6 Best Smart Locks for Front Doors (October 2026)
The best smart locks for front doors include the Schlage Encode for everyday family access, the Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt for complete entryway updates, and the Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt for mixed household routines.
On this page (8 sections)
- Which is the best smart lock for front door access?
- What should you check before choosing a front door smart lock?
- Is built-in Wi-Fi worth choosing for a front door?
- Do you need a handle set with a smart deadbolt?
- How should you set up a front door smart lock?
- How should you manage guest codes and automatic locking?
- What care and backup habits prevent avoidable lockouts?
- Which front door smart lock should you choose?
The Schlage Encode is the best smart lock for front door access for most households because it combines remote control, family codes and a physical backup key. Choose a different model when fingerprints, matching handle hardware or Apple Home features matter more.
Start with the door itself, then decide how people will enter each day. A lock that fits your household's habits is more useful than one with extra features nobody uses.
For a wider overview, start with our complete smart lock guide. You can also compare Wi-Fi smart locks and learn how Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections differ.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Which is the best smart lock for front door access?
The Schlage Encode is the strongest starting point for a household that wants keypad entry and remote management. Move to another pick for a specific need, such as replacing the lower handle or entering with an Apple device.
CalmerHallway compared door fit, access methods, connection requirements and included hardware. The recommendations focus on which features solve a daily access problem and what extra setup each choice needs.
| Product | Best for | Connectivity | Access | Door fit | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode | everyday family access | Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Touchscreen, app, voice control, physical key | 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick; 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in backset | 9.1 |
| Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt | complete entryway updates | Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | Fingerprint, PIN, app, voice control, physical key | 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick | 8.8 |
| Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt | mixed household routines | Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | Fingerprint, passcode, app, voice, physical key | 1-3/8 to 2 in thick | 8.6 |
| Aqara U400 | Apple Home households | Matter over Thread | Apple Home Key, fingerprint, passcode, app, physical key | 8.0 | |
| Veise VE06-H Wi-Fi | households using fobs | Bluetooth; optional Veise G2 Wi-Fi gateway | App, code, fob, physical key | 1-3/8 to 2 in thick | 8.0 |
| Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi | frequent guest turnover | Built-in Wi-Fi | Touchscreen, app, voice control, physical key | 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick | 7.3 |
1. Schlage Encode: best smart lock for most front doors
Schlage Encode
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Up to 100 access codes
- Customizable alarm
- Physical backup key
Choose this deadbolt for family codes and remote access without a separate hub. Its adjustable auto-lock and customizable notifications help you manage the door around your routine.
Pros
- No separate hub for remote access
- Door-movement and forced-entry alarm
- Auto-lock can be adjusted or turned off
Cons
- No fingerprint entry option
- Does not include a matching lower handle
Choose the Schlage Encode for a family door where codes handle daily entry and the app handles visitors while you're away. Built-in Wi-Fi avoids a separate bridge, and the Schlage Home app manages up to 100 access codes.
Separate codes let you remove a visitor's access without changing everyone else's routine. Lock history and customizable notifications also help you check activity without giving every household member full control of the account.
Schlage specifies its highest residential BHMA security, durability and finish certification. A customizable alarm responds to door movement and forced-entry attempts, although the door frame and strike still need sound installation.
The deadbolt fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick, with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in backset. Four AA batteries and a backup key are included, and Schlage says battery life reaches up to 6 months with typical use.
Skip it if fingerprint entry is central to your routine or you need replacement handle hardware too. Set its adjustable auto-lock delay around how your family actually uses the entrance, rather than choosing the shortest delay.
2. Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt: replace the handle and deadbolt together
Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt
- Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Matching handle set included
- Fingerprint and PIN access
- Recurring and one-time codes
A matching handle set makes this a practical choice when both pieces of front door hardware need replacing. Fingerprints and several PIN types serve family members and scheduled visitors.
Pros
- Matching handle hardware included
- No hub required for remote access
- Permanent, one-time, periodic and recurring PINs
Cons
- Batteries are not included
- Left-opening doors require a direction reset
Choose this Philips handle set when both pieces of front door hardware need replacing. It combines fingerprint and PIN entry with remote control through Philips Home Access, so daily access doesn't have to depend on opening an app.
Permanent, one-time, periodic and recurring codes serve different visitors. A recurring code fits a regular cleaner, while one-time access is better for someone making a single visit.
The lock connects directly to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi without a hub. Philips recommends keeping it within 33 ft of the router and reducing walls, metal objects and other obstacles between them.
Auto-lock is off by default, with a 0–180 second adjustment in the app. Turn it on deliberately after checking door operation, and confirm that the selected delay gives everyone enough time to enter.
