Most smart lock research online focuses on which model to buy. Fewer guides cover the decisions that actually determine whether the lock you pick will work on your specific door, or whether you are even allowed to install it in the first place. Here is what to check before you add one to your cart.
1. Measure Your Door First
Many doors have non-standard backsets or thicker-than-standard slabs, and this is the single most common reason a smart lock does not fit once it arrives. Measure your door thickness and the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the existing lock hole) before ordering, not after. Most modern smart locks are reversible for left-hand or right-hand doors, but it is still worth confirming for your specific model.
2. Decide Your Connectivity Before Your Brand
Every smart lock purchase really comes down to a few underlying decisions, and connectivity is the one that determines everything else about how it fits into your setup: Wi-Fi (connects directly, no hub needed, but drains batteries faster), Bluetooth-only (great battery life, but only works within range unless bridged), or hub-required through Z-Wave or Zigbee (most efficient, but only if you already have a compatible hub). If you already use a specific smart home ecosystem, confirm the lock actually integrates with it before comparing anything else.
Our Security & Access buying guide covers how these connectivity standards compare across the full category, not just locks.
3. Never Skip the Physical Key Backup
Smart locks die. Batteries die. Networks go down. A physical key backup is not optional on a primary entry door, no matter how appealing a fully keyless design looks on the shelf. Some manufacturers do sell key-free models, but for a front or back door, a version with a mechanical override is the safer choice.
4. Check the Encryption, Not Just the Features List
Look specifically for AES-128 or AES-256 encryption, the same standards used by banks, rather than taking a manufacturer’s security claims at face value. For outdoor-facing locks, also check the weather resistance rating, IP65 or higher is the benchmark to look for.
5. Renting? Get Permission First
Rental agreements often have specific language about hardware changes to doors, and it is worth confirming with your landlord before buying, especially for any lock that replaces the existing hardware rather than fitting over it. If approval is a concern, prioritize models that install over your current deadbolt and still use your original key, which are the easiest to reverse when you move out.
What They Actually Cost
In 2026, smart locks typically range from $100 to $350, with most solid options landing between $150 and $250. Budget an additional $100 to $200 if you want professional installation rather than doing it yourself.
Sources
Last Updated: August 2026
