The best smart locks for apartments make everyday entry easier without forcing you to sacrifice security, renter-friendly installation, or dependable access.
We selected 10 standout options across retrofit designs, complete deadbolts, fingerprint readers, keypads, Wi-Fi control, and smart-home compatibility to help you find the right fit.
Best 10 Smart Locks for Apartments Picks for 2026
Best Matter-Ready Pick
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Deadbolt
- Fingerprint, passcode, app, voice, and key entry
- Built-in Wi-Fi plus Matter over Thread support
- Up to 18 months of battery life
Best For: Flexible access and Matter-enabled smart homes
Best Interior-Door Option
- 0.3-second fingerprint unlocking
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote management
- Installs in about 15 minutes
Best For: Bedrooms, offices, storage rooms, and garage entries
Best Complete Handle Set
- Includes matching handle hardware
- Fingerprint access and multiple PIN types
- Built-in Wi-Fi with app and voice control
Best For: Front-door hardware upgrades and managed guest access
Best Battery Backup
- Fingerprint, app, keypad, and key entry
- Up to eight months with included batteries
- USB-C emergency power and Wyze integration
Best For: Flexible access and longer battery intervals
Most Versatile Access
- Five unlocking methods, including fingerprint and voice
- Remote control without an extra hub
- Up to 100 custom passcodes and access history
Best For: Families and renters sharing access
Best Privacy-Focused Knob
- Four entry methods with local fingerprint storage
- Rechargeable battery supports up to 10,000 unlocks
- Bluetooth app management with temporary codes
Best For: Indoor apartment doors and privacy-conscious users
Best Existing-Deadbolt Upgrade
- Retrofits the inside of most single-cylinder deadbolts
- Built-in Wi-Fi supports remote app control
- Keeps the exterior appearance of the door unchanged
Best For: Renters preserving existing deadbolt hardware
Best for Multi-Tenant Access
Veise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Lock
- Fingerprint, app, code, card, and key entry
- Remote users, permissions, and activity logs
- Local encrypted storage and flexible access modes
Best For: Landlords, property managers, and shared apartments
Best for Easy Handle Replacement
- Eight entry methods with fingerprint and keypad access
- Reversible handle and screwdriver installation
- Gateway enables remote app and voice control
Best For: Apartment doors, rental hosts, and simple hardware upgrades
Best Retrofit Pick
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock
- Keeps existing exterior hardware and keys
- Built-in WiFi needs no hub or bridge
- Fingerprint keypad with flexible passcodes
Best For: Apartments needing a discreet existing-deadbolt upgrade
Best Matter-Ready Pick – ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Deadbolt
For apartments where flexible access and smart-home compatibility matter, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is one of the more feature-rich smart locks for apartments. It combines fingerprint entry, passcodes, app control, mechanical keys, built-in Wi-Fi, and Matter over Thread support. Note that Matter remote access requires a compatible Thread Border Router, while Wi-Fi remote control works on 2.4 GHz networks.
Best For: Renters or homeowners wanting multiple entry methods, remote access, and Matter integration.
Pros:
- Offers fingerprint, passcode, app, web, voice, eKey, and physical-key entry.
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote management without a hub; supports temporary and scheduled access.
- Up to 18 months of battery life, auto-lock, activity history, and low-battery alerts.
- ANSI BHMA certification, weather-resistant construction, and DIY installation.
Cons:
- Matter remote access requires a compatible Matter over Thread hub.
- Supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, with the router ideally within 70 feet.
- Door sensor is not included.
The Bolt SE is a strong choice if you want broad access control and future-facing Matter support in one lock. Its main limitation is that some Matter features require additional compatible hardware.
Best Interior-Door Option – eufy FamiLock C32 Smart Lock
The eufy Security FamiLock C32 is a practical option for interior spaces, making it worth considering among smart locks for apartments. Its large-area fingerprint reader unlocks in about 0.3 seconds, and built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi supports remote management. However, eufy specifically recommends it for interior doors rather than front-door use.
