7 Best Smart Locks 2026: Matter, UWB & Garage Reviews

7 Best Smart Locks (2026) for Front Doors, Side Doors, and Even Garages

It is 2026, and the frantic "key dance" at your front door should officially be a thing of the past. If you are still fumbling with a physical key while balancing groceries or squinting at a lock in the dark, you are living in the stone age. We have moved beyond basic connected deadbolts into an era of seamless, hands-free entry. With the widespread adoption of Matter 2.0 and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, your door now knows you are home before you even reach the porch.

As someone who has spent the last five years turning my home into a testing lab for every smart lock on the market, I have learned that the best lock isn’t just the one with the most features. It is the one that stays connected, respects your privacy, and works every single time. Whether you are securing a front door, a side entryway, or even the garage, here is my 2026 evaluation of the seven best smart locks to simplify your life.

The 2026 Tech Standards: Matter, Thread, and UWB

Before we dive into the picks, you need to know three terms that define a good lock in 2026. First is Matter 2.0, the universal language that lets your lock talk to Apple, Google, and Amazon devices simultaneously. Second is Thread, a networking protocol that makes locks respond instantly while sipping battery power. Finally, there is Ultra-Wideband (UWB). This is the magic that allows for "hands-free" unlocking—no tapping your phone or entering a code required. If your phone is in your pocket and you stand at the door, it opens. It is that simple.

1. The Best All-Rounder: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The Schlage Encode Plus remains the gold standard for homeowners who want zero compromises. It was early to the UWB party and continues to dominate. With Apple Home Key support, you can unlock your door just by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock—or better yet, let the UWB proximity sensor do it for you as you approach.

Best for: Homeowners who want maximum reliability and Apple ecosystem integration. Battery Life: 10 to 12 months. Protocol: Thread, Matter 2.0, Wi-Fi. Key Feature: Apple Home Key and UWB hands-free entry.

2. The Renter’s Dream: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Generation 5)

August has perfected the "retrofit" model. It replaces only the interior thumbturn of your existing deadbolt, meaning you keep your exterior hardware and your physical keys. The 2026 model now fully supports Matter over Thread, which has solved the battery drain issues of previous Wi-Fi-heavy versions.

Best for: Renters or those who want to keep their current door aesthetics. Battery Life: 6 to 8 months. Protocol: Matter over Thread. Key Feature: Easy 10-minute installation without changing the deadbolt.

3. The Biometric King: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi

If you hate carrying a phone or remembering codes, the Ultraloq is your best friend. Its 360-degree fingerprint scanner is the fastest in the industry, reading your print in less than 0.3 seconds. It also features a hidden physical keyhole and a keypad, giving you more ways to get in than almost any other lock.

Best for: Large families and those who prefer fingerprint access. Battery Life: 9 months. Protocol: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Key Feature: Anti-peep keypad and lightning-fast fingerprint recognition.

4. The Facial Recognition Specialist: Lockly Visage

Lockly Visage is the futuristic pick for 2026. Using dual-camera technology, it recognizes your face as you approach and unlocks the door instantly. Unlike older facial recognition tech, this cannot be fooled by photos or videos. It is incredibly helpful for anyone with mobility issues or those who frequently have their hands full.

Best for: Tech enthusiasts and individuals with limited hand dexterity. Battery Life: 6 months (rechargeable battery pack). Protocol: Matter, Wi-Fi. Key Feature: Secure 3D facial recognition and a rotating digital keypad.

5. The Versatile Workhorse: Yale Assure Lock 2

Yale’s modular approach is what makes this lock a winner. You can swap out the communication modules as technology changes, meaning this lock won’t be obsolete in two years. The 2026 edition comes with Matter-over-Thread built-in and a sleek, buttonless touchscreen that looks great on modern homes.

Best for: Those looking for a long-term investment that can be upgraded. Battery Life: 12 months. Protocol: Matter over Thread (Modular). Key Feature: Slim, minimalist design and modular connectivity.

6. The Garage Security Hero: Chamberlain myQ Video Keypad

We often forget the garage, yet it is one of the most common entry points for intruders. The myQ Video Keypad is a game-changer. It combines a smart garage controller with a high-definition camera and a keypad. You can see who is at the garage door, speak to them, and grant access for a delivery or a neighbor all from one app.

Best for: Detached garages or homes where the garage is the primary entrance. Battery Life: Hardwired or 6-month rechargeable battery. Protocol: Wi-Fi. Key Feature: Integrated 2K camera with two-way audio and garage door control.

7. The Sliding Door Solution: Autslide Smart Sliding Door System

Sliding glass doors are notoriously difficult to automate, but the Autslide system is the best solution we have seen. It doesn't just lock the door; it can actually slide it open for you. This is a massive win for pet owners (it can act as a smart pet door) or for those who want a completely touchless transition to the backyard.

Best for: Patio doors and sliding glass entryways. Battery Life: Plug-in power with battery backup. Protocol: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. Key Feature: Automatic motorized sliding and secure locking.

Specialized Entryways: Why the Garage and Sliding Doors Matter

Most people stop at the front door, but a truly secure home in 2026 considers every "weak" point. Traditional sliding door latches are flimsy and easily bypassed. Using a system like Autslide adds a motorized locking mechanism that is much harder to force open.

Similarly, the garage is often the most overlooked part of home security. A smart garage controller like the myQ not only lets you close the door remotely if you forgot but also allows for "In-Garage Delivery." This lets delivery drivers drop packages inside your garage, keeping them safe from "porch pirates" while keeping the rest of your home locked tight.

Gifting Peace of Mind

Smart locks have become one of the most popular practical gifts over the last few years. If you are looking to buy one for someone else, consider these personas:

For the Frequent Traveler: The August Wi-Fi is perfect because they can check their lock status from a beach in Greece and let a plant-sitter in without handing out a physical key.

For the Elderly: The Lockly Visage or Schlage Encode Plus (with UWB) are incredible gifts. They eliminate the need to struggle with small keys or remember complex codes. The door simply opens for them.

For Busy Parents: The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is the winner here. Kids always lose keys, but they rarely lose their thumbs. The activity log also lets parents know exactly when the kids get home from school.

Addressing Common Doubts

I still hear the same two questions every time I recommend a smart lock: "What if the battery dies?" and "Can it be hacked?"

Regarding batteries: Every lock on this list provides weeks of "low battery" warnings. If you ignore those, most have a physical key backup or a 9V battery terminal on the bottom that lets you "jump-start" the lock from the outside just long enough to enter your code.

Regarding security: Nothing is 100 percent unhackable, but the encryption used by brands like Schlage and Yale is the same level used by banks. In reality, a burglar is much more likely to break a window or kick in a door than they are to sit on your porch with a laptop trying to crack a Matter 2.0 encryption key.

The Final Word

A smart lock is no longer a luxury; it is a foundational part of a modern, secure home. By choosing a lock that supports 2026 standards like Matter and Thread, you are ensuring that your investment will work seamlessly with your other devices for years to come. Whether it is the front door, the sliding glass patio, or the garage, the convenience of never carrying a key again is a lifestyle upgrade you will appreciate every single day.