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Best Matter Smart Locks 2026

The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock drops geofencing once paired over Matter, and the ULTRALOQ's Matter version has no built-in Wi-Fi. This guide ranks five locks on expert ratings, battery life and price, and the Kwikset leads.

Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner · 19 min read · Updated September 28, 2026

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The Short Answer

The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock tops the SHE Matter Smart Lock Score because it pairs solid expert ratings with a comparatively moderate price. The Level Lock Pro earns the strongest expert reviews, yet it carries the highest price of the five.

Featured in this Guide

Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

Kwikset

Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

8.3/10consensus
OUR TOP PICK
  • •Moderate price and over 12 months of Matter battery life
  • •stores 250 user PIN codes
Level Lock Pro

Level

Lock Pro

9.0/10consensus
BEST EXPERT-RATED
  • •Highest expert consensus here, 4.5 out of 5 from AppleInsider
  • •battery hidden in the bolt
Aqara Smart Lock U400

Aqara

Smart Lock U400

8.5/10consensus
MOST CONNECTION OPTIONS
  • •Thread, Matter 1.4, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC and UWB in one lock
  • •auto-locks when the door closes
ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

ULTRALOQ

Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

7.0/10consensus
LONGEST BATTERY LIFE
  • •Lowest price here and up to 1.5 years of battery on Thread
Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

Schlage

Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

7.5/10consensus
BEST HANDS-FREE UNLOCK
  • •UWB unlocks as you reach the door
  • •stores up to 250 access codes

Head-to-Head: Expert Ratings, Battery Life, Price and Setup

Security
Chart

Smart Home ExplorerSmarthomeexplorer.com
Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock
Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock
Level Lock Pro
Level Lock Pro
Aqara Smart Lock U400
Aqara Smart Lock U400
ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter
ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter
Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt
Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt
SHE Matter Smart Lock ScoreThe weighted composite of expert consensus, rated battery life and Amazon price for each lock.
06.410
06.110
05.110
05.010
02.010
Setup DifficultyHow much work fitting and Matter pairing take, from 0 for trivial to 10 for the hardest.
04.010
02.010
03.010
03.010
04.010
Price value0–10 · 10 = best
07.410
00.010
04.710
010.010
00.610
Ecosystem FitWhich radios and Matter transports each lock documents, which decides what your home can control.
Matter
Thread
plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Matter
Thread
over , Bluetooth
Matter
Thread
Bluetooth, NFC, UWB
Matter
Thread
over , no Wi-Fi
Thread
Wi-Fi and UWB
Battery life0–10 scale
5.0/10Over 12 months on Matter, per Kwikset
5.0/109 to 12 months depending on use, per Level
0.0/10Up to 6 months per charge, per Aqara
10.0/10Up to 1.5 years on Thread with lithium cells
2.5/10Up to 9 months on Thread, per AppleInsider

Tap any pick to check its live price on Amazon.

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What a Matter Smart Lock Score Actually Measures

The SHE Matter Smart Lock Score is a weighted composite of three published inputs: expert consensus from verified outlet ratings, rated battery life, and the Amazon price. Expert consensus carries half the weight, price carries 28 percent and battery life 22 percent, because a lock with a depleted battery cannot secure anything. Each factor is scaled across these five locks, so every number describes relative position rather than absolute security.

The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock ranks first because it combines respectable ratings, over 12 months of rated Matter battery life and a comparatively moderate price. The Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt ranks last, since its high price and nine-month Thread battery estimate offset its hands-free Ultra Wideband unlocking. No lock here was measured for pick resistance or reliability, so the composite summarizes documentation, not laboratory performance.

Best Overall: Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

8.3/10Consensus
Best Overall

Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

  • Stores up to 250 user PIN codes
  • Matter pairing drops geofencing and door-sensor access
Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock
$223.80

(Current price, subject to change)

Exterior touchscreen keypad
Deadbolt
4 AA batteries
Slim door sensor magnet
2 expert sources

The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock suits households wanting touchscreen keypad access with generous code capacity at a mid-range price. It scored 6.4 on the SHE Matter Smart Lock Score because a moderate price and over 12 months of Matter battery life outweigh expert ratings below the Level Lock Pro.

