How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- August is the best retrofit pick, installing over your existing deadbolt and keeping your keys, with auto-lock and auto-open.
- Schlage Encode Plus is the best full-replacement pick, with Apple Home Key, built-in Wi-Fi, and a Grade 1 deadbolt.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 is the best range pick, with keypad, touchscreen, fingerprint, and Apple Home Key models plus a $99.99 code keypad lock.
- Wyze is the best budget pick, with fingerprint locks and palm recognition inside a low-cost smart home ecosystem.
- Aqara and Ultraloq suit platform and code-sharing needs, with Matter support and temp codes for guests and rentals.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 August | Retrofit installs | See website | See website |
 Schlage | Full replacement | See website | See website |
 Yale | Widest range | $99.99 | See website |
 Wyze | Budget smart locks | See website | See website |
 Aqara | Matter and HomeKit | See website | See website |
 Ultraloq | Guest codes | See website | See website |
 Kwikset | Re-keying and Matter | See website | See website |
 eufy | Smart home bundles | See website | See website |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best Level alternatives
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
August calls itself smart locks for convenient, keyless entry, and its homepage leads with the everyday promise: make every day life easier, starting at the front door. Its locks easily install on the inside of your door, leaving the outside untouched, which suits homeowners and renters alike, with auto-lock and auto-open, DoorSense to always know your home is safe, and virtual keys to grant or revoke guest access from anywhere.
For Level buyers who want invisible retrofit style without replacing the deadbolt, August is the best pick, since it matches Level's hidden approach while adding auto-open and Airbnb integration for rental hosts. Its exterior stays unchanged, which also suits strict HOA rules.
What we like- Installs on the inside of your door, leaving the outside lock untouched so you keep your keys
- Auto-lock and auto-open with DoorSense open and closed detection
- Bank-level encryption with activity feed and virtual keys
- Rated best smart lock with 10,000-plus 5-star reviews
Watch out for- Interior-only design means no exterior keypad without an add-on
- Wi-Fi models need a bridge or built-in Wi-Fi variant for remote access
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Schlage describes its range as smart locks, door locks, door knobs, door levers, and handlesets, and its homepage centers the buying question: which smart lock is right for my home, with a finder a few clicks away from your perfect match. Its smart lock lineup includes the Encode Plus with Apple Home Key support, built-in Wi-Fi, and a keypad, plus newer design collections from its Pin and Tumbler studio for modern interiors.
For buyers who want a complete, visible smart lock from a heritage lock brand, Schlage is the best Level alternative, since its Grade 1 deadbolts and Home Key support match Level's Apple ecosystem strengths while adding a built-in keypad. Renters should prefer August's retrofit instead.
What we like- Full smart lock range with keypad, touchscreen, and Apple Home Key models
- Long-standing lock brand with Grade 1 deadbolt options
- Smart lock finder to match a lock to your home
- Wide finish and style range for design-conscious buyers
Watch out for- Homepage is design-led, so model pricing requires a product page visit
- Full replacement install is more involved than retrofit
Starting price$99.99
Free planSee website
Yale's official store leads with its best-selling Assure Lock 2 models, including touch key-free with Wi-Fi, Plus with Wi-Fi and Apple Home Keys, touchscreen with Wi-Fi, and keypad with Bluetooth, plus the Yale Code keypad lock at $99.99. Its homepage notes the brand history plainly: the world's favorite lock, since 1840, with a Smart Studio quiz to find the Assure Lock 2 that fits your life, door style, and matching hardware.
For buyers who want the widest choice of entry methods at every price, Yale is the best Level alternative, since its range covers key-free, keypad, fingerprint, and Home Key models in one family. Start with the quiz if the lineup feels large, and confirm Wi-Fi versus Bluetooth before buying.
