Compared to the classic smart home assistant, MYQ’s compatibility with other ecosystems focuses more on vehicles and safety devices, which makes sense because you usually control it from outside the home. It works with Amazon Key and Walmart+ Inhome and can get delivery in garages, with loops, several cars and IFTTT.
Other smart locks
Ultraloq bolt fingerprint, priced at $160: I’ve now tested three different Ultraloq smart locks in a year and a half and although I think the company provides excellent hardware for money, there are only too many software quirks that keep these locks below our top picks. I started with the bolt fingerprint, which is by far the most reliable of any super smart lock. If you have a standard door with dead bolts with drilled holes, it will be installed quickly (Ultraloq’s door kit thick). Initially, I had several issues getting the lock connected to my Wi-Fi, but after multiple attempts and a few choice words, it was connected. I have no connectivity issues since then. The app is not the most beautiful, but functional. You can add multiple user profiles, unlock remotely, get notifications when unlocking doors, share codes and register fingerprints. There is even an auto lock feature when you walk to the door, but I find it a little inconsistent and then turn it off. After all, fingerprint sensors are the highlight. You have to get used to the specific way of putting your finger on the sensor, and after doing it a few times I’m putting it down now so that I almost always unlock it on my first try. It comes with a door sensor, so when the door is closed, it will automatically lock (this can be disabled if needed). The next lock I tested was the Ultraloq bolt fingerprint with Wi-Fi and HomeKit. This is a better job of connecting to my home’s Wi-Fi network via the U-Home app and can even be added to my Google Home soon. Unfortunately, after several months of perfect performance, one day it decided to start rejecting my fingerprints. question? When I put my fingerprint on the scanner, it rejects it and then blocks all other unlocking methods (or physical keys included) except unlocking. This is so annoying that I just stick with the keyboard to use the numeric code. Finally, I recently switched to bolt fingerprints with substances and we just said I’m still diagnosing the company’s problems. The lock decided to stop working after a few hours, forcing me to remove one of the batteries and put it back in place to “reactivate.” I may have only one flawed unit, so we’ll see. –Julian Chokkattu
Photo: Nena Farrell
Yale Suseure Lock 2 Touch for $280: I’ve been testing it with ADT’s security system and Google Home for a few weeks. Unlike the other locks in this guide, I don’t have it installed – ADT Tech does work and can include the installation in the ADT security package, like the one I’ve been testing. For the lock itself, it works fine. This is a complete fixing bolt replacement, equipped with a key, and comes with entry options for keyboard and fingerprint reader. Fingerprint readers are fast and effective, and my husband says the keyboard is easy to use (you can activate the keyboard by touching the Yale button, but if your finger registers to the app, that’s also the fingerprint reader button). I’m not using the Yale app, but I mainly use the ADT+ app to control this app, but the version of this lock does not use or requires the service of ADT. I do wish I could set it to be every 10 minutes instead of three, not three, but this is the longest choice the ADT+ app has set it for me. I can also partially control it in the Google Home app, but just for locking and unlocking, rather than diving into detailed settings like passwords and auto-locking time.
The Yale Suse touch screen lever lock costs $230: I’ve been testing this headless lever door handle with the door in the garage for a month. Unlike Yale’s method (8/10, wired advice), it won’t feel you coming, but it even touches the keyboard lightly. Easy to lock and unlock and view activity logs on the Yale Access app, or you can use PIN code to unlock. You can also create different codes for different people to know exactly who is coming and when to go. It works with Google Home, Apple Home and Alexa and also gets two physical keys in case of battery failure. Setting up is not a breeze, requiring the BILT app to be installed, then needing to configure the Yale app, and there are so many complaints online that they have loosened up battery life and the handle over time. During our initial exam, none of these questions emerged. However, over time, we will update this comment with further observations. – Kat Merck
Avoid using these clever locks
We don’t like all the smart locks we’ve tried. These are to be skipped.
Hubspace-powered Defiant Smart Deadbolt costs $100: The forged build quality is a huge shutdown of this smart lock for Defiant. The buttons are mushy and big, and if Wi-Fi is connected to Wi-Fi, what is the point of Wi-Fi connection? I finally paired it with the Hubspace app, but the lock never connects with my Wi-Fi, so I don’t have any benefit. –Julian Chokkattu
The Eufy Familock S3 Max costs $400: The lock is cool because it includes a camera that lets the device use it as a digital peephole (for smaller family members!) and has a super fun biometric option that uses veins in the palm of your hand for authentication. Unfortunately, once installed, the lock doesn’t work on my door, even if it’s in the correct size and position.
