ENTRY SECURITY · PRIVATE CATEGORY BUILD
Start with the door, not the app.
Compare smart locks by installation format, entry methods, remote-access requirements, batteries and ecosystem support.
The short answer
A retrofit lock preserves the exterior hardware. A full replacement changes the deadbolt or lever. Before choosing either, measure the door, check backset and bore dimensions, inspect alignment and decide which physical fallback must remain available.
DOOR-FIRST MATCHING
Narrow the research set
Choose installation type, preferred entry method and ecosystem. Results are compatibility leads, not security certifications or rankings.
Research status: 10 product profiles. Variant names and connectivity modules require exact-SKU verification. No affiliate offer is active.
Initial research set
| Product | Installation | Entry | Connection | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encode Plus Smart WiFi DeadboltSchlage | Full deadbolt replacement | Keypad, physical key, app, Apple home key | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; no separate hub for remote access | Current official product record |
| Encode Smart WiFi DeadboltSchlage | Full deadbolt replacement | Keypad, physical key and app | Built-in Wi-Fi; no separate hub | Current official product record |
| Encode Smart WiFi LeverSchlage | Full lever replacement; non-deadbolt doors | Keypad, physical key and app | Built-in Wi-Fi; no separate hub | Current official product record |
| Assure Lock 2 KeypadYale | Full deadbolt replacement | Keypad and app; keyed or key-free variants | Bluetooth standard; module options vary | Current family; exact variant required |
| Assure Lock 2 TouchYale | Full deadbolt replacement | Fingerprint, keypad and app; key option varies | Bluetooth; Wi-Fi or Matter variants | Current family; exact variant required |
| Assure Lock 2 PlusYale | Full deadbolt replacement | Keypad, app and Apple home key | Bluetooth and Wi-Fi configuration | Current official product record |
| Lock+ with MatterLevel | Full deadbolt replacement; hardware hidden in door | Physical key, app and supported wallet/home-key access | Matter over Thread and Bluetooth | Current official product record |
| BoltLevel | Internal deadbolt replacement; existing exterior hardware retained | Existing key hardware and app | Bluetooth; bridge/platform requirements vary | Official record; generation check required |
| Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)August | Interior retrofit; existing exterior key retained | Existing key and app | Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Current official product record |
| Halo SelectKwikset | Full deadbolt replacement | Keypad, physical key and app | Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread setup | Current official product record |
Decision guides
Retrofit versus full replacementDecide how much of the existing lock to keep.Door-fit checklistBackset, bore, alignment, handing and weather exposure.Apple home key shortlistCompare compatible locks and fallback methods.No-separate-hub shortlistUnderstand built-in Wi-Fi, Thread and remote access.Schlage Encode Plus versus Yale Assure Lock 2 PlusCompare home key, fallback entry and connectivity.