8 Best Apartment Friendly Smart Locks of 2025

The SwitchBot Smart Lock is a game-changer for apartment dwellers who want smart access without altering their leased doors. Its non-invasive 3M adhesive installation means no drilling, no damage, and no landlord headaches—making it the ultimate renter-friendly smart lock. With voice control via Alexa, Siri, and Google, plus one-tap remote access through the app, it delivers seamless keyless entry that’s perfect for letting in guests or managing access for cleaners and family. The Apple Watch integration is a standout, letting you unlock the door with a flick of the wrist—ideal for dog walks or late-night trash runs.

In real-world use, the SwitchBot shines in convenience but has limitations in raw power. It attaches over your existing deadbolt and uses a motorized twist mechanism to lock and unlock, which works smoothly on most standard locks. However, if your deadbolt is stiff or misaligned, the motor may struggle—resulting in occasional failed attempts. The 180-day battery life is solid for moderate use (10 cycles/day), but heavy users may need to recharge sooner. While it lacks a keypad, its remote sharing feature is excellent for temporary access, and the auto-lock function ensures security even when you’re distracted. Wi-Fi connectivity is stable, though it relies on your phone as a bridge unless you own a SwitchBot Hub.

Compared to full-replacement smart locks like the Level Bolt or eufy C220, the SwitchBot is less permanent but also less secure. It’s not a standalone deadbolt—it augments your current one, which means a determined intruder could potentially bypass it. That said, for apartment renters or Airbnb hosts who need flexible, reversible automation, it’s unmatched. It’s more affordable and less invasive than models requiring hardware changes, and its ecosystem compatibility gives it an edge over niche-only options. If you prioritize easy setup and reversibility over maximum security, the SwitchBot outperforms pricier, permanent alternatives.

The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 brings biometric precision and long battery life to the forefront of apartment-friendly smart locks. Its self-learning AI fingerprint sensor adapts with every touch, delivering unlocks in under 1.5 seconds—a major upgrade over clunky, retry-prone scanners. With built-in Wi-Fi and no hub required, you gain true remote access, real-time alerts, and full integration with the eufy Security app, making it ideal for monitoring access while you’re away. For renters or owners who hate juggling keys, the six unlock methods—including keypad, app, voice, and physical key—offer unmatched flexibility without sacrificing security.

Performance-wise, the C220 is both fast and resilient. The 8-month battery life on AA cells is one of the longest in the category, minimizing maintenance and eliminating range anxiety. In testing, the lock responded instantly to recognized fingerprints, even with damp or partially obscured fingers, thanks to its AI optimization. The IP53 weather resistance and wide operating temperature range (-22℉ to 158℉) make it durable for exterior doors, though it’s best suited for covered entries. While the keypad is responsive, it lacks backlighting, which can be a hassle at night. The real-time notifications and event history are clear and reliable, and integration with eufy doorbells enables powerful automation—like unlocking when a trusted face is recognized.

When stacked against the Philips 3000 or DESLOC B200, the C220 strikes a sweet balance between features, speed, and reliability. It’s faster than budget models and more secure than retrofit add-ons like the SwitchBot. While it requires replacing your deadbolt, the 15-minute tool-free installation is simple and doesn’t alter door aesthetics significantly. It’s a better fit than minimalist options for users who want standalone biometric access without recurring fees. For those prioritizing fingerprint speed and long-term reliability, the C220 delivers more consistent performance than similarly priced locks, making it a top contender despite its slightly higher entry cost.

The Level Bolt is the gold standard for Apple users seeking seamless, elegant smart lock integration. Unlike retrofit add-ons, it replaces your interior deadbolt mechanism while letting you keep your existing keys and exterior hardware—a major win for renters who need reversible upgrades. Its native Apple HomeKit support means you can unlock your door with Siri, create automations (like “Unlock when I arrive”), and even use Apple Watch or iPhone via NFC—no internet required. This level of privacy-first, local encryption makes it one of the most secure smart lock experiences available, ideal for users wary of cloud vulnerabilities.

In daily use, the Level Bolt delivers reliable Bluetooth-based control with smooth motorized operation. It locks and unlocks quickly when your phone is nearby, and the auto-lock feature prevents accidental unlocked doors. However, remote access requires an Apple Home Hub (like an Apple TV or HomePod)—a potential hurdle for users without one. Battery life is solid at about 6 months, and low-battery alerts give ample warning. Installation is straightforward for standard doors, but compatibility is limited—always check the guide before buying. While it lacks a keypad or fingerprint sensor, its clean design and silent operation make it ideal for minimalist apartments and modern interiors.

