Smart Locks at Home Controls: What's Best For Your Smart Home

Smart locks are one of the first and most common upgrades buyers make when building their smart home network. There is a smart lock model for every available smart home network or wireless technology, but most smart locks are not one-size-fits-all for every door. While most offer the convenience of remote status monitoring and locking/unlocking, there are many key differences between the various smart lock models including security functionality, color options, and smart home integration.

Below is a comprehensive list of every smart lock manufacturer you’ll find available at Home Controls and the pros and cons of their standout models.

Alfred - Alfred Touchscreen Deadbolts (Bluetooth or Z-Wave, Wi-Fi add-on)

A modern, glass-front touchscreen deadbolt with Bluetooth connectivity for proximity locking & unlocking. Visual PIN protection hides authorized passcodes within a longer number sequence for greater security. Z-Wave Plus compatibility available with certain models or with the purchase of a AFDB2ZWAVE or AFZW2PRO module.

Pros

• Sleek touchscreen deadbolt with auto-lock and privacy features
• Z-Wave connectivity built-in with certain models or added via snap-in module (sold separately)
• Passcode and access protection features include Visual PIN Protection, e-keys via Alfred Home app, and Incorrect Code lockout
• Available in keyless and keyed models

Cons

• Remote control requires a compatible smart hub and a purchase of an add-on module or gateway/bridge unit
• Limited color finish options, only DB2 models available in multiple colors

August - August Smart Lock (Wi-Fi or Z-Wave)

These retrofit smart locks replace only the interior thumbturn, which allows you to keep your existing key and exterior hardware for an unassuming upgrade. Wi-Fi Smart Locks do not require a smart hub to control the lock, while Smart Lock Pro models require a Z-Wave hub in order to operate. For PIN access, pair it with the August Smart Keypad (sold separately).

Pros

• Retrofit install lets you keep your existing keys & exterior hardware and hide your smart home upgrade
• Both models offer anywhere remote control; optional keypad adds passcode access
• Wide compatibility with Apple Homekit and Apple Watches, SmartThings, and voice assistants

Cons

• Offers no extra security from forced entry
• Users are required to have the August app in order to remotely manage the lock.
• Requires additional purchase of either an August Wi-Fi Bridge unit or Z-Wave compatible hub, depending on selected model

Danalock - Danalock V3 Smart Locks (Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Apple HomeKit)

Another retrofit, interior-only motorized smart lock available in Z-Wave Plus (Gen5), Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Apple HomeKit compatible models. The variety of models ensures a compatible lock for nearly any kind of smart home. Twist Assist feature provides motorized locking assistance.

Pros

• Compact, retrofit design simplifies installation and preserves your existing lock and keys.
• Various compatibility models for most smart home ecosystems.
• Supports a wide range of SDK and API integration options for third-party applications

Cons

• Every model requires a hub or Danalock Bridge for remote access and inclusion into smart home networks
• Offers no extra security from forced entry
• No PIN code access control

Kwikset - Halo (Wi-Fi), Home Connect (Z-Wave/Zigbee), and Powerbolt (Passcode Only)

Kwikset has been making reliable and attractive locks, deadbolts, and leversets for decades, and that craftsmanship carries into their various smart lock product lines. Home Controls carries all of their popular smart lock models including the popular Home Connect locks with Z-Wave or Zigbee compatibility, the state of the art Halo Wi-Fi deadbolts, and even non-smart locks from the Powerbolt product line. Each Kwikset smart lock comes in multiple color/finish options and 3 means of locking/unlocking the door.

Pros

• Smart lock product lines for every major smart home technology (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee)
• Halo Wi-Fi locks offer direct Wi-Fi control between the lock and mobile app—no hub; Touch models replace numeric keypad with fingerprint reader.
• Home Connect locks offer Z-Wave or Zigbee remote control via an existing smart home network.
• Powerbolt electronic locks protect from remote intrusion with only a numeric keypad and turnkey access.

