6 Best Smart Locks (2025) for Front Doors, Slider Doors, and Even Garages

6 Best Smart Locks (2025) for Front Doors, Slider Doors, and Even Garages

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

• Smart locks offer enhanced security, convenience, and remote access management for various entry points in 2025.
• Solutions exist for standard front doors, challenging sliding glass doors, and even garage access, integrating seamlessly into smart home ecosystems.
• Top contenders like August, Schlage, Yale, myQ, Kwikset, and Eufy provide diverse features including retrofit options, keypads, biometric scanners, and specialized designs.
• Key factors in choosing the ideal smart lock include assessing your specific entry point, smart home compatibility, installation preferences, and desired functionalities.
• Modern smart locks boast improved battery life, reliable connectivity, advanced encryption, and robust tamper detection, making them an indispensable component of contemporary home security.

• Why Smart Locks Are a Must-Have in 2025
• Top Smart Lock Contenders for Every Entry Point (2025)
  • 1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) – Best Overall Retrofit
  • 2. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Premium Keypad & Apple HomeKey
  • 3. Yale Assure Lock SL for Sliding Doors – Specialized Sliding Door Solution
  • 4. myQ Smart Garage Control – Intelligent Garage Access System
  • 5. Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Smart Lock – Biometric Security for All
  • 6. Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi – Feature-Rich & Reliable Security
• Choosing Your Ideal Smart Lock: 3 Actionable Steps
  • 1. Assess Your Specific Entry Point and Security Needs
  • 2. Evaluate Smart Home Compatibility and Connectivity
  • 3. Consider Installation, Power, and User Experience
  • Real-World Smart Lock Success Story
• Conclusion
• FAQ

In a world where convenience often goes hand-in-hand with cutting-edge technology, securing our homes has evolved far beyond traditional keys and deadbolts. The smart lock industry continues its rapid innovation, offering homeowners unparalleled control, enhanced security features, and effortless access management. As we step into 2025, the options are more sophisticated and versatile than ever, catering to every entry point imaginable.

Whether you’re safeguarding your main entrance, adding security to a patio’s sliding glass door, or modernizing your garage access, there’s a smart lock solution tailored for you. Gone are the days of fumbling for keys or worrying about lost spares. Upgrade your locks with fingerprint-scanning or a keypad, whether it’s at the front door or a sliding glass entryway. This guide will help you navigate the top contenders, ensuring your home remains a fortress of both safety and smart living.

Why Smart Locks Are a Must-Have in 2025

The appeal of smart locks extends far beyond mere keyless entry. These devices integrate seamlessly into the broader smart home ecosystem, offering a holistic approach to property security and daily convenience. They provide real-time monitoring, remote access capabilities, and customizable security settings that traditional locks simply cannot match.

Imagine granting temporary access to a dog walker or a repair technician with a few taps on your smartphone, then revoking it just as easily. Picture never having to worry about locking the door as you rush out, thanks to auto-lock features, or receiving instant notifications if someone attempts to tamper with your entryway. Smart locks empower you with granular control over who enters your home and when, all while maintaining a robust barrier against unauthorized access.

Furthermore, the technology has matured significantly. Battery life is longer, connectivity is more reliable, and installation is often simpler than previous generations. With advanced encryption and biometric authentication, smart locks offer not just convenience, but also a formidable layer of defense against modern security threats, making them an indispensable component of any modern home.

Top Smart Lock Contenders for Every Entry Point (2025)

Choosing the right smart lock depends on your specific needs, existing door types, and desired features. Here’s a rundown of the top six options making waves in 2025, covering everything from front doors to tricky slider entries and even garages.

1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) – Best Overall Retrofit

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock excels in blending seamlessly with your existing hardware. It attaches to the inside of your current deadbolt, allowing you to retain your original keys while adding robust smart capabilities. Its compact design and built-in Wi-Fi mean no extra bridge is needed for remote access, making it incredibly user-friendly.

