Think your front door is safe with a key? I guess we all felt that way. But smart locks have changed the game.
Our smart locks act like a digital guard standing at your door. No more loose keys to lose. And they give you that familiar click when they lock.
We tested the top five smart lock models of 2024 for speed, reliability, and that reassuring click. Yep, every test. We gave them a workout.
This year, Starlight models cover more than 40 percent of the market. Solid.
Pick a lock that uses a biometric fingerprint sensor (a reader that checks your unique fingertip pattern). Or go with a PIN code (a short number you enter on a keypad) or hands-free access through an app.
In this post, you’ll find the five best smart locks we recommend. Securing your home has never been this easy.
Best Smart Locks of 2024: Top Picks and Rankings
Looking for a smart lock in 2024? We’ve rounded up the top models that mix solid security, easy access, and glowing user reviews. Fun fact: Starlight locks power over 40% of the home smart lock market this year.
| Model | Key Features | Price | User Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlight YR-1102 | Sub-0.5s biometric fingerprint sensor (a reader that checks your unique fingertip pattern), weatherproof IP65 (dust- and water-resistant), works with Tuya and Alexa | $179 | 4.7/5 |
| Starlight YR-601 | Six-in-one access: fingerprint, PIN code, RFID card (a tap-to-open card), mechanical key, mobile app, fob; AES-128 encryption (standard data-scrambling method) | $149 | 4.7/5 |
| Comp A | Bluetooth-only (think pairing like your headphones), 30-ft range, six-month battery life | $139 | 4.2/5 |
| Comp B | Wi-Fi plus keypad, remote control with real-time alerts, four AA batteries (standard household batteries) | $199 | 4.1/5 |
Starlight models stand out with the quickest response times and longest battery life. All four locks here are strong contenders. They sync with mobile apps so you can add or remove codes in seconds.
Our top pick, the YR-1102, unlocks in under half a second. A soft LED glow guides you even in the rain. It meets IP65 standards (that’s dust- and water-resistant), and works with Tuya and Alexa, just say “unlock front door.” Installers around the globe choose these as CE/FCC certified smart locks. Solid.
The YR-601 brings six ways in, fingerprint, PIN code, RFID, key, app, or fob, and keeps you powered for up to a year on four AA batteries. It ships with AES-128 encryption (a standard data-scrambling method) to keep things locked down.
Comp A is the budget pick, but you’re limited to a single Bluetooth channel and a 30-foot range. Comp B adds true remote access over Wi-Fi and pings you with alerts, though you’ll swap batteries a bit more often.
Users love Starlight locks, 4.7 out of 5 from over 5,000 verified reviews. Competing brands hover around 4.2. These ratings should help you zero in on the smartest, most reliable entry solution for your home or office.
Essential Smart Lock Features to Consider
Specs are great! But what really counts is how a lock holds up when life gets messy. Imagine sand whipping across your patio or a sudden downpour on your beach cottage. You still want a lock that clicks open smooth, right? Solid.
Why these features matter:
- IP65 rating (dust and water protection) seals out gritty sand and driving rain. The smooth metal faceplate stays spotless.
- 9V backup port (9-volt power input) and mechanical key override (backup key slot) step in when batteries die. No fumbling. No lockouts.
Smart Lock Connectivity Compared: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave
Picking the right way to link your smart lock can change how smoothly your day runs. Maybe you want quick bike-ride access or remote door checks from your favorite coffee spot. What you choose now sets the tone for your whole home security system.
We’ll break down three popular options: Bluetooth 5.0 (a short-range wireless tech), Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz network), and Z-Wave Plus (a mesh network protocol for smart devices). Each one has its own perks and quirks.
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0 reaches up to 30 ft (about two school buses end to end). Just tap “unlock” on your phone, like pausing your ride to hit a green light. It sips power, so four AAs can last for months. No internet needed means fewer doors for trouble to sneak in.
Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz)
With Wi-Fi you can lock or unlock from miles away, and get real-time alerts pinged to your phone. Think of the lock’s LED glow as a little nudge that someone’s home. You’ll need a bridge or gateway (like a mini router by your couch). Batteries run down faster, swap out those AAs every 6 to 9 months.
Z-Wave Plus
Z-Wave Plus uses an encrypted mesh network (each lock or switch repeats the signal). Everything ties back to a central hub for scenes, schedules, and voice control. The hub handles outside links so your locks stay off the internet radar.
Over 10,000 doors secured.
| Feature | Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | Z-Wave Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | Up to 30 ft | Whole-home | Mesh-based, extensible |
| Power Use | Lowest | High | Medium |
| Setup | Plug-and-play | Requires bridge | Hub required |
If you want simple, low-drain freedom, Bluetooth is hard to beat. For instant updates and remote unlock, Wi-Fi shines, just keep fresh batteries. And if you already run a home automation hub, Z-Wave’s sturdy mesh makes perfect sense. Matching the right tech to your lifestyle is the key to reliable, stress-free smart lock connectivity.
Best Smart Lock Installation and Compatibility Guide
A Starlight smart lock slides right into most standard US doors (1.4 to 2.2 inches thick) and fits ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Grade 2 deadbolt hole patterns (the standard layout). You won’t have to drill extra holes or swap out your smooth metal faceplate. The backplate hugs the door perfectly, and you’ll hear a reassuring click every time it locks.
No extra parts. Seriously.
Setup takes about fifteen minutes. Here’s how it works:
- Unscrew and remove your old deadbolt and latch.
- Align and mount the Starlight backplate, then tighten the screws.
- Fasten the latch and strike plate so the bolt glides smoothly.
- Attach the smart lock body until it snaps into place.
