Imagine you’re just returning home after a long day, groceries in one hand and your child’s backpack in the other. It’s raining, and you can’t seem to find where you put your keys. Did I leave them in the car again?
You could make the trek back to your vehicle, set everything down, and rummage in the rain for your keys. Or you could tap your phone to the lock and step in – simple and easy.
Smart home technology has come a long way in the past few years, and for many, the ability to program their routines has made life far easier. A tap to unlock the door, a signal to turn on the lights – nearly every part of your once-complicated home setup is done for you.
In 2025, smart deadbolt locks are moving from “luxury gadgets” to essential home upgrades. Not only do they eliminate the frustration of a handful of keys, but they act as 24/7 guardians of your home. Real-time notifications tell you when a loved one gets home, and remote access allows you to unlock the door for a dog walker while on vacation. The conveniences add up quickly!
So, which smart deadbolt lock is the best in 2025? Let’s break down the top options and see which type of smart door lock might become your new favorite tech.
What’s the difference between a smart regular door lock and a deadbolt? Learn more in our resource hub – full of excellent smart home tech knowledge and updates!
What Makes a Good Smart Deadbolt Lock?
Before you buy, it’s good to consider what you’re investing in. When looking at smart deadbolt locks, there are a few key factors that will help you choose the model that will best fit your home and lifestyle:
Security Standards
These might be “smart” locks, but they’re locks all the same. A good lock is one that locks well.
Look for locks with ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) ratings, which indicate the lock's resistance to forced entry, key attacks, and general wear:
● Grade 1: Highest residential security (commercial grade)
● Grade 2: Standard for residential security
● Grade 3: Basic residential security
Many premium smart locks meet Grade 2 requirements, offering a balance of security and accessibility.
Smart Features
The "smart" capabilities of smart deadbolt locks are what make these options great. Here are some of the features to look for:
Connectivity Options
● Zigbee: Creates a mesh network with other devices, extending range and reliability
● Thread: Similar to Zigbee but with improved energy efficiency and more widespread compatibility with Matter
● Wi-Fi: Offers direct internet connectivity without requiring a hub (but consumes more battery)
● Bluetooth: Low energy consumption but limited range and requires proximity for operation
● Matter: A newer protocol that improves cross-platform compatibility
Access Methods
● Fingerprint Recognition: Biometric access that's fast and impossible to lose
● Keypads: Allow for multiple access codes for family members and guests
● Mobile App Control: Remote locking/unlocking and status monitoring
● Voice Assistant Integration: Hands-free operation via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri
● Apple Home Key: Tap-to-unlock function with iPhone or Apple Watch
● NFC Cards/Tags: Contactless entry without smartphones
● Traditional Keys: Backup method during power or electronic failures
Automation Capabilities
● Auto-Lock: Automatically secures your door after it's been open for a specified time
● Geofencing: Locks or unlocks based on your smartphone's location
● Door Status Sensors: Alerts when your door is left ajar or unlocked
● Activity Logs: Tracks who enters and exits and when
Battery Life
Since most smart locks are battery-powered, longevity between charges or replacements is key. The last thing you’ll want to deal with is having to recharge or replace the battery every few days or weeks.
Smart deadbolt lock battery life varies and can range from standard AA or AAA batteries to rechargeable USB-C models. Many hold an emergency backup charge to allow you access should the battery get too low.
Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility
A truly valuable smart lock integrates seamlessly with your existing setup – so you’ll want to consider the other smart home tech your home may be equipped with before you set to replacing all of your door locks!
Installation Requirements
Before purchasing, consider whether the lock is compatible with your door. You’ll want to consider elements such as your door’s thickness, the backset measurement (distance from door edge to lock center), and your existing deadbolt compatibility and door material.
Best Smart Deadbolt Locks of 2025
Best for: Budget-conscious smart home beginners seeking Apple integration
At the top of our list is the entry-level and on-a-budget smart deadbolt lock that nearly any home can benefit from. The Aqara U50 is one of the most affordable Apple Home Key-compatible smart locks on the market, and the features give you everything you’ll need to take full advantage of a smart door.
Key Features:
● Multiple Access Methods: Keypad, Apple Home Key, NFC tags, and traditional key
● Door Sensing: Built-in gyroscope detects when the door is left open
● Auto-Lock: Automatically secures your door after closing
● Weather Resistance: IPX5 rating allows for outdoor installation
● Connectivity: Zigbee protocol for reliable, low-power operation
● Battery Life: Up to 6 months on 4 AA batteries
The U50 has a sleek black design and a responsive touchscreen keypad that supports secure code entry with anti-peep functionality. If you are an Apple product user, the U50’s Home Key feature allows you to “tap” your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door.
