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4 Smart-Home Door Locks

If you've never known life without keys, well, it's a wonderful thing. Indeed, these four smart-home door locks are all about convenience

By Eric Hagerman

August Smart Lock

Photo by Courtesy of August Smart Lock

Product: August Smart Lock

Mode of entry: With Bluetooth on and Auto-Unlock enabled in app, approach door and then marvel as dead bolt automatically retracts. Retrofits to existing bolt, replacing interior thumb turn.

Key management: Use app to send "key" to unlimited number of guests, get notifications when key holders come and go, log activity, and revoke keys. Gain remote access via Wi-Fi remote-access bridge (about $50).

Neat trick: Easily revoke lost phone's access by downloading app on another phone and logging in with owner password.

Security: Same as existing dead bolt

Price: about $250; August Smart Lock

Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt

Photo by Courtesy of Kwikset

Product: Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt

Mode of entry: Punch in PIN code to retract tapered dead bolt, or add lock to Z-Wave or ZigBee network and use smartphone app to lock or unlock it from anywhere.

Key management: Issue up to 30 access codes, and use app to revoke them.

Neat trick: Randomized numbers that appear before you can enter PIN ensure even wear marks on keypad to thwart thieves.

Security: Grade 2

Price: about $249; Kwikset

Schlage Sense

Photo by Courtesy of Schlage

Product: Schlage Sense

Mode of entry: Oh, the choices! Punch in PIN code on keypad, beckon Siri to unlock door via Bluetooth as you approach, or (if lock connects to Apple TV) use app from anywhere.

Key management: Use app to create/delete up to 30 guest PIN codes and schedule when they're valid. Grant trusted guests app access (allowing them to control any HomeKit device in house).

Neat trick: Only smart lock to take commands from Siri, thanks to Apple HomeKit integration.

Security: Grade 1

Price: about $229; Schlage

Yale Real Living Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt

Photo by Courtesy of Yale2You

Product: Yale Real Living Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt

Mode of entry: Punch in PIN code to retract tapered dead bolt, or add lock to Z-Wave network and use smartphone app to lock or unlock door from anywhere.

Key management: Grant up to 25 individual access codes and manage with app.

Neat trick: No key at all! Impossible to pick! Even more impossible to lose your keys! (Tip: Change weak batteries promptly.)

Security: Grade 2

Price: about $275; Yale2You

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