Best Smart Lock for Renters 2026: Easy Installs & Retrofits
Five smart locks compared for renters in 2026, covering retrofit and no-drill installs, unlock methods, battery life and smart-home support, based on manufacturer specs and expert recommendations.
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Which one should you buy?
Our picks by what matters to you · details below ↓
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners wanting fast fingerprint unlock
Check price on Amazon- Premium PickAugust Wi-Fi Smart LockBest for: Renters needing easy install without replacing deadboltCheck price
- Best ValueULTRALOQ Bolt SEBest for: Users wanting multiple unlock methods with extended batteryCheck price
- Best Budgeteufy Security Smart Lock C220Best for: Those seeking affordable Wi-Fi smart lock with fingerprintCheck price
- Also GreatAqara Smart Lock U200Best for: Renters preferring retrofit install with Apple Home supportCheck price
Finding the best smart lock for renters comes down to one question before any spec sheet: how much of your door are you allowed to change? Some locks replace your deadbolt, some sit over it, and some promise a DIY install with no drilling. This guide compares five options with that in mind, and also covers unlock methods, battery life, Wi-Fi and smart-home support.
This guide is research-based, drawing on manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations. We narrowed the field to five locks that suit apartments and rented homes. Prices change, so use the check-price buttons on each card for current pricing.
Smart Locks for Renters at a Glance
| Pick | Label | Unlock methods | Connectivity | Battery life | Install approach | Expert guides recommending | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze Lock Bolt | Best Overall | Fingerprint, keypad | Bluetooth 5.0 | 10-12 months | Replaces existing deadbolt | 8 | Check price |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Premium Pick | App, virtual keys, auto-unlock | Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE | 3-6 months | Retrofit over existing deadbolt | 12 | Check price |
| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE | Best Value | Fingerprint, keypad, app, auto unlock, physical key | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter over Thread | Up to 8 months (Wi-Fi/alkaline) or up to 1.5 years (Matter/lithium) | DIY, no wiring or drilling | 8 | Check price |
| eufy Security Smart Lock C220 | Best Budget | Fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, voice | Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | 8 months | No drilling on most US/CA deadbolts | 7 | Check price |
| Aqara Smart Lock U200 | Also Great | Apple Home Keys, fingerprint, NFC, passcode, mechanical key | Matter over Thread, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC | Up to 6 months | Retrofit, no drilling | 8 | Check price |
Best Smart Lock for Renters Overall: Wyze Lock Bolt
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners wanting fast fingerprint unlock
Wyze Lock Bolt earned Best Overall by pairing the top value for money and feature set with 8 expert recommendations. Fast fingerprint unlock, a keypad and long battery life cover everyday needs at a budget tier.
Read our full Wyze Lock Bolt review →- Battery life
- 10-12 months
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Installation type
- Replaces existing deadbolt
- Keyless entry methods
- Fingerprint, keypad
- Weight
- 2.75 lbs
- Power source
- 4x AA Batteries (included)
Reasons to buy
- Fingerprint unlock in under 1 second
- Backlit anti-peep keypad for private code entry
- 4 AA batteries included, 10-12 months battery life
- Stores 50 fingerprints and 20 passcodes
- IPX5 weatherproof and pick-proof design
Reasons to avoid
- Bluetooth only, so no built-in Wi-Fi
- Replaces the existing deadbolt, which may matter in a rental
- SafeWise
- 8.6
- SafeHome
- 10.0
- ShopSavvy
- 7.7
- NeedForThis
- 8.8
The Wyze Lock Bolt takes Best Overall by combining a budget-tier position with a strong feature set and 8 expert recommendations. Fingerprint unlock takes under 1 second, and the backlit keypad uses anti-peep technology, so entering a code in a shared hallway is more private. It stores 50 fingerprints and 20 passcodes, which is plenty for a household and a few trusted visitors.
Keep reading about Wyze Lock Bolt
It ships with 4 AA batteries and is rated for 10-12 months of battery life. It is pick-proof and has an IPX5 weatherproof rating, and it offers automatic or manual locking with a timer-based auto-lock.
The main trade-off for a renter is that it replaces your existing deadbolt. Check your lease or ask your landlord first, and keep the original hardware so you can swap it back when you leave. It also connects over Bluetooth 5.0 with a 16 ft range and has no built-in Wi-Fi. That suits people who mainly want fast, keyless entry at the door rather than remote control from across town.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Premium Pick for Retrofit Installs
Best for: Renters needing easy install without replacing deadbolt
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the Premium Pick, with the most expert recommendations (12) and a retrofit design that keeps your existing deadbolt hardware. Its price tier holds back value, but renters get easy install and strong remote features.
