Best Keyless Entry Systems
Opening Hook
Last February, I was rushing out the door for a meeting when my ancient Schlage keypad decided to stop recognizing my code. I stood there in the freezing rain, jabbing buttons like an idiot, while my phone buzzed with calls I couldn’t answer. After getting soaked and calling a locksmith (who charged me $180 for a five-minute fix), I swore I’d upgrade to something better. So, over the past three months, I’ve been testing out some of the most talked-about keyless entry systems on the market. I wanted something that wouldn’t leave me stranded on my own porch again.
I bought four different systems with my own money. Some were great. One was a total disappointment that I returned after a week. This isn’t some polished press release—it’s what I actually think after dealing with installation, daily use, and the occasional glitch. Let’s get into it.
Quick Picks: The Short Version
If you don’t want to read the whole thing, here are my top three based on months of use:
- Best Overall: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) – The most convenient. I use it every day. The app is solid, and the auto-lock feature is something I didn’t know I needed. Priced around $230, it’s not cheap, but it works well. [Check Price on Amazon]
- Best Budget: Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256) – For about $120, this thing is surprisingly reliable. It’s not fancy, but it hasn’t failed me yet. A good pick if you want keyless without breaking the bank. [Check Price on Amazon]
- Best Premium: Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi Deadbolt – If you want the highest build quality and don’t mind spending around $300, this is it. It feels like a tank and the keypad is bright and responsive.
Detailed Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and The Annoying
1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) – Best Overall
Price: $229 (I got it on sale for $199 in March 2026)
Model: AUG-SL05
Time Tested: 10 weeks (daily use)
Here’s the thing: I hate carrying keys. The August lock let me ditch them almost entirely. Installation was straightforward—it took me about 45 minutes, and most of that was figuring out the screw placement. The lock itself is a retrofit, so it goes on the inside of your existing deadbolt. It feels a bit plasticky for the price, but it’s held up.
What I liked: The auto-lock is genius. I set it to lock after 5 minutes, so if I forget, it handles it. The app lets me unlock my door from anywhere—I let a dog walker in while I was at the grocery store last month. Battery life has been good; I’m still on the first set of AA batteries after 10 weeks, and the app says they’re at 60%.
What I didn’t like: The Wi-Fi bridge you need for remote access is sold separately for $50, which felt like a cash grab. Also, the lock is a little noisy when it engages—a low motor whir that you can hear from the bedroom. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable at night.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants smartphone control and the convenience of auto-lock. It’s great for families or people who have visitors often.
Who it’s NOT for: If you’re worried about app reliability or don’t want to depend on your phone, this might frustrate you. I had one instance where the app took 10 seconds to connect, which made me nervous.
2. Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256) – Best Budget
Price: $119 (regular price)
Model: YRD256-CBA-BAL
Time Tested: 2 weeks (second home)
I installed this at my rental property because I needed something simple and affordable. For the price, the build quality is decent—it’s all metal on the exterior and feels sturdy in your hand. Installation took about 30 minutes, but the instructions were a bit vague.
What I liked: The keypad is touch-sensitive and lights up well at night. It supports up to 25 unique codes, so I could give different ones to tenants and cleaners. The battery life is impressive; after two weeks of regular use, it still shows 100% (it uses a 9V battery backup too). I haven’t had a single misread of my code.
What I didn’t like: There’s no smartphone integration at all—it’s purely keypad-based. That’s fine for some, but if you want remote access, look elsewhere. Also, the lock makes a loud beep every time you unlock it, which could wake up light sleepers. I measured it at about 75 decibels, which is as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Who it’s for: People on a budget who just want a reliable keypad lock. Perfect for rentals or guest houses.
Who it’s NOT for: Tech enthusiasts who want app control or automation. Also, if you hate beeps, this will annoy you.
3. Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi Deadbolt – Best Premium
Price: $299 (I paid $280 at a local hardware store last summer)
Model: BE499WB
Time Tested: 3 weeks
This lock feels like it’s built to withstand a break-in. The deadbolt is thick, and the whole unit weighs about 2.5 pounds. Installation was the trickiest of the bunch—it took me over an hour because of the internal wiring, but the result is a solid, permanent fixture.
What I liked: The keypad is large and easy to press, even with gloves on. It has a built-in Wi-Fi chip, so no separate bridge is needed. I set it up with Alexa for voice control, and it works flawlessly. The alarm feature is cool—it sounds a loud siren if someone enters the wrong code too many times. I tested it, and it’s startling.
What I didn’t like: The price is steep, and for $300, I expected a rechargeable battery, but it uses four AA batteries. The app is functional but clunky compared to August’s—it took me a few tries to get the firmware update to work. Also, it’s a bit heavy, so make sure your door can handle it.
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want high security and don’t mind paying for it. It’s also great if you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem.
Who it’s NOT for: Renters or anyone on a tight budget. The weight and installation complexity might be too much for a temporary setup.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Product | Price | Installation Time | Battery Life (so far) | App Quality | My Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | $199 – $230 | 45 minutes | 10 weeks (60% remaining) | Great | 8 |
| Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256) | $119 | 30 minutes | 2 weeks (100% remaining) | N/A | 7 |
| Schlage Encode Plus | $280 – $300 | 60+ minutes | 3 weeks (90% remaining) | Okay | 7.5 |
What to Know Before Buying
First, check your door. Seriously. Measure the thickness—most locks fit standard doors, but if you have an old or custom door, you might need adapters. The Yale was easiest to install, while the Schlage required some drilling.
Battery life matters more than you think. The August uses AAs, which are cheap and everywhere. The Yale uses a 9V backup, which is convenient if it dies suddenly. The Schlage also uses AAs, but at $300, I wish it had a better power solution.
Do you need an app? If yes, go with August. If you just want keypad entry, Yale is fine. If you want both app and high security, Schlage is the pick, but it’s a trade-off.
One more thing: Wi-Fi range. My router is in the living room, and the Schlage Encode Plus, which has built-in Wi-Fi, had no issues. The August required the bridge to be plugged in near the door for a good connection.
FAQ: Real Questions, Real Answers
Is a keyless entry system actually secure?
More secure than a traditional key? Probably. You can’t pick a digital keypad. But no lock is 100% secure—these are all Grade 2 or 3 deadbolts, which is good for residential use. The