Compared to Wi-Fi models like the Anona Holo or eufy C30, the Level Bolt trades remote convenience for superior privacy and Apple ecosystem cohesion. It doesn’t bombard you with cloud notifications or require third-party apps—everything runs through Apple’s secure framework. For iPhone-centric households or privacy-conscious renters, this is a major advantage. While it’s not the cheapest or most feature-packed, its build quality and seamless integration justify the premium. If you live in an Apple-dominated smart home, the Level Bolt offers a smoother, more secure experience than Wi-Fi-first rivals—even if it demands a bit more setup.

The Philips WiFi Smart Lock is a feature-packed powerhouse designed for users who want maximum control and security in an apartment-friendly package. With built-in Wi-Fi, fingerprint access, keypad, and app control, it eliminates the need for hubs or bridges while offering real-time notifications and detailed event logs—so you always know who’s coming and going. The included smart keypad supports both PIN codes and fingerprints, making guest access easy without forcing downloads or app setup—perfect for kids, elderly relatives, or one-time visitors. Its auto-lock and door sensor system ensures your door secures itself, but proper alignment is critical for reliability.

In practice, the Philips lock delivers on most fronts but demands precision during setup. The fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, rivaling premium models, and the app interface is intuitive with clear access logs and user management. Remote control works flawlessly, and the ability to share temporary or recurring codes is excellent for service workers or vacation rentals. However, the door sensor must be perfectly aligned—within 20mm of the magnet—and performance can degrade on metal frames. Battery life is average at 4–6 months, and while USB-C emergency power is a plus, the lack of a physical key override is a notable omission for some.

Against competitors like the eufy C220 or DESLOC B200, the Philips lock offers broader functionality but at a higher price. It’s more versatile than basic Wi-Fi models and more secure than retrofit add-ons, though it requires full deadbolt replacement. For users who want fingerprint access, detailed logging, and robust guest management, it outshines simpler options. While it’s not the most budget-friendly, its comprehensive feature set and strong build quality make it a smarter long-term investment than entry-level locks. If you value security depth and multi-user control, the Philips delivers where others cut corners.

The DESLOC Smart Door Lock B200 is a budget powerhouse that punches far above its price with AI-powered fingerprint recognition and 12-month battery life. Unlocking happens in under 0.3 seconds, thanks to its next-gen self-learning sensor, making it one of the fastest in its class. With six access methods—fingerprint, PIN, app, eKey, fobs, and voice via Alexa/Google—it offers surprising versatility for such an affordable model. The BHMA Grade 3 certification and IP54 weather resistance ensure solid durability, while the anti-peep keypad protects PIN privacy—critical for ground-floor apartments or shared buildings.

In real-world testing, the B200 delivers excellent value but has connectivity limitations. The Bluetooth-only app control means you can’t remotely unlock unless you add the G2 Gateway (sold separately)—a hidden cost that affects true remote access. Without it, you’re limited to proximity-based unlocking. However, once set up, the app is intuitive, with easy user management and temporary code generation. The 12-month battery life is impressive, and the USB-C emergency port ensures you’re never locked out. Installation is simple with a screwdriver, and it fits most standard doors—though the auto-lock feature must be manually enabled.

Compared to the eufy C30 or Veise RZ07, the B200 offers better fingerprint speed and longer battery life at a lower cost. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi, but for users who don’t need remote access, it’s a smarter buy than pricier models. It’s ideal for budget-conscious renters or secondary doors where full-featured locks aren’t necessary. While it doesn’t match the ecosystem depth of Philips or eufy, it outperforms many $100+ locks in core functionality. If you want fast biometrics and long-term reliability without overspending, the DESLOC B200 is the most intelligent value pick.

The Anona Holo redefines easy, non-destructive smart lock installation without sacrificing core smart features. Designed to retrofit over existing single-cylinder deadbolts, it installs in minutes with just a screwdriver—no drilling, no wiring, no mess. Its Matter-over-Wi-Fi support ensures seamless integration with Apple Home and Alexa, enabling voice control and automation without a hub. The inertial sensor-based auto-lock detects when your door is closed and locks it automatically, while anomaly alerts notify you if the door is left ajar or the lock is jammed—perfect for forgetful urban dwellers.

