Best Smart Locks
What are Smart Locks
Smart locks are modern locking devices that can open your door remotely from a smart phone app. Most of the smart locks are compatible with both Apple and Android phones and make carrying keys a thing of the past. I have reviewed a few of the most common smart locks below that we have used to help identify the best and most suitable smart lock for your doors.
The first thing to identify is the type of door you are using the smart lock on. Each of the smart locks have been specifically designed to work with a certain type of lock in the door. Some work with the multipoint locks in a UPVC door and others only work with wooden doors.
UPVC / Composite Doors
Most smart locks have been designed around this type of door to work with the current Multipoint lock you have in the door. There are some restrictions on this so you need to check a few sizes before proceeding. The main one is the lock centers, this is the distance from the center of the lever handle to the middle of the keyhole... this has to be 92mm and nearly all modern Multipoint locks will have this size. Then there is also the fixing screw centers and you have to match these to the smart lock so that you can securely fix the smart lock to the door.
Wooden Doors
There are a few locks that have been designed to work with the wooden doors and these are stand alone units that do not require a separate lock in the door to operate like a Multipoint lock like the IGLOOHOME Smart Deadlock below, the other is the Yale Smart keypad but requires a suitable size nighlatch on the inside to operate with.
Smart Lock Product Reviews
Tedee Smart Lock is the neatest and smallest smart lock on the market. Its perfect for homes, offices, commerial businesses and rental properties.
Upgrade your home security with the Tedee Smart Lock—an innovative, wireless lock designed for ultimate convenience and peace of mind. With Tedee, you can lock and unlock your door remotely, monitor activity in real-time, and never worry about losing your keys again.
Key Features:
- Remote Control: Lock and unlock your door from anywhere via the Tedee app.
- Auto-Lock & Auto-Unlock: Set your door to lock automatically when you leave and unlock as you approach.
- Activity Monitoring: Get notifications and check detailed access logs to know who’s coming and going.
- Easy Integration: Compatible with popular smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
- Secure Design: Engineered with top-grade encryption and paired with certified high-security cylinders.
Perfect for homes, rental properties, and offices, the Tedee Smart Lock offers seamless security, ensuring your home is safe whether you’re at work, on vacation, or just upstairs.
How it works
The Tedee Smart Lock is a turn only which connects to the back of the Euro thumbturn cylinder. Not all Euro cylinders are suitable for this so it is recommended to change the Euro cylinder at the same time for the APECS AP 3 star kitemarked Euro cylinder that has been designed to work with this Tedee lock.
The turn is small but powerful so has no troubles locking and unlocking multipoint locks on timber or UPVC doors.
Pros
- Very nice looking smart lock - Barely notice it on the back of the door
- Very quiet motor
- Small but powerful motor
- Long battery life, 6-10 months on a single charge ( used 8 times a day)
- Easy to set up and control app
- Available in different colours to match your door.
- Doesnt require you to change the handles - only the Euro cylinder.
Cons
- Does require you to change the Euro cylinder. As the Tedee Smart turn sits on the back of the Euro cylinder the cylinder must be perfect for it. APECS have created a modified version of their AP 3 star kitemarked Euro cylinder for this,
- More expensive than other smart locks on the market.
- Requires re-callabration ( very easy to do) when you remove the turn to charge it.
- Tedee Keypad is a little bulky compare to other competitor versions.
Optional extras include Tedee Keypad and Tedee Bridge.
Tedee Keypad allows you to easily unlock the door with a simple code ( set up on the phone) and you can have up to 100 user codes. Codes are 5 - 8 digits long.
Can double lock the door from a simple press of the button when you leave.
Tedee Bridge allows you to use the Tedee Smart lock and also set up codes on the keypad remotely. Perfect for rental and Air B&B properties. You can issue access codes and open the lock from anywhere in the world with internet signal.
Overall rating: 10/10
I have personally changed all the smart locks I have at home to these units. I find them far more reliable than other units I have used in the past. They do work out more expensive than others but for the additional strength and ease of use its worth it.