PCWorld documents capacity for 250 individual user codes and certification at BHMA grade AAA, the highest available, while its reviewer found the geofencing consistently dependable. SafeWise reported automatic unlocking activating roughly 10 to 15 ft from the entrance, and installation requires four screws plus, typically, only a Phillips screwdriver. The Kwikset Halo Select touchscreen deadbolt additionally offers a vacation mode that disables the touchscreen entirely, an option SafeWise documents for extended absences.

Pairing through Matter removes geofencing, door-sensor access and intrusion detection, according to PCWorld, whose reviewer also needed a factory reset after a buggy initial setup. Relative to the Level Lock Pro, which paired within seconds from its Matter code, this Kwikset demands more patience, and Wi-Fi operation caps rated battery life at six months.

What We Love

  • Stores up to 250 user PIN codes
  • BHMA grade AAA certification, the highest available
  • Over 12 months of rated battery life on Matter
  • Vacation mode disables the touchscreen entirely

What Could Be Better

  • Matter pairing drops geofencing and door-sensor access
  • PCWorld's first setup needed a factory reset
  • Wi-Fi use cuts rated battery life to 6 months

The Verdict

If you want a touchscreen keypad lock that balances price, battery life and expert approval, Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock fits the brief. Keep it on Wi-Fi if geofencing matters, because pairing over Matter drops that feature.

Check price for the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock →

Best Expert-Rated: Level Lock Pro

9.0/10Consensus
Best Expert-Rated

Level Lock Pro

  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 by PCWorld and AppleInsider
  • Highest Amazon price in this guide
Level Lock Pro
$349

(Current price, subject to change)

Level Lock Pro deadbolt
Short strike plate
CR2 lithium battery
2 key fobs

The Level Lock Pro suits owners who want a conventional-looking deadbolt with hidden electronics, since its single CR2 lithium battery sits concealed inside the bolt itself. It scored 6.1 on the SHE Matter Smart Lock Score, where the highest expert consensus here collides with the most expensive Amazon price among these five locks.

PCWorld and AppleInsider both rated it 4.5 out of 5, and AppleInsider's reviewer found the upgraded hardware makes Home Key recognition and voice commands feel almost instant. Gizmodo's reviewer finished installation in under 10 mins and paired the Level Lock Pro within seconds by scanning its Matter QR code. Published specifications list BHMA AAA certification after 250,000 test cycles, IP54 weatherization, integrated door-position sensors and a configurable auto-lock delay from 30 seconds to one hour.

Gizmodo gave it a 4 and reported sluggish Home Key responses, including one episode where the lock stayed unresponsive in Apple Home for two days until a battery removal. Versus the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock, Level's own battery estimate of 9 to 12 months is comparable, yet the price remains the highest here.

What We Love

  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 by PCWorld and AppleInsider
  • Battery hidden inside the bolt
  • BHMA AAA certified, tested to 250,000 cycles
  • Auto-lock delay from 30 seconds to one hour

What Could Be Better

  • Highest Amazon price in this guide
  • Gizmodo saw a two-day Apple Home dropout
  • Rated battery life of 9 to 12 months

The Verdict

For buyers who want the strongest expert reviews and a lock that looks like an ordinary deadbolt, Level Lock Pro lines up with what you actually need. Budget for the highest price in this guide before committing.

Check price for the Level Lock Pro →

Most Connection Options: Aqara Smart Lock U400

8.5/10Consensus
Most Connection Options

Aqara Smart Lock U400

  • Fingerprint unlock in 0.3 seconds, per Aqara
  • Shortest rated battery life here, 6 months
Aqara Smart Lock U400
$269.99

(Current price, subject to change)

Smart Lock U400
Rechargeable Li-ion battery
Bolt and screw kit
Mounting plate

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 suits households wanting fingerprint entry, since Aqara documents unlocking in 0.3 seconds and storage for up to 50 enrolled fingerprints. Its SHE Matter Smart Lock Score lands third because solid expert consensus is undercut by the shortest rated battery life here, up to six months per charge.

Tom's Guide lists Thread with Matter, Bluetooth, NFC and ultra-wideband, the broadest radio specification in this guide, alongside capacity for 75 PIN codes. AppleInsider rated the Aqara Smart Lock U400 4.5 out of 5 and reported automatic locking with 100 percent reliability across several weeks of use. Installation took AppleInsider under 15 mins, and Gizmodo's Matter code scan joined Apple Home within a couple of minutes, while a gyro sensor enables locking whenever the door closes.

Recharging is slow, since Gizmodo measured only about 35% added across 2 hours, and ultra-wideband unlocking requires a Thread-enabled Apple home hub such as a HomePod mini. Relative to the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter, which U-tec rates for up to eighteen months on Thread, its rechargeable pack needs far more frequent charging.

What We Love

  • Fingerprint unlock in 0.3 seconds, per Aqara
  • Thread, Matter 1.4, NFC and UWB support
  • Auto-locks on door close via a gyro sensor
  • IP65 weatherproof outer panel

What Could Be Better

  • Shortest rated battery life here, 6 months
  • Slow recharging, about 35% in two hours
  • UWB needs a Thread-enabled Apple hub

The Verdict

When fingerprint entry and ultra-wideband unlocking both matter, Aqara Smart Lock U400 checks the boxes that matter for an Apple home with a Thread hub. Plan on recharging its battery about twice a year.

Check price for the Aqara Smart Lock U400 →

Longest Battery Life: ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

7.0/10Consensus
Longest Battery Life

ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

  • Lowest Amazon price in this guide
  • PCWorld found the motor loud and grinding
ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter
$179.99

(Current price, subject to change)

2 expert sources

The ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter suits budget-conscious buyers who prioritize fingerprint entry and infrequent battery changes over quiet operation. It scored 5.0 on the SHE Matter Smart Lock Score, because the lowest Amazon price and the longest rated battery life here offset the weakest expert consensus in this guide.

U-tec rates battery life at up to eighteen months with Matter over Thread and lithium cells, and states a 99.8% fingerprint accuracy rate, while Tom's Guide notes eight AA batteries. Tom's Guide found the ULTRALOQ fingerprint lock responsive and accurate, unlocking the door in under a second every time, and rated the lock 4 out of 5. Installation, according to U-tec, takes four screws and a few minutes, and Tom's Guide describes the U-Home app's Add Device flow walking through each step.

PCWorld rated it 3 out of 5 and described the motor as grinding, wheezing and loud enough to be unacceptable for home use. Compared to the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock, it lacks integrated Wi-Fi without the Ultraloq Bridge adaptor, and Tom's Guide confirms no Apple Home Key support.

What We Love

  • Lowest Amazon price in this guide
  • Up to 1.5 years of battery on Thread
  • Fingerprint unlock in under a second, per Tom's Guide
  • IP65-rated exterior assembly

What Could Be Better

  • PCWorld found the motor loud and grinding
  • No built-in Wi-Fi on the Matter version
  • No Apple Home Key support

The Verdict

If the lowest price and the longest rated battery life outrank a quiet motor, ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter is a sensible pick for that setup. PCWorld's motor complaint is the caveat to weigh first.

Check price for the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter →

Best Hands-Free Unlock: Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

7.5/10Consensus
Best Hands-Free Unlock

Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

  • UWB auto-unlock worked every time for AppleInsider
  • Batteries fell to 51% in weeks for Tom's Guide
Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt
$399.00

(Current price, subject to change)

The Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt suits Apple households wanting hands-free entry, because Schlage Converge uses Ultra Wideband to calculate approach speed and trajectory, then unlock at the door. It scored 2.0 on the SHE Matter Smart Lock Score, since the second-highest Amazon price and a nine-month Thread battery estimate weigh against modest expert ratings.

AppleInsider rated it 4 out of 5 and reported ultra-wideband auto-unlock operating successfully throughout several weeks, while Tom's Guide observed it unlocking within approximately 1 ft of the entrance. Schlage documents capacity for 250 access codes, ANSI/BHMA Commercial Grade 2 certification and a USB-C jumpstart port, and the Schlage Sense Pro installs with a screwdriver and no electrical hardwiring.

Tom's Guide found the four AA batteries drained to 51% within a couple of weeks while connected over both Thread and Wi-Fi, and AppleInsider cites six months on Wi-Fi. Pairing with an iPhone requires a Thread-enabled hub such as an Apple TV 4K, and AppleInsider notes the lock accepts no physical key, unlike the Level Lock Pro.

What We Love

  • UWB auto-unlock worked every time for AppleInsider
  • Stores up to 250 access codes
  • ANSI/BHMA Commercial Grade 2 rating
  • USB-C jumpstart port for backup power

What Could Be Better

  • Batteries fell to 51% in weeks for Tom's Guide
  • iPhone pairing needs a Thread hub
  • No physical key option

The Verdict

For iPhone households that want the door to open on approach, the hands-free need is well served here by Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, provided a Thread-enabled hub is already in place. Its low composite reflects price and battery life rather than unlocking reliability.

Check price for the Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt →

How We Score: SHE Matter Smart Lock Score

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score

Full methodology →

Score Formula

Expert consensus 50% + Rated battery life 22% + Amazon price, lower is better, 28%, scaled to 10. The script does all the math. Each factor is scaled to 0-1 across this guide's products: a yes/no factor is its value (1 or 0); a number factor is (value - lowest) / (highest - lowest); a lower_better factor is then flipped (1 minus that). A number factor whose values are all equal gives every product 1, whichever its direction. A product's raw score is 10 x the sum of weight x scaled value, divided by the sum of the weights, kept to four decimal places; its SHE score is the raw score rounded half up to one decimal. Products are ranked by raw score, highest first; a tie goes to the higher consensus score, then to research order. A factor's chart cell is 10 x its scaled value, rounded half up to one decimal; a Setup Difficulty cell is the scorer's placement. Weight shares are whole percents for display only; the math uses the weights as given.

Score Factors

  • Expert consensusThe weighted average of verified outlet scores for each model on a 10-point scale; the Level Lock Pro leads at 9.0 and the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter trails at 7.0.
  • Rated battery lifeThe longest rated battery life per charge or set, in months, from maker or outlet figures on Thread or Matter; the ULTRALOQ leads at 18 months and the Aqara Smart Lock U400 trails at 6.
  • Amazon priceThe Amazon price as of September 26, 2026, where a lower price scores higher; the ULTRALOQ is the cheapest here and the Level Lock Pro costs the most.

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score — Ranked

Built from published specs, verified outlet ratings and Amazon prices checked on September 26, 2026; it is not a first-party security, performance or reliability test.

1
Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score6.4/10

6.4: a moderate price and over 12 months of Matter battery life lift solid ratings.

2
Level Lock Pro

Level Lock Pro

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score6.1/10

6.1: the highest expert consensus, held back by the highest price.

3
Aqara Smart Lock U400

Aqara Smart Lock U400

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score5.1/10

5.1: strong ratings, pulled down by the shortest rated battery life.

4
ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score5.0/10

5.0: lowest price and longest battery life, offset by the weakest consensus.

5
Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

SHE Matter Smart Lock Score2.0/10

2.0: a high price and nine-month Thread battery estimate outweigh modest ratings.

Matter, Thread and Apple Home Compatibility

Every lock here documents Thread connectivity, and the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock additionally connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for its own app features. The single most consequential compatibility catch is that Matter pairing strips the Kwikset of geofencing, door-sensor access and intrusion detection, according to PCWorld. Apple households should confirm a Thread-enabled hub, because the Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt requires one for iPhone pairing and the Aqara Smart Lock U400 requires one for ultra-wideband unlocking. The ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter omits integrated Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key, so Wi-Fi access depends on the separate Ultraloq Bridge adaptor.

Buyers comparing tap and ultra-wideband unlocking can consult our Best Apple Home Key Smart Locks 2026 (UWB vs Tap) guide, and anyone ranking locks mainly on runtime can read the Smart Lock Battery Life Compared 2026: 5 Ranked comparison. Households without Thread infrastructure should first review Best Smart Home Hubs 2026: 7 Compared, Local Control or Best Zigbee and Thread USB Coordinators 2026, since each lock here documents Thread as its Matter transport.

When NOT to Buy

Skip the category if nobody at home will maintain app settings and replace batteries, since every lock here depends on stored power. Renters barred from changing door hardware should also pass, because each installation here swaps the existing deadbolt using screwdriver work. Anyone requiring a mechanical key fallback should avoid the Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, which accepts no physical key according to AppleInsider. Doors outside the 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch thickness range need measuring first, because the published specifications stop there. That limit applies to the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock, the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter and the Schlage deadbolt.

Who Should Buy What

Who Should Buy What

If you are…Recommended pick

Balanced household buyer

You want a touchscreen keypad with 250 user codes and over 12 months of Matter battery life at a mid-range price.

Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock

Apple Home Key user

You want the highest-rated lock here with near-instant Home Key response, and the top price does not deter you.

Level Lock Pro

Multi-radio Apple home

You own a Thread-enabled Apple hub and want fingerprint, NFC and ultra-wideband entry in one lock.

Aqara Smart Lock U400

Budget fingerprint buyer

You want the lowest price and the longest rated battery life and can live with a loud motor.

ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter

Hands-free iPhone household

You want the door to unlock as you approach and already run a Thread-enabled home hub.

Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Matter smart lock has the longest battery life?

The ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter has the longest rated figure here, with U-tec quoting up to 1.5 years on Matter over Thread with lithium batteries. The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock follows at over 12 months on Matter, though Kwikset says Wi-Fi cuts that to up to 6 months. Level quotes 9 to 12 months for the Level Lock Pro. AppleInsider reports up to nine months on Thread for the Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 trails at up to 6 months per charge, though its battery is rechargeable.

Do I need a hub to use these locks with Apple Home?

Not always, since Gizmodo joined the Aqara Smart Lock U400 to Apple Home by scanning its Matter QR code within a couple of minutes. The Level Lock Pro also paired within seconds from its Matter code in Gizmodo's review. Some features do need a Thread-enabled Apple home hub such as an Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini. Schlage requires one for iPhone or Apple Watch pairing with the Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt. Aqara requires one for ultra-wideband unlocking on the U400.

Why does the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock rank first when the Level Lock Pro has better reviews?

The SHE Matter Smart Lock Score weights expert consensus at 50%, Amazon price at 28% and rated battery life at 22%. The Level Lock Pro has the highest consensus here at 9.0, but it also has the highest Amazon price at $349.00 (as of Sep 26, 2026). The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock costs $223.80 (as of Sep 26, 2026) with a consensus of 8.3, and both locks share the same 12-month battery value. That combination gives the Kwikset 6.4 against 6.1 for the Level Lock Pro. If price does not matter to you, the Level Lock Pro's reviews may count for more.

Is the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter too loud?

PCWorld called its motor grinding, wheezing and loud, and judged it unacceptable for home use. PCWorld rated it 3 out of 5, while Tom's Guide rated it 4 out of 5 and found the fingerprint sensor unlocked in under a second every time. It is the cheapest lock here at $179.99 (as of Sep 26, 2026) and has the longest rated battery life. No noise measurement appears in the sources read for this guide. If a quiet mechanism matters to you, weigh that complaint before buying.

Which of these smart locks still take a physical key?

The Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock ships with a set of two physical keys. The Level Lock Pro box lists 2 keys and 2 key fobs. The Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt omits physical key support, as AppleInsider notes. The sources read for this guide do not document key support for the Aqara Smart Lock U400 or the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter, so check each listing before buying.

How hard is it to install a Matter smart lock myself?

Every lock here with a documented install needs only basic hand tools. SafeWise says the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock takes four screws and usually only a Phillips screwdriver. Gizmodo installed the Level Lock Pro in under 10 minutes, and AppleInsider finished the Aqara Smart Lock U400 in less than 15 minutes. U-tec says the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter takes a few minutes and four screws. Setup is not always smooth, since PCWorld needed a factory reset to fix the Kwikset's buggy initial setup.

Bottom Line

Get the Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock if you want the best balance of expert ratings, battery life and price in this guide, plus room for 250 user codes.

Get the Level Lock Pro if you want the highest-rated lock here and a deadbolt that hides its battery in the bolt, and the top price is acceptable.

Get the Aqara Smart Lock U400 if you want fingerprint, NFC and ultra-wideband entry and will recharge its battery about twice a year.

Get the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter if you want the lowest price and the longest rated battery life and can accept a loud motor.

Get the Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt if you want hands-free ultra-wideband unlocking and already run a Thread-enabled hub for your iPhone.

Sources & Methodology

Methodology: SHE Matter Smart Lock Score — Formula: Expert consensus 50% + Rated battery life 22% + Amazon price, lower is better, 28%, scaled to 10. The script does all the math. Each factor is scaled to 0-1 across this guide's products: a yes/no factor is its value (1 or 0); a number factor is (value - lowest) / (highest - lowest); a lower_better factor is then flipped (1 minus that). A number factor whose values are all equal gives every product 1, whichever its direction. A product's raw score is 10 x the sum of weight x scaled value, divided by the sum of the weights, kept to four decimal places; its SHE score is the raw score rounded half up to one decimal. Products are ranked by raw score, highest first; a tie goes to the higher consensus score, then to research order. A factor's chart cell is 10 x its scaled value, rounded half up to one decimal; a Setup Difficulty cell is the scorer's placement. Weight shares are whole percents for display only; the math uses the weights as given.. Factors: Expert consensus: The weighted average of verified outlet scores for each model on a 10-point scale; the Level Lock Pro leads at 9.0 and the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter trails at 7.0. | Rated battery life: The longest rated battery life per charge or set, in months, from maker or outlet figures on Thread or Matter; the ULTRALOQ leads at 18 months and the Aqara Smart Lock U400 trails at 6. | Amazon price: The Amazon price as of September 26, 2026, where a lower price scores higher; the ULTRALOQ is the cheapest here and the Level Lock Pro costs the most.

Expert review sources used in this analysis:

  1. The SHE Matter Smart Lock Score formula and factor definitions follow word for word
  2. Expert consensus 50% + Rated battery life 22% + Amazon price, lower is better, 28%, scaled to 10
  3. The script does all the math
  4. Each factor is scaled to 0-1 across this guide's products: a yes/no factor is its value (1 or 0)
  5. A number factor is (value - lowest) / (highest - lowest); a lower_better factor is then flipped (1 minus that)
  6. A number factor whose values are all equal gives every product 1, whichever its direction
  7. A product's raw score is 10 x the sum of weight x scaled value, divided by the sum of the weights, kept to four decimal places
  8. Its SHE score is the raw score rounded half up to one decimal
  9. Products are ranked by raw score, highest first; a tie goes to the higher consensus score, then to research order
  10. A factor's chart cell is 10 x its scaled value, rounded half up to one decimal; a Setup Difficulty cell is the scorer's placement
  11. Weight shares are whole percents for display only; the math uses the weights as given
  12. Expert consensus: The weighted average of the verified outlet scores for this model, on a 10-point scale
  13. Rated battery life: The longest battery life per charge or set, from maker or outlet figures on Thread or Matter where given, with years converted to months
  14. It stands in for performance because a lock with a dead battery cannot do its job, and no measured lock performance figure exists for every model
  15. Amazon price: The Amazon price for this model when we last checked, from the Amazon receipt, with prices checked on September 26, 2026
  16. Outlets read and used: PCWorld, SafeWise, AppleInsider and Tom's Guide, all on this site's outlet list, plus Gizmodo and the maker pages from Level, Aqara, Schlage and U-tec
  17. Outlet ratings, specifications and box lists were read as of September 2026
  18. Coverage shortfall: each lock carries exactly two verified outlet ratings, and Gizmodo's findings appear in the text but count toward no consensus score
  19. Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Smart Lock: rated by PCWorld and SafeWise
  20. Level Lock Pro: rated by PCWorld and AppleInsider
  21. Aqara Smart Lock U400: rated by Tom's Guide and AppleInsider
  22. ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Keypad Smart Lock with Matter: rated by Tom's Guide and PCWorld, with no box list found
  23. Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt: rated by Tom's Guide and AppleInsider, with no box list found
  24. Amazon prices checked on September 26, 2026
  25. No first-party testing or measurement was conducted for this guide, and none is implied; every finding comes from published specifications, maker pages and outlet reviews.

Nicholas Miles is the founder of SmartHomeExplorer and a longtime smart home enthusiast focused on helping everyday homeowners make better technology decisions. He researches, compares, and writes about products across security, climate, lighting, leak prevention, sensors, home energy, and automation, with an emphasis on real-world usefulness, ecosystem compatibility, reliability, privacy, and long-term value.

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer earns affiliate commissions on qualifying Amazon purchases, and from partner programs for some non-Amazon products and services we recommend. Our scoring methodology is independent of affiliate relationships.