Updated Nov 11, 2026· 9 min read

Key takeaways

  • Nothing sells a smart lock faster than the third trip back to the car after you forgot the house key.

Nothing sells a smart lock faster than the third trip back to the car after you forgot the house key. Keypad and fingerprint locks promise to end that routine, let you hand out codes to a dog walker, and remove the hidden key under the mat. This keyword puts a cap of under 100 dollars on the decision. At that tier you will find keypad deadbolts, fingerprint knobs, and a few Wi-Fi models, and the question becomes which trade-offs you can live with on a front door.

This guide is for renters who need an easy swap, parents who want to stop handing out spare keys, short-term rental hosts, and anyone planning a 2026 door upgrade. We compare six listings strictly on their titles. We make no promises about how any lock resists forced entry, and where a title mentions a standard or water protection level, we repeat it as stated and send you to the listing to confirm. Check your door prep, your landlord’s rules, and the backset before you buy.

Quick Picks

Product Best for Key spec from the title
Veise VE017 Fingerprint plus app control 8-in-1 keyless entry, touchscreen, auto lock
Yamiry Fingerprint Knob Replacing a knob set Fingerprint knob, app, remote passcodes
Philips Wi-Fi Deadbolt Voice assistants and remote access Code, fingerprint, app, Alexa and Google
TEEHO TE001 Keypad-only deadbolt ANSI Grade 3, 20 user codes, IP54
Fingerprint Lock with Handle Handle-set replacement Keypad, fingerprint, Bluetooth, RFID fob
Yamiry Keypad Knob Simple code entry Keyless knob lock, 20 user codes

How to Choose

Check your door before anything else

Measure the door thickness, the hole size for the lock, and the backset, which is the distance from the door edge to the center of the hole. Most residential doors follow standard dimensions, but older or custom doors may not. Decide whether you want a deadbolt, a knob, or a handle set, since each replaces a different piece of hardware. Many rental agreements require permission for lock changes, so ask before you drill. If you are allowed to swap hardware, keep the original parts in a labeled bag so you can restore the door when you leave, and take a photo of the old setup before removing anything.

Decide how you want to unlock

Keypads work for guests and contractors, but codes can be shared or shoulder-surfed. Fingerprint readers are quick for family, though they can struggle with wet or worn fingers. Apps allow remote codes and logs, and Wi-Fi models can report status from anywhere, while Bluetooth models usually need you to be close. A mechanical key backup, which some titles mention, is worth having in case batteries die. Think about who will use the door most. A fingerprint reader suits adults who come and go all day, while a code is easier for a visiting relative and a fob is easier for a child who cannot yet remember a number.

Read the security and weather language carefully

The TEEHO title mentions ANSI Grade 3 and an IP54 waterproof description. Grade 3 is the lowest tier of the commercial hardware standard, and IP54 describes a limited level of dust and splash protection, so confirm what the listing says and whether the lock is meant for an exposed door. Most other titles say little about either, which is a reason to read the specs. No lock at this budget tier should be mistaken for a high-security product.

Plan for power and upkeep

Most of these locks run on AA batteries, and a low battery alert is a useful feature, as the TEEHO title notes. Keep spare cells nearby and replace them on a schedule, not when the lock starts to act strangely. Check how the lock behaves when power fails and whether there is an emergency power port or a physical key. Budget locks can economize on finish durability and motor strength, so look for a clear description of auto-lock behavior and the warranty.

The 6 Best Options

Veise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Lock

The title describes a fingerprint smart door lock with app control, 8-in-1 keyless entry, smart user management, auto lock, and an electronic touchscreen, offered in matte black and satin nickel finishes. It suits people who want fingerprint and code entry in one device and like the idea of managing family members and guests from a phone.

  • Strength: 8-in-1 wording points to several ways to unlock the door.
  • Strength: auto lock and smart user management are named in the title.
  • Trade-off: the title does not state the lock type, power source, or certification, so confirm all three on the listing.

Skip it if you want a recognized hardware standard named in the title or a plain keypad. Check that it fits your door, and look at how the listing describes the fingerprint sensor, since a reader that struggles with damp or dusty fingers is a daily irritation at an entry door.

Yamiry Fingerprint Smart Door Knob Lock

This listing is a smart door handle lock with a keypad and fingerprint, described as a knob for a front door with keyless entry, a deadbolt, app control, and remote passcode generation. It fits a household replacing an old knob set, and the remote passcode feature suits hosts who want to send guests a code.

  • Strength: remote passcode generation is named in the title.
  • Strength: fingerprint plus keypad gives more than one way to open the door.
  • Trade-off: the wording is mixed between knob and deadbolt, so confirm exactly what hardware is included.

Skip it if you only want a deadbolt, or if you are not sure your door prep matches a knob-style set. Read the listing for installation details and the door sizes it fits, and find out whether the passcodes you create remotely can be given an expiry time for one-time visitors.

Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt

The title describes a keyless entry deadbolt for a front door with code, fingerprint, and app unlock, remote access, and Alexa and Google voice unlock. It is the most connected lock in the group, built for people who want status checks from anywhere and integration with a voice assistant, and who accept the added setup.

  • Strength: Wi-Fi allows remote access without a separate hub, as the title implies.
  • Strength: voice assistant support is named for both Alexa and Google.
  • Trade-off: voice unlock can raise security questions, so read how the feature is protected.

Skip it if your Wi-Fi is spotty at the door or you want a simpler lock that never asks you to update an app. Confirm the battery type and the app requirements, and check how long a battery lasts when the lock stays connected, since constant Wi-Fi use usually drains cells faster than a keypad does.

TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt

This keyless entry deadbolt in matte black lists ANSI Grade 3, 20 user codes, a low battery alert, and IP54 waterproofing. It is a keypad-only design, with no app or fingerprint in the title, which suits people who want a straightforward deadbolt and not a device that depends on a phone.

  • Strength: it names ANSI Grade 3, a standard the other titles do not mention.
  • Strength: 20 user codes and a low battery alert cover family and guest use.
  • Trade-off: Grade 3 is the lowest tier of that standard, and IP54 is a limited weather description.

Skip it if you want remote access or fingerprint entry, or if you cannot be certain your door is exposed to little weather. Confirm the finish and the door fit, and read what the listing says about the physical key override and what the outdoor protection description actually covers.

Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle

This unbranded listing is an electronic fingerprint lock with a handle, a digital passcode keypad, keyless entry, Bluetooth app, remote unlock, an RFID key fob, and auto lock. It suits a household replacing a handle set and wanting several input methods, including a fob for a child or a cleaner.

  • Strength: the fob adds a simple tag option next to code and fingerprint.
  • Strength: Bluetooth and remote unlock features are named in the title.
  • Trade-off: no brand is visible, and the title is cut off, so support and exact features need checking.

Skip it if you want a known brand or a deadbolt instead of a handle. Read the listing carefully for dimensions and certifications, and ask how support and replacement parts are handled, because an unbranded lock can be difficult to service later when a latch or motor needs attention.

Yamiry Keypad Smart Door Knob Lock

The title describes a keyless entry digital lock with a handle, an electronic code knob for a front door, easy installation, and 20 user codes. It is a keypad-only option, suited to a household that wants codes for family and visitors without fingerprint hardware or an app.

  • Strength: the 20 user codes give room for family, friends, and service visits.
  • Strength: easy installation is highlighted in the title.
  • Trade-off: the title is cut off after the user code count, so other features are unknown.

Skip it if you want fingerprint entry, remote access, or a named standard. It makes the most sense on an interior-facing or sheltered door, where a basic keypad knob does not face much weather. Confirm the listing for the full feature list, the battery type, and the doors it is designed to fit.

Which One Fits Your Situation

You rent short-term to guests

The Yamiry fingerprint lock names remote passcodes, and the Philips Wi-Fi deadbolt allows remote access. Either lets you send a code to a guest without meeting them, though you should delete old codes after each stay.

You want a plain keypad

The TEEHO TE001 is a keypad deadbolt with a low battery alert and a named standard. It makes sense for a family that wants no app, no account, and no Wi-Fi to troubleshoot.

You have kids who lose keys

The fob-equipped handle lock gives a child a tag, while the Veise lock adds fingerprint entry.

You use a voice assistant

The Philips deadbolt names Alexa and Google, though you should read how voice unlock is protected.

Common Mistakes

  • Buying before measuring the door thickness, hole size, and backset.
  • Letting batteries run low and keeping no mechanical backup nearby.
  • Sharing a single code with everyone and never changing it.
  • Assuming a waterproof word means the lock suits a fully exposed door.
  • Ignoring the landlord’s rules for lock changes, then having to pay to restore the original hardware when you move out.

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap smart locks secure?

They add convenience but vary a lot in hardware. Read the listing for standards and treat them as convenience devices first. A lock is one layer of home security, alongside a solid door, a good frame, and sensible habits, so do not expect one gadget to do everything.

Do I need Wi-Fi for a smart lock?

No. Keypad and Bluetooth models work without it, but remote access usually needs a Wi-Fi connection or a hub.

What happens if the batteries die?

Most models include a low battery alert and a backup method such as a key or an emergency port. Confirm the listing.

Can I install it myself?

Many buyers do with a screwdriver, but you need to match the lock to the door prep. Follow the instructions carefully, keep the door open while you test the new lock the first few times, and set your codes before you close it so you never lock yourself out during setup.

D
DIY Ideas 4 Home Editorial Team
We compare specs, materials and verified owner reviews before a product earns a spot. Rankings are never paid.
Affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices accurate as of the date shown.
6 Best Smart Door Lock under $100 (November…Check price on Amazon

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