This set fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick, and left-opening doors need a direction reset. Skip it if you're keeping a lower handle you already like or cannot provide a suitable network near the entrance.
3. Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt: different entry habits under one roof
Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt
- Fingerprint and passcode access
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Up to 100 custom passcodes
- Away Mode
Choose this deadbolt when household members prefer different entry methods and you want to keep your existing lower handle. Away Mode restricts electronic entry to the master code.
Pros
- Fingerprint, code and physical-key options
- One-time and scheduled guest codes
- Adjustable auto-lock delay
Cons
- Batteries are not included
- No door sensor to confirm closure
Choose the Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt when one person wants fingerprint entry, another prefers a code and you want to retain your existing lower handle. Physical-key, app and voice options add other ways to manage access.
It supports up to 100 custom passcodes, plus one-time and scheduled guest codes. Direct 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi provides remote control, access history and alerts without a separate hub.
Its 10–180 second auto-lock timer needs special attention because there is no door sensor. A timed bolt movement cannot confirm that someone has pushed the door fully closed.
Away Mode restricts electronic entry to the master code. Check who still needs access before using it, especially if a house sitter or cleaner will visit during your trip.
This deadbolt fits doors 1-3/8 to 2 in thick and requires AA alkaline batteries, which aren't included. Skip it if door-closed confirmation is essential, or if your household would use only a keypad and gain little from fingerprints.
4. Aqara U400: choose around your Apple devices and controllers
Aqara U400
- Matter over Thread
- Apple Home Key tap entry
- UWB entry with compatible devices
- Rechargeable removable battery
The U400 suits households that want Apple Home Key or Matter connections and can meet the controller requirements. Its UWB approach entry also requires a supported iPhone or Apple Watch.
Pros
- Tap entry and compatible UWB approach entry
- USB-C charging with removable battery
- Aqara specifies BHMA certification and an IP65-rated exterior
Cons
- Each ecosystem requires a compatible Thread-enabled Matter controller
- NFC card is sold separately
Choose the Aqara U400 when Apple Home Key or Matter over Thread is a planned part of your home. It also offers fingerprints, touchscreen codes, a physical key and NFC card support, with the card sold separately.
Treat tap entry and UWB approach entry as different features. Apple Home Key requires an Apple Thread-enabled Matter controller, such as a HomePod mini, HomePod 2nd Gen or Apple TV 4K 2021/2022.
UWB entry needs a Thread-enabled Apple Home hub and an eligible device. Aqara specifies iPhone 11 or later, excluding iPhone SE and iPhone 16e, running iOS 18.5+.
Eligible watches are Apple Watch Series 6 or later, excluding SE, running watchOS 11.5+. For connections beyond Apple Home, each ecosystem needs its own compatible Thread-enabled Matter controller.
The removable battery supports USB-C charging, and Aqara says it lasts up to 6 months per charge. Aqara also specifies BHMA certification and an IP65-rated exterior.
Skip it if you want a direct Wi-Fi setup with minimal supporting gear. Confirm every required device before buying for automatic approach entry, rather than assuming any recent Apple phone or watch qualifies.
5. Veise VE06-H Wi-Fi: a handle set for people who prefer fobs
Veise VE06-H Wi-Fi
- Handle set included
- App, code, fob and key access
- 250+ user codes
- Optional G2 gateway for remote features
This handle set suits people who prefer carrying a fob to using a phone or remembering a code. Add the separately sold G2 gateway for remote control and supported voice assistants.
Pros
- Handle set, two fobs and two backup keys included
- Supports scheduled and recurring access
- App and web user management
Cons
- Remote control requires a separate gateway
- Door requires three correctly spaced pre-drilled holes
Choose the Veise VE06-H when a small fob fits your household better than a phone or memorized code. The matching handle set includes two fobs and two backup keys, alongside app and keypad access.
Its 250+ user codes include permanent, one-time, scheduled and recurring options. That gives you room to separate family access from regular visitors without asking everyone to share a single credential.
Despite the Wi-Fi name, remote control requires the separately sold Veise G2 gateway. Code changes also require being within range of the lock or connecting through that gateway, so plan remote management before installation.
Door fit deserves extra care here: the set needs three correctly spaced pre-drilled holes and fits doors 1-3/8 to 2 in thick. Measure the hole spacing, cutout and backset instead of assuming an existing handle set has the same layout.
Skip it if you want direct Wi-Fi without an accessory or don't want to carry a fob. During setup, pair it with the app before changing the master password through the keypad, as Veise instructs.
6. Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi: direct Wi-Fi for many separate guest codes
Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Up to 250 access codes
- Temporary and scheduled guest access
- Intrusion notifications
The Halo suits homes managing many separate guest codes through a direct Wi-Fi connection. Its app combines access history with alerts for invalid code attempts and tampering.
Pros
- Large code capacity without a separate hub
- Temporary, scheduled and permanent codes
- Two physical keys included
Cons
- No fingerprint entry option
- Does not include a matching lower handle
Choose the Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi when you manage many individual guest codes and want remote access without a separate hub. Its touchscreen supports up to 250 codes, with temporary, scheduled and permanent access through the Kwikset app.
That capacity matters most when each visitor gets a separate code. A family with only a few regular users should choose around entry preference and door fit rather than unused code capacity.
The app provides activity history and alerts for invalid code attempts or tampering. Decide which notifications need your attention so routine activity doesn't bury an alert you would want to see.
Kwikset also offers optional geofencing for approach entry. Enable that only if you want location-based behavior, and understand the phone permissions and settings before relying on it.
The Halo fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick and includes two physical keys. Skip it if fingerprints or a matching lower handle are priorities, since those needs point to other picks here.
What should you check before choosing a front door smart lock?
Check door fit and smooth bolt travel first, then compare entry features. A connected lock cannot correct a sagging door or a strike opening that forces you to lift the handle each time.
Measure the opening, not the old lock's outside cover
Record the door thickness, backset and bore-hole size. The backset is the distance from the door edge to the center of the main lock hole.
For a handle set, measure the spacing between all required holes too. Our smart lock compatibility guide covers the fit questions to resolve before buying.
Look at the inside face of the door as well. A battery housing needs room beside trim, a wall, glass molding or another piece of hardware.
Keep an eye on your existing hardware's footprint. A smaller replacement can expose old marks or holes, which may turn a simple lock change into a door-finish repair.
Choose the entry method people will actually use
A keypad is useful when visitors need access without carrying anything. Fingerprints suit household members who want quick daily entry, while fobs suit people who prefer a physical credential without using a key.
Think about gloves, wet hands, children and visitors unfamiliar with your home. Keep a second entry method available so one person's preferred option doesn't become everyone's only option.
A phone app is helpful for managing the lock, but opening it at the doorstep may add steps to a routine. Choose the everyday method first and treat remote features as a separate decision.
For a fuller checklist, use our guide to choosing a smart lock for your front door. Write down your must-have features before comparing extras.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth choosing for a front door?
Built-in Wi-Fi is worth choosing when you regularly manage access from elsewhere. It helps when a visitor arrives early, someone forgets to lock up or you need to change access while away.
If everyone uses local codes or keys and you rarely manage visitors, remote control may add little to your routine. Decide what you need to do from outside the home before choosing a connection type.
Separate internet access from local entry
Home internet, your phone's connection and the lock's power supply are separate parts of the system. A router outage can affect remote control even while the lock still has battery power.
Before relying on any feature, learn how that exact model behaves without internet and without your phone nearby. Don't assume voice commands, app controls, fingerprints and keypad codes all share the same connection needs.
Check coverage at the closed door
Check network availability at the actual entrance, with the door closed. A router that works well in the living room may have a weaker connection through exterior walls or nearby metal.
Distance guidance is a setup aid, not a promise that every home will have the same coverage. Resolve a weak connection before depending on remote access for a visitor who has no other entry method.
Do you need a handle set with a smart deadbolt?
Choose a handle set when the lower handle also needs replacing. Keep a sound existing handle when a deadbolt alone solves the access problem and matches the door's layout.
Replacing both pieces adds measurements and installation steps. Check latch placement, screw locations and clearance instead of choosing only by finish.
A matching finish also doesn't ensure that new hardware will cover the outline of the old set. Compare the mounting footprint before removing anything that may leave visible marks.
Remember that the lower latch and the deadbolt do different jobs. If the lower handle has its own keyed lock, decide how you'll use it so a keypad code doesn't leave someone blocked by a second locked mechanism.
How should you set up a front door smart lock?
Install it with the door open, confirm free bolt movement, then add access settings. Keep the old hardware and another entry route available until the new lock works correctly.
Fix resistance before adding app features
Operate the existing deadbolt with the door open and closed before removal. Resistance only when closed usually points toward door or strike alignment that deserves attention.
Follow the new lock's cable-routing and mounting instructions closely. Tighten screws evenly, and investigate binding rather than forcing the bolt or assuming the motor will overcome it.
Complete the required door-direction or calibration steps before creating household access. Our smart lock installation guide explains the wider process.
