7 Best Alexa-Controlled Smart Locks

Smart locks provide a number of advantages over traditional door locks, including remote access, auto-unlocking as you approach, tamper alarms, and voice control. They eliminate the need for physical keys, making it easier and quicker to lock and unlock your door.

With Alexa compatibility, you can unlock the door by voice via the Alexa App. You can also tie the lock into a morning and evening routine, to make sure your home is secure during the night.

I've spent a lot of time researching and testing smart devices including smart locks over the last number of years. 

I have the Yale Wi-Fi smart lock in my holiday home which has been a great addition. I no longer need to hide a key in the garden as I can simply give my friends a personalized passcode for them to use when they come to visit while I'm away.

Below are my top picks for the best smart locks that integrate with Alexa.

2023 Update: I've removed both Eufy and Wyze smart locks from this list due to recent security issues that both companies have faced.

What is a Smart Lock with Alexa Voice Control?

A smart lock with Alexa voice control allows you to lock and unlock your door hands-free using voice commands. It integrates with other Alexa-enabled smart home devices and can be controlled remotely through both the manufacturer app and the Amazon Alexa app.

Top Things to Consider Before Choosing an Alexa-Compatible Smart Lock

Smart locks are a secure way to control access to your home. With Alexa compatibility, you can conveniently lock and unlock your door with just a voice command. In this section, I'll walk you through the top things to keep in mind when purchasing a smart lock with Alexa voice control.

Installation

Before purchasing a smart lock, it's important to determine whether it's compatible with your existing door hardware. All of the locks listed here work with most standard single-cylinder deadbolts and most can be DIY installed. However, if you have a double-cylinder, vertical-cylinder, mortise, or integrated lock, you will likely need a more specialist smart lock. I also recommend double-checking measurements first, in case modifications to your door are needed.

Security features

Security should always be a top priority when selecting a smart lock. Look for features like two-factor authentication, strong encryption, and industry certification to keep your home and family safe. For example, Ultraloq has ANSI Grade 1 certification.

Battery life

Smart locks are powered by batteries, so be sure to choose one with a long battery life. Look for a lock with a rechargeable battery or one that sends notifications when the battery is running low.

My experience of smart locks is that most of them burn through their batteries quickly requiring constant replacements. Also make sure the lock you pick has a backup power option, to avoid being locked out!

Remote access

Smart locks allow you to control access to your home from anywhere with an internet connection. Make sure the lock you choose allows you to remotely monitor and control the lock. If the lock has a keypad, you should have the ability to set a number of different codes that you can then activate and deactivate.

Smart Home Integration

If you already have a smart home, look for a lock that integrates well with the devices you already own. This integration makes it easier to automate and customize the control of your smart home. For example, you can trigger a security camera to record when the lock is being used. Or you can trigger sirens, lights and music to play if a tamper is detected.

Price

Smart locks can be expensive, so make sure to choose one that fits your budget. The price of a smart lock depends on its features, so consider which features are most important to you before making a purchase. At the time of writing, the Lockly was the most expensive on our list while the Switchbot was the cheapest.

The August 4th Gen works with most standard single-cylinder deadbolts, making installation quick and easy without having to modify your door.

It comes with cool features like biometric verification and door sensing which keep your home secure. Biometric verification makes sure that only authorized persons can enter while door sensing makes sure the door is locked when not in use.

Another benefit of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the ability to control it from afar. With the August app, you can lock and unlock your door and monitor access, even when you're not home.

Finally, the August integrates well with Alexa so you can use your voice to lock or unlock your door.

Insights

The user feedback for the product is a mix of positives and negatives. The positive feedback mostly highlights the ease of installation and use, and the ability to remotely access the lock. People have also appreciated the product for being a great solution when they can't change their door key, and they also liked the ability to give temporary access or access remotely. 

However, the negative feedback mostly concerns the poor battery life, the lock constantly disconnecting from Wi-Fi, and the need to replace the batteries frequently. Some considered the lock unreliable and buggy, with a few users having issues with the lock failing to recognize their phones and unlock the door for them.

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing it to be controlled remotely and by voice. With Alexa integration, all it takes is a simple command to unlock the door.

It has a built-in alarm if the lock is tampered with, plus a helpful notification that lets you know when it's time to replace the battery.

Nobody wants to spend all day installing a lock. Luckily, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is easy to install, with the Snap and Stay feature.

Finally, keeping track of visitors is also easy as it can handle up to 100 access codes, which can be managed through the app on your phone. And if you use Alexa notifications, you'll always know when the battery is getting low.

Insights

Many users praise the easy installation process and the ability to remotely change codes for Airbnb or rental properties. Users also appreciate the sleek design and the automatic locking feature after a set period of time. 

However, other users have encountered problems with battery life and have had difficulty connecting the lock to WiFi. Some users have also experienced issues with the keypad failing and the lock not locking properly.

The Kwikset Halo Smart Lock enables you to control your lock from anywhere with just your phone or tablet. So, no need to rush home to let guests in or worry about whether you locked up before going to bed.

With voice control, you can fully control the Kwikset Smart Lock with Alexa or Google Home.

Intrusion Detection

If someone tries to tamper with the lock, you'll receive an instant notification on your phone, so you can respond to the situation.

Finally, you can install the Kwikset Smart Lock yourself using just a screwdriver.

Insights

Users have praised the Kwikset Halo for its ease of use and functionality, with many highlighting the ability to store and reactivate up to 250 codes. Some users have also praised customer support, stating that the staff are efficient and helpful.

