10 Best Smart Locks for Apartments in 2026: Easy Retrofit and Keyless Entry Picks

The best smart locks for apartments make keyless entry easier without forcing every renter or homeowner into a complicated installation. This roundup compares retrofit models, complete deadbolts, fingerprint locks, keypad options, and connected systems.

Before choosing, confirm your door and deadbolt compatibility, review landlord or building rules, and decide whether you need remote access, temporary codes, biometric entry, or simple local control.

Best 10 Smart Locks for Apartments Picks for 2026

Best Matter-Ready Pick – ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Deadbolt

For apartments where flexible access matters, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is one of the more versatile smart locks for apartments. It combines fingerprint entry, passcodes, app control, mechanical keys, and voice control, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote management without a hub. Matter over Thread features require a compatible Thread Border Router.

Best For: Apartment residents, rentals, and Airbnb hosts who want multiple entry methods and detailed access sharing.

Pros:

• Offers seven entry and control methods, including fingerprint, passcodes, app access, and physical keys.
• Built-in Wi-Fi supports remote locking, unlocking, notifications, activity history, and shared eKeys.
• Stores up to 50 fingerprints and 50 access codes, with an advertised battery life of up to 18 months.
• ANSI BHMA certified and designed for DIY installation in about 10 minutes.

Cons:

• Built-in Wi-Fi supports 2.4 GHz networks only.
• Matter over Thread remote access requires a compatible hub.
• A door sensor is not included.

The Bolt SE is a strong choice when an apartment lock needs to accommodate family, guests, or service providers. Its broad access options are useful, but buyers should confirm their network and smart-home hub compatibility first.

Best Interior-Door Option – eufy FamiLock C32 Fingerprint Lock

The eufy Security FamiLock C32 is a compact lever-style option for interior spaces. Among smart locks for apartments, it stands out for fast fingerprint unlocking, built-in Wi-Fi, and a straightforward screwdriver installation. The manufacturer recommends it for interior doors rather than front doors.

Best For: Apartment bedrooms, offices, storage rooms, and other standard interior doors.

Pros:

• Large-area fingerprint recognition can unlock the door in about 0.3 seconds.
• Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi enables remote authorization and lock management.
• Installs in about 15 minutes with only a screwdriver.
• Includes auto-lock, physical keys, and Alexa and Google Assistant integration.

Cons:

• Not recommended for front doors.
• Battery life is listed at over five months, shorter than some competing options.
• Rekeying is not supported.

The C32 makes sense when you need convenient keyless access inside an apartment, especially for shared rooms or offices. Its interior-door positioning limits its usefulness as a primary apartment entrance lock.

Best High-Capacity Keypad – Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt

The Schlage Encode Century deadbolt is a practical choice for apartment residents who prefer keypad entry and established security features. It works with the Schlage Home app over built-in Wi-Fi, supports up to 100 access codes, and can provide remote controls and notifications without hardwiring.

Best For: Households, landlords, or shared apartments that need many individual access codes and lock-history features.

Pros:

• Supports up to 100 access codes for family, guests, or service access.
• Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote lock control, monitoring, notifications, and history.
• Includes a customizable alarm for door movement and forced-entry attempts.
• Fits standard doors and installs with a screwdriver using a no-hardwire design.

Cons:

• Typical battery life is listed at up to six months.
• Voice control requires the Schlage Home app and a voice-enabled device.
• Compatibility should be checked against the apartment door’s thickness and backset.

Encode is a dependable fit for access-code-heavy households and rental arrangements. Its large code capacity and app features are useful for apartment access, while the standard door measurements should be verified before purchase.

Best Fingerprint Deadbolt – eufy Security Smart Lock C220

The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 is a versatile deadbolt for apartment entry doors, with fingerprint, keypad, app, physical-key, Apple Watch, and voice-access options. For shoppers comparing smart locks for apartments, its built-in Wi-Fi and simple installation provide useful convenience without requiring a bridge.

Best For: Apartment front doors where fingerprint access, remote control, and long battery life are priorities.

Pros:

• Provides six unlocking methods, including fingerprint, keypad, app, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice control.
• Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without a bridge.
• Uses eight AA batteries for an advertised battery life of around eight months.
• Offers BHMA Grade 3 certification, auto-lock, alerts, and IP53 water resistance.

Cons:

• Battery life varies with how frequently the lock is used.
• Alexa and Google Assistant are the listed voice-assistant options.
• Installation compatibility still depends on the existing deadbolt and bore dimensions.

The C220 balances convenient biometric entry with familiar keypad and key backup. It is particularly appealing for an apartment front door when remote access and multiple unlocking choices are more important than a hub-free minimalist design.

