7 best smart locks for keeping your home safe and secure

Best: Overall

Rating: 9/10

• Material: Alloy
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: 4 x AA batteries or 9v battery in case of battery failure

This claims to be the world’s slimmest smart deadbolt, and we thought it was an excellent smart lock that worked well and paired easily with the app. You can enter via the PIN code or the app, and the device also allows you to create entry codes for guests, too.

It uses Bluetooth 5.0, which means it’s quick and efficient, and, like the Igloohome Airbnb padlock (below), it also syncs to your Airbnb calendar, to let people who have booked your property in and out.

Best: Outdoor protection

Rating: 8/10

• Material: Steel
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: 1 x CR2 battery

The Master Lock biometric padlock is at one of the simplest ends of the spectrum when it comes to smart locks – it simply just unlocks using your fingerprint in much the same way as your phone does. We did, however, like the fact that it can store up to ten fingerprints, and it is a very simple and easy system to use, so you’ll never really have to worry about getting multiple keys cut again.

Best: Simple design

Rating: 8/10

• Material: Zinc alloy/stainless steel
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium

Another option here for a lock that provides biometric functionality at a slightly different price-point. It’s small, simple and stylish, and can unlock up to 3,000 times on a single charge. Like the Master Lock (£109.99, Screwfix.com), it also has the ability to store 10 different fingerprints, which is a particularly useful aspect of the device.

If you haven’t heard of Lexon before, they’re an internationally acclaimed design brand from France and are well worth a look for gadgets and devices that don’t fit the identikit mould.

Best: For Airbnb renters

Rating: 9/10

• Material: Steel
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: 1 x CR2 battery

With Airbnb listings, and bookings, continuing to rocket, this padlock might be a very useful addition to your property if you’re considering renting out even part of your home. It’s a smart padlock that cleverly syncs with your AirBnB calendar to create unique PIN-codes for your guests. It’s weather resistant, and can be operated using the clearly labelled numbers or a smartphone device. You can even see who has opened the padlock using the app.

Best: Accredited security

Rating: 8/10

• Material: ‎PVC with chrome finish
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: 4 x AA batteries (included)

This is a bit of a different approach from trusted lock manufacturer Yale. It’s likely that most people in the country will be familiar with Yale – in fact its locking cylinders are ubiquitous – but this option allows you to control the whole door mechanism using a smartphone or other connected devices. Totally keyless and guaranteed for two years, it’s also approved by the British Standards Insitution (BSI) – the first smart lock to gain such accreditation.

We really liked the fact that you can send “virtual keys” to friends or family if you’re out (you get five for free without the need to purchase any more) and we think the colour choices look pretty good too. Most modern doors are compatible but it’s worth checking first – and if you’re worried about the installation procedure, there is also an option on the Yale website to select a professional installation if needs be.

Best: Affordable Yale option

Rating: 8/10

• Material: Brass
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: 4 x AA batteries (included)

If you’re keen to go with a Yale solution but want something a little lighter on the wallet, then this keyless connected option might be worth a look. It is a more standard design and setup with keyless entry (with a PIN code, key card or connected smartphone app) and also features a tamper alarm and incorrect code entry features that locks intruders out after multiple wrong attempts.

Best: Voice-activated connected system

Rating: 8/10

• Material: Alloy steel
• Weather-resistant? Yes
• Battery: 4 x AA batteries (included)

It may seem expensive, but this option is a fully connected system that integrates with Amazon’s Alexa infrastructure as well as with Google Assistant and Siri. We liked the fact that it simply attaches to your existing deadbolt with ease, meaning you can keep the key option installed should you wish. And we also like that it features full access monitoring to your smartphone as well as voice control – just speak to your door and it’ll lock and unlock (it also does this automatically as you leave and return to the house). It also has an optional biometric feature to enable two-step verification should you wish.