However, one major issue with the lock is the battery life, with some users having to change the batteries as frequently as every two weeks. The lock's noise level, which can be loud when locking or unlocking digitally, is also a concern for some. The app has also faced criticism, with users noting issues with false information and incomplete history. 

The Yale Wi-Fi Smart Lock is next on our list of the best Alexa smart locks. This is the one I installed in my holiday home and was pretty easy to install by myself. 

With the Auto-Unlock feature, all I need to do is approach my door, and it unlocks without having to fumble with my keys. Using the Yale Access app, I can easily control who gets in and who doesn't and the DoorSense feature notifies me if my door is left open, adding an extra layer of security. 

I have it set up with Alexa so all I just need to say the magic words, and I can lock or unlock my door with ease. This is great if I’m on the couch and someone is at the door waiting to come in.

With “Digital Key Sharing”, I can grant access to family or friends by sending digital keys. I can give permanent, temporary, or scheduled access to my guests, meaning I'll no longer need to hide a key in the garden again!

I have had issues with the battery life on the lock with the initial battery lasting almost 6 months, while newer ones I’ve added draining in 1 - 2 months. Other than that, I’m happy with the lock.

Insights

Users who bought the product have praised the Yale lock's ease of installation and sturdy design. They appreciate the lock's ability to personalize access codes for family members as well as guests who require temporary access.

On the negative side, several users report the Yale lock to be unreliable, with issues ranging from connectivity problems to manufacturing defects. Battery issues have also been reported, while the lock's connectivity with Wi-Fi has also been an issue for some.

This Lockly keyless door lock provides numerous ways to access your property, including a keypad, biometric, voice control, app and auto-unlock.

It has an alarm inside that'll go off if someone's tampering with it and you’ll get alerts on your phone if anything fishy is going on near your front door.

With the Alexa integration, you can use your voice to lock and unlock the door, which is super handy if you're carrying bags, or just don't feel like getting up.

Installation is pretty straightforward so you should be able to do it yourself in no time.

With remote access, if you're at work or on vacation, you can let people into your house without actually being there. Plus, you can check on the status of your lock at any time through the app, so you'll always know your house is safe and sound.

Insights

Positive feedback highlights the clean design and easy installation process. Users also appreciate the convenience of the lock codes for guests, the fingerprint sensor, remote management features, and seamless integration with other smart home devices.

However, on the negative side, some users found the product to be unreliable, the setup instructions confusing and the fingerprint reader only working intermittently.

With the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, you can use your phone to control your lock from anywhere. You can give access to visitors, keep track of who's been coming and going, and get alerts sent straight to your phone.

If you have Alexa, you'll love the voice control feature. You can tell Alexa to lock or unlock your door without even touching a button. So if your hands are full, you can just use your voice to get in or out.

Don't worry if you're not a DIY pro, because the Smart Lock is super easy to install. It fits right onto most standard doors and comes with all the bits and pieces you'll need. You don't need to hire anyone to do it for you, you can get it up and running in no time at all.

Insights

Users have reported both positive and negative experiences with the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro smart lock. On the positive side, many users have found the lock to be easy to install and use, with several highlighting its fingerprint scanner and remote unlocking capabilities as major selling points. 

Others have praised the lock's sturdy construction and appreciated the freedom the lock provides from having to physically track down keys or share them with others.

However, some users have reported issues with the lock's connectivity to the app, with several noting that the app can be laggy or difficult to connect to. Also the Wi-Fi bridge comes in for some criticism with some being unable to unlock the lock outside of Bluetooth range.

Other users have had trouble with the lock's fingerprint scanner, and need to revert to using the code instead.

Several users have also expressed frustration with poor customer support, with some struggling to reach anyone to troubleshoot their issues.

With this smart lock, you can use your voice to control your lock so no need to search for your keys or phone anymore! All you have to do is tell Alexa what to do and your door will lock or unlock. 

It’s pretty convenient to come home with groceries and be able to open your door with the Alexa app on your phone by saying "Alexa, unlock the front door"

When it comes to security, the lock has a built-in alarm system that will sound if anyone tries to tamper with it. 

Plus, by using the app, you can easily let your guests or family members in and maintain complete control of your home’s security. 

Insights

Users were impressed with how easy it was to install the lock. They appreciated that they didn't have to change their existing lock, which made the installation process quick and hassle-free. Several users noted that they live in apartments and cannot change the locks, so this smart lock was perfect for their needs. 

Users were also happy that it worked well with Alexa and Google Assistant and was generally found to be reliable and functional.

On the negative side, a few people noted that the adhesive used to attach the lock to the door was not strong enough, causing the lock to jam or not work properly. 

A few users also mentioned that the instructions were not clear, making the installation process difficult. Despite these issues, the majority of users found the product to be a great addition to their homes.

FAQs

What are the best brands of smart locks with Alexa voice control?

The best smart lock brands with Alexa voice control include August, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, and Lockly. These locks can be controlled with voice commands, and some also offer additional features like remote access and automatic locking.

How do I set up a smart lock with Alexa?

To set up a smart lock with Alexa, you will need to install the device in the door, then download the manufacturer's app, create an account, and link your Amazon account by enabling the Skill within the Alexa app.

What happens if my Alexa device loses connectivity?

If your Alexa device loses connectivity, your lock will still function as a smart lock. You can still use the key (assuming there’s a keyway) or the lock's manufacturer's app to lock and unlock your door manually.

Sources

august.com

kwikset.com