01
Best smart deadbolt
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Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Keypad, app control and built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub. It replaces your whole deadbolt, so it suits owners best.
04
Entry · First impressions, better security
Doors, Locks & Entry
Your front door is used more than any other part of your house. Smart locks, video doorbells and good weatherstripping make it more secure and cut heating bills, and most can be installed with a screwdriver.
Our picks
9 worth your money.
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02
Best for renters
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August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Fits over the inside of your existing deadbolt, so your keys and outside hardware stay the same. The go-to choice for renters.
03
Best keypad design
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Yale Assure Lock 2
Slim keypad and touchscreen options, plus connectivity modules you can upgrade later. Clean-looking and well built.
04
Best no-subscription
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eufy Video Doorbell
Records to local storage, so there's no monthly fee to see your clips. A strong choice if you hate subscriptions.
05
Best app experience
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Ring Video Doorbell
Easy setup and a polished app. Battery models suit homes without doorbell wiring. Saved recordings need a subscription.
06
Best energy saver
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Door Weatherstripping Kit
Seals the gaps around the frame that let drafts and bugs in. One of the cheapest ways to cut your heating bill.
07
Best quick fix
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Under-Door Draft Stopper
Slides onto the bottom of the door to block the cold that pours under it. No tools needed, and renter-safe.
08
Best travel security
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Portable Door Security Bar
Wedges under the handle for extra security, whether you're home, travelling or in a basement unit. No installation.
09
Best cosmetic upgrade
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Interior Door Lever Set
Swapping old brass knobs for modern levers updates a whole hallway in an afternoon. Easier to use, too.
Compare
Smart lock showdown
The first question is whether you can replace the deadbolt. Renters usually can't, and that narrows the choice fast.
| Lock | Installs by | Keeps your keys? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode | Replacing the whole deadbolt | New key cylinder | Owners who want a keypad |
| August Wi-Fi | Clamping over the inside thumb-turn | Yes, outside unchanged | Renters, and anyone keeping existing hardware |
| Yale Assure 2 | Replacing the whole deadbolt | Keyed or keyless versions | Clean design, upgradable connectivity |
Before you buy
What the pros check first.
Check your door before you buy
Measure the door thickness and backset (the distance from the door edge to the centre of the hole). Most smart locks list compatible ranges.
Think about Canadian winters
Lithium batteries handle cold better than alkaline, and exterior keypads can get sluggish in deep freezes. Keep a physical key as a backup.
Seal, then insulate
Replace worn weatherstripping before buying anything bigger. Drafts around the door frame are a common source of heat loss.
FAQ
Common questions.
Can a renter install a smart lock?
A retrofit lock like the August fits over the existing deadbolt on the inside and comes off cleanly when you move out. Still check your lease.
Do video doorbells need a subscription?
Some do for saved recordings (Ring). Others store clips locally (eufy). Live view usually works without a plan either way.
What happens when a smart lock battery dies?
You'll get low-battery warnings for weeks. Most have a key backup or emergency power terminals.
Related guides
Keep reading.
Smart Locks, Explained: What Works for Owners, Renters and Canadian Winters
Retrofit vs full-replacement locks, keypads, Wi-Fi, batteries in the cold, and how to check your door before you buy.
Read the guide
How to Choose Your First Cordless Drill (and Not Regret It)
Voltage, brushless motors, drill vs impact driver, and why you're really buying a battery platform. A plain-English guide to your most important tool.
Read the guide