Smart Lock Buying Checklist 2026: 15 Things to Check Before You Buy
Most Smart Lock Regrets Are Preventable
The most common smart lock complaint isn't "it stopped working." It's "I bought the wrong one."
Wrong door size. Wrong connectivity type. Missing features they needed. Bought based on price, not fit.
This checklist exists to prevent that. Run through all 15 checks before you buy — it takes about 10 minutes and saves you the hassle of a return, a second purchase, or a lock that technically works but doesn't actually fit your life.
Section 1: Door Compatibility (Do This First)
These checks must happen before anything else. A lock that doesn't fit your door is a paperweight.
| # | Check | What to Look For | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Door thickness | Standard is 1¾". Measure the edge of your door. Non-standard may need an adapter. | ☐ |
| 2 | Backset measurement | Standard is 2¾" or 2¼". Measure from door edge to center of lock hole. Most locks fit both. | ☐ |
| 3 | Bore hole diameter | Standard is 2¹₃₄". Measure the large hole in your door. Non-standard needs an adapter or different model. | ☐ |
| 4 | Door material | Wood, fiberglass, and most metal doors are compatible. Verify for unusual materials. | ☐ |
| 5 | Renter check | If renting, check your lease. Consider a deadbolt add-on model if hardware replacement is prohibited. | ☐ |
Section 2: Security Standards (Non-Negotiable)
These are the baseline security requirements. Don't compromise on any of them.
| # | Check | What to Look For | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | ANSI Grade 1 certification | The minimum standard for exterior door security. Verified in the product specs — not just the marketing copy. | ☐ |
| 7 | Physical key backup | Every quality smart lock includes a physical key cylinder. If it doesn't, walk away. | ☐ |
| 8 | Encryption standard | Look for AES-128 or AES-256 encryption for all wireless communications. | ☐ |
| 9 | Tamper alerts | The lock should notify you if someone tries to force or tamper with it. | ☐ |
Section 3: Connectivity & Remote Access
This is where most buyers make the wrong call. Match the connectivity to your actual use case.
| # | Check | What to Look For | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Connectivity type | Bluetooth = local only. Wi-Fi = full remote access. Choose based on whether you need to control the lock when you're away from home. | ☐ |
| 11 | Hub requirement | Some locks require a separate hub for remote access. Check if the lock has built-in Wi-Fi or needs a bridge device. | ☐ |
| 12 | Smart home compatibility | If you use Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or Matter — verify compatibility before buying. | ☐ |
Section 4: Features & Practical Fit
Match the features to your actual daily life — not the most impressive spec sheet.
| # | Check | What to Look For | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Access code capacity | Entry-level: 20–50 codes. Mid-range: 100–150. Premium: 200+. Match to your number of users. | ☐ |
| 14 | Battery life & alerts | Look for 6–12+ months battery life and low-battery push notifications. Emergency power port is a bonus. | ☐ |
| 15 | Auto-lock | Automatically locks after a set time. Verify it's included and configurable. | ☐ |
The Complete Checklist at a Glance
| Section | # | Check | Done? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door Compatibility | 1 | Door thickness confirmed (standard: 1¾") | ☐ |
| 2 | Backset measured (2¾" or 2¼") | ☐ | |
| 3 | Bore hole diameter confirmed (2¹₃₄") | ☐ | |
| 4 | Door material compatible | ☐ | |
| 5 | Lease checked (if renting) | ☐ | |
| Security Standards | 6 | ANSI Grade 1 certified | ☐ |
| 7 | Physical key backup included | ☐ | |
| 8 | AES-128 or AES-256 encryption | ☐ | |
| 9 | Tamper alerts available | ☐ | |
| Connectivity | 10 | Connectivity type matches use case (Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi) | ☐ |
| 11 | Hub requirement checked | ☐ | |
| 12 | Smart home platform compatible | ☐ | |
| Features | 13 | Access code capacity sufficient | ☐ |
| 14 | Battery life acceptable + low-battery alerts | ☐ | |
| 15 | Auto-lock included and configurable | ☐ |
Quick Situation Guide: Which Lock Passes This Checklist?
| Your Situation | Most Important Checks | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment renter | #5 (lease), #1–3 (door fit), #7 (key backup) | |
| Airbnb / short-term rental host | #10 (Wi-Fi), #13 (150+ codes), #15 (auto-lock) | |
| Remote worker, frequently away | #10 (Wi-Fi), #11 (no hub needed), #14 (battery alerts) | |
| Family home, speed priority | #6 (ANSI Grade 1), #15 (auto-lock), #8 (encryption) | |
| Full door hardware upgrade | #1–4 (door fit), #6 (ANSI), #7 (key backup) | |
| Budget-conscious first buyer | #6 (ANSI Grade 1), #7 (key backup), #13 (code capacity) |
Our Picks: Locks That Pass Every Check
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Overall — DESLOC B200 WiFi Smart Lock
Built-in Wi-Fi (no hub), fingerprint + keypad + app, emergency power port, 12-month battery with alerts, auto-lock, AES encryption, ANSI certified, physical key backup. Passes all 15 checks.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best for Renters — Fingerprint Smart Lock (Black)
Fingerprint + keypad + app, auto-lock, IP54, 12-month battery, physical key backup. Renter-friendly installation. Passes all 15 checks for apartment use.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Complete Set — DESLOC B200 with Handle Set
Full door hardware in one package. Fingerprint + keypad + app, IP54, 12-month battery, physical key backup. Passes all 15 checks for full door upgrades.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Budget — Keyless Entry Smart Lock (150 Codes)
150 access codes, auto-lock, app control, physical key backup. The most accessible entry point that still passes the essential security checks.
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→ Browse the full Home Security collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the single most important thing to check before buying a smart lock?
ANSI Grade 1 certification. It's the physical security baseline for exterior doors. Without it, no amount of smart features compensates for a lock that can be defeated by force.
Do I need to measure my door before buying?
Yes — always. Most smart locks fit standard US doors (1¾" thick, 2¾" or 2¼" backset), but non-standard doors are more common than people expect, especially in older buildings.
What's the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi smart locks?
Bluetooth locks require your phone to be nearby. Wi-Fi locks connect to your home network and can be controlled from anywhere. If you ever need to lock or unlock your door remotely, choose Wi-Fi.
Do I need a hub for a Wi-Fi smart lock?
Not always. The DESLOC B200 WiFi has built-in Wi-Fi and works without a separate hub. Always check the specs — "requires hub" is often buried in the fine print.
What should I do after buying a smart lock?
Run through the installation checklist in our step-by-step installation guide. Then enable auto-lock, set a strong PIN, enable firmware auto-update, and keep a physical key backup in a secure location.
Is a more expensive smart lock always better?
Not necessarily. The most important factors — ANSI Grade 1 certification, physical key backup, and AES encryption — are available across price ranges. Pay more for Wi-Fi connectivity, fingerprint access, and higher code capacity when you actually need those features.
Related Guides
- The Complete Guide to Smart Locks in 2026
- Smart Lock vs. Traditional Deadbolt: Which Is Safer?
- Fingerprint vs Keypad vs WiFi: Which Type Is Right for You?
- Best Smart Locks for Apartments 2026
- How to Install a Smart Lock: Step-by-Step DIY Guide
- 7 Smart Lock Mistakes That Could Leave You Locked Out
- Complete Smart Home Hub — Start Here
Ready to Buy with Confidence?
- Need Wi-Fi remote access? →
- Renter or fingerprint priority? →
- Full door hardware upgrade? →
- Budget-friendly first lock? →