Securing your apartment while maintaining convenience is a modern necessity. Smart door locks offer the perfect solution, eliminating the need for physical keys and providing remote access control. Whether you’re managing deliveries, granting temporary access to guests, or simply ensuring you’re never locked out, the right smart lock can significantly enhance your daily life and peace of mind.
With a variety of options available, from fingerprint readers to Wi-Fi connected deadbolts, selecting the ideal lock for your rental or owned apartment can be challenging. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best smart door locks, focusing on features like easy installation, multiple access methods, and robust security to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
Our Recommended Smart Door Locks for Apartments
- eufy Smart Lock C33, Keypad Door Lock with Handle
- Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch
- ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor
- Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Yale Assure SL Deadbolt Smart Lock
- Lockly Secure Plus Bluetooth Smart Door Lock
- WiFi Smart Gate Lock with Camera & Doorbell
- Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock
- SwitchBot Smart Lock WiFi
- Wyze Lock Smart Deadbolt
eufy Smart Lock C33, Keypad Door Lock with Handle
The eufy Smart Lock C33 combines a sleek handle design with advanced biometric technology for a streamlined entry experience. Its seamless fingerprint recognition is built directly into the handle grip, allowing for instant unlocking as you naturally grasp it. This system learns and adapts to your usage over time, providing reliable access for all family members, including children whose fingerprints may be harder for some systems to read.
Integrated Wi-Fi means you can manage your door from anywhere using the eufySecurity app. You can grant temporary access to guests, view a detailed event history, and receive real-time notifications. With an impressive battery life of up to 12 months on a single charge, this lock offers year-round security without the inconvenience of frequent battery changes, making it a highly practical choice for any apartment.
Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch
For those who prefer not to replace their entire deadbolt, the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is an excellent solution. It installs on the inside of your door, leaving your existing hardware intact—a major advantage for renters. This smart lock works with your current keys while adding a suite of modern, keyless entry options.
The included Yale Keypad Touch can be mounted anywhere within Bluetooth range, offering multiple ways to enter. You can use the highly accurate fingerprint scanner, create custom entry codes, or utilize Auto-Unlock as you approach. The system integrates with the Yale Access app for remote management, and existing August Home users can log in with their current credentials for a smooth transition.
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor
The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro stands out with its comprehensive 8-in-1 access system, offering unparalleled flexibility. You can enter using an AI-powered fingerprint ID, a smartphone app, a unique anti-peep keypad, voice control, and more. Its built-in Wi-Fi connects directly to your home network without requiring an extra hub, allowing for full remote control and activity monitoring from anywhere.
This lock also includes a door sensor, adding an extra layer of intelligence to your home security. It can automatically lock when the door closes and unlock as you approach with your smartphone. You will receive alerts for any activity and can check the door’s status at a glance, making it a powerful option for managing access in apartments, especially for those who host guests or use short-term rental services.
Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Kwikset brings its trusted security heritage to the smart lock market with the Halo Touch. This Wi-Fi enabled deadbolt requires no additional hub, simplifying setup and operation. You can control the lock remotely via the Kwikset app, share guest access, and review a full activity history with ease.
Convenience is a key feature, with intelligent geofencing that automatically unlocks the door as you approach your home. For direct access, you can use the touchscreen keypad or the integrated fingerprint reader, which securely stores up to 100 fingerprints locally on the lock itself. Its Grade AAA certification provides assurance of its mechanical strength and durability.
Yale Assure SL Deadbolt Smart Lock
The Yale Assure SL boasts a remarkably slim and modern design that completely eliminates the keyhole, creating a key-free deadbolt. This not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also removes the vulnerability associated with traditional lock picking. The responsive touchscreen keypad is easy to use in all weather conditions.
With built-in Wi-Fi Connect, this lock provides direct remote access through the Yale Access App without any additional modules or hubs. It supports Auto-Unlock, which detects your smartphone’s approach and unlocks the door for you. If your phone isn’t with you, the reliable touchscreen keypad offers a quick and secure alternative.
Lockly Secure Plus Bluetooth Smart Door Lock
Lockly Secure Plus offers six distinct methods for keyless entry, catering to every possible preference. These include a patented PIN Genie keypad, a 3D biometric fingerprint sensor, app control, voice commands, secure QR codes, and a physical key for backup. This variety ensures that you and your household will always have a way in.
The digital keypad is designed with security in mind; the numbers scramble after each press to prevent anyone from seeing your code based on finger smudges or observation. The second-generation 3D fingerprint sensor provides rapid access and can store up to 99 fingerprints. An optional Wi-Fi Hub is included for remote access, working seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
WiFi Smart Gate Lock with Camera & Doorbell
This all-in-one unit is a powerhouse of security and convenience, ideal for an apartment’s main gate or a private entrance. It combines a 7-in-1 keyless entry rim lock with a built-in camera and doorbell. Access methods include advanced facial recognition, palm vein ID, fingerprint, keypad, IC card, and mechanical key.
The dual biometric security of face and palm vein recognition offers a futuristic, contactless entry experience that is both fast and extremely difficult to duplicate. The integrated camera allows you to see and speak with visitors in real time directly from your smartphone, providing visual verification before you grant access, no matter where you are.
Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock
The Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock provides exceptional flexibility with multiple unlocking options to suit every member of your household. You can choose to use the smartphone app, a personalized passcode, your fingerprint, a physical key, or voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. This ensures that everyone, from tech-savvy adults to visitors, can enter with ease.