Best Retrofit Pick – Philips WiFi Retrofit Lock

If you want smart locks for apartments without changing the exterior appearance of your door, the Philips retrofit model is a practical option. It replaces the interior portion of a compatible existing deadbolt, keeps your original keys, and adds built-in Wi-Fi, app control, and a wireless fingerprint keypad.

Best For: Apartment residents who want a discreet retrofit, fingerprint entry, and remote access without installing a separate hub.

Pros:

• Works with an existing deadbolt while retaining the original exterior hardware and keys.
• Wireless keypad supports fingerprints, multiple passcode types, and anti-peep code entry.
• Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi enables remote control, activity logs, notifications, auto-lock, Alexa, and Google Assistant support.

Cons:

• Compatibility depends on the existing deadbolt and installation requirements.
• Battery life is rated for up to four months, which is shorter than some alternatives.
• The keypad must be installed within 39 inches of the door.

This is a strong choice when preserving your apartment door’s exterior matters. Its retrofit design and fingerprint keypad add convenience, while the app provides useful access tracking and remote management.

Best Keypad Value – Tapo DL100 Smart Deadbolt

The Tapo DL100 is a practical contender among smart locks for apartments, combining tactile keypad entry with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, app, and voice controls. It installs in standard lock holes without drilling additional holes and includes backup keys for continued access if needed.

Best For: Households that want versatile keyless entry, long stated battery life, and broad smart-home compatibility.

Pros:

• Offers keypad, Bluetooth, remote app, voice, and backup-key unlocking methods.
• Supports up to 200 customizable codes, access groups, activity timestamps, and remote alerts.
• Uses four AA batteries, includes USB-C emergency power, and is rated for up to 200 days in Wi-Fi mode or 300 days in Bluetooth mode.
• Fits standard 2-1/8-inch and 1-1/2-inch lock holes with no extra drilling.

Cons:

• It is a full deadbolt replacement rather than an interior-only retrofit.
• Voice unlocking requires PIN verification.
• BHMA Grade 3 certification is intended for everyday residential use rather than a higher security grade.

For renters or apartment households with compatible standard door preparation, the DL100 offers a balanced mix of access methods and monitoring tools. Its emergency power option and backup keys add useful reassurance.

Best for Shared Access – Veise VE017 Fingerprint Lock

The Veise VE017 emphasizes detailed user management, making it a useful option for smart locks for apartments with family members, guests, or multiple occupants. Through the KK Home app, you can assign, change, pause, or delete permissions remotely, while activity logs show who accessed the property.

Best For: Multi-user apartments and property managers who need flexible permissions, fingerprint access, and detailed entry records.

Pros:

• Provides fingerprint, app, fob, code, authorized-access, and mechanical-key entry options.
• Supports permanent, one-time, duration, and recurring codes for different visitors.
• On-device AES128 encryption stores access data locally, with event alerts and activity logs.
• Fingerprint recognition is rated to verify access in under 0.2 seconds, and battery life is stated at 12 months or more.

Cons:

• Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility requires the separate G1 Gateway.
• Installation compatibility details for the existing apartment door are not provided in the supplied notes.
• The extensive access-management features may be more than needed for a single resident.

The VE017 stands out when access needs change frequently. Its flexible code types, remote permission controls, local data storage, and fingerprint entry make it especially suited to shared homes or managed units.

Best Flexible Entry – Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt

The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt is a versatile option for apartments where household members want multiple ways to enter. It supports app, passcode, fingerprint, physical-key, and compatible voice-assistant access, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without an extra hub.

Best For: Families, renters, and hosts who want flexible access methods and remote lock management.

Pros:

• Offers five entry methods, including fingerprint, passcode, app, key, and voice control.
• Built-in Wi-Fi supports remote locking and unlocking without a separate hub.
• Supports up to 100 custom passcodes plus one-time or scheduled guest codes.
• Includes adjustable auto-lock timing from 10 to 180 seconds and an Away Mode.

Cons:

• Batteries are not included and the lock requires AA alkaline batteries.
• Supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with the router and lock recommended within 65 feet.
• Does not include a door sensor.

This is one of the more feature-rich smart locks for apartments, particularly if you need remote access and several credential types. Confirm door compatibility and plan for the battery and Wi-Fi requirements before installation.

Best Privacy-Focused Knob – GHome 4-in-1 Fingerprint Lock

The GHome Smart Fingerprint Door Lock combines biometric entry, keypad access, app control, and backup keys in a compact knob design. For apartment interiors, its local fingerprint-data storage and rechargeable battery make it a practical choice when privacy and simple installation matter.

Best For: Bedroom, office, garage, and apartment doors where local data storage and fingerprint access are priorities.