Best For: Apartment bedrooms, offices, storage rooms, garage entries, and other interior doors.
Pros:
- Fast 0.3-second fingerprint unlocking with 360-degree recognition.
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote authorization and door management.
- Installs in about 15 minutes with only a screwdriver and includes four AA batteries.
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant and includes auto-lock.
Cons:
- Not recommended for front doors.
- Does not support rekeying.
- Designed for standard interior doors rather than every apartment entry configuration.
The C32 makes the most sense when you need convenient biometric access inside an apartment. Its simple installation and remote controls are useful, but the manufacturer’s interior-door recommendation limits its role as a primary apartment entrance lock.
Best Complete Handle Set – Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt
The Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt is a useful choice for shoppers replacing an entire entry set rather than just a deadbolt. Among smart locks for apartments, it stands out with a matching handle, built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, fingerprint access, and several passcode types. It fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick and is designed for DIY installation.
Best For: Apartment front-door upgrades needing a handle, remote app control, and flexible guest codes.
Pros:
- Includes a matching handle set for an all-in-one installation.
- Supports permanent, one-time, periodic, and recurring PIN codes.
- Provides 0.3-second fingerprint access, app control, access history, and voice control.
- Auto-lock can be set from 0 to 180 seconds, with battery life rated up to six months.
Cons:
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and works best within 33 feet of the router.
- Batteries are not included.
- Auto-lock is off by default, and left-opening doors require a reset.
This Philips lock is particularly appealing when you want to modernize the complete door hardware in one purchase. Check the door thickness, opening direction, and router distance before buying for a smoother installation.
Best Battery Backup – WYZE Auto-Lock Bolt v2
The WYZE Auto-Lock Bolt v2 focuses on straightforward, flexible entry for apartment residents. It combines a fingerprint scanner, app access, keypad codes, physical keys, and built-in Wi-Fi, while its included eight AA batteries are rated for up to eight months. It can also work with a Wyze Video Doorbell for unlocking from a live video feed.
Best For: Users who want multiple backup entry methods, long battery life, and Wyze ecosystem integration.
Pros:
- Offers fingerprint, app, code, and physical-key unlocking.
- AI-learning scanner is designed to improve recognition over time.
- Includes eight AA batteries rated for up to eight months and USB-C emergency power.
- Has an anti-peep keypad, auto-lock, IP53 rating, and BHMA Grade 2 rating.
Cons:
- The supplied notes list home use but do not specify apartment-specific compatibility.
- Remote management is most integrated with the Wyze ecosystem, including Wyze Video Doorbell pairing.
- Uses a fingerprint scanner rated at 0.5-second unlocking, slower than some listed alternatives.
The Lock Bolt v2 is a sensible pick when backup access and reduced battery maintenance are priorities. Its strongest advantage is the combination of several entry methods with emergency USB-C power, especially for users already using Wyze devices.
Most Versatile Access – Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt
The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt is a flexible choice for apartments where multiple people need different entry options. It supports app control, passcodes, fingerprints, a physical key, and voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without an additional hub, though it requires a 2.4GHz network.
Best For: Families, renters, or hosts who want several unlocking methods and remote access.
Pros:
- Offers app, passcode, fingerprint, key, and voice unlocking.
- Supports remote locking and unlocking without a separate hub.
- Allows up to 100 custom passcodes, including scheduled or one-time codes.
- Includes access alerts, history, auto-lock timing, and Away Mode.
Cons:
- Batteries are not included and AA alkaline batteries are required.
- Supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with the router and lock recommended within 65 feet.
- It does not include a door sensor.
This is one of the more feature-rich smart locks for apartments, especially if you regularly share access or want to manage the lock while away. Confirm door compatibility and Wi-Fi placement before installation.
Best Privacy-Focused Knob – GHome Smart Fingerprint Lock
The GHome Smart Fingerprint Door Lock is a compact smart knob designed for apartment, bedroom, office, and garage doors. It combines fingerprint access, passwords, Bluetooth app control, and mechanical keys, while storing fingerprint data locally rather than in the cloud.
