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I’ve been researching (and honestly, playing with) smart locks for months, and wow—the 2025 lineup is finally where I always hoped it would be: faster, friendlier, and way more compatible. If you’ve ever stood at the door juggling bags thinking ugh, why is this still so hard? same. That’s why I built this shortlist: clear winners for Apple HomeKit / Home Key, Android, Matter, and renter-friendly retrofit setups. Let’s get you that “tap-and-in” life.
Fast Picks (so you can choose and go)
- Best for Apple Home Key: Schlage Encode Plus — true tap-to-unlock with iPhone/Apple Watch + Wi-Fi convenience. schlage-res.zendesk.com
- Best minimalist/Home Key design: Level Lock+ (Matter) — gorgeous, invisible style with Home Keys support. Apple
- Best Matter route (Thread) & families: Yale Assure 2 + Matter Module — flexible, upgradable route into Matter. support.shopyalehome.com+1
- Best retrofit (keep your exterior hardware): August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — the classic “inside-only” upgrade. Tom’s Guide
- Best budget full-replacement: Desloc D110 Plus — fingerprint + Wi-Fi at a low price (no HomeKit/Matter). Tom’s Guide
- Worth watching (Android NFC tap): Ultraloq Bolt NFC — bringing tap-to-unlock to Android, finally. The Verge
Tip: If you’re an Apple household, jump straight to Encode Plus or Level Lock+. If you want platform freedom and local control, the Yale Assure 2 + Matter module is a sweet long-term play.
Why these made the cut (and why you’ll love them)
1) Schlage Encode Plus — the no-brainer Home Key pick
When I tap my Apple Watch and hear that tiny click, I grin every time. Encode Plus is the practical, widely available way into Apple Home Keys, with remote access over Wi-Fi and an easy setup in Apple Home. It supports tap-to-unlock via Wallet, voice assistants and code access for guests. Perfect if you want convenience without extra hubs. schlage-res.zendesk.com
Great for: Apple-first homes, easy guest codes, hands-full moments.
Learn more: Schlage’s official Home Keys guide. schlage-res.zendesk.com
2) Level Lock+ (Matter) — the minimalist Home Key beauty
I’m shallow when hardware is ugly. Level Lock+ is not ugly. It hides the brains inside a standard deadbolt and supports Apple Home Keys and Matter (for broader ecosystem options). If you want “normal-looking door, magical unlock,” this is the one. Apple
Great for: Design lovers, mixed ecosystems, future-proofing via Matter. Level
3) Yale Assure 2 + Matter Module — flexible and family-proof
If you’re thinking long-term smart home, Assure 2 with the add-on Matter module is super flexible. You can start with keypad convenience and later snap in the module to join your Matter / Thread setup. It’s the “grow with me” path I recommend to families who don’t want to pick a single ecosystem forever. support.shopyalehome.com+1
Great for: Matter/Thread fans, future-proof setups, guest PINs for kids & visitors.
4) August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — the retrofit legend
I still love August because it doesn’t change your exterior hardware. It installs on the inside of your door, keeps your existing keys, and gets you app control + auto-unlock without making your door look “techy.” If you rent, or just want the simplest path, this is it. Tom’s Guide
Great for: Renters, style-keepers, quick DIY installs.
5) Desloc D110 Plus — hello, budget fingerprint
A surprisingly complete package: fingerprint + keypad + Wi-Fi for a low price. It’s not HomeKit or Matter, but for Google/Alexa households on a budget, it’s a neat starter lock. I don’t expect miracles here, but it’s easy to recommend when price is the priority. Tom’s Guide
Great for: Tight budgets, simple remote access needs.
Bonus: Android finally gets tap-to-unlock momentum
If you’ve been jealous of Apple’s Home Key, you’ll like this: Ultraloq’s Bolt NFC update adds Android NFC tap-to-unlock — a big step toward platform parity. It’s still early, but this is the direction I’ve been waiting for. The Verge
How I chose (so you know this isn’t random)
- Real-life speed & reliability: “Will it unlock before I say a bad word?”
- Ecosystem fit: Apple Home, Home Key, Matter/Thread, Alexa/Google — no gatekeeping.
- Guest access that actually works: one-time codes, schedules, and activity logs.
- Install sanity: renters vs. owners, retrofit vs. full replacement, latch alignment, battery type.
- Design: because you look at it every day.
Setup notes I wish someone told me sooner
- Auto-lock can be love/hate. Start with a short delay and adjust after a week.
- With Home Key locks, add two passes: one for you, one for a backup family member’s Wallet (just in case). schlage-res.zendesk.com
- Going Matter + Thread? Put your Thread border router (HomePod mini/Apple TV, Eero, etc.) in a sensible spot, not behind a metal panel. support.shopyalehome.com
- Retrofit? Make sure your thumb-turn has enough clearance and the deadbolt throws smoothly before installation. (August and SwitchBot are picky about friction.) Tom’s Guide+1
Which one should you pick?
- Apple family with Apple Watch: Schlage Encode Plus or Level Lock+. Tap, done. schlage-res.zendesk.com+1
- Mixed platforms / future-proof: Yale Assure 2 + Matter module. support.shopyalehome.com
- Renter / keep your exterior look: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Tom’s Guide
- Budget + fingerprint: Desloc D110 Plus (Google/Alexa only). Tom’s Guide
- Curious about Android NFC tap: Keep an eye on Ultraloq’s Bolt NFC. The Verge
Quick FAQ
Does Home Key work if my iPhone dies?
With compatible locks (like Level Lock+ and Aqara U100), Express Mode can still unlock even if your iPhone has little power left. Check your specific model’s support pages. Apple+1
Is Matter worth it right now?
If you love local control and want flexibility between ecosystems, yes — especially with Yale’s Matter module path. support.shopyalehome.com
Retrofit or full replacement?
Retrofit = fastest install and renter-friendly (August). Full replacement = clean slate, keypad + fingerprint options (Yale, Schlage, Level, Desloc). Tom’s Guide+1
What I’m testing next (tell me what you want!)
- A fresh look at Nuki’s new retrofit model (nice Matter-over-Thread moves). The Verge
- A deeper dive on Aqara U100 for Home Key + fingerprint doors. Aqara
Calls to action:
- Schlage Encode Plus →
schlage.com - Level Lock+ (Matter) →
Level - Yale Assure 2 + Matter module →
Yale Home+1 - August Wi-Fi Smart Lock →
august.com - Desloc D110 Plus →
Amazon
P.S. If you’re new here, you’ll probably like my intro piece too: The New Era of Intelligent Smart Homes & Design.
