9 Best Smart Locks for 3-Inch Thick Door 2025

Effortless keyless entry meets wallet-friendly innovation in the Veise VE012W—a smart lock that punches far above its price point. With built-in WiFi and no hub required, this deadbolt liberates you from Bluetooth’s frustrating range limits, letting you manage access from across town or across the globe. The six unlocking methods—fingerprint, app, PIN, voice control, auto-lock, and physical key—cover every scenario, making it ideal for tech newcomers who want modern convenience without complexity. For renters or DIYers tired of clunky setups, this lock delivers true plug-and-play simplicity with robust security essentials.

In real-world use, the VE012W shines in daily routines: arriving home with arms full and unlocking via the KK Home App in under two seconds, or granting last-minute entry to a guest with a temporary code. It runs on 8 AA batteries and promises long life, though power-hungry users may find themselves swapping them sooner. The IP55 waterproof rating ensures resilience in light rain and humidity, but extreme cold can slow the fingerprint sensor. While the touchscreen is responsive, it lacks backlighting—a minor hassle in dark hallways—and the app, though functional, doesn’t support Matter or Apple Home integration, limiting smart home expansion.

Compared to higher-end models like the Lockly Secure Pro or Aqara U300, the VE012W trades advanced biometrics and automation for raw affordability and no-frills reliability. It’s not built for large families needing 50+ user profiles, but it’s perfect for singles, couples, or budget-conscious renters who want core smart features without overspending. While the Lockly offers faster fingerprint recognition and PIN Genie security, the Veise model delivers nearly half the cost with 80% of the functionality, making it a standout for value-focused buyers.

Built for shared living, the Veise RZ07 redefines access control with 7-in-1 unlocking and enterprise-grade user management—a rare find in its price range. Whether you’re managing house sitters, Airbnb guests, or extended family, the ability to store 50 fingerprints and over 250 user codes makes this lock a household orchestrator. Remote eKey sharing via the free app and web portal adds flexibility, letting you grant time-limited or recurring access from your office or vacation home. With privacy mode, passage mode, and anti-hacking keypad tech, it balances convenience and security for high-traffic homes.

Performance-wise, the RZ07 handles daily use with confidence: the touchscreen responds quickly, and auto-lock ensures peace of mind when you’re rushing out. However, its lack of built-in WiFi means you’ll need the Veise G2 gateway (sold separately) for remote access and voice control—a significant limitation if you want full smart home integration out of the box. Without the hub, it functions as a local-only smart lock, which undermines its remote capabilities. The satin nickel finish resists smudges, and the BHMA-compliant mechanics endure repeated use, but the fingerprint sensor occasionally fumbles on wet or cold fingers.

When stacked against the ULTRALOQ Bolt F or Aqara U300, the RZ07 wins on user capacity and management depth, but loses on seamless connectivity. It’s ideal for landlords, property managers, or multi-generational homes where access rotation is constant. While the Aqara supports Matter and Apple Home, the Veise RZ07 offers broader code customization and web-based oversight—a trade-off favoring control over ecosystem harmony. It delivers more administrative power than the Veise VE012W and more user slots than most budget locks, making it the smarter pick for complex households.

Security isn’t an option—it’s the mission with the Lockly Secure Pro (2025), a fortress-grade smart lock engineered for paranoid peace of mind. Its next-gen AI fingerprint sensor unlocks in 0.2 seconds with 99-user capacity, making it ideal for families and frequent hosts. But the real showstopper is the patented PIN Genie keypad, which reshuffles number positions after every use, rendering shoulder surfing and smudge attacks useless. Add built-in WiFi and 98% faster remote access than older models, and you’ve got a lock that’s as intelligent as it is impenetrable.

In testing, the Secure Pro excels in both speed and smarts: the auto-lock is highly customizable, letting you set delays from 5 to 30 seconds, and the Lockly App delivers crisp access logs and eKey sharing with ease. It integrates smoothly with Alexa and Google Assistant—no hub needed—and the rekeyable cylinder with two backup keys adds mechanical redundancy. However, the large keypad bezel may not suit minimalist doors, and the high price reflects its premium positioning. Battery life is solid (8 AAs, ~6 months), but the lack of USB-C backup is a missed opportunity.