Perfect for domestic use, never lock yourselves out again if you have the phone and the keypad set up.
Great for families with children, set them up a simple code so they can always get back in.
Also been designed for rental properties with remote code set up and virtual keys being able to be issued to tenants which expire when their stay is over. ( required keypad and bridge)
If you have any questions on the set up or the compatibility of this lock with your door please do not hesitate to contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Ultion NUKI SMART Handle and Cylinder
Door Material
This lock is suitable for use on both UPVC / Composite doors (Multipoint Locks) and wooden doors (Euro Mortice Cases).
UPVC / Composite Doors
To operate with this type of door you need to use Ultion NUKI Smart handle. The internal handle and Euro cylinder comes with the lock and you can either reuse the external handle you have or if you would like to replace the external handle at the same time.
Operationally the door works the same as the current lock does so you still need to lift the handle before you lock the door. This lock works best on Multipoint locks like the WINKHAUS AV2 which automatically lock when the door closes so there is no external handle to lift.
Wooden Doors
To operate with a wooden door you just need to use the NUKI Smart turn and the base plate that comes with the lock. The Euro cylinder is also changed to the ULTION WXM Star cylinder.
How it works
This is the most versatile smart lock on the market. The Ultion NUKI Smart lock has been designed to work with most modern Multipoint locks but also comes with separate backing plates so that you can install this on any Euro cylinder Mortice lock as well.
If you currently need to lift the handle to double lock the door you will still be required to do this but to lock / unlock the handle you can do this from the APP.
The Ultion NUKI Smart lock comes with 3 different fixing positions for the screws so you can use this on 122mm , 211mm and 215mm multipoint locks.
This Smart lock unlike others has all the connectivity built into the unit from the start so you dont have to buy any extra modules to connect to Apple or Zigbee home hubs. The only thing you can pay extra for is the in-built BRIDGE which will make this smart lock work completely remotely so you can open the door or lock the door from anywhere.
The security on the door is not compromised as these locks come with the 3 star Kitemarked ULTION WXM cylinders which are the best around.
The ULTION NUKI Smart lock also has a few additional parts that can be purchased to make the door even easier to use and to allow coded access as well for AIR B&B properties or rentals. If you have the PLUS version you can remotely set up and send codes to anyone that needs access from anywhere.
The different parts you can get:
- Keypad (code only)
- Keypad with Fingerprint Scanner
- Key Fob (open the door from a press of the button within range)
- Remote BRIDGE (gives remote access if required if the standard NUKI has been purchased)
- Rechargeable Battery Pack (only required if you have purchased the standard NUKI version)
You can purchase bundles for these parts to reduce the cost slightly.
Summary
Pros
Most versatile smart lock with all the features built into the same unit.
Reliable quality. The NUKI brand is one of the original smart lock products which is a top quality product ( I use this at home and I am extremely happy with this)
High Security Cylinder externally - Uses the Ultion WXM 3 star rated cylinder so there is no better cylinder to work with a smart lock. Externally the handle and cylinder look just like a standard door so no one can tell you have a smart lock on the inside.
Due to the High security cylinder you have a key override feature so if all fails or you lose your phone etc... you can still get into the house. I always recommend having a high security police-approved key safe on the house as well incase of emergencies.
Easy to install - This lock takes minutes to install if you have measured the parts correctly and have the correct size cylinder.
Available in different finishes - The base handle is available in White, Black or Chrome finish to match your home furnishings. The External handle remains the same so will match what you already have.
Cons
Slightly bulkier internal unit. Takes 4 x AA batteries so a long unit.
Noiser than the other smart locks - when the internal turn moves its a little noisy.. but you can turn the internal turn with your hand if its late at night to lock the door.
ULTION SMART Lever Handle with DANALOCK
Door Material
This lock is suitable for use on both UPVC / Composite doors (Multipoint Locks) and wooden doors (Euro Mortice Cases) but you need to purchase different versions of this lock to work with either. The ULTION SMART handle is for UPVC and the ULTION SMART ESCUTCHEON is for wooden doors.