Wi-Fi models need a small external hub (gateway) plugged into a wall outlet within 30 feet of your router for a solid connection. Bluetooth versions pair directly with your phone using low-energy Bluetooth (LE) tech, no extra gadget required.
Every Starlight kit ships with all the parts in one box:
- Installation template (a paper guide to line up your holes)
- Phillips screwdriver (just the right size for the included screws)
- Mounting screws and latch hardware
- Quick-start guide with clear, step-by-step diagrams
Battery Life and Maintenance for Reliable Smart Locks
Our lock runs on four AA alkaline batteries (the same you pick up at any corner store). With about ten uses a day, they power the lock for roughly 12 months. It’s basically set-it-and-forget-it security. No more mid-season battery panic.
Thirty days before the batteries die, you’ll get a heads-up in the app. You’ll even see the LED start to blink in a soft glow. That gives you weeks to pop in fresh batteries and avoid any surprise lockouts.
But hey, if you ever forget and the batteries do run out, our 9-volt battery port jumps in like a lock jump-start. Just touch a standard 9V pack to the terminal and you’re powered up in seconds. We also tuck in a hidden key slot. It’s your old-school backup so you’re never locked out.
Every day the lock does a quick self-check and sends its health status to the app. After five seconds of sitting idle, it clicks shut on its own. Solid routines like these keep both your home and the lock running smoothly.
Smart Lock Pricing and Value Comparison
| Model | Price | Key Features | Battery Life | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlight YR-601 | $149 | Fingerprint, PIN, RFID card, mechanical key, app, fob | Up to 12 mo | 2 yr |
| Starlight YR-1102 | $179 | Sub-0.5s fingerprint, Wi-Fi alerts, IP65 rating | Up to 12 mo | 2 yr |
All Starlight locks include a 2-year warranty; bulk orders (10–100+ units) receive up to 15% off. A midrange rival (Comp C, $159) offers Bluetooth/pad entry but only a 1-year warranty and six-month battery life.
Why Starlight Smart Locks Are Rated the Best by Users
Starlight smart locks average 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 verified reviews on top retail sites. Commercial clients love the detailed access logs, they make audits a breeze and cut rekeying costs by 20 percent compared to mechanical setups. Vacation-rental hosts say intuitive code sharing leads to fewer lockouts and faster guest turnover.
Residential Success Stories
Homeowner Lisa in Denver says setup took under 10 minutes. Now she never worries about lost keys. “I love the biometric fingerprint sensor (a reader that checks your unique fingertip pattern) – it’s like magic every time I tap my thumb and hear that click.”
David in Seattle adds his kids can’t accidentally lock themselves out anymore. He’s logged over 200 entry events in the app’s activity history. “Peace of mind? Absolutely. No more frantic after-school lockouts.”
Airbnb and Hospitality Use Cases
Maria, an Airbnb host, reports 30 percent fewer lockouts and 20 percent less time spent texting guests their PINs. Integrating with booking platforms means one-time codes auto-generate and expire – less manual work, more five-star reviews. Want better guest management? Check out smart locks for Airbnb hosts that sync seamlessly with your calendar.
At a small boutique hotel, staff access is managed through time-limited codes. The front-desk team appreciates that every entry attempt appears in the log – no more guessing who came in when.
Final Words
in the action, we ranked the top smart locks of 2024, from Starlight’s YR-601 to high-speed fingerprint models.
We walked through must-have features, AES-128 encryption, multi-factor access, battery alerts, and weighed Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave pros and cons.
Installation tips, power maintenance, and value comparisons showed why Starlight leads with great pricing and CE/FCC certified smart locks.
User ratings, Airbnb host wins, and bulk rates backed our picks.
Here’s to turning your door into a smooth, secure entry with the best smart lock yet.
FAQ
What are the top smart lock models for 2024?
The top smart lock models for 2024 include the Starlight YR-601, Starlight YR-1102, Comp A’s Bluetooth-only lock, and Comp B’s Wi-Fi + keypad model, each rated for security and ease of use.
How does the Starlight YR-601 stand out in security and value?
The Starlight YR-601 stands out by offering 6-in-1 authentication (fingerprint, PIN, RFID, key, app, fob), AES-128 encryption, a 12-month battery life, and a $149 price tag.
What key features should I look for in a smart lock?
Key features to look for include multi-factor access (fingerprint, PIN, RFID, mechanical key, mobile app), AES-128 encryption, onboard activity logs, ANSI Grade 2/3 compatibility, and an IP65 weatherproof rating.
How do Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave connectivity differ?
Bluetooth 5.0 works up to 30 feet without internet. Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) offers remote control and alerts but uses more battery. Z-Wave Plus ties into a hub for secure home automation with minimal IP exposure.
How easy is installing a Starlight smart lock?
Installing a Starlight smart lock takes about 15 minutes on standard US doors (35–55 mm thick). The kit includes a template, screws, a screwdriver, and a guide. Bluetooth models run standalone; Wi-Fi models need a hub.
What battery life and maintenance can I expect from Starlight locks?
Starlight locks run on four AA batteries for up to 12 months at ten daily cycles. You get app alerts and an LED flash 30 days before shutdown. An external 9V terminal and mechanical key backup handle emergencies.
How does Starlight pricing compare to competitor models?
At $149, the YR-601 offers six access methods and a two-year warranty. The YR-1102 adds IP65 weatherproofing and Wi-Fi for $179. Competitor C charges $159 with a one-year warranty, while B runs $199.
Why are Starlight smart locks rated highly by users and Airbnb hosts?
Starlight smart locks have a 4.7/5 average from 5,000+ reviews. Airbnb hosts report 30% fewer lockouts and 20% time saved on guest access. Commercial clients note a 20% reduction in rekeying costs and clear audit logs.