Add users before switching on automatic features
Create the administrator account, then add each regular user separately. Confirm entry from outside while someone remains inside or another entrance stays available.
Next, set guest permissions and confirm that their schedules match the intended days and hours. Show regular visitors the locking procedure too, rather than assuming entry and departure work the same way.
Enable auto-lock only after the basic setup works. Use a delay that allows normal entry, carrying groceries and helping children through the doorway.
How should you manage guest codes and automatic locking?
Give each visitor a separate code with the narrowest useful access window. Use permanent access for regular household members and limited access for people visiting for a defined purpose.
Match the code type to the visit
A one-time code suits a single visit. A scheduled code suits a set period, while recurring access fits a regular cleaner or dog walker when the lock supports that option.
Explain the access window before the visitor arrives. Someone who comes early may be unable to enter even when their code is correct.
Remove access when a job or stay ends, and review permissions after a change in household arrangements. A large code capacity helps only if you keep the active user list organized.
Avoid using an address, birthday or an obvious repeating sequence as a code. Share credentials privately and change them if you think someone outside the intended group has learned them.
Keep auto-lock separate from door closure
Auto-lock controls when the bolt moves; it doesn't necessarily confirm that the door is shut. Make closing the door part of the routine even after automatic locking is enabled.
Watch for situations where the door stays open longer, such as bringing in bags or moving furniture. A bolt extended into an open doorway can prevent the door from closing normally.
Choose alerts you can act on, and check an unexpected event rather than treating a notification as proof of what happened. An access record shows credential activity, not a full account of who entered.
What care and backup habits prevent avoidable lockouts?
Respond to low-battery warnings promptly and keep a usable backup outside the locked home. A spare key inside the entryway cannot help someone standing outside.
Use the specified power source
Follow the battery instructions for the exact model. Both Philips options need batteries supplied separately, and their instructions call for alkaline cells rather than substituting rechargeable batteries.
For replaceable cells, avoid mixing old and new batteries. For a rechargeable system, build charging into your routine before the low-power warning becomes urgent.
Battery-life estimates depend on use and conditions. Treat a claim of several months as planning guidance, while the lock's own alerts determine when you need to act.
Keep the door and credentials in order
Check bolt movement if the door starts rubbing or needs extra pressure to close. Seasonal door movement and loose hardware can change alignment after installation.
Follow the brand's cleaning instructions for the keypad, sensor and finish. Avoid spraying cleaner into openings or applying a lubricant that the lock instructions don't recommend.
Protect the connected account with a unique password and any available extra sign-in protection. Remove access from lost phones or fobs promptly, and review app permissions after replacing a device.
Which front door smart lock should you choose?
The best smart lock for your front door is the one that fits the opening and gives each regular user a practical entry method. Make the final choice around the one need that would otherwise remain unsolved.
- Pick Schlage Encode for a family door managed mainly through keypad codes and remote app access.
- Pick Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt when you're replacing both the deadbolt and handle and want fingerprint entry.
- Pick Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt when you want varied entry methods while retaining the lower handle.
- Pick Aqara U400 when your eligible Apple devices and controllers support the entry features you want.
- Pick Veise VE06-H Wi-Fi when fobs and matching handle hardware suit the household, with a gateway planned if needed.
- Pick Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi when many separate guest codes and direct Wi-Fi matter more than fingerprint access.
Before ordering, confirm the measurements, required accessories and backup entry plan. If your needs extend beyond these front door picks, compare our best smart locks or narrow the hardware choice with our best smart deadbolts.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best smart lock for a front door?
The Schlage Encode is the best choice for most front doors if you want family codes, remote app access and a physical backup key without a separate hub. Choose a handle set if your lower hardware also needs replacing, and check door measurements before choosing any model.
Do front door smart locks need Wi-Fi?
No. Local entry and remote control have different connection needs, so choose around the features you plan to use.
The Veise VE06-H offers Bluetooth app access nearby but needs its separate G2 gateway for remote control.
Our guide to smart locks without Wi-Fi explains the differences.
Will a smart lock fit my existing front door?
A smart lock will fit only when the door thickness, backset, bore holes and required handle spacing match. Measure the existing opening rather than judging by the old lock's appearance.
Also check interior clearance, since trim, a nearby wall or another door can interfere with the battery housing.
Are smart locks safe for a front door?
Smart locks can support secure access when the door, installation and account settings are sound. Use separate guest codes, remove old permissions and keep a backup entry plan.
Alerts cannot repair a weak frame or a binding bolt.
Read our smart lock safety guide for more practical checks.