What we like- Assure Lock 2 collection spans keypad, touchscreen, fingerprint, and Apple Home Key models with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Yale Code keypad lock from $99.99
- Trusted by 1 million-plus people daily with a 2-year electronics warranty
- 30-day returns and 24/7 customer service
Watch out for- Model variety can make choosing confusing without the Smart Studio quiz
- Some models need a Wi-Fi variant for remote access
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Wyze describes itself around affordable smart home security, and its homepage shows the lock lineup alongside cameras: Lock Bolt v2 with BHMA Grade 2 security, fingerprint recognition, and 8 months battery life, plus a Palm Door Lock praised for lightning-fast palm recognition and easy installation. Its broader pitch is that great security should not break the bank, with a free app, instant phone alerts, and no hidden fees.
For budget buyers who want fingerprint or palm opening without premium pricing, Wyze is the best Level alternative, since its locks cost far less than Level while covering the core keyless job. Design-focused buyers may prefer Schlage or Yale finishes, but for value, Wyze leads.
What we like- Lock Bolt v2 with BHMA Grade 2 security, fingerprint recognition, and 8 months battery life
- Palm Door Lock with palm recognition for fast keyless entry
- Trusted by over 12 million households
- Low-cost ecosystem spanning cameras, doorbells, and monitoring
Watch out for- Budget positioning means fewer premium finishes than Schlage or Yale
- Homepage is camera-led, so lock details require a product page visit
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Aqara describes itself as smart home automation devices for better living, and its homepage explains the platform advantage: as one of the major partners in the Apple Home ecosystem, Aqara offers a comprehensive suite of Apple Home-compatible solutions, with devices integrating into Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or SmartThings, powered by Matter, the leading standard of smart homes. Its UWB approach senses your device's approach with fine-tuned precision and opens only moments before you reach the lock.
For Apple Home and Matter households, Aqara is the best Level alternative, since its locks integrate deeply with HomeKit while also working across other platforms. Single-lock buyers may find its ecosystem story broader than needed, but for whole-home automation, Aqara is a strong fit.
What we like- Major partner in the Apple Home ecosystem with a comprehensive suite of Home-compatible solutions
- Matter support across Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings
- Ultra-wideband sensing that opens moments before you reach the lock
- Next-gen spatial intelligence platform
Watch out for- Homepage is platform-led, so specific lock models and pricing require a product page visit
- Ecosystem breadth may exceed buyers who only need a lock
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
U-tec's homepage centers Ultraloq owner stories, including temp codes for dog walkers, Apple Watch open on jogs, and owners running 7 Ultraloq locks across Airbnb properties, with guests loving them and saving hours of management time. Its store covers smart locks, smart cameras, and home products, positioning Ultraloq as a full smart home brand rather than a lock-only maker.
For rental hosts and households sharing access often, Ultraloq is the best Level alternative, since its temp-code workflow is the standout use case in owner reviews. Traditional buyers may prefer Schlage or Yale brand familiarity, but for access sharing, Ultraloq excels.
What we like- Temp codes for dog walkers, guests, and Airbnb properties, praised by owners managing multiple rentals
- Apple Watch open with one tap
- Fast installs reported in minutes
- Smart camera and home products alongside locks for a fuller system
Watch out for- Homepage is testimonial-led, so model specs and pricing require a product page visit
- Brand is less known than Schlage or Yale for traditional lock buyers
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
Kwikset describes itself around door locks, door hardware, smart locks, and SmartKey technology, and its homepage highlights the newest smart locks: Halo Select Plus, the newest most advanced Wi-Fi and Matter-enabled smart lock with tap-to-open using Home Key, and the Aura Reach deadbolt, a next-gen connected deadbolt designed for DIY install and Matter integration. Its SmartKey Security technology, invented by Kwikset, allows you to re-key your lock yourself in seconds.
For buyers who value re-keying convenience and Matter support, Kwikset is the best Level alternative, since no other brand matches SmartKey's DIY re-keying. Apple households get Home Key through Halo Select Plus, while DIY installers get the Aura Reach.