Pros:

• Provides four unlocking methods: fingerprint, password, app within Bluetooth range, and mechanical key.
• Stores fingerprint data locally rather than in the cloud.
• Supports access logs, temporary or permanent codes, silent mode, passage mode, and auto-lock.
• Rechargeable battery is rated for up to 10,000 unlocks or more than 300 days, depending on use.

Cons:

• App control is limited to Bluetooth range rather than remote Wi-Fi access.
• The rechargeable battery takes four to six hours to charge.
• It fits doors from 1-3/8 to 2-1/4 inches thick, so dimensions should be checked before purchase.

Among smart locks for apartments, this model stands out for local biometric-data storage and its knob-style format. It is best suited to compatible interior doors or apartment entry points where Bluetooth control is sufficient.

Best Existing-Deadbolt Upgrade – August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock upgrades the inside of an existing single-cylinder deadbolt, allowing apartment residents to add smart features without changing the exterior hardware. Built-in Wi-Fi enables app and voice-assistant control, while optional auto-unlock, auto-lock, DoorSense, and shared access add everyday convenience.

Best For: Renters and homeowners who want smart-lock features while keeping their existing keys and exterior deadbolt appearance.

Pros:

• Retrofits most single-cylinder deadbolts and installs on the inside of the door.
• Built-in Wi-Fi works without a hub and supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings.
• Allows permanent, scheduled, or temporary app-based access sharing.
• Supports optional auto-unlock, auto-lock, and DoorSense features.

Cons:

• The keypad for code entry is sold separately.
• Requires the August app, a compatible iOS or Android smartphone, and Wi-Fi.
• Compatibility depends on having a suitable single-cylinder deadbolt.

This is a strong choice among smart locks for apartments when preserving the outside look of the door and existing keys is important. Check deadbolt compatibility, and budget separately if keypad entry is essential.

How We Picked the Best Smart Locks for Apartments

We focused on the practical requirements of apartment living: installation flexibility, compatibility with common deadbolts, reliable entry methods, app features, connectivity, security controls, and ease of use for residents and guests. The selection includes retrofit locks that preserve an existing exterior cylinder, full deadbolt replacements, fingerprint models, keypad locks, and options with Wi-Fi or Matter support.

We also considered whether each style suits renters, owners, short-term hosts, families, or anyone who wants to avoid carrying keys. Because door hardware varies widely, compatibility should be verified before purchase rather than assumed from the product name.

Quick Comparison

Lock type	Best for	Main advantage	Check before buying
Retrofit smart lock	Renters and easy upgrades	Keeps the existing exterior deadbolt	Interior thumbturn and deadbolt compatibility
Wi-Fi deadbolt	Remote access	Control and alerts from anywhere	2.4 GHz network, power use, and installation
Fingerprint lock	Fast everyday entry	No key or code required	Fingerprint reliability and backup access
Keypad lock	Families and guests	Shareable codes	Code management and weather exposure
Matter-compatible lock	Smart-home integration	Broader platform flexibility	Required hub, controller, or feature support

Key Buying Factors for Smart Locks for Apartments

Installation and Door Compatibility

Measure the backset, door thickness, deadbolt type, and clearance around the interior hardware. Retrofit designs are often the least disruptive choice for apartments because they can operate the existing deadbolt, while complete replacements may require removing the current cylinder and coordinating with building rules.

Entry Methods and Backup Access

Choose fingerprint entry for quick personal access, a keypad for guests and family members, or app control when remote unlocking matters. A physical key, emergency power option, or clearly documented backup procedure is important if batteries run low or the phone is unavailable.

Connectivity, Privacy, and Power

Bluetooth can be sufficient for nearby control, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote access and notifications but typically uses more battery power. Review app permissions, account security, automatic-lock settings, activity logs, and whether the lock works locally when the internet is down.

Apartment-Specific Rules

Renters should confirm whether changing the lock is permitted and whether the original hardware must be restored at move-out. Check fire-safety requirements, shared-entry policies, and whether the building uses keyed-alike systems or restricted cylinders.

Who Should Buy Which Smart Locks for Apartments?

• Renters: Start with a retrofit model that preserves the outside hardware and minimizes permanent changes.
• Remote-access users: Choose a Wi-Fi-connected lock with dependable alerts and guest-code management.
• Families and frequent guests: A keypad or fingerprint lock can reduce key sharing and simplify daily entry.
• Smart-home enthusiasts: Consider Matter support or compatibility with your preferred ecosystem, but verify which features require extra equipment.
• Budget-focused buyers: Prioritize dependable local entry, battery life, and installation compatibility over advanced integrations.
• Hosts and property managers: Look for temporary credentials, activity records, remote management, and simple battery replacement.

The right smart lock for an apartment is the one that fits the door, follows building rules, and provides a reliable backup when connectivity or battery power fails.