- Battery life
- 3-6 months
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth
- Installation type
- Inside of door over existing deadbolt
- Keyless entry methods
- August app, optional keypad (sold separately)
- Smart home compatibility
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Weight
- 13 oz
Reasons to buy
- Retrofit install over existing deadbolt in about 10 minutes
- Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without a bridge
- DoorSense sensor confirms door is locked and closed
- Time-limited virtual keys for guests
- Works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant
Reasons to avoid
- Premium price tier lowers its value for money
- Battery life of 3-6 months is shorter than rivals
- No fingerprint reader or keypad listed
- Tom's Guide
- 9.0
- Android Police
- 8.0
- reviews.org
- 9.0
- Gearinhere
- 8.5
- Silent Security
- 8.4
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has the most expert backing of the group, with 12 independent guides recommending it. Its appeal for renters is the retrofit design: it installs over your existing deadbolt in about 10 minutes with no locksmith, so the original hardware stays in place. It works with most single-cylinder deadbolts.
Keep reading about August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Built-in Wi-Fi allows remote lock and unlock through the August app without a separate bridge. Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock use geofencing and door approach detection, and the DoorSense magnetic sensor confirms the door is both locked and closed. You can also give guests time-limited virtual keys with scheduled access, which suits short-term visitors, dog walkers or a cleaner. It works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant.
The trade-offs are cost and convenience. The premium price tier lowers its value for money, and battery life of 3-6 months on 2x CR123 batteries is shorter than most rivals here. The listing also doesn't include a keypad or fingerprint reader, so it suits people who are happy to unlock with their phone or a key. It is best for renters who want remote control and guest access above all.
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE: Best Value With Broad Smart-Home Support
Best for: Users wanting multiple unlock methods with extended battery
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE earned Best Value by delivering a full feature set at a budget tier. It offers broad smart-home support, multiple unlock methods and 50 fingerprint and 50 passcode slots.
- Battery life
- Up to 1.5 year
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, WiFi (2.4GHz), Matter over Thread
- Installation type
- DIY installation; no wiring or drilling required
- Keyless entry methods
- Fingerprint, keypad code, app, auto unlock, physical key
- Smart home compatibility
- Matter, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT
- Weight
- 3.5 lbs
Reasons to buy
- Fingerprint unlock in 0.3 seconds with five other unlock methods
- Matter over Thread plus built-in Wi-Fi
- Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings
- DIY install with no wiring or drilling
- Up to 1.5 years battery life with Matter and lithium batteries
Reasons to avoid
- Alkaline battery life with Wi-Fi is up to 8 months
- Heavier at 3.5 lbs
Our score. Fewer than two published expert reviews score this model yet, so the number is our ranking formula (expert recommendations, features, value, retailers), relative to the other picks in this guide. It switches to the expert average once two reviews are published.
The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the Best Value pick because it delivers a full feature set at a budget tier. You can unlock with a fingerprint (0.3-second unlock speed and 99.8% accuracy), a keypad code, the app, auto unlock or a physical key. It stores up to 50 fingerprints and up to 50 passcodes, so you can set up a household and still have room for guests.
Keep reading about ULTRALOQ Bolt SE
Its connectivity is the broadest in this guide: Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi and Matter over Thread. It works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, which helps if you may change platforms when you move. Installation is DIY on standard US doors with no wiring or drilling required, and the exterior has an IP54 rating.
Battery life depends on how you run it. With Matter and lithium batteries it can last up to 1.5 years, while Wi-Fi with alkaline batteries gives up to 8 months. At 3.5 lbs it is also heavier than some alternatives. It suits renters who want the most flexibility for the money and don't mind choosing a battery setup.
eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best Budget Wi-Fi Option
Best for: Those seeking affordable Wi-Fi smart lock with fingerprint
eufy Security Smart Lock C220 holds the Best Budget label as a lower-cost route to a full feature set, including Wi-Fi and a certified build. It sits at mid-range pricing, so its value for money trails the cheaper picks.
- Battery life
- 8 months
- Connectivity
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
- Installation type
- Easy install without drilling
- Keyless entry methods
- Fingerprint, App, Keypad, Physical key, Apple Watch, Voice (Alexa/Google)
- Smart home compatibility
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, eufy doorbell
- Dimensions
- 7.67 x 4.49 x 4.41 inches
Reasons to buy
- Fingerprint unlock in under 0.3 seconds
- Six unlock methods including Apple Watch and voice
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required
- BHMA Grade 3 certified for over 100,000 cycles
- Stores 100 passcodes and 50 fingerprints
Reasons to avoid
- Needs 8 AA batteries
- Requires minimum 45 mm crossbore clearance
- Mid-range tier, not the cheapest option here
Our score. Fewer than two published expert reviews score this model yet, so the number is our ranking formula (expert recommendations, features, value, retailers), relative to the other picks in this guide. It switches to the expert average once two reviews are published.