UPVC / Composite Doors
To operate with this type of door you need to use Ultion Smart handle with DANALOCK turn. The internal, external handle and Euro cylinder comes with the lock.
Operationally the door works the same as the current lock does so you still need to lift the handle before you lock the door. This lock works best on Multipoint locks like the WINKHAUS AV2 which automatically lock when the door closes so there is no external handle to lift.
Wooden Doors
To operate with a wooden door you just need to use the Ultion Smart Escutcheon and the base plate that comes with this version. The Euro cylinder is also changed to the ULTION WXM Star cylinder.
How it works
The ULTION SMART Lever handle with DANALOCK Smart lock works with either the Multpoint handle or you can get a Euro cylinder only version to work with suitable multipoint locks like the Winkhaus AV2. They are separate locks so you have to purchase the correct model at the time of ordering.
The DANALOCK turn is fixed onto the Brisant SWEET handle design and operates the Multipoint lock the same was a standard handle would but the internal thumbturn is the SMART locking part. This can be controlled with the free DANALOCK APP or if you would like to link this to a home hub like APPLE Home or a ZIGBEE or ZWAVE system you would need to get the correct module installed into the DANALOCK turn.
This unit has an additional keypad you can add on afterward to operate this with a code externally if you would like.
DANALOCK Smart turn is operated by 4 x Batteries ( CR123A) which are shorter units than standard AA batteries so the Smart turn is a smaller more compact unit.
The DANALOCK Smart lock can be operated with other smart hubs but unlike the NUKI version you have to purchase the correct model at the time of ordering and it costs another £30 roughly for these modules so not as versatile as the NUKI. If you have the correct module in the unit you can operate it with your current home hub otherwise you can use the DANALOCK APP and control this via Bluetooth.
The external handle and Cylinder looks just like a standard handle so no one can tell you have the smart lock on the door from the outside. The cylinder is the top security ULTION WXM 3 Star rated cylinder.
There is a bluetooth Keypad that can be added to this smart lock and this will unlock the turn inside so you can operate the door with a key code. This is great for access to friend or family. Codes can be set from the APP and deleted when required. Unfortunately they have to be set / deleted on site within range of the keypad.
Summary
Pros
Nice compact smart turn
Works well if its a stand alone unit for personal residential use.
Works with the Ultion WXM 3 Star Euro cylinder so top level security externally
Cons
Limited access to smart home hubs unless you pay extra for this.
Smart turn only comes in a plastic silver finish... no other finishes available
Can not be worked remotely so codes and access is done within bluetooth range
My Opinion
This is a slimmer-looking smart lock to the NUKI Smart handle but it is limited with the operations. If you only want a Bluetooth smart lock with a satin chrome handle, and don't mind the plastic finish turn, then it's great. However, as it costs the same as the ULTON NUKI Smart handle we'd recommend the NUKI version as it provides more unlocking options, such as a fingerprint keypad and fob access.
IGLOOHOME Smart Deadlock S2
Door Material
This lock is suitable for use only on wooden doors and will not work on UPVC / composite doors.
UPVC / Composite Doors
Not suitable
Wooden Doors
Comes complete with all the components to operate as a stand alone lock so does not require any additional parts to work. Perfect for bedroom or external rental properties like AIR B&B.
How it works
This is the best smart lock product for wooden doors. Unlike the other smart locks this is a stand alone unit so you do not require any other lock to work with this IGLOO Smart Deadbolt as it comes with all the components required.
IGLOOHOME have released some brilliant quality smart products and are constantly upgrading and improving its locks so this is the newest version of this lock which is a great, reliable smart lock for wooden doors. This can be used on rental bedrooms or external doors to Air B&B properties as the IGLOOHOME APP has been set up so you can remotely give access via a passcode to guests for a limited time or even set up permanent codes for cleaners etc...
The installation is very simple as well, requires some wood drills and chisels but doesnt require any specialist tools.
