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.