• Key Features: Auto-lock/unlock, door sense (knows if door is open or closed), virtual keys, activity feed, voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit).
• Best For: Front doors, side entrances where you want to keep your existing exterior lock hardware and keys.
• Pros: Easy DIY installation, sleek design, preserves existing keys, excellent app control, robust smart home integration.
• Cons: No exterior keypad or fingerprint scanner (unless paired with August Smart Keypad), reliance on Wi-Fi stability.

2. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Premium Keypad & Apple HomeKey

For those seeking a complete smart lock replacement with cutting-edge features, the Schlage Encode Plus is a standout. It offers a secure, illuminated keypad and the groundbreaking Apple HomeKey functionality, allowing you to unlock your door by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch. Built-in Wi-Fi removes the need for a separate hub, simplifying setup.

• Key Features: Keypad entry, Apple HomeKey support, built-in Wi-Fi, traditional key override, tamper alarm, works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Best For: Front doors and high-traffic entry points where multiple access methods and strong security are paramount.
• Pros: HomeKey is incredibly convenient, robust build quality, easy remote access, highly secure, no hub required.
• Cons: Higher price point, professional installation might be preferred by some.

3. Yale Assure Lock SL for Sliding Doors – Specialized Sliding Door Solution

Sliding doors present a unique challenge for smart lock integration, but Yale meets this head-on with its Assure Lock SL for Sliding Doors. Designed specifically for the mortise-style locks common on sliding glass and patio doors, this sleek, key-free lock offers a modern aesthetic combined with smart functionality via various smart modules (Zigbee, Z-Wave, HomeKit/Bluetooth).

• Key Features: Key-free touchscreen keypad, privacy button, auto-relock, various smart module options for connectivity.
• Best For: Sliding glass patio doors, multi-panel sliding doors, any entry point using a mortise lock.
• Pros: Solves a common smart lock gap, modern design, reliable Yale security, multiple connectivity options.
• Cons: Requires a smart module for full smart features, specific mortise-style fit might require professional installation.

4. myQ Smart Garage Control – Intelligent Garage Access System

While not a traditional door lock, the myQ Smart Garage Control is an essential smart security device for garage access. It transforms your existing garage door opener into a smart system, allowing you to open, close, and monitor your garage door from anywhere using your smartphone. Never wonder if you left the garage door open again, and allow secure deliveries right into your garage.

• Key Features: Remote open/close, real-time alerts, daily schedules, guest access, works with Amazon Key in-garage delivery.
• Best For: All types of garage doors with compatible openers. Essential for securing a main access point that is often overlooked.
• Pros: Affordable, easy DIY installation, broad compatibility with garage door openers, adds significant peace of mind.
• Cons: Relies on your existing garage door opener, requires Wi-Fi connectivity.

5. Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Smart Lock – Biometric Security for All

The Kwikset Halo Touch integrates fingerprint access directly into the lock, providing an incredibly fast and secure entry method. Store up to 100 fingerprints for family and trusted individuals, eliminating the need for keys or codes entirely. Built-in Wi-Fi ensures seamless remote management and smart home integration without an additional hub.

• Key Features: Fingerprint access, keypad, built-in Wi-Fi, traditional key override, personalized user codes.
• Best For: Front doors, side entrances, or any door where quick, secure, and key-free biometric access is preferred.
• Pros: Fast and reliable fingerprint recognition, direct Wi-Fi connectivity, easy user management, strong security features.
• Cons: Fingerprint reader can be sensitive to dirt/moisture, potentially higher battery consumption with frequent use.

6. Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi – Feature-Rich & Reliable Security

Eufy offers a comprehensive smart lock solution with its Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi, combining multiple entry methods in one robust package. It features a fast fingerprint scanner, a responsive keypad, app control, and traditional key access. The integrated Wi-Fi module ensures you’re always connected to your door, making it a highly versatile and dependable choice.

