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Have you ever lost your house keys and had to call a locksmith for help? If you don’t like paying to get back into your home or hiding a spare key under a doormat or flowerpot, an electronic deadbolt lock may be the perfect gadget for you.
Many of these smart locks have access codes and a traditional key, giving you peace of mind that you won’t get locked out of your home again. Besides two access options, smart locks have several other features to offer, including voice commands, wireless connectivity, custom codes, smart lights, fingerprint readers, and burglar alarms.
We compared the best electronic deadbolts on the market and synthesized their customer reviews to help you select the right lock for your home. Learn more about your options below.
Top 5 Electronic Deadbolts
- Best Overall: Schlage Touch Century Lock
- Easiest To Rekey: Kwikset Signature Series Deadbolt
- Best Smart Features: Yale Security Touchscreen Deadbolt
- Best No-Frills: MiLocks Electronic Touchpad Deadbolt
- Best Budget: Amazon Basics Electronic Keypad Deadbolt
Compare Top Electronic Deadbolts
| Product | Locking Methods | Codes Stored | Finish | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Touch Century Lock | Touchscreen | 19 | Bright chrome (others available) | 3-year |
| Kwikset Signature Series Deadbolt | Keypad, manual key | 8 | Satin nickel | Lifetime |
| Yale Security Touchscreen Deadbolt | Touchscreen, manual key | 250 | Satin nickel (others available) | Lifetime |
| MiLocks Electronic Touchpad Deadbolt | Keypad, manual key | 6 | Satin nickel (others available) | 1-year (electrical), 25-year (mechanical), lifetime (finish) |
| Amazon Basics Electronic Keypad Deadbolt | Keypad, manual key | Not listed | Satin nickel (others available) | 1-year |
| Product | Locking Methods | Codes Stored | Finish | Warranty |
Best Electronic Deadbolt Overall
Schlage Touch Century Lock and Lever
- $252.8
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Lack of manual keyhole eliminates lockpick risk
✔ Features fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
✔ Battery life rated for two years
✘ Dead battery causes a lockout
✘ Only stores 19 codes
What Customers Are Saying
Customers that we found liked that they could use this deadbolt at night with the built-in light. They also said that it had easy installation. However, some homeowners found it difficult to push the numbers, especially in the rain.
Easiest Electronic Deadbolt To Rekey
Kwikset Signature Series Deadbolt
- $172
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Offers single-touch locking
✔ Features a backlit keypad
✔ Auto-lock feature secures door 30 seconds after code entry
✘ Only stores up to eight codes
✘ Basic, utilitarian design
What Customers Are Saying
Customers we found who left positive reviews for this deadbolt said that it was easy to set up and lock. The finish on the lock deteriorated for some users, though this was eligible for repairs under the manufacturer’s lifetime finish warranty.
Best Smart Deadbolt
Yale Security Touchscreen Deadbolt
- $200
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Installs in minutes using just a screwdriver
✔ Comes with two physical keys
✔ Stores up to 250 codes
✘ Needs a Z-Wave hub for its smart features
✘ May need to download the BILT app to install and program it
What Customers Are Saying
Users we found were pleased with all of the smart features this deadbolt offered at an affordable price. They also said it responded quickly to commands on the keypad or through a smart device. However, dissatisfied reviewers said that it was prone to seizing or jamming and making distracting mechanical noises.
Best No-Frills Deadbolt
MiLocks Electronic Touchpad Deadbolt
- $32.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Offers code deactivation and deletion
✔ Finish comes with a lifetime warranty
✔ Includes several types of mounting hardware to fit on various doors
✘ Stores only up to six codes
✘ Button numbers can degrade after extensive use
What Customers Are Saying
Customers our team found were surprised by how durable this lock was for the price. Because of its basic design, they were also able to use it easily. Some customers did struggle to unlock it with the included manual keys, though. Other dissatisfied reviewers said that its battery life drained quickly.
Best Budget Deadbolt
Amazon Basics Electronic Deadbolt
- $57.8
- $67.38
- 14% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes all necessary hardware components
✔ Offers both right- and left-side door installation
✔ Available in a variety of finishes
✘ Doesn’t list how many codes or lock combinations are stored
✘ Didn’t work for some customers with a pre-drilled door and single cylinder
What Customers Are Saying
Overall, customers e we found reported that this electronic deadbolt, keypad, and door lever were excellent value for the money. Positively, they stated that it was quick and easy to install, felt sturdy and secure and that the keyhole worked smoothly. Critically, some users said that the buttons on the keypad were too close together and that programming different codes was a little confusing.
Buying Guide to the Best Electronic Deadbolts
From connectivity options to security features, here are a few factors we think you should consider when determining the best smart lock options for your home.
Connectivity
Some deadbolts can connect to smart devices using Z-Wave, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi technology, allowing you remote access to your device.
Bluetooth
Unlike a Z-Wave lock, Bluetooth connects directly to your device, allowing you to operate smart home systems like Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, or Siri. This is useful if you only want to connect one phone to your deadbolt. However, a Z-Wave hub is more convenient if you have several smart devices.
Wi-Fi
A lock with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to your devices is typically controlled via a smartphone app. Wi-Fi drains the battery quicker than Bluetooth, but it typically offers a greater range of connectivity.
Z-Wave
Z-Wave technology connects the lock to a compatible hub, such as Wink, SmartThings, or Iris. Your hub connects to the internet, but your devices don’t. Instead, they use Z-Wave technology to communicate with the hub. You can extend the range of your Z-Wave technology by connecting more devices that carry the Z-Wave signal.
Code Customization
If you have children or roommates, passcode customization is a helpful feature. Most locks can store at least five codes at a time, so you can assign a password to each person in your household or allow guest access. Smart door locks can even track the activity of these codes, telling you when people leave or return home.
Electronic Deadbolt Safety Features
To make your home more secure, look for an electronic deadbolt that has some or all of these security features:
- Automatic locking and auto-unlocking
- Double authentication
- Geofencing capabilities
- Intruder alarm
Deadbolt Keypad
Electronic deadbolts either have a touchscreen or button keypads. Basic locks typically have buttons, while modern ones have a touchscreen keypad. Buttons are more affordable, but it’s easy for the numbers to wear off over time.
Electronic Deadbolt Design
Since you’re going to install the electronic deadbolt on your front door, it may be important that its design matches the rest of your home’s aesthetic. The type of keypad it has plays a role in its look, but so does its finish and shape.
Learn more about how to choose a deadbolt for your home in the video below:
Manual Operation
Some electronic locks come with a manual key, giving you temporary access to your home the old-fashioned way. This is useful when the keypad battery dies, and you can’t get in, but it also leaves your lock more susceptible to picking.
How To Keep Your Home Safe
Our team found that choosing an electronic deadbolt with built-in safety features gives you a more secure home. However, there are several other steps you can take to keep your home secure, such as:
Don’t forget windows and side doors
While keeping your front door secure is an important first step to burglar-proofing your home, you must also remember to lock your windows and side doors.
Use a home security system
Home security systems give you peace of mind, as they ensure that even if someone were to make it inside your home, they trigger an alarm that sends you and the police a notification.
If you’re looking to DIY, you can install your own home security system fairly easily. Learn how in this video:
Install security cameras
Security cameras are not only an effective way to keep an eye on what’s happening outside of your home but can also serve as a deterrent to would-be intruders. You can connect modern security cameras or a video doorbell to your home’s Wi-Fi and monitor who is approaching.
Use a safe
Even if burglars were to make it inside your home and bypass your other security measures, you can still take steps to ensure that your valuables are protected. Use a safe to lock away jewelry, heirlooms, passports, birth certificates, social security cards, house deeds, and other important items.
Keeps lights on
Another easy way to deter potential burglars is to keep some lights on when you’re not home. Statistically, burglars are more likely to strike an unattended house, and leaving a few lights on makes it look like you’re around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyless Entry Systems
How secure are electronic deadbolts?
Electronic deadbolts can be as secure as a standard deadbolt lock depending on the materials used. It’s important to note that an electronic deadbolt isn’t necessarily more secure than a traditional deadbolt, but it can be if the construction material, length of the deadbolt, and strength of the material the bolt slides into are sufficient for your security standards.
Do all electronic locks have keypads?
No, not all electronic locks have keypad locks. Some locks use a fingerprint scanner to unlock. Biometric entry is less common, usually only available on high-end smart deadbolts.
How do you install an electronic lock?
Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor outlines how to install an electronic deadbolt. It involves unscrewing the back plate of your current deadbolt and screwing the back plate of your new one into the holes that are left behind.
Are electronic locks and smart locks the same type of hardware?
A smart lock is a type of electronic lock. A smart lock works by using another method besides a manual key to unlock. This can include a keypad, a fingerprint sensor, or a smartphone. If the electronic lock works with smartphones like an iPhone or Android, or other smart devices, it’s considered a smart lock.
How We Selected the Best Electronic Deadbolts
To provide our readers with the best electronic lock recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of keyless entry systems with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is critical to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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