capacitive touchscreen needs occasional wiping
Best Budget — Wyze Lock Bolt
Best for: Buyers who want inexpensive fingerprint entry and don’t strictly need built-in Wi-Fi.
The Wyze Lock Bolt is a budget keyless deadbolt with a fingerprint scanner and keypad, listed around $70 in sourced data. It is Bluetooth-based, so full remote control typically needs a separate Wyze gateway rather than built-in Wi-Fi — confirm the current setup before buying. For shoppers prioritizing price over true built-in Wi-Fi, the fast fingerprint entry is excellent value.
- Very affordable (around $70)
- Fast fingerprint scanner plus keypad
- Compact, simple design
- Bluetooth-based — remote control usually needs a separate gateway, not built-in Wi-Fi
- Fewer integrations than dedicated Wi-Fi locks
WiFi Smart Lock Buying Guide
Built-in Wi-Fi vs. Hub-Based Locks
Built-in Wi-Fi locks connect straight to your router, so you get remote control and notifications without buying a bridge. Per sourced reviews, modern Wi-Fi-direct picks install more simply and integrate with more platforms out of the box, making them the preferred choice over hub-based models for most new buyers. Hub-based and Bluetooth-plus-gateway locks add hardware and a potential point of failure.
What Happens When the Internet Goes Down
Hub-independent Wi-Fi locks keep working locally even if the company’s servers or your internet go down — you lose remote access, but keypad codes and fingerprints stored on the lock still function. This is a key reason to choose a lock with a strong offline entry method rather than relying only on the app.
Battery Life
The trade-off for built-in Wi-Fi is power: an always-connected radio drains batteries faster than Bluetooth or Thread. Expect more frequent battery changes, look for low-battery alerts, and keep spare batteries on hand. Some locks let you tune how often the Wi-Fi radio checks in to extend battery life.
2.4GHz vs. 5GHz Networks
Most smart locks connect only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz, because 2.4GHz has longer range and better wall penetration. If your router uses a single combined network name for both bands, you may need to ensure the lock can reach the 2.4GHz band during setup. Check the lock’s requirements before buying.
Security and Encryption
Prefer locks that publish their wireless encryption (the Schlage Encode Plus documents AES-128) and carry an ANSI/BHMA grade. Grade 1 is the strongest residential tier; many Wi-Fi deadbolts are Grade 2. Enable two-factor authentication on the manufacturer account and use a strong, unique password.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best WiFi smart lock in 2026?
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most dependable choice for most homeowners — built-in Wi-Fi, ANSI Grade 1 security, AES-128 encryption, and Apple Home Key. For value, the Eufy Smart Lock S230 delivers built-in Wi-Fi with a keypad and fingerprint reader at a lower price.
Do WiFi smart locks need a hub?
Locks with built-in Wi-Fi — Schlage Encode Plus, Eufy S230, Kwikset Halo Touch, Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi — connect straight to your router with no hub. Bluetooth-based locks like the Wyze Lock Bolt typically need a separate gateway for full remote control.
Will a WiFi smart lock work if my internet goes down?
Yes for local entry. Keypad codes and fingerprints stored on the lock keep working offline; you only lose remote control, notifications, and voice assistants until the connection returns. This is why a strong offline entry method matters.
Do WiFi smart locks drain batteries faster?
Yes. An always-connected Wi-Fi radio uses more power than Bluetooth or Thread, so expect more frequent battery changes. Look for low-battery alerts and keep spare batteries on hand; some locks let you tune check-in frequency to extend life.
Do smart locks work on 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Most connect only to 2.4GHz, which has better range and wall penetration. If your router broadcasts one combined network name, make sure the lock can reach the 2.4GHz band during setup. Check the lock’s stated requirements first.
Is built-in Wi-Fi better than a hub?
For most new buyers, yes — built-in Wi-Fi installs more simply, integrates with more platforms out of the box, and removes a separate point of failure, per sourced reviews. Hubs still make sense for whole-home Z-Wave or Zigbee systems you already run.
Final Verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best WiFi smart lock for most homeowners, combining built-in Wi-Fi with ANSI Grade 1 security and AES-128 encryption. The Eufy S230 is the value champion, while the Kwikset Halo Touch and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi are the fingerprint picks. Budget shoppers can consider the Wyze Lock Bolt, keeping in mind it is Bluetooth-based and usually needs a gateway for remote control.
Check current pricing before you buy — smart-lock prices and bundles change frequently.
Last updated: June 2026
See our main guide: Best Smart Locks. Related: Best Smart Locks with a Keypad and Best Smart Locks for Alexa.