The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 earns Best Budget as a lower-cost route to a full feature set, though it sits at mid-range pricing. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can control it from anywhere with no bridge. It unlocks by fingerprint in less than 0.3 seconds and offers six unlock methods in total: fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch and voice control.
Keep reading about eufy Security Smart Lock C220
It is also BHMA Grade 3 certified, covering over 100,000 lock/unlock cycles. It stores 100 passcodes and 50 fingerprints, and installation takes about 15 minutes without drilling on most US/CA deadbolts. It has an IP53 waterproof rating.
Check the practical requirements before buying. It runs on 8 AA batteries (included) for about 8 months, and it needs a minimum 45 mm crossbore clearance from the center to the top of the handleset. Its value for money also trails the cheaper picks. It is a good fit for renters who want Wi-Fi control and plenty of unlock choices, and whose door meets the clearance requirement.
Aqara Smart Lock U200: Also Great for Apple Home Keys and Matter
Best for: Renters preferring retrofit install with Apple Home support
Aqara Smart Lock U200 is an Also Great pick for renters wanting a no-drill retrofit with Apple Home Keys and Matter support. Its feature set is slightly lower than the top four, and it uses a separate keypad.
- Battery life
- Up to 6 months (based on ~8 daily unlocks via fingerprint or NFC)
- Connectivity
- Thread, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
- Installation type
- Retrofit (fits over existing locks without drilling)
- Keyless entry methods
- Fingerprint, NFC, Passcode, Apple Home Keys
- Smart home compatibility
- Aqara, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IFTTT
- Model
- EL-D02D/EL-D02E
Reasons to buy
- Retrofit install over existing lock without drilling
- Supports Apple Home Keys, fingerprint, NFC and passcode
- Matter over Thread works with major smart home platforms
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery option
- IPX5 keypad rated for -15°C to 66°C
Reasons to avoid
- Battery life up to 6 months, shorter than several rivals
- Two-part design with separate keypad and lock unit
- No built-in Wi-Fi listed, relies on Thread
- HomeKit News
- 9.0
- How-To Geek
- 8.0
- Pocket-lint
- 8.0
The Aqara Smart Lock U200 is a strong pick for renters in the Apple ecosystem. It's a retrofit design that installs over existing locks without drilling or modifications, and it supports Apple Home Keys, fingerprint, NFC, passcode and mechanical key. Matter over Thread support lets it work with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings.
Keep reading about Aqara Smart Lock U200
Power is flexible: a rechargeable Li-ion battery or 4 LR6 batteries for the lock, and 4 LR3 AAA batteries or a wired input for the keypad. Battery life is up to 6 months based on about 8 daily unlocks via fingerprint or NFC. The keypad is IPX5-rated and listed for -15°C to 66°C, so check that range against your local climate.
The trade-offs are the two-part design, with a separate keypad and lock unit, and the absence of built-in Wi-Fi in its listing, since it relies on Thread. Its feature set is also slightly lower than the top four. It is best for renters who already use Apple Home and want a no-drill retrofit.
Compare our picks side by side
The specs most of our picks share, from each maker’s spec page (— = not published). Expert score = the average of published expert reviews, which rate each product for its price. Scroll sideways on small screens.
| Spec | Wyze Lock Bolt | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | ULTRALOQ Bolt SE | eufy Security Smart Lock C220 | Aqara Smart Lock U200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best Overall | Premium Pick | Best Value | Best Budget | Also Great |
| Expert score | 8.8 | 8.6 | 6.3 | 5.6 | 8.3 |
| Price vs. these picks | Lower | Higher | Lower | Lower | Middle |
| Battery life | 10-12 months | 3-6 months | Up to 1.5 year | 8 months | Up to 6 months (based on ~8 daily unlocks via fingerprint or NFC) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth | Bluetooth, WiFi (2.4GHz), Matter over Thread | Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 | Thread, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC |
| Installation type | Replaces existing deadbolt | Inside of door over existing deadbolt | DIY installation; no wiring or drilling required | Easy install without drilling | Retrofit (fits over existing locks without drilling) |
| Keyless entry methods | Fingerprint, keypad | August app, optional keypad (sold separately) | Fingerprint, keypad code, app, auto unlock, physical key | Fingerprint, App, Keypad, Physical key, Apple Watch, Voice (Alexa/Google) | Fingerprint, NFC, Passcode, Apple Home Keys |
| Smart home compatibility | — | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit | Matter, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, eufy doorbell | Aqara, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IFTTT |
| Weight | 2.75 lbs | 13 oz | 3.5 lbs | — | — |
| Power source | 4x AA Batteries (included) | 2x CR123 batteries | 4 AA Alkaline batteries | — | — |
| Where to buy | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
How to Choose a Smart Lock as a Renter
Start with what you're allowed to change
Check your lease and talk to your landlord before you install anything. Retrofit locks, like the August and the Aqara, install over your existing hardware, which keeps the deadbolt in place. The Wyze replaces your deadbolt, so keep the original parts safe. Landlords and property managers may also need a way to enter, so a physical key backup (offered on the ULTRALOQ, eufy and Aqara) can be useful.