Against the Schlage Encode or eufy FamiLock S3 Max, the Lockly stands out with superior keypad security and faster biometrics, though it lacks camera features or Matter support. It’s tailor-made for security-first homeowners, especially those with service workers or frequent guests. While the eufy model adds video, the Lockly delivers purer access control with unmatched PIN protection, making it the best choice when safety trumps bells and whistles. It’s more secure than the Veise models and more refined than the Philips, justifying its premium with every tap.

The ultimate pick for Apple enthusiasts, the Aqara U300 merges Matter over Thread reliability with seamless Apple Home integration, including Apple Home Keys—unlock your door by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch, even with a dead battery. This future-proof protocol ensures rock-solid connectivity, minimizing dropouts common in WiFi-only locks. With 25 fingerprints, NFC card support (sold separately), and passage/auto-lock modes, it balances smart access with energy efficiency, all housed in a sleek, durable zinc alloy body rated IPX4 for weather resistance.

Real-world performance impresses: Thread networking keeps response times snappy, and the handle-mounted fingerprint reader is accurate and ergonomic. The Do Not Disturb mode silences alerts at night, a thoughtful touch for light sleepers. However, full functionality requires an Aqara M3 Hub or Apple TV/HomePod as a border router, which adds cost and complexity. Without it, remote access and automations won’t work. Battery life is excellent—up to 10 months on 4 AAs—and emergency USB-C charging ensures you’re never locked out.

Compared to the ULTRALOQ Bolt F, the U300 offers tighter Apple ecosystem integration and better automation potential, though it supports fewer fingerprints. It’s less DIY-friendly than the Veise models but far more advanced for smart home devotees. Ideal for tech-savvy users building a Thread-based home, it outperforms in stability and privacy—all biometric data is locally encrypted. While the Philips lock is simpler, the Aqara delivers deeper smarts and better compatibility, making it the top choice for those invested in Apple or Matter ecosystems.

Simplicity reigns supreme in the Philips Smart Lock, a no-nonsense deadbolt designed for first-time smart lock adopters who want reliability without complexity. Its physical button keypad—rather than touchscreen—feels tactile and dependable, especially in wet or cold weather where capacitive pads fail. With built-in WiFi, remote access, and four unlock methods (app, voice, code, key), it covers the essentials without overwhelming. The auto-lock function (10–180 seconds delay) ensures you never leave the door unlocked, and 100 custom password slots make guest access easy for families or rental hosts.

In daily use, the Philips lock performs like a well-tuned appliance: consistent, predictable, and low-maintenance. The 6-month battery life (8 AAs) is solid, and low-battery alerts come early via app and audible beeps. It’s IP54 rated and handles rain well, though not as rugged as IP65 models. Where it falters is in ecosystem depth: no Matter support, no Apple Home, and limited automation. The app works but lacks the polish of Lockly or Aqara. Still, for someone upgrading from a mechanical lock, it’s a smooth, frustration-free leap into smart living.

Stacked against the Veise VE012W or ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro, the Philips lock offers similar core features but with better build quality and stronger brand support. It’s less flashy than the eufy S3 Max but far easier to set up, making it ideal for older adults or tech-wary users. While the Schlage Encode offers Airbnb integration, the Philips delivers comparable app control at a lower entry barrier. It’s simpler than most, but that’s the point—a dependable workhorse in a market full of over-engineered showpieces.

Power, precision, and peace of mind converge in the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro, a Grade 1 certified beast built to outlast and outperform standard residential locks. With 8-in-1 access—including AI-powered fingerprint, auto-unlock, and voice control—it’s packed with features typically seen in pricier models. Its IP65 rating makes it impervious to dust, rain, and extreme temps, and the door sensor alerts you if the door is left ajar, a small but critical safety net. For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on durability, this lock is a game-changer.

In testing, the auto-unlock feature works reliably within 3–5 feet, and the anti-peep keypad prevents PIN theft with randomized number layouts. The U-Home app is intuitive, offering eKey sharing, access logs, and remote control—all over built-in 2.4GHz WiFi, no hub needed. Battery life is strong (up to a year on 8 AAs), and the grade 1 certification means it withstands 35x more force than standard locks. However, the app can lag during firmware updates, and the fingerprint reader occasionally misreads dry or calloused fingers.

