Top 5 Best Smart Locks that Work with SmartThings

Smart homes have many connected devices that work together to create a home automation system that makes life easier and more convenient for us living in the house. There are many home security systems and devices as well like smart doorbells and video doorbells, smart door hardware, smart gate locks, smart thermostats, smart plugs, smart door locks, and more. 

The entry into home automation often starts with smart locks and hubs. What I’m going to look at today is my list of the Top 5 Best Smart Locks that Work with SmartThings. 

For those who don’t have much time, here’s a short list based on features and budget. 

Read on for the full details of these smart locks 

What is Samsung SmartThings

SmartThings is a smart home connected hub from Samsung, quite possibly the biggest name in IoT technology (Internet of Things) today. With SmartThings, you can connect together all compatible smart devices in your home through Z-Wave or Wi-Fi (for direct integrations). Zigbee connected devices aren’t compatible though. 

Access control can be through the SmartThings app or even voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. With smart locks, you’ll be able to do things like check lock status, lock and unlock doors, send forced entry alarms, etc. 

SmartThings has an app giving you full control over your whole system of compatible smart devices. You’ll be able to do 

Smart Lock Compatibility Requirements with SmartThings

Connecting your smart locks to SmartThings requires Z-wave protocol compatibility or a direct integration created by SmartThings. 

The top smart locks in the list below are all Z-wave compatible or have a direct integration, so they work perfectly with the SmartThings hub. 

The 5 Best Smart Locks that Work with SmartThings

Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave – Editor’s Choice

Yale is one of the most reputable brands over 180 years making locks, their core product. The Yale Assure Smart Lock comes in a really nicely designed shape and replaces your existing deadbolt system. 

The auto lock feature locks the door behind you as you enter or leave. But don’t worry if you get locked out, there’s no traditional keyhole for a key that was left inside. You just enter your access code on the backlit keypad and it unlocks. 

Multiple unique access codes can be programmed to give family and friends entry into your home. For added protection, you can delete access codes for temporary guests. If they need to enter your home again, you can create new, valid access codes. 

The Yale Assure SL Z-wave is compatible with a number of smart home connected hubs like SmartThings. There is no Yale app to control this smart lock, so you’ll have to pair it with your SmartThings hub or compatible smart home system instead. Once that’s done, you’re all set for some awesome hands free security in your smart home.

Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt Z-Wave Plus – Best Value

The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt looks sturdy and comes in two designs that fit both classic and modern doors, and gives stylish 6 color options. 

Schlage Connect replaces your existing deadbolt and offers keyless entry, while still giving you the backup option of regular keys. The Schlage Connect features a fingerprint resistant touchscreen that prevents thieves from figuring out your access code through your fingerprints. 

Up to 30 unique access codes can be programmed on the Schlage Connect door lock and codes. Create codes for your family, friends, and even service providers to access your front door. Once they’re done, you simply remove those codes and your front door is secured with nobody able to re-use their codes.

There is a built-in alarm with alert modes that send notifications to your phone if it senses someone is trying to potentially breach your door lock or other potential security threats. It lets you know exactly what is happening at your front door in real time. 

Pairing with a Z-Wave smart home hub like Samsung Smart Things is simple, and once that’s done – you unleash the possibilities of controlling your smart lock through voice commands and you get complete automation and security of your smart home.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)

August is one of the most reputable brands making smart locks. This smart lock from August is well-designed and loaded with smart features including Bluetooth, while still working with standard style deadbolts. 

There are a number of features on the August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Generation) like the auto-unlock function. The geofencing feature on the August lock gives you proximity benefits.

The August lock automatically unlocks your door lock when it senses that you’re near, enabling you to walk through the front door without needing to pull out your phone. Conversely, the auto-lock function automatically locks your door as it detects you leaving, helping to keep your home secure. 

Built-in WiFi gives you the voice control abilities to use Google Assistant and Alexa to control the lock. 

Connecting to your SmartThings hub is easy and once you’ve paired your August and SmartThings accounts you’ll be on your way to using your August lock wirelessly. 

One key note is you’ll need the August Connect WiFi bridge to be able to connect it with SmartThings. There’re instructions on the August site to connect the August and SmartThings accounts. The advantage here is you don’t actually need the SmartThings hub itself, just the account, because of the direct integration. 

August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge – Best Budget-Friendly

The August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect WiFi Bridge is the earlier model of the same smart lock above. It’s still around and a favorite because it comes with Z-Wave connectivity. 

This version of the August lock (3rd Gen) needs the SmartThings hub because the lock and hub use Z-Wave for secure communication. 

The features are pretty much the same – the biggest difference is the design and the Connect adapter. The Connect needs to be plugged into wall outlets for power, but no smart outlet needed. Just make sure the wall outlet is close to your door because it still needs to talk to the August lock. 

Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z-Wave Plus Deadbolt

The Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z-Wave Plus Deadbolt is a visual treat – the design and colors it comes in are great to look at, and the buttons on the backlit keypad are bright and easy to see. 

Access code entry gives you keyless entry and the SecureScreen Technology (patent pending) ensures that your codes can’t be identified by smudges of your fingerprints on the keypad. 

With the Auto Lock feature turned on, your door automatically locks itself after 30 seconds. If you want to feel like you’re still locking it, the one-touch locking feature makes the process of securing your home hassle-free and simple.

Up to 30 individual access codes can be given to your family, friends and even the dog walker when they need access to your home, either temporarily or permanently. These codes are easily removed once they’re no longer needed. 

With Z-Wave Plus technology, the Kwikset SmartCode 916 is fully compatible with your SmartThings Hub. With the latest Z-Wave 500 chipset installed on the Kwikset SmartCode, pairing and controlling the lock through your SmartThings via voice control and automation has never been easier.

Final Thoughts

These are all great smart locks that work with SmartThings, whether with Z-Wave Technology or direct integration. The SmartThings app is works with Android and iOS (iPhone) compatible devices. 

The 3 categories we picked as winners for the top smart locks listed above are as follows:

Editor’s Choice

For the best overall smart lock, I chose the popular Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave. It’s got great features and a great design as a cool touchscreen. You can also check out their other packages that come with lever locks.  

Best Value

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt, Z-Wave Plus could be just the right smart lock for you. It’s heavy on functionality yet it still stays relatively clear of the higher-tier prices you often see on smart devices like these. The built-in alarm is a great function for your peace of mind whenever you are out of your house!

Best Budget Friendly

The smart lock with the best price would have to be August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge, due to the things it can do. Compared to all the others on the list, the functionality is a little lacking – but with all that it does as a smart lock (auto unlock, relock, remote access, activity monitoring), it is surely a great device to have when you’re on a budget but still want a great smart lock for your home.

Here’s a nice Samsun video on the SmarThings Hub and how to set it up at home.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions