Best Smart Lock for Home Security in 2026

Upgrading to a smart lock is one of the simplest ways to make your home more secure and convenient. The best smart locks let you unlock your door with your fingerprint, a code, your phone, or your voice, so you’re never scrambling when your hands are full. And instead of hiding spare keys under the mat, you can manage who comes and goes from anywhere, using an app on your phone.

Tapo's smart door locks fit your lifestyle. Whether you're a homeowner who wants reliable daily security, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or an Airbnb host who needs flexible guest access, there's a Tapo lock for you. All models are certified by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), require no monthly fees, and work with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings out of the box. And coming soon is Tapo's most advanced lock yet: the DL130, with touch-free palm vein recognition. 

This guide covers what to look for, compares Tapo's best smart locks, and helps you find the right fit.

Why Switch to a Smart Lock?

For most people, the switch comes down to convenience. Carrying keys is one more thing to manage, and one more thing to lose. Smart locks give you freedom without giving up security. You can easily manage access for kids coming home from school, or service providers like dog walkers and cleaners, without worrying about spare keys. 

Beyond keyless entry, smart locks give you real visibility into your front door. You can check whether it's locked from your phone, get alerts if someone enters the wrong code too many times, and see a timestamped log of every entry. For busy parents, frequent travelers, or anyone managing a rental property, that awareness adds peace of mind.

Auto-lock is another helpful feature. Set it to engage after a custom time window, and you'll never wonder whether anyone in your household remembered to lock up.

Smart Locks vs. Traditional Deadbolts: Which Is Safer?

Smart locks rely on batteries and wireless connectivity, and you might wonder how that affects security. With a trusted brand like Tapo, a quality smart lock gives you more control over your front door than a traditional deadbolt ever could.

Tapo locks protect your connection with industry-standard encryption: the same level used by banks and secure websites. A PIN attempt limiter locks out the keypad or fingerprint sensor after multiple failed tries and sends a real-time alert to your phone. Peek-proof passcodes let you enter random digits before and after your real PIN, so no one watching can figure out your code.

Battery failure is manageable, too. Tapo locks send low-battery alerts via the app well before the battery runs out. Every model also includes a USB-C emergency power port and physical backup keys, so you're always prepared. 

BHMA certification is the key benchmark to watch for in a smart lock. It means the lock has been independently tested for both durability and security. Tapo's DL110 is BHMA Grade 2 certified, which meets the durability standard for high-traffic residential doors. The DL100 is BHMA Grade 3 certified, which is well-suited for standard home use.

What to Look for in a Smart Lock

Not all smart locks are created equal. Here's what separates a great one from a basic one.

Entry Methods

The best keyless door locks offer multiple entry options, so you're covered no matter what. Look for fingerprint recognition, a keypad with customizable codes, app control via Wi-Fi, local Bluetooth, voice assistant support, and backup keys.

Fingerprint access is especially useful for daily use. It's faster than typing a code, and you don't need your phone. Tapo's DL110 unlocks in under a second.

Access Management and Guest Codes

This is where smart locks pull far ahead of traditional deadbolts. You can create permanent codes for family members and temporary or scheduled codes for guests, cleaners, and service workers. No physical key required.

For landlords and Airbnb hosts, this is a useful time-saver. Set a code that's active only during a guest's stay, then let it expire automatically. The activity log in the Tapo app shows every entry with a timestamp, so you always know who came and went.

Smart Home Integration and Auto-Lock

Tapo locks work with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. You can lock your door with a voice command, set up routines that trigger when you leave, or pair your lock with a video doorbell for complete entryway coverage.

Auto-lock lets you set a custom timer that secures the door after use. It's an important feature that makes a big difference for busy households.

Battery Life and Weather Resistance

The DL110 runs up to a year on a single charge. The DL100 runs up to seven months on standard AA batteries in Wi-Fi mode, with no upfront charging required.

Weather resistance is rated using the Ingress Protection (IP) scale, which measures how well a device handles dust and moisture. The DL110 is IP65-rated, meaning it handles direct water exposure and is built for year-round outdoor use. The DL100 is IP54-rated, which means it is protected against rain and standard outdoor conditions.