Best For: Apartment renters and indoor users who want biometric entry with local data storage.
Pros:
- Provides four entry methods: fingerprint, password, Bluetooth app, and key.
- Stores fingerprint data locally and offers access-log monitoring through the app.
- Uses a rechargeable battery rated for up to 10,000 unlocks or 300-plus days, depending on usage.
- Installs with a screwdriver and fits doors from 1-3/8 to 2-1/4 inches thick.
Cons:
- App control is limited to Bluetooth range rather than Wi-Fi remote access.
- The rechargeable battery takes about 4–6 hours to fully charge.
- Users should confirm the product dimensions and door thickness before buying.
Among smart locks for apartments, this model stands out for local biometric storage and a rechargeable design. Its Bluetooth-only control makes it better suited to nearby, everyday entry than remote monitoring from outside the home.
Best Existing-Deadbolt Upgrade – August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock upgrades the inside of an existing single-cylinder deadbolt, so you can add smart features without replacing the exterior hardware. Built-in Wi-Fi supports remote app control and voice assistants, while optional keypad compatibility adds code-based entry for people without a phone.
Best For: Apartment residents who want smart access while keeping their existing deadbolt and exterior appearance.
Pros:
- Retrofits most single-cylinder deadbolts and installs from the inside.
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote access without a separate hub.
- Supports permanent, scheduled, and temporary access through the August app.
- Offers optional auto-unlock, auto-lock, and DoorSense features when the door is closed.
Cons:
- The Smart Keypad for code entry is sold separately.
- It requires the August app, a compatible smartphone, and Wi-Fi.
- Compatibility depends on having a suitable single-cylinder deadbolt.
This is a practical choice among smart locks for apartments when preserving the outside look of the door matters. Its retrofit design simplifies installation, but renters should verify deadbolt compatibility and any building restrictions before modifying the door.
Best for Multi-Tenant Access – Veise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Lock
For apartments or rental properties where access changes frequently, the Veise VE017 combines fingerprint entry, app controls, codes, cards, and a mechanical key. Its KK Home App supports remote user management, permissions, and activity logs, making it a flexible option among smart locks for apartments.
Best For: Property managers, landlords, and households needing detailed access control.
Pros:
- Supports multiple entry methods, including fingerprint, app, fob card, codes, and a mechanical key.
- Remote management lets you add, edit, pause, or delete users and review entry activity.
- Offers one-time, recurring, duration, and permanent codes, plus anti-peeping PIN protection.
- Stores access data locally with AES128 encryption and offers configurable alerts and modes.
Cons:
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility requires the optional G1 Gateway.
- The supplied notes only specify a battery life of 12 months or more with AA batteries, not an exact usage estimate.
The VE017 stands out when access administration matters as much as keyless entry. Its mix of local data storage, granular permissions, and several code types makes it particularly practical for shared apartments and rental units.
Best for Easy Handle Replacement – MSR X6 Fingerprint Smart Lock
The MSR X6 is a handle-style electronic lock designed to replace compatible front-door hardware with a screwdriver and no extra drilling. With fingerprint, keypad, IC card, app, and physical-key access, it offers approachable keyless entry for apartments and other residential doors.
Best For: Apartment residents and rental hosts who want a multifunction lock with straightforward installation.
Pros:
- Provides eight access options, including fingerprints, keypad codes, IC cards, app control, and mechanical keys.
- Reversible handle fits left- or right-handed doors and is designed for installation in about 10 minutes.
- Supports remote codes, authorization management, and access logs when paired with the optional G2 WiFi Gateway.
- Rated for temperatures from -35°F to 122°F and has an IP64 weather-resistant design.
Cons:
- Remote app control and Alexa voice control require the separately sold G2 WiFi Gateway.
- Compatibility depends on the existing American-style door and hardware configuration.
The MSR X6 is a practical choice if you want to replace a door handle rather than install a separate deadbolt. Confirm your door dimensions and latch setup before buying, especially for an apartment entry door.
