In 2014, Amazon made a breakthrough when they released Alexa, the friendly AI virtual assistant. Today, with smart locks becoming mainstream, it is only reasonable to integrate these two technologies to create … voice-activated door locks!
Smart locks allow you access to plenty of useful features, including monitoring your home security from afar, setting up security profiles for your family members and friends, integrating additional sensors, and using voice commands.
In this article, we've compiled a list of six of the best Alexa-enabled smart locks the consumer world has to offer. All you have to do is scroll through the guide and pick your winner!
Benefits of Alexa Compatible Smart Locks
The term ‘Alexa-compatible smart locks' means exactly what it sounds like. These smart locks have voice assistant compatibility with Alexa, through an Alexa housing device such as your Echo dot.
When it comes to smart locks, users can look forward to many features, and here's what some of them are:
- Internet connectivity and remote control
- Extended monitoring through smartphone apps
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Biometric recognition
- Temporary/Permanent eKeys
- Anti-theft alarm
- Interconnectivity with other smart home devices for increased monitoring when away from home
- Enhanced convenience via voice assistant capacity and zero dependencies on mechanical keys
- Curb appeal due to stylish designs
Best Smart Locks for Alexa
If you're looking for a hassle-free, Alexa-friendly smart lock with pros and no cons, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the one for you.
- It has built-in Wi-Fi.
- It offers voice assistant compatibility and remote access via the app.
- It offers enhanced fingerprint recognition.
August is a big name in the smart lock industry. The brand's products have great ratings across the board, and they're highly popular with smart-home enthusiasts.
One of the reasons for this is that August smart locks are suitable for deadbolt systems, so they're perfect for main entrances and offer extended features without compromising security.
Features
Now, let's focus on the features. As we've already mentioned, this device has built-in Wi-Fi, so you don't have to worry about plugging in extra components for your smart device to gain intelligence.
Once you’re done with the complete installation (which involves connecting the batteries), all you need to do is download the August app on your phone and complete the setup.
Alexa Compatibility
To achieve Alexa compatibility, simply connect the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock to the same Wi-Fi connection as your Alexa device, and follow the steps you generally perform to add a new device in the Alexa app.
Controlling your smart lock via Alexa will allow you to unlock/lock your door and check the door status. Users with the August Doorbell Cam can also stream events or hear an announcement every time someone's at the door.
August App
Aside from that, the August app allows you to share eKeys (permanent or temporary), view the activity feed, receive smart alerts, and auto-lock or unlock the door.
Installation
Since August smart locks are made to fit almost all single-cylinder deadbolts, the installation is fairly easy and can be completed within 15 minutes. What's more is you won't have to change a thing about your door, drill in any extra holes, or replace your old deadbolt locking system.
- It is easy to install.
- It comes in a stylish design and compact body.
- It has a door sensor for lock status.
- The keypad is sold separately.
A lock that has built-in Wi-Fi and an Amazon key? That may sound too good to be true – but that's what the Schlage Encode offers.
- It offers smartphone app control and 100+ passcode capacity.
- It has built-in Wi-Fi + Amazon Key.
- It features an anti-breach and low-battery alarm.
The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt may look a bit old-school by design, but its features are anything but outdated.
Design
The lock itself measures 0.89 x 3 x 5 inches – which means it's barely visible at a distance. However, for interested parties, the lock is available in various styles and finishes, so you don't have to worry about downgrading your curb appeal.
Touchscreen
There are a bunch of things that set this lock apart from the rest. For example, the Schlage Encode has a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and one-touch locking, so there's no concern about entering the wrong digits via built-up dirt and grime.
Then, there's the fact that the lock also features a built-in alarm for potential breaches or low-battery. That's a plus when dealing with smart locks that run on battery power.
Amazon Alexa Compatibility
The Schlage Encode can be paired with Amazon Alexa thanks to the Amazon key – which you can utilize to control the lock from anywhere or make it a part of your daily Alexa routine.
You have the option of utilizing the Schlage or Alexa app to track and manage your passwords and lock/unlock your door without the need for any other accessories.
Installation
The lock's also easy to install if you have a screwdriver and an existing deadbolt locking system.
However, buyers should be aware that the lock requires a door thickness of 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches and that Z-Wave or Zigbee devices will not pair with the lock unless there's an additional smart hub involved.
- It offers a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen.
- It is easy to install.
- It has a 3-year warranty.
- Some users have complained about keypad sensitivity.
Designed for deadbolt systems and front entrances, the Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock offers buyers multiple entry options, including anti-peeping touchscreen technology, smartphone app, voice assistant capability, and mechanical keys.
- It has built-in Wi-Fi.
- It comes with a smart app and voice assistant capabilities.
- It features anti-peeping touchscreen technology.
Next is the Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock by Kwikset. Much like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, the Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock has built-in Wi-Fi and doesn't require any separate hub, bridge, panel, or subscription to gain internet access.
Batteries
Once this smart lock is on your door – you don't even have to worry about hiding or keeping track of a spare key. The device is powered by 4 AA batteries and should last about six months – depending on usage. However, swapping the batteries of this lock isn't at all complicated – which is a plus.