The U50 does require an Aqara hub for remote access, but the security standards (compliant with BHMA Level 3), temporary password options, and easy installation make it a great option for those just getting into smart deadbolt locks.
Best for: Families or shared homes needing versatile access options
A step up from the U50, the Aqara U100 adds additional access methods and enhanced security features – making it great for households that have multiple users and a variety of access needs. Fingerprint recognition and Matter support give this option a leg up over the U50.
Key Features:
● Fingerprint Recognition: High-precision reader stores up to 50 fingerprints with 98.6% accuracy
● Matter Support: Works with major platforms, including Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa
● Multiple Access Methods: Fingerprint, keypad, Apple Home Key, NFC tags, and traditional key
● Enhanced Security: Anti-peep password protection and end-to-end encryption
● Extended Battery Life: Up to 8 months on 4 AA batteries
● Smart Sensing: Built-in gyroscope for auto-lock and door status monitoring
The Aqara U100 gives you a bit more options when handling different users and scenarios. Permanent household members can use their fingerprints or Home Key to access the home, while visitors can be given time-limited codes to get in and out.
The ability to generate offline one-time passwords makes it a great door lock for short-term rentals, Airbnbs, or homes that have frequent guests.
The U100 offers Zigbee connectivity, creating a reliable, low-power connection when paired with an Aqara hub, granting remote access and integrations with other smart home devices. For instance, you can program the U100 to turn on lights and adjust your thermostat based on which family member unlocks the door.
Though slightly more expensive than the U50, the U100's additional features (most notably the fingerprint reader) justify the price increase for homes with multiple users or those who want extra capabilities.
Best for: Smart home integration enthusiasts and tech-forward users
Do you want a smart deadbolt lock that offers the best of today’s smart deadbolt features and maximum connectivity with other smart home tech? The Aqara U200 is a jump from the U100’s impressive features, adding in more integrations as well as multiple power options to make sure you’re never without power.
Key Features:
● Matter over Thread Support: Superior connectivity, speed, and battery efficiency
● Multiple Power Options: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery, emergency power bank pouch, and USB-C charging
● Quiet Unlock Mode: Noise-reducing operation for nighttime entry
● Advanced Integration: Works seamlessly with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings
● Enhanced Security Features: Automatic tamper alerts and advanced encryption
● Flexible Installation: Compatible with both Euro mortise locks and US deadbolt locks
The big difference between the U100 and the U200 is the smart deadbolt’s Matter over Thread support. This technology allows for faster operations, improved security, and better battery efficiency than standard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows the lock to communicate many Thread Border Routers with Matter controller capabilities, giving you a more reliable and future-proof smart home ecosystem.
The U200’s quiet unlock mode is an added feature – perfect for households with light sleepers or babies. When activated, this mode reduces operational noise significantly by slowing down the motor, allowing for discreet entry at any hour.
Best for: Side entry, garage, and interior doors requiring lever-style locks
At the higher end – both in price and in feature capabilities – is the Aqara U300. This smart deadbolt lock breaks ground as the first lever-style smart lock to support Matter over Thread and Apple Home Key, giving users two great options for enhancing doors beyond the main entrance.
Key Features:
● Lever Design: Replaces single-cylinder lever locks rather than deadbolts
● Ergonomic Fingerprint Reader: Integrated directly into the handle for intuitive use
● Extended Battery Life: Up to 10 months on a single set of AA batteries
● Passage Mode: Easy toggling between security and convenience for busy areas
● Weather Resistance: IPX4 rating and operation down to -22°F for outdoor installations
● Multiple Access Methods: Fingerprint, touchscreen keypad, Apple Home Key, NFC cards, and mechanical key
What makes the Aqara U300 special is its thoughtful design for specific use cases. The fingerprint reader is positioned where you naturally grip the handle, making unlocking fluid and intuitive. This is particularly valuable for spaces like home offices, workshops, or garage entry doors that see frequent use.
The lock's Passage Mode is another standout feature, allowing you to temporarily disable auto-locking after user verification—ideal for situations where you're moving in and out frequently, such as during a backyard barbecue or when completing projects in your garage.