• Key Features: Fingerprint recognition, keypad, app control, auto-lock, voice assistant compatibility (Alexa, Google Assistant).
• Best For: Front doors, back doors, or rental properties where diverse access options and reliable connectivity are crucial.
• Pros: Excellent value for money, reliable fingerprint sensor, multiple unlocking methods, easy to install and manage.
• Cons: Fingerprint recognition speed can vary, battery life might be shorter than some non-Wi-Fi models.

Choosing Your Ideal Smart Lock: 3 Actionable Steps

With so many excellent options available, making the right choice can seem daunting. Follow these three actionable steps to narrow down your selection and find the perfect smart lock for your home.

1. Assess Your Specific Entry Point and Security Needs

Before diving into features, consider where the lock will be installed. Is it a standard front door deadbolt, a unique sliding patio door, or a garage? Each location might require a different type of lock or system. Determine your primary security concerns: is it deterring theft, managing access for multiple users, or simply gaining convenience? For instance, a garage might prioritize remote access and scheduling, while a front door might benefit most from biometric security and tamper alerts.

2. Evaluate Smart Home Compatibility and Connectivity

Think about your existing smart home ecosystem. Do you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit? Choosing a lock that integrates seamlessly will enhance your overall smart home experience. Also, consider connectivity: do you prefer built-in Wi-Fi (for direct remote access) or are you willing to use a smart home hub (Z-Wave/Zigbee) which often offers better battery life and network stability?

3. Consider Installation, Power, and User Experience

Are you comfortable with DIY installation, or would you prefer professional help? Some locks are simple retrofits, while others require more involved replacements. Pay attention to power sources – most smart locks run on batteries, so evaluate expected battery life and ease of battery replacement. Finally, read reviews about the mobile app’s usability and the overall responsiveness of the lock. A clunky app or slow response time can diminish the smart lock experience significantly.

Real-World Smart Lock Success Story

Take Sarah, a busy working mom who often found herself rushing out the door, second-guessing if she’d locked up. After installing an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock on her front door, her worries vanished. “The auto-lock feature is a lifesaver,” she recounts. “And when my son forgot his keys, I simply unlocked the door for him from my office. It’s given me so much peace of mind and simplified our daily routine immensely.”

Conclusion

The landscape of home security in 2025 is dominated by intelligent, connected devices designed to make your life safer and more convenient. From fingerprint-scanning deadbolts for your main entrance to specialized solutions for sliding doors and smart controllers for your garage, there’s a sophisticated smart lock waiting to elevate your home’s defenses and accessibility. By carefully considering your specific needs, smart home setup, and desired features, you can confidently choose a smart lock that perfectly integrates into your lifestyle.

Ready to transform your home security? Explore these top smart lock options today and step into a smarter, safer future!

FAQ

What are the main benefits of upgrading to a smart lock in 2025?

The main benefits include keyless entry options (keypad, fingerprint, app), remote access and monitoring, auto-lock features, temporary access sharing for guests or services, real-time alerts for door activity, and seamless integration with other smart home devices.

Can smart locks be installed on sliding glass doors or garage doors?

Yes, specialized smart locks like the Yale Assure Lock SL are designed for sliding glass doors with mortise-style locks. For garage doors, devices like the myQ Smart Garage Control can integrate with existing openers to provide smart functionality.

Are smart locks secure against hacking or tampering?

Modern smart locks incorporate advanced encryption protocols, secure communication channels, and tamper-resistant designs. Many also include built-in alarms that trigger if unauthorized attempts are made to access the lock, making them highly secure against both digital and physical threats.

Do smart locks require a smart home hub, or do they connect directly to Wi-Fi?

It depends on the model. Many newer smart locks, like the Schlage Encode Plus or Kwikset Halo Touch, feature built-in Wi-Fi for direct connection to your home network, eliminating the need for a separate hub. Others may use protocols like Z-Wave or Zigbee and require a compatible smart home hub for full remote functionality.

What should I consider before buying a smart lock?

Consider the type of door (front, side, sliding, garage), your desired entry methods (keypad, fingerprint, app, traditional key), compatibility with your existing smart home ecosystem (Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit), installation complexity, battery life expectations, and the overall user experience provided by the mobile app.