Wyze · Reviewed by Foremost Picks · Published 2026-05-07
Based on a review by Foremost Picks (accessed 2026-05-07).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about affordable price point at $80 — just accept voice assistants can only lock, not unlock, the door.
The reviewer recommends the Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 as the best affordable smart lock under $100. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is praised for its versatility and traditional look. For top-tier security and broad compatibility, the Schlage Encode Plus is suggested. The Eufy Smart Lock S3 Max is highlighted for its unique integration of a smart lock, video doorbell, and 2K security camera. Ultimately, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 is chosen as the top pick for offering the most seamless and futuristic smart lock experience, especially for Apple users, due to its ultra-wideband Apple Home Key support.
This video provides a comparative review of five top smart door locks for 2026, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end options. It covers key features such as security certifications, keyless entry methods (fingerprint, keypad, palm vein, HomeKey), remote access, app control, battery life, and smart home compatibility with ecosystems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt V2 is the best budget smart lock for new users because it offers a wealth of features typically found in more expensive models. It boasts built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate hub, and its AI self-learning fingerprint scanner unlocks the door in about half a second. While the tempered glass keypad feels premium for its price, voice assistants can only lock the door for security reasons, and it lacks Apple HomeKit support. If you are just getting into smart locks and want a feature-rich option under $100, this is the one to grab. However, if deep integration with the Apple ecosystem is a priority, you should look elsewhere.
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The Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 comes in at just $80, making it an affordable option.
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The biggest upgrade over the original Bolt is its built-in Wi-Fi, which allows remote control and access code management through the Wyze app.
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The fingerprint scanner on the Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 unlocks in about half a second, and it's an AI self-learning scanner.
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The battery life for the Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 is rated at 8 months on a set of eight AA batteries.
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The Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 does not support Apple HomeKit, which is a consideration for users in the Apple ecosystem.
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The Yale Assure Lock 2 allows users to start with Bluetooth and add a Wi-Fi module later without replacing the entire lock, offering versatility.
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It comes with DoorSense, a magnetic sensor that detects if the door is actually closed before engaging the auto-lock, preventing locking an open door.
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Battery life for the Yale Assure Lock 2, running on four AA batteries, lasts roughly 3 to 4 months under regular use, which is shorter than some competitors.
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The Schlage Encode Plus carries the highest residential security certification available, BHMA Grade AAA, indicating strong resistance to forced entry.
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A key feature of the Schlage Encode Plus is Apple HomeKey support, allowing users to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to lock and unlock the door.
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The Schlage Encode Plus does not have a fingerprint scanner, requiring reliance on codes, the app, or Apple HomeKey for entry.
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The Eufy Smart Lock S3 Max's palm vein recognition scanner works in about 0.6 seconds and has a 99.9% accuracy rate according to Eufy.
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The integrated 2K HDR camera offers a 150° head-to-toe wide-angle view, allowing users to see packages on the ground.
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The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the first smart lock in the world with ultra-wideband Apple Home Key support, utilizing technology similar to Apple AirTags.
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With UWB, the Aqara U100 unlocks automatically as you walk up to your front door with your iPhone or Apple Watch, without requiring any tap or interaction.
The reviewer suggests the Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 as the top choice for an affordable smart lock, noting its price of just $80. It includes significant features like built-in Wi-Fi and a fast fingerprint scanner, making it a great value for its price point.
If reliability and security are top priorities, the Schlage Encode Plus is recommended. It boasts the highest residential security certification available, BHMA Grade AAA, indicating it's tested to withstand serious forced entry attempts.
For Apple users, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 is highlighted as the top pick due to being the first in the world with ultra-wideband Apple Home Key support, enabling truly hands-free unlocking as you approach. The Schlage Encode Plus is also a strong contender, supporting Apple HomeKey for tap-to-unlock functionality with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
The Eufy Smart Lock S3 Max is genuinely something different, integrating a smart lock, video doorbell, and a 2K security camera into a single device. It provides a 150° head-to-toe wide-angle view to see packages and offers palm vein recognition for unlocking.
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 stands out for its seamless, hands-free unlocking experience. Utilizing ultra-wideband Apple Home Key, the door automatically unlocks as you approach with your iPhone in your pocket or Apple Watch on your wrist, without needing to tap or interact.
Battery life varies significantly among the models reviewed. The Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2 is rated for 8 months on eight AA batteries. The Schlage Encode Plus offers a solid 6 months on four AA batteries. In contrast, the Yale Assure Lock 2 provides a shorter battery life of roughly 3 to 4 months under regular use on four AA batteries.
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Foremost Picks reviews the best smart door locks of 2026, beginning with the budget-friendly Wyze Auto Lock Bolt V2, which offers built-in Wi-Fi and a fast fingerprint scanner. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is noted for its modular design and DoorSense technology, while the Schlage Encode Plus earns praise for its highest residential security rating and Apple HomeKey support. The Eufy Smart Lock S3 Max stands out for its integrated 2K camera and unique palm vein recognition. The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is presented as the top pick, featuring ultra-wideband Apple Home Key for seamless hands-free unlocking, though UWB is currently Apple-exclusive.
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