With Matter over Thread support, the U300 delivers fast response times and excellent battery efficiency, lasting up to 10 months with regular use. The lock connects to various smart home ecosystems, enabling sophisticated automations and remote monitoring.
While specifically designed for lever locks rather than deadbolts, the U300 fills an important gap in the smart lock market, providing security and convenience for the many doors in your home beyond the main entrance.
Aqara Smart Lock Comparison
|
Feature
|
Aqara U50
|
Aqara U100
|
Aqara U200
|
Aqara U300
|
|
Lock Type
|
Deadbolt
|
Deadbolt
|
Deadbolt
|
Lever-style
|
|
Best For
|
Budget-conscious beginners
|
Families/shared homes
|
Tech enthusiasts
|
Side/garage doors
|
|
Price
|
$149.99
|
$189.99
|
$269.99
|
$229.99
|
|
Connectivity
|
Bluetooth, Zigbee
|
Bluetooth, Zigbee
|
Thread, Bluetooth
|
Thread, Bluetooth
|
|
Matter Support
|
Yes (with hub)
|
Yes (with hub)
|
Yes (native)
|
Yes (native)
|
|
Fingerprint Reader
|
No
|
Yes (50 prints)
|
No
|
Yes (50 prints)
|
|
Keypad
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Apple Home Key
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Battery Type
|
4 AA
|
4 AA
|
Rechargeable Li-Ion
|
4 AA
|
|
Battery Life
|
6 months
|
8 months
|
6 months
|
10 months
|
|
Weather Rating
|
IPX5
|
IP65
|
IPX5
|
IPX4
|
|
Operating Temp
|
Down to -31°F
|
Down to -31°F
|
Down to -15°C
|
Down to -22°F
|
|
Auto Lock
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Quiet Mode
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Passage Mode
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Hub Required
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No (for Matter)
|
No (for Matter)
|
How to Choose the Best Smart Deadbolt Lock for Your Home
What’s the best smart deadbolt lock for your home? It will depend on the type of door you currently have, as well as how you use your home. Here are some tips to think about as you browse the options!
Assess Your Door Compatibility
Check the door’s thickness, backset measurement, and lock type. The Aqara U300 works best for lever-handle doors, while standard front doors typically match well with the U100 or U200 models.
Consider How You Usually Access Your Home
If you’re often going in and out with full hands, you may prefer the fingerprint readers on the U100 or U300. Families with children may want simple keypad codes.
Think About Your Home’s Current Tech Setup
Your existing smart home setup should guide your decision. When Apple HomeKit users choosing a door lock, they will love Aqara's integration, and those using multiple platforms should consider Matter-compatible locks like the U200 and U300 for more compatibility options.
Consider Power Sources
Power management differences matter, too. Standard models with AA batteries typically last 6-12 months, but advanced connectivity features drain power much faster. If you travel frequently, consider locks with emergency charging options like the U200, which offers a convenient rechargeable battery system.
FAQ
Are smart locks secure?
Smart locks from reputable manufacturers like Aqara are as secure as traditional locks, often meeting the same ANSI/BHMA security standards. Most smart locks use advanced encryption for digital communications and include tamper alerts.
What happens if the battery dies?
All smart locks have backup entry methods. Aqara locks include USB-C emergency charging ports on their exterior panels, allowing you to connect a power bank for immediate access. Plus, all models feature traditional keyholes for mechanical backup.
Can I still use a physical key?
The best part of smart deadbolt locks is the flexibility! Aqara smart deadbolt locks include traditional key cylinders as a backup entry method. This means you can always access your home during power outages or if electronic components malfunction.
Do I need a hub for these smart locks?
For basic functionality, Aqara locks can work directly with your smartphone via Bluetooth. However, features such as remote access, automation, and integration with smart home platforms require an Aqara hub.
How do I install a smart deadbolt lock?
Most Aqara smart locks can be installed DIY with basic tools in about 30 minutes. The process typically involves removing the existing deadbolt, installing the new mechanism, and attaching the exterior keypad and reader. You’ll also connect the interior housing and batteries and follow the in-app setup instructions for programming.
Conclusion: The Best Smart Deadbolt Lock is Waiting
Smart deadbolt locks bring immediate convenience and safety upgrades to any home – and are easy to install and learn how to use. Smart home tech is only getting more advanced, and threats are only growing more numerous, so investing in a quality home security option is essential.
Ready to upgrade your home security? Explore Aqara's full smart deadbolt lineup today and discover how the right smart lock can transform your daily experience while keeping your home secure.
