Security is where smart home technology moves from convenient to genuinely useful. Knowing who’s at your door, locking up remotely after you’ve already left, and getting an alert the moment something happens are the features people rely on most, not just play with.
What It Is
This category covers smart locks (keypad, fingerprint, or app-controlled deadbolts), video doorbells (a camera and two-way speaker built into your doorbell), and standalone security cameras for indoor or outdoor monitoring.
Why You Need It
Beyond deterring package theft and break-ins, these devices solve everyday problems: letting in a dog walker without a spare key, checking who knocked while you were in the shower, or confirming the door actually locked after you left for vacation.
Key Features to Look For
- Matter/Home Key support, for locks, this future-proofs compatibility across ecosystems
- Local vs. cloud storage, local storage (SD card or hub) avoids ongoing subscription fees; cloud storage usually means a monthly plan
- Battery life, look for at least 3–6 months per charge on doorbells and locks
- Two-way audio, lets you actually talk to whoever is at the door, not just watch them
- Subscription requirements, check whether core features (like recording history) are locked behind a monthly fee before buying
Top Recommendations (2026)
| Pick | Device | Best For | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Pick | Ring Video Doorbell (base model) | Simple visitor monitoring and package alerts | ~$60–$100 |
| Best Overall | Yale Assure Lock 2 (Matter) | Reliable keyless entry that works across Alexa, Google, Apple, and SmartThings | ~$230–$280 |
| Premium Pick | Eufy Video Smart Lock S330 | All-in-one lock, doorbell camera, and two-way talk in a single device | ~$370–$400 |
If you already have a smart home hub, check which lock and camera brands it natively supports before buying, it’ll save you from juggling extra apps.
Installation Difficulty
Doorbells: Easy to Moderate. Battery models are plug-and-play; wired models need your existing doorbell wiring. Locks: Moderate. Most replace just the interior/exterior thumb-turn and deadbolt, no rewiring needed, but standard door prep (backset, bore size) needs to match.
Last Updated: August 2026