Chronic key astrayers (and the big losers) have a chance to change their lives with the right smart locks in their arsenal.

Forget your keys? No problem. Need to unlock the door to let a friend or service provider in? Easy peasy. Forgot to lock the door before going to bed? Don't worry. The best smart locks will easily handle any of these scenarios (and an app).

With a smart lock at your doorstep you can manage it all with a simple voice command or at the touch of a button, providing you with security, convenience, automation and peace of mind. But which smart lock is right for you?

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Choosing the best smart lock for your home depends on a few things. For some, the programming and user code limits will be important. For others, it is essential to have a door lock that can be leveled and not replace the deadbolt on the doors. We have tested the best smart locks on the market today and these are our favorites.

Tyler Lizenby / CNET

The $ 200 third-generation Smart Lock and Connect package from August includes a DoorSense open / close sensor and a Wi-Fi Connect module. Thanks to its low profile retrofit design, you will not need to replace your deadbolt and the installation is easy, making it ideal for tenants.

The August Smart Lock with Connect configuration works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and is remotely controllable via the August mobile app. You will not get Apple HomeKit compatibility or Z-Wave intelligence to connect to a smart hub. Yet this smart August lock is a moderately priced and capable smart door lock.

Read our full review of the August smart lock.

Chris Monroe / CNET

The Yale SL Touch Screen Deadbolt has a sleek little design with a touch screen keyboard that looks great on almost any door, and is available in three finishes. Latest $ 299 set of smart deadbolts includes August's smart features with a Connected by August kit (Wi-Fi module and DoorSense sensors) to connect to the August app, and it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit.

There is also a version with interchangeable modules for Zigbee or Z-Wave if you need to connect your door lock to smart home devices. These modules cost $ 50 each.

Read our full review of the Yale Assure SL touchscreen deadbolt.

Tyler Lizenby

The Schlage $ 235 encoding isn't everything. You will not get HomeKit compatibility and you are limited to 100 user codes. Still, I'm a big fan because you won't need any Z-wave devices or a Zigbee hub or a Wi-Fi module to connect this door lock to your smart home.

It includes built-in Wi-Fi and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with a simple account link via their apps. It is also compatible with Amazon Key for home delivery services. The elegant keyboard design is available in modern and traditional styles and in multiple finishes.

Read our full review of Schlage's Encode Smart Wi-Fi deadbolt.

Other models we tested

In our search for the best smart lock, here are some of the other products we tested:

Nest Yale lock: Nest and Yale teamed up for a Google-centric smart lock. This $ 279 smart door lock looks great from previous Yale models, but isn't nearly as good at smart home integration.

Array by Hampton connected door lock: This $ 299 lock has a solar powered backup battery and built-in Wi-Fi, but it's expensive and doesn't work with HomeKit or Google Assistant at the moment.

Bluetooth deadbolt Kwikset Kevo: The second generation $ 222 Kevo from Kwikset is a good Bluetooth smart lock and a simple answer to beautify your door if you don't need remote access. If you do, you will need to purchase the Kevo Plus connection module. You can use the mobile app or the key fob for keyless door entry.

Schlage Sense Bluetooth Deadbolt: The $ 175 Sense smart lock from Schlage is affordable but bulky and not as easy to install as its brother Encode. You will also need a Schlage Wi-Fi adapter to connect to Google Assistant or Alexa.

Things to remember

Smart locks add convenience, but it's important to remember that this option is primarily a security feature. It is important to take security functions seriously. Use a PIN code to unlock voice commands and make sure to only give access codes to unlock the door to trusted people. Enabling the automatic relocking feature is also a good idea, so the door will lock behind you if you forget.

If your smart home is based on Wi-Fi voice assistants and you don't use hubs, I would recommend a lock that works with your Wi-Fi network (or at least a Wi-Fi adapter). Ask yourself if you want a keyboard and can replace your deadbolt (you'll need a new physical key for locking), or prefer a simpler retrofit design.

Whichever smart lock you choose, adding one to your smart home has many benefits. With these tips and the best smart lock on your door, managing access for family members, roommates, service providers and guests is a breeze.

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Your guide to buying the right smart lock

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