Decide whether you need Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi, as on the August, ULTRALOQ and eufy, lets you control the lock remotely, and the August and eufy need no separate bridge. If you only want keyless entry at the door, the Bluetooth-only Wyze may be enough. If your router is far from the front door, a Wi-Fi range extender can help a Wi-Fi lock stay connected.
Match the lock to your smart-home platform
The ULTRALOQ and Aqara list Matter over Thread and work with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings. The August works with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. The eufy lists Apple Watch and voice control among its unlock methods. Choosing a lock with broad support makes it easier to keep when you move.
Think about batteries and weather
Battery life ranges from 3-6 months on the August to up to 1.5 years on the ULTRALOQ with Matter and lithium batteries. Fewer battery changes means less hassle, but check the type and count too, such as the eufy's 8 AA batteries. If your door is exposed to rain, compare the ratings: IPX5 on the Wyze, IP54 on the ULTRALOQ and IP53 on the eufy.
Confirm your door fits
Check door thickness, bore hole and deadbolt type against each listing. The Wyze and ULTRALOQ list 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch doors, while the eufy lists 35 mm to 55 mm and needs a minimum 45 mm crossbore clearance.
How We Picked
We compared candidates using manufacturer specs and independent expert recommendations. We scored each on feature coverage and value for its price tier. The count of independent expert guides recommending each product also informed the ranking. This is a research-based roundup, and the ratings in each verdict reflect published specs and expert opinion rather than lab results. Because prices change, we leave current pricing to the live check-price buttons.
Bottom Line
For most renters, the Wyze Lock Bolt is the best smart lock for renters overall, thanks to fast fingerprint unlock, a private keypad and long battery life at a budget tier. Choose the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock if you want a retrofit install, remote control and guest access, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE for five unlock methods and broad smart-home support at a budget tier. The eufy C220 is a good Wi-Fi option if your door meets its clearance requirement, and the Aqara U200 suits Apple Home users who want a no-drill retrofit. Whichever you pick, confirm what your lease allows first.
Ready to buy?
Best OverallWyze Lock BoltCheck price- Premium PickAugust Wi-Fi Smart LockCheck price
- Best ValueULTRALOQ Bolt SECheck price
- Best Budgeteufy Security Smart Lock C220Check price
- Also GreatAqara Smart Lock U200Check price
Related buying guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a smart lock in a rental?
That depends on your lease and your landlord, so ask before you change any hardware. Retrofit designs such as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Aqara Smart Lock U200 install over your existing lock, which keeps the original hardware in place, and the Aqara is listed as needing no drilling. The Wyze Lock Bolt replaces your existing deadbolt, so keep the original parts.
Do I need Wi-Fi for a smart lock?
Not necessarily. The Wyze Lock Bolt uses Bluetooth 5.0 and has no built-in Wi-Fi, which is enough for fingerprint and keypad entry. The August, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE and eufy C220 have built-in Wi-Fi for remote control, and the August and eufy need no separate bridge.
Which smart lock has the longest battery life?
The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE lists up to 1.5 years with Matter and lithium batteries, or up to 8 months with Wi-Fi and alkaline batteries. The Wyze Lock Bolt is rated for 10-12 months on the 4 AA batteries included. The August is the shortest at 3-6 months.
Which smart lock works best with Apple Home?
The Aqara Smart Lock U200 supports Apple Home Keys and Matter over Thread, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE works with Apple Home. The August works with Siri, and the eufy C220 lists Apple Watch as an unlock method.
Which smart lock is best for giving guests access?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock lets you grant time-limited virtual keys with scheduled access permissions. If you prefer codes, the eufy C220 stores 100 passcodes, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE stores up to 50 and the Wyze Lock Bolt stores 20.
Sources
Specs are taken from the manufacturers' official pages; expert recommendations from the publications below.
- Wyze Lock Bolt: wyze.com, support.wyze.com, manuals.plus
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: august.com, wellbots.com, dgfloors.com, androidpolice.com
- ULTRALOQ Bolt SE: ultraloq.com, support.ultraloq.com, consumerreports.org, u-tec.com
- eufy Security Smart Lock C220: eufy.com, service.eufy.com, support.au.eufy.com, allsmartlocks.com
- Aqara Smart Lock U200: us.aqara.com, aqara.com, eu.aqara.com
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