What we like- Halo Select Plus with tap-to-open using Home Key on iPhone or Apple Watch, plus Wi-Fi and Matter
- Aura Reach deadbolt designed for DIY install and Matter integration
- SmartKey Security lets you re-key your lock yourself in seconds
- 80 years of lock innovation
Watch out for- Homepage is broad hardware-led, so smart lock pricing requires a product page visit
- Design range is wide, which can slow choosing
Starting priceSee website
Free planSee website
eufy describes itself as built with care across home security systems and robovacs, and its homepage shows the ecosystem breadth: cameras, doorbells, NVR systems, vacuums, and smart home devices, with 24/7 support and US phone lines for security, baby, and clean products. Its smart locks sit inside that ecosystem, pairing with cameras and doorbells for a fuller entryway system.
For households already using eufy cameras or doorbells, eufy locks are the best Level alternative, since one ecosystem covers entry and monitoring together. Lock-only buyers may prefer Yale or Schlage depth, but for bundle buyers, eufy is convenient.
What we like- Broad smart home ecosystem spanning security cameras, doorbells, vacuums, and locks, so one app can cover the whole home
- Local storage options with HomeBase hubs
- Frequent bundles and discounts across the catalog
- 24/7 support with US phone lines
Watch out for- Homepage is camera- and vacuum-led, so lock models and pricing require a product page visit
- Lock lineup is narrower than Yale or Schlage
How we chose
We compared smart locks on vendor homepages, weighing entry methods, retrofit versus replacement install, platform support including Apple Home Key and Matter, guest access features, security ratings, battery life, and pricing transparency. We favored tools with live homepages and current offerings, and we included both retrofit and full-replacement options because Level buyers range from renters to homeowners. Note that a smart lock is one layer of home security, not a full system: keep firmware updated, use strong unique codes, and pair locks with cameras or alarms where needed.
What to check before you commit
Start with your door and install type. Retrofit locks from August and Level suit renters and HOA-restricted homes, while full replacements from Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset suit owners wanting keypads or fingerprint readers. Measure your deadbolt and door thickness before ordering, since fit varies.
Next, confirm your platform. Apple households should shortlist Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, Kwikset Halo Select Plus, and Aqara for Home Key and Matter support. Google, Alexa, and SmartThings households should confirm Matter and voice integration for each model.
Finally, test guest access before relying on it. Create temp codes, share virtual keys, and check activity logs on your real door, since rental and family use depends on code management working smoothly. Confirm Wi-Fi versus Bluetooth, since remote access needs Wi-Fi or a bridge, while Bluetooth-only models work only nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Level alternative overall?
August for retrofit installs, Schlage for full replacement, and Yale for the widest range. Wyze leads for budget, while Aqara leads for Matter and HomeKit households.
Which alternative is best for renters?
August, since it installs on the inside of your door and leaves the outside lock untouched, so you keep your keys and landlord hardware. Level's own retrofit design is similar, making August the closest match.
Which alternative supports Apple Home Key?
Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, and Kwikset Halo Select Plus all support tap-to-open with Home Key on iPhone or Apple Watch. Confirm the exact model, since not every variant in each family includes Home Key.
Which alternative is cheapest?
Yale's Code keypad lock starts at $99.99, while Wyze locks lead on value for fingerprint models. Level Lock pricing sits in the premium tier, so most alternatives here cost less.
Which alternative is best for Airbnb hosts?
Ultraloq, with temp codes praised by owners managing multiple rentals, and August, with Airbnb integration and stay-period access. Both let you grant and revoke access remotely.
Which alternative offers fingerprint open?
Yale Assure Lock 2 fingerprint models, Wyze Lock Bolt v2, and Aqara's UWB-enabled locks all offer biometric or proximity opening. Level locks lack biometric readers, so these add a feature Level does not offer.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://august.com
- https://www.schlage.com
- https://us.yalehome.com
- https://www.wyze.com
- https://www.aqara.com
- https://www.u-tec.com
- https://kwikset.com
- https://www.eufy.com
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.