Performance is smooth and responsive, with reliable Wi-Fi connectivity and fast app response. The keypad is tactile and supports PIN codes, though it lacks backlighting—a minor annoyance in dark hallways. Battery life is rated for 4–6 months, which is standard, and low-power mode extends it during travel. The temporary passcode system is intuitive, great for dog walkers or babysitters, and the Anona app provides clear access history. However, the motor can be noisy during operation, and like all retrofit locks, it depends on your existing deadbolt’s condition—misaligned bolts may cause binding.

Against the SwitchBot or Level Bolt, the Anona Holo strikes a balance between simplicity and smart integration. It’s easier to set up than full-replacement locks and more secure than adhesive add-ons. While it doesn’t offer fingerprint access, its native Apple Home and Alexa support gives it an edge over non-Matter models. For renters or DIYers who want fast, reversible smart access, it outperforms most in its price range. It’s not as feature-rich as the Philips lock, but for plug-and-play convenience with solid security, the Anona Holo is a smarter, more future-proof choice than basic Wi-Fi models.

The eufy Security Smart Lock C30 earns its title as Best Overall by balancing affordability, reliability, and essential smart features in one polished package. With built-in Wi-Fi and no hub required, it offers true remote access, real-time alerts, and seamless app control—ideal for renters or homeowners who want set-and-forget convenience. The physical button keypad (not touchscreen) enhances durability and resists wear, while the auto-lock function secures your door based on a timer, whether it’s open or closed. Its wrong-try protection locks out intruders after multiple failed attempts—a small but critical security boost.

In real-world use, the C30 delivers consistent, hassle-free performance. The 5-month battery life on 4 AA cells is solid, and the low-battery indicator gives ample warning. Installation takes about 15 minutes and requires no drilling, fitting most standard deadbolts. The app is clean and responsive, with clear access logs and user management. While it lacks fingerprint recognition, the PIN + app + voice + physical key combo covers most use cases. The IPX3 waterproofing and wide temperature range make it suitable for exterior doors, though it’s best under cover. It integrates with eufy doorbells for unified routines, but doesn’t support Apple Home natively.

Compared to the DESLOC B200 or Anona Holo, the C30 offers better build quality and ecosystem integration at a mid-range price. It’s more reliable than budget retrofits and simpler than high-end models like Philips. For users who want a dependable, no-fuss smart lock with strong security, it’s the sweet spot. While it doesn’t have biometrics or Matter support, its balance of price, durability, and smart functionality makes it the most well-rounded choice. If you want a single lock that just works, the eufy C30 outperforms flashier, more expensive alternatives.

The Veise RZ07 is the ultimate multi-user smart lock, built for households, rentals, or small businesses that need granular access control and long-term management. With support for 50 fingerprints and 250+ user codes, it allows detailed scheduling, recurring access, and one-time eKeys—perfect for managing cleaners, tenants, or Airbnb guests. The 7-in-1 access system (fingerprint, app, web, fobs, code, eKey, mechanical key) ensures no one is ever locked out, while the privacy and passage modes add flexibility for open-house events or family gatherings. Its web portal management is a rare gem—letting you control access from a browser, ideal for landlords or property managers.

In daily use, the Veise RZ07 excels in user management but lags in remote convenience. The app is functional, but remote access requires the Veise G2 Gateway (sold separately)—a major limitation for true remote unlocking. Without it, you’re limited to Bluetooth range. The fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, and the touchscreen keypad is responsive, though not backlit. Installation is simple with a screwdriver, and it fits most US standard doors. Battery life is solid, and the low-battery alert prevents surprises. However, initial setup can be finicky—some users report pairing issues that require a reset.

Against the eufy C220 or Philips lock, the Veise RZ07 wins on user capacity and management tools, but loses on ecosystem integration and remote access simplicity. It’s a better fit than most for landlords or multi-tenant setups, where detailed logs and scheduling matter more than voice control. While it doesn’t support Apple Home natively, its web-based control and lifetime support offer long-term value. For users who need robust access logging and guest management, the Veise RZ07 is unmatched—especially at its price. It’s not the easiest for casual users, but for professional or high-traffic use, it’s the most capable option.