Cons

• Nearly all models replace existing hardware and compatible keys
• Home Connect Z-Wave and Zigbee smart locks require a compatible hub and mobile app for remote operation
• Matching models can be confusing, be sure closely consider the right smart lock to fit into to your smart home network

Qolsys - IQ Lock-PG Push-Button Deadbolt (PowerG)

Qolsys—known for its IQ security panels—offers a branded deadbolt that ties neatly into IQ Pro/IQ4 ecosystems using long-range, encrypted PowerG radio via the panel.

Pros

• Exclusive integration with Qolsys IQ panels and Alarm.com.
• Native integration with Qolsys and PowerG security systems including , security schedules, arming/disarming automations, remote alerts, etc
• PowerG wireless encryption ensures secure wireless communication

Cons

• Best value only if you’re already on a Qolsys system; not a general-purpose Wi-Fi/Z-Wave/Bluetooth lock
• Requires a Qolsys IQ panel for remote monitoring and management

U-Tec (Ultraloq) - Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (Bluetooth + Wi-Fi add-on)

A compact Bluetooth deadbolt lock with 6 access methods (turnkey, numeric keypad, U-Tec app, proximity, fingerprint, and “Magic Shake”. Bluetooth connectivity is built-in for local proximity control as you leave or reenter your home or business. A Wi-Fi Adapter (sold separately) pairs with smart lock for remote access.

Pros

• Multiple unlock modes in one unit for unmatched accessibility and versatility to lock/unlock your door
• Built-in Bluetooth compatibility makes pairing and unpairing with authorized users simple when they approach/leave the building

Cons

• Wi-Fi and remote connectivity requires the Wi-Fi Bridge adapter
• Voice assistant compatibility also requires the Wi-Fi Bridge adapter

Yale - Approach, Assure, Pro, and nexTouch Smart Locks

Yale has the broadest lineup at Home Controls - deadbolts, interconnected leversets, retrofit units similar to August and Danalock, all with Wi-Fi or Z-Wave connectivity options. Home Controls carries all of their popular smart lock models including the popular Assure and Assure 2 deadbolts and leversets, the state of the art Pro 2 deadbolts, and even specialty locks for cabinets and delivery chests. With pushbutton and touchscreen models and multiple color options for all product lines, there is a Yale lock for virtually any home or business.

Pros

• All smart lock product lines are compatible with Bluetooth and one other wireless protocol: Wi-Fi or Z-Wave
• Almost all product lines have touchscreen or pushbutton models and support at least 2 access methods
• Variety of product lines offer something for any sized home or business

Cons

• Z-Wave or Wi-Fi compatibility available in select models at higher price or with separate purchase or snap-in module or bridge unit
• Z-Wave compatible locks require a smart hub, sold separately, for remote management. Bluetooth only locks require either a snap-in module or Wi-Fi bridge unit for remote access

TLDR Cheat Sheet

Want no hub and fast setup? You'll Want a Wi-Fi Lock

August Wi-Fi

Danalock Apple HomeKit

Kwikset Halo

Yale Pro 2 or Assure Wi-Fi

Already have a Z-Wave or Zigbee hub? Choose from one of the following locks

Alfred DB1 Smart Lock

Danalock V3 Z-Wave

Kwikset Home Connect 918 or 620 Z-Wave

Kwikset 914 916 (Zigbee)

Yale Pro 2 Z-Wave

Want a smart lock without changing your locks and keys? Replace your indoor thumbturn with any of the following:

August

Danalock V3

U-Tec Ultraloq

Want to use your fingerprint for exclusive entry? Choose from the following options:

Kwikset Halo Touch

U-Tec Ultraloq

For further details or questions on our smart locks, or any other home security or home automation topics or concerns, feel free to contact our customer service over the phone at (858)-693-8887 or email us at service@homecontrols.com. You can also check out other entries in our blog for more insights about our available smart home automation and security devices, or other smart home topics.