2024 Smart Lock Wars: How to Choose the Right Connected Door Solution

Never get locked out again with these top smart locks tested over six years — but first, let's fix your door's most annoying connectivity problems.

Kwikset Halo Select achieves flawless auto-unlock via location tracking but forces users to choose between Wi-Fi and Matter connectivity. Its precision relies on GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for seamless entry, but this exclusivity limits ecosystem compatibility compared to multi-protocol locks.

Nuki Smart Lock supports Thread, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth simultaneously but requires a $40 Bridge add-on for full Matter integration.

Thread’s mesh networking extends battery life by 30% over Wi-Fi in testing, yet the mandatory hardware complicates setup for budget-conscious buyers.

Wyze Lock Bolt offers a year-long battery life and fingerprint access at half the price of competitors but lacks Wi-Fi entirely. Its reliance on Zigbee 3.0 and Bluetooth cuts costs but excludes users who prioritize cloud-based access or voice assistant integration.

Thread protocol consistently outperforms Wi-Fi in battery longevity across tested models, with Nuki’s Thread-only mode extending runtime to 12 months versus 5 months for Wi-Fi-dependent Eufy FamiLock S3 Max.

However, dual-protocol locks like Schlage Encode Plus still struggle with protocol switching inefficiencies that drain power.

Matter compatibility remains incomplete despite 2026 CES announcements. While Kwikset and Nuki plan updates, 2024 buyers must still navigate fragmented ecosystems where Apple Home Key support varies (Schlage Encode Plus compatible, Level Lock Pro not).