A smart lock is an excellent addition to have in your smart home setup, and if you’re running the Google ecosystem then it’s best to have smart locks that work with Google Home.
Luckily, you won’t experience any shortage when it comes to choosing smart locks that are compatible with Google Home. Here are the 6 top smart door locks you can buy today.
Google Nest x Yale Smart Lock
The Nest x Yale Lock is a smart lock designed by no other than Google, and leading lock manufacturer Yale. It’s advertised as a key-free deadbolt that integrates well with the Nest app.
The smart lock works in a variety of ways. What’s especially noteworthy is the fact that you can lock or unlock it anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Instead of a traditional key, you can create a passcode you can enter on the touchscreen interface.
Nest integration really opens up the Nest x Yale Smart Lock abilities. Aside from being able to unlock the door remotely and create passcodes for family members and trusted people, you can check its status and get notifications if someone locks or unlocks it. You can even train Google Assistant to automatically lock it when you’re away.
Installation is fairly easy and you won’t need to spend more than 30 minutes to get the lock up and running.
Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is an impressive piece of hardware, with an all-metal frame and several styles you can choose from. The smart lock works rather well with Hey Google if you add a (purchased-separately) WiFi adapter and even has a traditional keylock for the old-fashioned.
Schlage smart lock users can download the free Schlage Home app and turn their Android phone or iPhone into a virtual key. With the WiFi adapter, you can lock or unlock the smart deadbolt anywhere, as well as manage the device by going through lock settings and access schedules, among others.
The lock connects via Bluetooth, which is a nice plus for those who worry about their WiFi network security. Oh, and the touchscreen is illuminated so you won’t be punching incorrect keycodes in the dark. Everything is handled via the app, and there are no monthly fees, subscriptions, or additional payments needed to get it to work.
August Smart Lock Pro
At first glance, you might mistake the August Smart Lock Pro for a traditional deadbolt lock or doorknob. Take a closer look and you’ll find smart technology hidden within a non-descript circular housing, and impressive features to boot.
To make the most out of the August Smart Lock Pro it’s recommended that you get the Connect Bridge. The smart lock itself has Bluetooth connectivity, but if you want voice speaker integration and remote access then you’ll need to invest more.
Installation can be done in 10 minutes or less, and it works on existing single-cylinder deadbolts. You can keep your existing keys and use them as needed.
Also included is a DoorSense sensor that can send you a notification or alert when your front door is open.
What we especially like about August’s smart lock is how it can ‘recognize’ you from the phone you registered the app with and automatically unlock the door as you approach it. There’s no more fiddling with the keys or fishing your smartphone out of your pocket- just twist the handle and breeze right in.
Wyze Lock with Bluetooth and WiFi
If you want a Google Home smart lock that won’t break the bank, then the Wyze Lock is for you. It’s a no-frills smart lock option with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity (which requires the requisite WiFi hub).
Like the Smart Lock Pro by August, the Wyze Lock can be retrofitted with most deadbolts, turning it into a smart device. Admittedly, the hardware itself is a bit plain, but it’s a feature for some people who want a non-flashy lock. You can get a keypad accessory to go with it, but you’ll have to shell out extra.
Setup is very easy, and you should have both the hardware and app installed quickly. Smart lock management is handled via an app, and there’s a two-factor authentication to ensure no one can get in even if they download the software.
The Wyze lock operating mechanism is a standout feature, and it has a built-in sensor with auto-lock technology. Lastly, it works quite well with Google Assistant.
Kwikset Halo Keypad Smart Lock
Kwikset’s Halo smart lock does away with a hub and works with just a wifi connection and a mobile phone. There are three ways to interact with the lock- via an app, code, or a physical key depending on what you have at the moment.
What we like about the Halo Keypad Smart Lock is how the device curbs code and fingerprint detection by putting in random digits before you’re allowed to enter the unlock code. It’s a small but nice feature to have, especially if you live in an apartment or if your front door is in a place that gets a lot of foot traffic.
The smart lock works with Google Assistant- you can have it lock the door or check its status in hands-free mode. The Kwikset app unlocks half a dozen or so functionalities, including user code management, lock notifications, and of course, locking and unlocking your front door.
Google Home Smart Lock FAQs
What are smart locks?
Smart locks are connected devices that can replace traditional door locks. This gives users several benefits, such as commanding Google Assistant or controlling the Google Home app to lock the front door at night, or unlocking it when you see your partner or family member arrive.
How do I connect my smart lock to Google Home?
The specific process may depend on the make or model of the smart lock, but for smart locks with Google Assistant or Google Home support, you can usually complete the setup by going to the Google Home app. Make sure to read through the user manual or follow the prompts in Google Home to set up the smart lock successfully.
How to choose a smart lock?
Smart home owners usually pick a smart lock that’s supported by their network ecosystem. In this case, if you primarily run Google Home and Assistant to control your smart home appliances, then it makes total sense to get smart locks that work with Google Home.
Aside from platform compatibility, budget, mode of access, and security are all key features of what you’d want in a smart lock. The top five smart locks for Google Home listed above is a good place to start.
Are smart locks risky?
Hacking a wifi network to unlock a smart front door is indeed possible, but encryption technology and routers nowadays are equipped to mitigate these risks. All you need to do is ensure you have a strong wifi password and set up two-factor authentication on your home and security apps, which makes hacking into your data more difficult.
What happens to smart locks when wifi is turned off?
Thankfully, your smart lock should still work even if there’s a power outage, or if somebody accidentally pulled the plug on the router. Most smart locks run on batteries, and any codes you’ve set will remain in the device’s memory. To get in, all you need to do is enter the correct code.
However, you will not be able to remotely lock or unlock the smart lock, or get any alerts or notifications until the wifi comes back on.
The Bottom Line
The five smart locks we recommend are sure to seamlessly blend in with your Google Home ecosystem and play nicely with your Android phone or Nest smart speaker.
You may have to spend extra to get remote access and to be able to control the lock even if you’re out of town, but the peace of mind more than makes up for the added investment.