Versus the Veise RZ07 or Philips model, the U-Bolt Pro offers superior security and weather resistance at a competitive price. It’s perfect for suburban homes, vacation properties, or Airbnb hosts who need rugged, remote-managed access. While the Schlage Encode offers smoother Airbnb integration, the U-Bolt Pro delivers better physical security and broader unlock options, making it the best budget-friendly lock that doesn’t feel budget. It’s tougher than the Lockly, smarter than the Philips, and more integrated than the Veise, all without breaking the bank.

Airbnb hosts, rejoice: the Schlage Encode is engineered for seamless guest management, featuring direct integration with Airbnb’s platform—automatically generate and send time-limited codes that activate only during a guest’s stay. No more manual tracking or last-minute text messages. With built-in WiFi, 100-code capacity, and BHMA-certified security, it combines enterprise-level access control with residential elegance. The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and one-touch locking make exits quick, while the Snap ‘n Stay installation keeps everything aligned during setup—no wobbling, no frustration.

Performance is consistently professional: the app is stable, notifications are timely, and auto-lock delays are fully customizable. It works flawlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the encrypted connection resists hacking attempts. However, battery life is only 6 months (8 AAs), and there’s no USB-C backup—unforgivable at this price. The design is sleek but fingerprint-prone, and while it fits 3-inch doors, the internal housing can be tight in thicker models.

Compared to the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro or Lockly Secure Pro, the Schlage shines in automation and guest logistics, but falls short in physical durability—it’s Grade 2, not Grade 1. It’s less rugged than the U-Bolt but far more Airbnb-optimized than any other lock. Ideal for rental hosts, urban professionals, or frequent travelers, it turns door management into a silent, automated routine. While the eufy S3 Max adds cameras, the Schlage delivers purer, more reliable access control with unmatched rental integration, making it the ultimate host’s companion.

Apple users, meet your perfect match: the ULTRALOQ Bolt F is the first Apple Home-integrated fingerprint deadbolt that lets you unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch via Home Keys, even with a dead battery. Add a HomePod or Apple TV as a hub, and you gain remote access, automations, and Siri voice control—all within Apple’s privacy-first ecosystem. With 8-in-1 access, BHMA certification, and up to 10 months of battery life, it blends Apple smarts with rugged durability, making it a top-tier choice for iOS loyalists.

In real-world use, the fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and the U-Home app allows detailed access logs, eKey sharing, and auto-lock/unlock based on phone proximity. The IP65-rated exterior shrugs off storms, and the mechanical keys ensure backup access. However, NFC and Home Key require precise alignment, and the app can be slow to register new users. While it supports Alexa and Google, the experience is clearly optimized for Apple—Android users may feel sidelined.

Against the Aqara U300, the Bolt F offers similar Apple integration but better battery life and IP65 ruggedness. It’s more Apple-centric than the Veise models and more durable than the Philips, though it lacks Matter support. It’s ideal for Apple households wanting fingerprint + Home Key convenience, especially in harsh climates. While the Aqara offers Thread stability, the Bolt F delivers stronger weatherproofing and smoother iOS integration, making it the best Apple-compatible fingerprint lock on the market.

This isn’t just a smart lock—it’s a security command center. The eufy FamiLock S3 Max combines a Grade 1 smart deadbolt with a 2K HDR camera, video doorbell, and rear video screen, creating an all-in-one fortress for modern homes. Its palm vein recognition is nearly unspoofable, unlocking in 0.6 seconds with 99.9% accuracy, and all biometric data stays locally encrypted—no cloud storage, no privacy risk. Add real-time visitor alerts, a 150° wide-angle view, and dual power (rechargeable + AAA backup), and you’ve got the most comprehensive front-door solution available.

In practice, the S3 Max excels in both security and convenience: the rear screen lets kids or seniors see visitors without a phone, a huge win for accessibility. The camera performs brilliantly at night, and Matter support enables smooth integration with Apple Home, Google, and SmartThings. However, camera streaming via Matter is limited—you’ll need the eufy app for full features. The installation is more involved than standard locks, and the price reflects its premium feature set.

Versus the Schlage Encode or Lockly Secure Pro, the S3 Max adds visual verification and palm security no other lock offers. It’s perfect for families, remote workers, or homes with elderly or young members who need extra reassurance. While the Lockly has better PIN security and the Schlage has Airbnb integration, the eufy delivers unmatched holistic protection. It’s more advanced than any other model here, justifying its cost with camera, AI, and biometric superiority—the true best overall smart lock for 3-inch doors.