User Codes
The Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock allows for up to 250 user codes (or passcodes) for friends and family. Plus, you can keep track of these codes via the app and change or delete them according to your needs. Or, if you want to avoid the headache of creating and remembering new codes for family members – you can utilize the one-time code that works at all times.
Kwikset App
The Kwikset app allows you to receive notifications of door activity, view history and makes it easy to rekey your lock in a few seconds to promote security.
The touchscreen is a unique anti-peeping feature by employing random digits before entering the actual code. That way, no random stranger can guess what your existing code is.
Compatibility
And, finally, the Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock is voice assistant compatible and can be easily paired with your Amazon Alexa device to enjoy voice command control and other Alexa-specific features.
- It allows you remote access to locking/unlocking.
- It grants customizable passcodes.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty.
- It does not come with an external battery backup.
The Wyze Smart Lock is the perfect companion piece for a smart house that's full of the brand's products.
- It is Wi-Fi and voice assistant enabled.
- It allows you remote access.
- It has a 1-year warranty.
Wyze is no lightweight in the home-monitoring category, and their Wi-Fi Smart Lock is just another example of that.
Wi-Fi & Voice Assistants
The device has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter and doesn't require an additional component. So, once you're done setting up the lock on your door, you can connect to the lock via your Wyze app to access other features (discussed below).
The device is also voice assistant compatible and can easily pair with your Amazon Echo devices to control via Alexa.
Wyze App
As to the features you can unlock via the Wyze app – there's remote access, meaning you can control the lock from no matter where as long as you're connected to the internet.
You can also scroll through the activity feed to check all the daily entrances and exits, monitor the door position, and activate the auto-locking feature to ensure you never leave the door unlocked.
The Wyze keypad (sold separately) is the perfect solution for mid-to-large families who want to end their dependence on mechanical keys. The only downside is you'll have to pay extra for that particular benefit.
- It offers a built-in gyroscope.
- It offers an auto-locking feature.
- It is competitively priced.
- It does not come with a keypad (sold separately).
A stylishly built smart lock featuring an IP-65 rating, smartphone control via app, and voice command capacity.
- It allows you remote control via the smartphone app.
- It offers voice assistant compatibility.
- It has an 18-month warranty.
Dimensions
The lock measures 2.95 x 2.95 x 1.22 inches and has a compressed, squarish body. The design of the circular keypad, with the backlit fingerprint reader and a bright green LED – adds to the overall appeal.
Entry Options
The device offers six keyless entry options, including fingerprint recognition, smartphone lock/unlock and shake to open mode, an anti-peep keypad, and of course, a mechanical key for emergencies.
Mobile App
Buyers have the option of using the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro as a standalone device via Bluetooth or utilizing the app with internet connectivity. However, remote access and control (along with Alexa compatibility) depend on the Ultroloq Bridge Wi-Fi adapter that you'll have to purchase separately.
Once the Bridge is in place, you can access the smartphone app and make use of customizable eKeys, the activity log, and the auto-lock and unlock feature.
Passcodes
The device can also store up to 50 four to eight passcodes as backup, and it comes equipped with Commercial Grade 1 security to keep intruders at bay.
IP65 Rating
Finally, the lock is IP65-rated – which means it's built to withstand dust and rough weather conditions, so you don't have to worry about the device frying upon getting wet.
- It comes with an anti-peep keypad.
- It offers Commercial Grade 1 security.
- Mechanical keys are included.
- Wi-Fi Bridge is sold separately.
Buyers looking to stop their reliance on keys once and for all will love the Yale Assure Lock for deadbolt lock systems.
- It offers smartphone and smart home connectivity.
- It is voice assistant friendly.
- It comes with a touchscreen keypad.
Renowned as the slimmest smart lock – the Yale Assure Lock fits in all standard American doors with deadbolt systems and has plentiful features.
Smart Home Connectivity
By upgrading to the Yale Smart Module, you can connect the device to your Z-Wave or Zigbee hubs and get enhanced overall connectivity – including Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Touch screen
The smart lock comes equipped with a backlit touch screen keypad – that you can lock with a single tap. However, buyers should note that this smart lock is 100% key-free – which means there's no reliance on mechanical keys whatsoever.
You do, however, gain the advantage of a 9V rechargeable battery and a backup charger to ensure you're not stuck outside in case the battery drains.
- It comes with a 9V rechargeable battery and backup charger.
- It offers a rubber gasket finish to protect the door.
- Fully motorized deadbolt.
- You are required to get the Yale Access Upgrade Kit for smartphone app features and voice command compatibility.
The Verdict
We've reached the end of our Best Smart Locks for Alexa Guide, and hope you now have all the information you need to make an informed decision about upgrading your home security system.
Our top pick is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock due to its built-in Wi-Fi and various promising features. But, all the other options on our list are also great too.
If you're looking for a hassle-free, Alexa-friendly smart lock with pros and no cons, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the one for you.
- It has built-in Wi-Fi.
- It offers voice assistant compatibility and remote access via the app.
- It offers enhanced fingerprint recognition.