The Best Tapo Smart Locks

All Tapo models are BHMA-certified, subscription-free, and compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. Here's how to choose between them.

Tapo DL110: Best Overall

The DL110 is Tapo's most complete option. Six ways to get in: fingerprint, keypad, app, Bluetooth, voice assistant, or a backup key. The fingerprint sensor unlocks in about 0.42 seconds and stores up to 100 fingerprints.

The rechargeable battery lasts up to a year, and a USB-C port handles emergency charging if needed. IP65 weather resistance and BHMA Grade 2 certification make it built for long-term daily use on exterior doors. The built-in doorbell adds entryway monitoring without a separate device.

Best for: Homeowners and rental property managers who want the full package.

Tapo DL100: Best Value Keypad Smart Deadbolt

The DL100 is the no-fuss entry in the Tapo lineup, and it delivers more than its price suggests. It features five reliable ways to get in: keypad, app, Bluetooth, voice assistant, and backup keys. Up to 200 access codes, auto-lock, and full Tapo app management are all included.

Four AA batteries power it for up to seven months in Wi-Fi mode. BHMA Grade 3 certified and IP54-rated, it handles everyday outdoor conditions reliably.

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners and first-time smart lock buyers.

Tapo DL130: Most Advanced Entry With Palm Access (Coming Soon) 

Coming soon, the Tapo DL130 brings something new to the lineup: touch-free palm vein recognition. The PalmKey sensor reads the unique vein pattern inside your hand and unlocks in under 0.33 seconds. It works with any hand surface condition and stores up to 50 palm records. A fingerprint sensor is also built in, storing up to 100 prints and unlocking in under 0.4 seconds.

With seven ways to get in, you're never stuck outside, whether your hands are full, your phone is dead, or you just prefer to ask Alexa. Biometric data is stored on the lock itself and never reaches the cloud, so your family's information stays private. The dual-battery system keeps the lock powered even while the main battery is out for recharging, so there's no window where you're left without access. 

IP65 weatherproofing and BHMA Grade 2 certification ensure it holds up to daily outdoor use, year after year. The built-in doorbell combines entry and entryway monitoring in one device, so there's no extra hardware needed. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, and like every Tapo lock, no subscription required. 

Best for: Homeowners who want the most advanced biometric access for the whole family.

Tapo Smart Locks Compared

Smart Locks for Renters

Smart locks are useful for renters, with a couple of things to keep in mind. Check your lease or get landlord approval before swapping out a deadbolt, and look for a lock that installs without drilling new holes, so you can remove it cleanly when you move.

All Tapo models fit standard deadbolt holes with no drilling required. The swap is straightforward, typically under 30 minutes, and since the lock is yours, you can take it with you to your next place.

The DL100 is a practical starting point for renters. It's easy to install, runs on standard AA batteries, and covers all the core smart lock features without a large upfront investment.

How to Install a Smart Lock

One of the most common questions about switching to a smart lock is whether installation requires a professional. For Tapo locks, it doesn't. Every model is designed to replace a standard deadbolt without drilling new holes, making the swap straightforward for most homeowners and renters alike.

Each lock ships with all the mounting hardware you need, so there's nothing extra to buy before you get started. The physical installation typically takes under 30 minutes, and once the hardware is in place, the Tapo app guides you through the rest of the setup, from connecting your lock to your home network to creating access codes and configuring auto-lock.

Smart lock setup through the Tapo app is designed for all experience levels. You don't need technical knowledge to get your keyless entry system up and running. Most people are locking and unlocking from their phone within the same afternoon they install it.

Find the Right Lock for Your Front Door

Choosing the best smart lock comes down to how much control and convenience you want. The DL110 adds fingerprint access, a built-in doorbell, and stronger weather protection for a more complete setup. The DL100 focuses on the essentials, making it a straightforward, cost-effective option for everyday use. If you want our most advanced option, the DL130 with touch-free PalmKey access arrives soon. 

All Tapo smart locks require no subscription and come backed by BHMA certification. 

Explore Tapo's full lineup of smart door locks and find the right fit for your home.