Shopping for the best exterior smart locks means balancing weather exposure against the access method your household will actually use. The key split is whether you want built-in Wi-Fi for remote control or a simpler lock that relies on codes, fingerprints, cards, or a physical key.
Pros
- Fingerprint access in under one second
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required
- Up to eight months with eight AA batteries
- BHMA Grade 3 certification
Cons
- Requires eight AA batteries
- IP53 protection, not fully waterproof
Pros
- Built-in WiFi, remote control from anywhere
- Stores up to 100 access codes
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Forced-entry alarm and encrypted connection
Cons
- Requires Schlage Home app for smart features
- Four AA batteries last up to six months
Pros
- SmartKey Security enables DIY re-keying
- Installs with a screwdriver and included hardware
- Adjustable 2-3/8 or 2-3/4-inch latch
- Grade 3 BHMA certified security and finish
- Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty
Cons
- Exterior entry requires a key
- Single-cylinder design uses interior turn-piece locking
Pros
- Fingerprint recognition with self-learning AI chip
- Eight entry methods for flexible access
- Remote user permissions and activity logs
- USB-C emergency port and low-battery alerts
Cons
- G1 Gateway required for remote access
- Four AA batteries not included
Pros
- Eight entry methods
- Fingerprint recognition in 0.3 seconds
- Remote passcode and eKey sharing
- Reversible handle for either door hand
Cons
- Remote access requires a separate gateway
- Alexa control requires the G2 Wi-Fi gateway
Pros
- Fingerprint, passcode, app, key, and voice entry
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no extra hub needed
- Up to 100 custom passcodes
- Auto-lock adjustable from 10 to 180 seconds
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
Start With the Door and the Network
Before choosing a model, confirm that your door uses a compatible standard deadbolt or handle arrangement. The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 fits most standard deadbolts and can accommodate bores under 54mm after removing its spacer, while the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with common backsets.
Built-in Wi-Fi is useful when you need remote status, guest access, or activity records without another bridge. The C220 and Schlage model connect directly to Wi-Fi, and the Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt Lock also works without an extra hub, though it supports a 2.4GHz network and works best when the router and lock are within 65 feet.
If the door is far from the router, a Bluetooth-focused setup may be more practical, but remote features can require extra hardware. The MSR X6 needs its G2 Wi-Fi gateway for remote access and voice control, while the Veise VE017 requires the G1 Gateway for those functions.
Pro Tip: Check the door thickness, backset, bore size, and nearby 2.4GHz signal before ordering.
Choose Access Methods You Will Maintain
Fingerprints are convenient for family members who regularly use the same entrance, but codes and physical keys remain valuable backups. The C220 provides fingerprint, app, keypad, key, Apple Watch, and voice access. Philips offers app, passcode, fingerprint, key, and voice options, while the Schlage model centers on a touchscreen, app control, access codes, and one physical backup key.
Rental owners may care more about temporary credentials and activity records than biometric entry. The MSR X6 supports one-time, permanent, and scheduled passcodes through the TT Lock app when paired with its gateway. The Veise VE017 adds one-time, duration, permanent, and recurring codes, plus user permissions and entry logs through the KK Home App.
For a traditional exterior door with no app dependency, the Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Lock is the outlier. It uses a key outside and a turn piece inside, while SmartKey Security lets you re-key it yourself. Its Grade 3 BHMA certification suits buyers who want a conventional deadbolt rather than connected access.
| Access type | Remote requirement | Best placement |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi deadbolt | Home Wi-Fi | Connected front door |
| Gateway smart lock | Extra gateway | Rental or multi-user door |
| Keyed deadbolt | No network | Simple exterior entry |
Weather, Batteries, and Security Ratings
Exterior hardware faces rain, temperature swings, and repeated use, so enclosure and battery details matter. The C220 is IP53 waterproof and rated for operating temperatures from -22°F to 158°F. It uses eight AA batteries and lists about eight months of battery life, depending on use.
Schlage lists up to six months from four included AA batteries and provides low-battery notices on the touchscreen and in its app. Veise lists about twelve months from four AA batteries, though batteries are not included, and adds a USB-C emergency port. Philips also requires AA alkaline batteries, which are not included.
Do not treat a smart feature list as a substitute for door hardware quality. Schlage carries the highest residential BHMA security, durability, and finish rating, while eufy, Kwikset, and other models in this selection specify Grade 3 certification. The strike plate and its screws still affect how well the door resists force.
Before You Mount It: A smart lock cannot correct a loose frame, weak strike plate, misaligned latch, or door that does not close fully. Repair the door first, then install the electronic hardware.
Plan for Failure Before It Happens
Every exterior smart lock needs a fallback plan. Keep the physical key available where it cannot be reached through a window, monitor battery warnings, and confirm how the lock behaves if the Wi-Fi connection disappears. Local keypad or fingerprint functions may remain useful even when remote control does not.
For broader access-control planning, compare a key lock box and smart lock before giving visitors a permanent credential. A lock box can preserve a mechanical backup, but its placement and code management need the same care as a digital passcode.
Expert Examined
From Marcus Bell
I keep seeing exterior locks installed on doors that sag or rub against the frame. The motor then has to fight the alignment every time, so I would correct the hinges and strike position before blaming the electronics.
Read more about Marcus BellThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides consumer safety information, but it does not select a lock for your door. Use the manufacturer’s fit instructions and inspect the entry after installation.
Which Lock Fits Your Entry
I would put the eufy Security Smart Lock C220 on a connected family entry where fingerprints, app access, and voice control all have value. Its built-in Wi-Fi avoids a bridge, and the IP53 rating plus Grade 3 certification make its feature set appropriate for an exposed front door.
I would point rental owners toward the Smart Door Lock with Handle,Keyless Entry & Remote when scheduled or one-time access is central. The MSR X6 combines a handle, fingerprint reader, keypad, IC card, mechanical keys, and TT Lock management, although remote access and voice control require the separately sold gateway.
For a household that wants connected control with a more established security specification, I would choose the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock. Its built-in Wi-Fi, support for up to 100 access codes, customizable alarm, lock history, auto-lock settings, and highest residential BHMA rating make it a strong fit for a busy main entrance.
The Bottom Line
The mistake most buyers make is treating every exterior smart lock as equally remote-ready. Some models have built-in Wi-Fi, while others need a gateway, and a conventional keyed deadbolt has no network feature at all.
First, measure the door and identify the network path you need. Then choose the access methods your household or guests can manage reliably, keeping a physical fallback and a battery plan in place.
FAQs
Fingerprint locks are convenient for regular household members, while keypads are easier to share with guests, cleaners, or renters. A model offering both gives you more flexibility, but you should still keep a physical key or another approved fallback available. Not always. Some provide local fingerprint, keypad, card, or key access without a network, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control and alerts. Models that depend on a gateway need that separate device for remote functions. Check battery warnings, keep the door aligned, and confirm that the latch moves freely before relying on the motor. Use the battery type specified by the manufacturer and keep the emergency power or physical-key method accessible. BHMA grading refers to security, durability, and finish performance for residential hardware. Grade 3 is a residential classification, but the rating does not replace a sound door, secure strike plate, and correct installation.Are fingerprint or keypad locks better for an exterior door?
Do exterior smart locks need Wi-Fi?
How should I maintain a smart lock outdoors?
What does Grade 3 BHMA certification mean?
Sources
- Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. www.buildershardware.com
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. www.cpsc.gov