Best Retrofit Pick – Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock
The Philips 3000 Series retrofit lock upgrades the inside of an existing deadbolt while preserving the exterior hardware and current keys. Its separate wireless fingerprint keypad, built-in WiFi, and app-based controls make it a discreet option for apartments where changing the outside appearance may be undesirable.
Best For: Renters or homeowners who want smart access without replacing the exterior deadbolt hardware.
Pros:
- Retrofit design keeps the existing exterior hardware and keys, replacing only the interior lock.
- Built-in WiFi enables remote app control without an additional hub or bridge.
- Wireless keypad supports fingerprints, PINs, permanent, one-time, scheduled, and recurring codes.
- Includes activity history, real-time notifications, adjustable auto-lock, and Alexa and Google Assistant support.
Cons:
- Battery life is listed as up to four months with typical use, shorter than many competing smart locks.
- The lock connects directly to 2.4GHz WiFi, so network compatibility should be checked before installation.
- The keypad must be installed within 39 inches of the door.
The Philips retrofit approach is its main advantage: it adds smart functionality while retaining the door’s existing exterior and keys. It is especially compelling for apartment settings where a low-profile, reversible-looking upgrade is preferred.
How We Picked the Best Smart Locks for Apartments
We evaluated these locks by focusing on the factors that matter most in apartment living: installation requirements, compatibility with existing deadbolts, entry methods, remote access, battery convenience, security features, and smart-home support. Retrofit models received special attention because they can preserve an apartment’s exterior hardware and may be easier to remove when moving.
We also considered whether each lock offers practical access for residents, guests, cleaners, and deliveries. Fingerprint recognition, PIN codes, app control, physical keys, and auto-lock settings can each solve different problems, but reliability and fit should come before feature count.
Quick Comparison
| Lock type | Best for | Features to prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| Retrofit smart lock | Renters preserving existing hardware | Deadbolt compatibility, interior clearance, easy removal |
| Fingerprint lock | Fast key-free entry | Reader accuracy, PIN backup, weather resistance |
| Wi-Fi deadbolt | Remote control and notifications | Reliable app, direct Wi-Fi connection, battery alerts |
| Keypad deadbolt | Shared household or guest access | Temporary codes, auto-lock, code management |
| Matter-compatible lock | Smart-home integration | Supported ecosystem, hub requirements, setup process |
Key Buying Factors for Smart Locks for Apartments
Check Compatibility First
Measure your door thickness, backset, deadbolt type, and interior space before ordering. A complete replacement lock may not fit every apartment door, while a retrofit model generally works only with compatible single-cylinder deadbolts. Confirm landlord or building rules before changing exterior hardware.
Choose the Right Access Method
Keypads are convenient for guests and roommates, fingerprint readers provide quick personal access, and app control is useful for remote unlocking. A physical key or another backup method is still valuable if batteries run out or connectivity fails.
Decide Whether Wi-Fi Is Necessary
Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote access and notifications without an additional bridge, but it can use more battery power. Bluetooth-only models may last longer but typically require you to be nearby or use a separate hub for remote features.
Prioritize Security and Maintenance
Look for solid hardware, dependable locking mechanisms, encrypted app connections, tamper alerts where available, and clear low-battery warnings. Enable automatic locking only after confirming it will not lock you out or conflict with building access procedures.
Who Should Buy Which Smart Locks for Apartments?
Renters and frequent movers: Choose a retrofit lock that works with your existing deadbolt and leaves the exterior unchanged.
Households sharing access: A keypad model with multiple or temporary codes is usually more practical than distributing physical keys.
People who want the fastest entry: Consider a fingerprint-equipped lock, but keep a PIN or key backup available.
Smart-home enthusiasts: Select a model compatible with your preferred platform, especially if Matter support or seamless ecosystem control is important.
Remote hosts and busy residents: A Wi-Fi-enabled lock with activity notifications and remote code management can make guest access easier. Whichever model you choose, verify door compatibility and building approval before installation.









