Looking for new deadbolt (mid-2025)

Devices & Integrations
1

Here we are in mid-2025 in the US market. What’s the latest options for deadbolts?

My 8yr old Kwikset 914 keeps beeping and claiming dead batteries - with full batteries - so I’m about done with it and need a replacement.

Yale? Schlage? Something else? What have people recently installed and been happy with?

2

Do you wish to stay with z-wave or open to other options?l

3

Works with my ST hub is primary. Are there (better) zigbee options?

4

What hub do you have?

There are some Matter over Thread options starting to appear, but will depend on what kit you have.

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5

Right. V3.

6

Aqara U200

7

The issue with the U200 is that it is a retro-fit for existing deadbolts. That doesn’t work so well for those who already made the jump to replacement smart locks like the Schlage and Kwikset.

Yale has a couple of new Matter locks

Both of these also support the new subdriver of the matter-lock driver that feature user code management on the device card vs using SLGA. There are also models from eufy and Nuki that are supported by the subdriver, but don’t know if those are available in your area.

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8

users may want to wait a bit until they work out all the kinks on this new Yale lock for Google Home. Search reviews and Reddit to see all the issues being reported. 20% 1 star rating at Amazon

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9

I reservedly recommend U-Tech smart deadbolts. They connect to SmartThings via a connection to their service (less than ideal). Battery life is great. Often though the state of the lock does not stay in sync in the ST app. This actually goes for many locks I have used so maybe a ST issue?

I like the locks a lot though and rarely need or want to use them from the SmartThnigs app. (though I do really like that they are in there because I am a geek about that). There are several options. Mine have fingerprint readers, keypad, open via phone (bluetooth), and a backup key option. User/guest management is really easy too. If you are looking to buy them and they aren’t “on sale”, wait a minute and they will be.

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Thanks for the replies all.

  1. Don’t want a retrofit. I’ll replace the deadbolt.
  2. NFC seems like a good idea. It looks like some have this. I may now add this to my requirements.
  3. Prefer native ST integration with zwave/zigbee - not through a connection to a service - Reasons: Speed and consistency are very important with a front door lock.

Utec looks intriguing though due to #3, probably won’t work. I’ll have to look closer at the Yales but there was mention of ongoing issues, so that may not work. Also have to confirm if those do NFC too?

11

This new KwikSet is configured by default for WiFi (cloud to cloud integration), but can be configured for Matter giving you local control with a V3 hub

That being said, I’ve been very happy with a Yale Z-Wave deadbolt for several years.

12

I recommend NOT buying the Yale Approach lock. While it has a thread radio, Yale has yet to release firmware to enable Matter over thread and no indication that they ever will. Empty words that they would within six months of release and it is now been over a year.

Oh! It is a good lock otherwise but no Apple home support without Matter over Thread. I tried bridging through HomeBridge but needs a constant restart of the plug-in so basically not useable.

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13

Similar history with Yale Assure, which was supposed to get a Matter radio module over a year ago… Empty promises.

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14

I have installed two of the Kwikset Halo Select locks in matter mode. They connected right up to my Aeotec v3 hub using its Thread capabilities. They work great for me. Only issue seems to be that I can get my SharpTools rules to delete/ads some daily codes in the morning and evening. Slots 10 and 11 don’t work well with the SharpTools, but as I understand it, the matter lock driver will get updated eventually and show the codes on the lock icon itself.

15

I don’t have a U-Bolt lock, but according to their documentation, they have a Z-wave version that is listed as compatible with SmartThings.

16

if you’re an iPhone user, I always prefer smart lock models that support Apple HomeKey. For me that’s the Aqara U100, but it does require one of their hubs to get it into SmartThings. We have it on our front door. Other doors we have 2 Kwikset Halo Select (Matter over Thread), a Yale with Matter over Thread module and Yale with z-wave module. All those work about the same.

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17

Ben mentioned above that this lock doesn’t always stay in sync with the ST app which would be a big problem. Also, I see this lock has “hands free” (via Bluetooth), but I’m not sure if that’s better or worse than NFC? Anyone have experience with these two methods and find one better than the other? Or for that matter, Utec’s implementation of this?

18

We’re an Android household, so apple specific requirements aren’t important.
For Android, it would be nice for Wallet/Key/NFC integration and Google Home (Hey Google unlock front door) would be nice to have but ST integration so I can program routines through ST is most important (Lock at night, detect arrivals/departures, etc)