If you've started shopping for a smart lock, you've probably hit the same wall everyone does: there are dozens of options, they all claim to be "the best," and half the spec sheet reads like a foreign language. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
Here's the good news: choosing the right smart lock isn't complicated once you know what to check. This guide walks through it in the order that actually matters, starting with the one thing most people skip (and end up regretting).
Start With Your Door, Not the Reviews
Before you fall in love with a lock's features, make sure it actually fits your hardware. This is the step most buying guides skip, and it's also the biggest cause of returns.
Deadbolt type: Most residential smart locks are built for standard single-cylinder deadbolts. If you've got a mortise lock (common in older homes) or a euro-profile cylinder (common outside North America), you'll need a lock made specifically for that hardware.
Door thickness: Manufacturers list a compatible range, usually 1 3/8" to 2 1/4". Grab a tape measure and check yours before you order.
Backset: That's the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bolt hole, typically 2 3/8" or 2 3/4". Most locks handle both, but it takes 30 seconds to confirm.
Five minutes with a tape measure now saves you a frustrating return later.
Making Sense of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the Rest
This is where most of the confusing jargon lives. Here's what each one actually means for you:
Bluetooth-only locks connect directly to your phone when you're nearby. Reliable, battery-friendly, but no remote control. You need to be within range.
Wi-Fi locks connect straight to your home network, so you can lock, unlock, and manage codes from anywhere. That convenience comes at a battery cost.
Z-Wave and Zigbee locks need a separate smart home hub, but sip very little power. Common in whole-home automation setups.
Thread, paired with the newer Matter standard, is quickly becoming the smart pick for 2026. You get Wi-Fi-like remote access with much better battery life, since the lock only wakes up when it needs to talk to your network.
If you want to check on your door from work or let a dog walker in remotely, you need Wi-Fi, Thread, or a hub-connected lock. If you just want a keyless front door and don't care about remote access, Bluetooth keeps things simple and your battery lasts longer.
Pick the Access Methods That Fit Your Household
Most smart locks offer more than one way in:
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Keypad codes — give each family member or guest their own code, and delete it instantly whenever you need to.
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Smartphone app — lock, unlock, and manage everyone's access from your phone.
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Fingerprint — fast, nothing to remember, great for kids or older relatives who might forget a PIN.
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Physical key backup — a genuinely important feature. Even the most reliable smart lock should have a mechanical override for a dead battery or an unexpected outage.
Think about who actually uses your front door. Kids do well with a code they can memorize. Frequent guests or service providers do well with an app that lets you issue and revoke temporary access without handing out a spare key.
Don't Skip Battery Life and Backup Power
Battery life varies more than most people expect, anywhere from a few months to well over a year, depending on connectivity type and how often the lock gets used. Two things matter more than the number on the box:
Low-battery warnings: A good lock alerts you through the app and with a visual or audible signal well before it dies, not the moment it does.
Emergency power: Most quality locks include an external 9V battery terminal. If you're ever locked out with a dead battery, touching a 9V to the contacts gives you enough charge to get back in.
Quick Decision Guide
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Renting or want to keep your key? Retrofit lock, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
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Want full remote management from anywhere? Wi-Fi or Thread/Matter lock with app control.
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Household with kids or forgetful guests? Keypad or fingerprint access, plus a memorable backup code.
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Above all else? Confirm door compatibility first.
Ready to find the right fit for your door? Browse Dalton's smart lock lineup to compare connectivity options, access methods, and finishes side by side.
