Ultraloq Bolt imprint for $200: I’ve now tested three different Ultraloq smart locks over the course of a year and a half, and while I think the company offers excellent hardware for the money, there are quite a few software quirks that put these locks below our top picks. I first started using the Bolt Fingerprint, which was the most reliable of all the Ultraloq smart locks. If you have a standard door with a deadbolt hole, installing it is quick (Ultraloq has a thicker door set ($10)). I initially had several issues connecting the lock to my Wi-Fi network, but after several attempts and a few choice words, it connected. I haven’t had any connectivity issues since then. The application is not the most beautiful, but it is practical. You can add multiple user profiles, unlock remotely, get notifications when doors open, share codes, and register fingerprints. There’s also an auto-unlocking function when you walk to the door, but I found it a bit inconsistent and left it turned off. The fingerprint sensor is the highlight, however. You have to get used to placing your finger on the sensor a certain way, and after doing it a few times, I’ve locked it in so that it almost always opens on the first try. It comes with a door sensor, so when the door closes, it will automatically lock (you can disable this). The next lock I tested was the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint with Wi-Fi and HomeKit ($170). This device did a better job of connecting to my home’s Wi-Fi network through the U-Home app and was quick to add to my Google Home. Unfortunately, after several months of flawless performance, one day I decided to start rejecting my fingerprint. The problem? When I put my fingerprint on the scanner, it rejected it and then blocked all other unlocking methods except the app (or the built-in physical key). This was so annoying that I stuck to using a numeric code with the keyboard. Finally, I recently switched to the Bolt Fingerprint With Matter ($170), and let’s just say I’m still diagnosing issues with the company. The lock decides to stop working after a few hours, forcing me to remove one of the batteries and put it back in to “reactivate” it. Maybe I have a defective unit, so we’ll see. –Julian Chocatto
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro for $130: WIRED reviewer Julian Choccato tested Ultraloq’s U-Bolt Pro, which uses the same app as the Fingerprint models. He says it took several attempts to connect to Wi-Fi, but once connected, it worked fine with no Wi-Fi issues during the year he tested it. It has built-in Wi-Fi, uses four AA batteries that last about two months (less in very cold weather), has a hidden mechanical keyhole as a backup in case the battery dies when you’re not home, and you get two spare keys. There’s a charging port on the bottom so you can give it some power during an emergency if the lock is dead and you don’t have the key, but we wish it was USB-C instead of Micro USB. It’s a good lock, but prefers the fingerprint models since it has better build quality and has eight batteries, so the lock lasts twice as long.
Photo: Nina Farrell
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch for $300: I tested this lock for a few weeks alongside the ADT and Google Home security system. Unlike the other locks in this guide, I didn’t install it, ADT did, and installation can be included in an ADT security package like the one I tested. As for the lock itself, it works fine. It’s a complete replacement for the Key, comes with a single key, and has a keypad and fingerprint reader for entry options. The fingerprint reader is fast and efficient, and my husband says the keyboard was easy to use (you activate the keyboard by touching the Yale button, but if your finger is registered in the app, that’s also the fingerprint reader button). Instead of using the Yale app, I primarily control this app using the ADT+ app, but there are versions of this lock that don’t use or require the ADT service. I wish I could set it to lock after every 10 minutes, instead of three, but that’s the longest option the ADT+ app gives me to set it. I can also control it partially in the Google Home app, but only to lock and unlock it, not to delve into detailed settings like passcodes and auto-lock times.
Yale Assure Touchscreen Lever Lock for $249: I tested the no-bolt door handle with the sleek-looking keypad for about seven months on my front door from inside my garage. And unlike Yale’s approach lock, it won’t sense you coming, but activates even with a light touch on the keypad. It’s easy to lock, unlock and view activity history on the Yale Access app, or you can use the PIN to unlock. You can also create different codes for different people so they know exactly who is coming and going and when. It works with Google Home, Apple Home, and Alexa, and even has two physical switches for backup in case the battery fails. Setup wasn’t exactly easy, requiring installation of the Bilt app and then the Yale app to configure, and online reviews are quite voluminous in their complaints about battery life and loss of grip over time. None of these issues arose during our testing period; However, we will update this review with more notes over time. -Kat Merck
Avoid these smart locks
We didn’t like every smart lock we tried. These are the ones to skip.
Eufy FamiLock S3 Max for $280: This lock is great because it includes a camera, allowing the device to double as a digital keyhole (good for younger family members!) and it has a very interesting biometric option that uses the veins in your palm for authentication. Unfortunately, once the lock was installed, it did not work on my door, even though it was the correct size and position.
