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Fingerprint unlock

The Best Fingerprint Smart Locks (2027)

Fingerprint smart locks for 2027: one-touch entry compared on speed, capacity, and backup methods.

TGBy TrueGear Research TeamIndependent editorial teamLast updated How we researchResearch-based assessment · Smart Locks
Specs verified against manufacturer docs
No paid placements
Independently funded by readers
Updated 2027-01-15
The Best Fingerprint Smart Locks (2027) featured graphic

The short answer

The Kwikset Halo Touch is the best fingerprint smart lock: fast reads, 100-print capacity, and keypad plus key backups. If anyone in the house gets inconsistent reads, prefer a keypad lock like the Yale Assure Lock 2.

Our top picks at a glance

  1. Kwikset Halo TouchFingerprint unlock with WiFi, at a mid-range price.
  2. Schlage Encode PlusApple HomeKey plus WiFi, in a Grade 1 deadbolt.
  3. Yale Assure Lock 2The flexible keypad lock that fits every smart home.
  4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFiSix ways in, including a fast fingerprint reader, at a mid-range price.
  5. SwitchBot Lock ProA retrofit lock that keeps your existing deadbolt and keys.
  6. eufy Smart Lock C220A fingerprint deadbolt with self-learning AI recognition and built-in Wi-Fi.

What owners report

Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.

Most praised

  • One touch entry with arms full of groceries is the moment fingerprint owners say sold them
  • Enrolling a backup finger and a code means a single failed read never becomes a lockout

Common complaints

  • Wet, cold, or worn fingertips still need a code or key backup on bad days
  • Children and older relatives are the household members most likely to get inconsistent reads

The picks, ranked

Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.

Ranked side-by-side comparison of top picks
#ProductAwardSecurity gradeUnlock methodsFingerprint capacityConnectivityRe-keying
1Kwikset Halo TouchBest fingerprint lockANSI/BHMA Grade 2Fingerprint, keypad, key, appUp to 100 printsBuilt-in WiFiSmartKey Security cylinder
2Schlage Encode PlusBest build, no fingerprintANSI/BHMA Grade 1Apple HomeKey, keypad, key, app-Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth-
3Yale Assure Lock 2Best keypad alternativeANSI/BHMA Grade 2Keypad, key, app-Bluetooth; WiFi via module-
4Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFiBest fingerprint value-----
5SwitchBot Lock ProFingerprint via add-on keypad-----
6eufy Smart Lock C220AI fingerprint with built-in Wi-Fi-Fingerprint, app, keypad, key, watch, voice-Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge-

Best fingerprint lock

Kwikset Halo Touch

Fingerprint unlock with WiFi, at a mid-range price.

Kwikset Halo Touch

Up to 100 fingerprints, roughly one-second unlock, and a keypad plus key as backups. Built-in WiFi keeps remote features working with no bridge. The complete fingerprint package at a mid-range price.

Strengths

  • Fingerprint reader stores up to 100 prints and unlocks in about a second
  • Built-in WiFi for remote lock, unlock, and notifications
  • SmartKey Security allows re-keying the cylinder yourself in seconds
  • Contemporary touchscreen keypad as backup entry

Limitations

  • ANSI Grade 2 rather than Grade 1
  • No Apple HomeKey support
  • Fingerprint can struggle with very wet fingers
Key specifications for Kwikset Halo Touch
Security gradeANSI/BHMA Grade 2
Unlock methodsFingerprint, keypad, key, app
Fingerprint capacityUp to 100 prints
ConnectivityBuilt-in WiFi
Re-keyingSmartKey Security cylinder

Best for: Families who want one-touch fingerprint entry without phone dependence.
Skip if: You need Apple HomeKey or the highest security grade.

Best build, no fingerprint

Schlage Encode Plus

Apple HomeKey plus WiFi, in a Grade 1 deadbolt.

Schlage Encode Plus

An honest alternative: no fingerprint reader, but Grade 1 security and HomeKey tap-to-unlock are arguably better. Included for buyers comparing biometric against phone-based entry.

Strengths

  • Apple HomeKey: tap iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, even with a dead phone battery
  • Built-in WiFi for remote access with no separate hub or bridge
  • ANSI Grade 1 certified, the highest residential security rating
  • Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen keypad with up to 100 access codes

Limitations

  • No fingerprint reader; keypad codes or phone are the keyless methods
  • HomeKey is Apple-only, Android users lose the headline feature
  • Premium price for the hardware
Key specifications for Schlage Encode Plus
Security gradeANSI/BHMA Grade 1
Unlock methodsApple HomeKey, keypad, key, app
ConnectivityBuilt-in WiFi, Bluetooth
Access codesUp to 100
Battery2x AA (keypad model)

Best for: iPhone households that want tap-to-unlock and top-tier build quality.
Skip if: You are on Android or want fingerprint unlock.

Best keypad alternative

Yale Assure Lock 2

The flexible keypad lock that fits every smart home.

Yale Assure Lock 2

Another honest alternative for households where fingerprints will not work for everyone: young children and some elderly users get inconsistent reads, and a 250-code keypad sidesteps the issue entirely.