The IGLOOHOME Smart Deadbolt S2 also comes with magnets to auto lock the bolt when the door closes. You can set up a locking time so 1 or 2 seconds is best as once the door closes and the magnets line up the bolt automatically locks in to the frame.
You can open this Smart lock from the free IGLOOHOME APP, by the keypad with the code or a key override ( lock comes with 5 x keys)
Slim design feature looks great on most wooden doors. The say its the slimest smart deadbolt on the market. You can see this fitted on a door below.
Summary
Pros
The neat looking product looks great on the wooden doors
Remote codes can be sent to friends or family and has all the features required for AIR B&B requirements.
The magnet relocking feature will auto lock the door when closed
Top quality product from a reliable brand.
Cons
Only available in Black finish
Not a BS rated lock so does not meet insurance requirements on UK doors
My Opinion
This is the best stand alone unit I have come across for wooden doors. You can still have a 2nd 5 lever BS3621 rated deadlock if you wanted additional security for when the property is empty for extended periods of time to meet the insurance requirements.
YALE Keyless Connected Smart Lock
Door Material
This lock is suitable for use only on wooden doors and will not work on UPVC / composite doors.
UPVC / Composite Doors
Not suitable.
Wooden Doors
Suitable for wooden doors but requires an additional nightlatch to work with the keypad.
How it works
The YALE Keyless Smart lock is a front plate only lock that needs to be used with a suitable nightlatch on the inside of the door. The Nightlatch needs to be the 60mm backset version not the 40mm backset version as this Smart lock will hit the door stop on the outside of the door.
This is only suitable for wooden doors as needs to work with the nighlatch style of lock internally. This is not supplied with the Smart lock.
The Smart lock can be opened with the keypad codes or a smart lock app or remote fob but you need to have a suitable module installed into this unit to work with the remote or the APP.
Codes are set up on the keypad directly.
This is a nice way to operate a nightlatch on the front door to home but does have limitations on how it is used so not a truly SMART lock unless you pay extra for the Yale Module to use the APP.
Summary
Pros
Easily replaces Rim Cylinder locks on doors to make keypad access easy
Comes in 4 nice finishes - Black, Chrome, Brass, Satin Nickel
Cons
Doesn't come with internal lock so this needs to be purchased separately unless you re-use your current one.
Not a SMART lock unless the YALE module is purchased
No key override to gain access if the unit fails
requires a 60mm nightlatch on the inside to operate with so not a complete unit.
My Opinion
This is a good unit which can make any basic nightlatch into a smart lock or at least a keypad access lock. Unfortunately its a bit limited with the operations unless you send more money to get the Yale Module to access it with the APP. I would be a little wary of using this on the door unless I had access from another door as if the lock fails there is no way to open it unless you break in or drill the lock off the door.
YALE Conexis L1 British Standard Smart Door Lock
Door Material
This lock is suitable for use with UPVC / composite doors Multipoint locks and could be used on wooden doors provided you use a mortice night latch which doesn't require cylinder locking.
UPVC / Composite Doors
Designed to be used on Multipoint lock mechanisms, can not double lock as no Euro cylinder.
Wooden Doors
Suitable for wooden doors but requires an additional mortice nightlatch to work with the lock.
How it works
The YALE Conexis Smart lock is a nice neat unit, available with or without a home module to connect to your home hubs. This lock is unlocked with the YALE APP.
This unit has 4 different entry methods. (Yale App, Key Card, Key Tag and Phone Tag),
It comes in a range of nice finishes and would be a great unit BUT this has a major design flaw ... it has no cylinder externally to open the door incase you lose your phone or the unit breaks... this has caused some serious issues for residences that have no other point of access.
We do not sell this unit solely due to this design issue with the other smart locks on the market offering the same type if lock but with a key override its not worth the risk in my opinion to use this and run the risk of being locked out and having to drill off this £200 smart lock if you lost your phone or it breaks.
My Opinion
Nice looking unit but unfortunately let down by not having any key override access...also the Yale customer service is not very good so to get any sort of help with this lock is near impossible from them. We do not sell this unit and have others that I would recommend over this.