Its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote locking and unlocking from anywhere, giving you complete control over your front door without the need for a separate hub. The voice control feature is particularly useful for hands-free operation, whether your hands are full with groceries or you’re simply comfortable on the couch and need to let someone in.
SwitchBot Smart Lock WiFi
The SwitchBot Smart Lock offers one of the most renter-friendly installations on the market. It attaches to your existing deadbolt on the inside of the door using strong 3M adhesive, requiring no tools, drilling, or permanent modifications. This makes it a perfect, non-intrusive solution for apartments where altering the door is not permitted.
Despite its simple setup, it doesn’t compromise on features. You can control the lock remotely via the app, use voice commands with Google, Siri, or Alexa, and set auto-lock timers for peace of mind. The home sharing function allows you to grant remote access to family and friends directly through the app, making it great for managing guest entry.
Wyze Lock Smart Deadbolt
The Wyze Lock Smart Deadbolt is designed to bring smart functionality to your current deadbolt without a complex replacement process. It’s known for offering a strong set of features at an accessible point, making smart home security available to a wider audience. The system typically includes an attachment that motorizes your existing deadbolt, paired with a keypad for keyless entry.
You can expect convenient features like auto-lock, which secures your door automatically after it’s closed, and remote access via the Wyze app. This allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere and create unique access codes for guests. Its straightforward approach provides a significant upgrade in convenience for your apartment entry.
Buying Guide: Picking the Right Smart Door Lock for Your Apartment
Living in an apartment comes with its own set of rules, and finding a smart lock that fits both your lifestyle and your landlord’s requirements is key. You can’t just go drilling new holes or replacing the entire door handle in a rental. The good news is, the market is full of options designed for renters. I’ve found that focusing on a few key features makes the selection process much smoother.
First and foremost, consider the installation type. For most apartments, a smart lock that uses a deadbolt adapter is the best choice. These are fantastic because they work with your existing deadbolt and hardware. You typically just replace the interior thumb-turn and cover, leaving the exterior part of your lock completely untouched. This means no permanent modifications and an easy return to the original lock when you move out. Full lock replacements are usually a no-go unless you have explicit permission from your property manager.
Next, think about how you want to access your home. Keypads are incredibly convenient for letting yourself in with groceries or for granting temporary access to guests, dog walkers, or cleaning services without needing to hand out physical keys. Many modern smart locks also offer fingerprint scanning, which feels like something from a sci-fi movie. And of course, ensure the lock works with your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for remote control and status alerts. If you’re already invested in a smart home ecosystem like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Alexa, make sure the lock you pick is compatible.
Power is another practical consideration. Almost all smart locks run on batteries, usually standard AA or CR123A types. Look for a model that gives you plenty of warning before the batteries die—a low-battery alert on your phone is a lifesaver. Some even have a backup option, like a 9V battery connection on the exterior, so you’re never truly locked out. Finally, don’t forget about physical keys. Even with all this technology, having a traditional key as a backup is a simple, reliable safety net. Finding the right balance of convenience, compatibility, and non-permanence will lead you to the perfect smart lock for your apartment.
FAQ
Are smart door locks for apartments easy to install without damaging the door?
Yes, many are designed specifically for this! The best options for apartments are those that use an interior adapter. These attach over your existing deadbolt on the inside of the door, leaving the exterior lock and handle completely untouched. You usually only need a screwdriver, and the whole process can take less than 20 minutes. Since there’s no drilling into the door itself, you can remove it when you move out with zero evidence it was ever there, which keeps your security deposit safe.
Will a smart lock work if my apartment’s Wi-Fi is weak at the front door?
This is a common concern. Many smart locks use Bluetooth for the primary connection, which only works when you’re close to the door (like with your phone in your pocket). For remote access and alerts, they do need Wi-Fi, but they often connect via a separate hub that you plug into an outlet closer to your router. This hub acts as a bridge, extending the signal. If you have a very large apartment, checking the lock’s range specifications or opting for a model with a dedicated hub can solve this problem.
What happens if the batteries die while I’m locked out?
Manufacturers are well aware of this fear, and they build in safeguards. Nearly every smart lock will give you repeated low-battery warnings through its app or a beeping sound. If the batteries do die completely, most models have a place on the exterior where you can touch a 9V battery to provide a temporary jump of power to open the lock. As a final, always-reliable backup, many of the best smart door locks for apartments also include a traditional keyhole, so you can still use your physical key.
Can my landlord or property manager override my smart lock?
Unless you give them access, generally no. You are the primary account holder and control all the access codes and user permissions. You can create a unique, temporary code for maintenance workers or your property manager and then delete it once their work is done. This actually gives you more control and a better log of who enters your home compared to handing out a master key that you can’t track. Always check your lease agreement first, and it’s a good practice to inform your landlord as a courtesy.
How secure are smart locks compared to traditional deadbolts?
A high-quality smart lock is just as secure, if not more so, than a traditional deadbolt. They are built to the same physical security standards. The digital aspect adds layers of security; instead of a key that can be copied or picked, access requires a unique code, your fingerprint, or your smartphone. Look for locks with features like encryption and two-factor authentication for your app to ensure your digital access points are protected. It’s about combining physical and digital security for a more complete solution.