Strengths

  • Modular radio design: WiFi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee modules for any hub
  • Auto-lock with DoorSense confirms the door is actually closed
  • Slim, modern keypad design that suits contemporary doors
  • Yale Access app with temporary guest codes and entry history

Limitations

  • WiFi module is a separate purchase on base models
  • No biometric unlock option
  • ANSI Grade 2, a step below Grade 1 deadbolts
Key specifications for Yale Assure Lock 2
Security gradeANSI/BHMA Grade 2
Unlock methodsKeypad, key, app
ConnectivityBluetooth; WiFi via module
Access codesUp to 250
Auto-lockYes, with DoorSense

Best for: Households that want keypad entry with a choice of WiFi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee.
Skip if: You want fingerprint unlock or Apple HomeKey.

Best fingerprint value

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi

Six ways in, including a fast fingerprint reader, at a mid-range price.

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi

A fingerprint reader that unlocks in under a second leads six entry methods, with built-in Wi-Fi and an IP65 rating. It is the fingerprint value alternative to the flagship priced locks.

Strengths

  • Fingerprint reader unlocks in under a second
  • Six entry methods: fingerprint, code, key, app, auto-unlock, shake-to-open
  • Built-in WiFi, no separate bridge needed
  • IP65 rated for exterior exposure

Limitations

  • No Apple HomeKey support
  • Auto-unlock relies on phone geofencing which can be finicky
  • Bulkier interior assembly than Yale or Schlage
Key specifications for Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
Entry methods6 (fingerprint, code, key, app, auto-unlock, shake)
Built-in WiFiYes, no bridge required
Weather ratingIP65
KeypadAnti-peep touchscreen
Power4 AA batteries

Best for: Households that want fingerprint unlock without flagship pricing.
Skip if: You need Apple HomeKey; this lock does not support it.

Fingerprint via add-on keypad

SwitchBot Lock Pro

A retrofit lock that keeps your existing deadbolt and keys.

SwitchBot Lock Pro

SwitchBot sells fingerprint access as an add-on for the Lock Pro, so renters and retrofit buyers can start with app control and add one-touch fingerprint entry without replacing the lock.

Strengths

  • Installs over the existing deadbolt, no lock replacement
  • Landlord-friendly: remove it and the original lock is untouched
  • Keypad and fingerprint accessories available
  • Matter support via SwitchBot hub

Limitations

  • Bulky add-on unit on the inside of the door
  • Needs a SwitchBot hub for remote access and Matter
  • Battery life shorter than built-in deadbolt replacements
Key specifications for SwitchBot Lock Pro
Install typeRetrofit over existing deadbolt
Entry methodsApp, keypad add-on, fingerprint add-on, original key
Smart homeMatter (via hub), Alexa, Google
PowerRechargeable battery
Auto-lockYes

Best for: Renters who cannot replace the deadbolt.
Skip if: You want a clean built-in look; this mounts over your existing lock.

AI fingerprint with built-in Wi-Fi

eufy Smart Lock C220

A fingerprint deadbolt with self-learning AI recognition and built-in Wi-Fi.

eufy Smart Lock C220

The C220's fingerprint reader is the self-learning kind that improves as it studies your prints, and because Wi-Fi is built in rather than bridged, fingerprint entry and remote app control arrive in one mid-priced lock.

Strengths

  • Self-learning AI fingerprint reader improves recognition as it learns your prints
  • Six ways in: fingerprint, app, keypad code, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice assistant
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connects directly, no bridge or hub to buy
  • Runs about 8 months on 8 AA batteries, with IP53 weather resistance

Limitations

  • BHMA Grade 3, below the Grade 2 and AAA locks in this guide
  • No Apple Home Key support
  • Eight AA batteries is a lot of cells to replace at once
Key specifications for eufy Smart Lock C220
ModelT8506 (Nickel)
Unlock methodsFingerprint, app, keypad, key, watch, voice
ConnectivityBuilt-in Wi-Fi, no bridge
Battery8 AA, about 8 months
RatingsIP53, BHMA Grade 3

Sources: CamelCamelCamel, Desertcart product details, eufy product documentation

Best for: Households that want fast fingerprint entry without buying a separate Wi-Fi bridge.
Skip if: You need Apple Home Key or a higher BHMA grade; this lock is Grade 3 and skips Home Key.

Questions, answered

How fast is fingerprint unlock really?

Top models unlock in about a second from touch to bolt retraction. That matches or beats fumbling for a key, and it works with arms full of groceries, which is the real-world win.

Do fingerprints work for kids and elderly users?

Sometimes inconsistently. Small or worn fingerprints read less reliably, which is why every fingerprint lock needs a keypad or key backup. Test all household members during the return window.

Are my fingerprints stored securely?

Consumer locks store fingerprint templates locally on the lock, not in the cloud. Templates are mathematical representations, not images, and cannot be reverse-engineered into a usable print.

What if my finger is wet or injured?

Wet fingers read poorly on capacitive sensors. Use the keypad code or app as backup, or enroll the same finger twice, once dry and once slightly damp, to improve match rates.