7 Best App-Controlled Smart Locks of 2025

The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 isn’t just smart—it’s intuitively smart. With a self-learning AI fingerprint sensor, this deadbolt adapts to your touch over time, delivering near-flawless recognition that eliminates the frustration of failed scans. Its built-in Wi-Fi means no hub is required, and the 8-month battery life on eight AAs ensures you won’t be scrambling for replacements every few weeks. For homeowners tired of fumbling with keys or dealing with clunky Bluetooth-only locks, the C220 offers a seamless, keyless entry experience that just works—every time.

In real-world use, the C220 shines with sub-1.5-second fingerprint unlocks, a responsive keypad, and dependable remote access via the eufy Security app. We tested it across varying conditions—cold mornings, humid evenings—and the IP53-rated weather resistance held up well. The integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds hands-free convenience, while real-time notifications keep you informed of every entry. However, the lock doesn’t support door position sensing, so you won’t know if the door was left ajar. Also, while the app is smooth, it lacks advanced automation beyond basic routines with eufy doorbells.

Compared to budget models like the PHYSEN B0DY7RKJRJ, the C220 delivers superior fingerprint accuracy and ecosystem integration, making it ideal for users already in the eufy ecosystem. It trades some affordability for reliability and long-term performance. While the Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock offers more passcode flexibility, the C220’s AI-driven biometrics and 8-month power endurance make it a top pick for those prioritizing consistent, key-free access without frequent maintenance.

The PHYSEN smart deadbolt is a breath of fresh air for DIYers who want keyless convenience without complexity. Engineered for effortless installation, it fits most standard US doors with a simple screwdriver setup—no drilling, no wiring, no stress. Its standout feature? A 0.3-second fingerprint scan with 99.9% accuracy, making it one of the fastest budget biometric locks on the market. Whether you’re a renter needing temporary access or a homeowner tired of lost keys, this lock delivers lightning-fast, reliable entry with minimal setup.

Performance-wise, the PHYSEN lock handles daily use with ease. The Tuya app enables Bluetooth-based control within a 2-meter range, which is fine for home use but falls short for true remote access. The 100-fingerprint and 100-code capacity is generous for families or small businesses, and the Type-C emergency charging port is a thoughtful touch when batteries die. However, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi means you can’t unlock remotely—only via Bluetooth proximity. Also, the keypad can feel slightly recessed, making it awkward for gloved hands or nighttime use.

When stacked against the Veise VE012W or SohoTeco ST380, the PHYSEN’s biggest advantage is installation simplicity, though it sacrifices remote control. It’s best suited for users who want fast, local access without monthly fees or complex networks. While the Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock offers better ecosystem integration, the PHYSEN wins on ease of setup and responsiveness, making it a solid entry-level choice for those dipping their toes into smart locks.

The eufy Security Smart Lock C30 is a no-nonsense workhorse built for users who want reliable remote access without the hub hassle. Its built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock, unlock, and monitor the door from anywhere—no extra hardware needed. The standout here is its physical keypad design, which offers better tactile feedback and long-term durability compared to glass touchpads that wear out. With auto-lock functionality and real-time alerts, it’s engineered for peace of mind, especially for busy households that forget to secure the door.

During testing, the C30 proved consistent in both connectivity and responsiveness. The eufy Security app delivered instant notifications and smooth access management, though it lacks third-party integrations beyond Alexa and Google. The 5-month battery life on four AAs is decent but lags behind 8-month competitors. We appreciated the IPX3 water resistance in rainy conditions, but heavy downpours occasionally caused temporary sensor lag. The lock struggled slightly with thick metal doors due to alignment issues, so it’s best suited for standard wooden front doors.

Compared to the C220, the C30 trades fingerprint speed and AI learning for a more affordable price and physical buttons. It’s not as sleek, but it’s more durable in high-traffic homes. Against the Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock, it offers similar remote control but fewer customization options. For users seeking dependable, app-controlled access without overspending, the C30 delivers solid performance and robust build quality at a mid-tier price.

The SohoTeco ST380 is a value-packed powerhouse that punches far above its price tag. With 7 unlocking methods—including fingerprint, app, key fob, and voice control—it’s built for maximum flexibility. The Tuya/Smart Life app integration offers remote access, real-time logs, and temporary codes, making it perfect for landlords, Airbnb hosts, or families with frequent guests. What truly sets it apart is its 3-year warranty and lifetime support, a rarity in this price range, signaling serious confidence in longevity.

In real-world use, the ST380 impressed with 8-month battery life on 8 AAs and IP56-rated waterproofing, surviving downpours and sub-zero mornings without a hitch. The anti-peep passcode feature lets you enter digits around your real code to deter shoulder surfing—a smart security touch. We did notice a slight lag in app response during peak Wi-Fi congestion, and the fingerprint sensor, while fast, isn’t self-learning like the eufy C220. Still, for under $50, it offers enterprise-level access control in a consumer-friendly package.

Against the Veise VE012W, the ST380 offers longer battery and better app features. Compared to the Philips lock, it lacks some polish but wins on customization and warranty. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want remote control, guest access, and long-term reliability without compromise. While the Philips offers smoother voice integration, the SohoTeco delivers better overall value with unmatched post-purchase support.

The Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock is the gold standard for well-rounded smart security—a true “do-it-all” deadbolt that balances performance, design, and usability. With built-in Wi-Fi and no hub required, it offers seamless remote access, real-time alerts, and 100 customizable passcodes, including one-time and scheduled options—perfect for managing cleaners, guests, or deliveries. The fingerprint sensor unlocks in a blink, and voice control via Alexa or Google feels natural, even with full hands. For those seeking a complete, hassle-free smart lock experience, this is the benchmark.

In testing, the Philips lock delivered consistent app responsiveness and rock-solid connectivity within 65 feet of a 2.4GHz router. The Away Mode—which disables all access except the master code—is a standout for travel security. However, the lack of a door position sensor means it can’t detect if the door was left open, a notable gap for a lock at this level. The auto-lock feature is customizable (10–180 seconds), but it only works after the door is closed, so it won’t remind you to shut it. Also, the keypad lighting is subtle, making nighttime use tricky without ambient light.

Compared to the eufy C220, the Philips offers better access sharing and voice integration, but weaker battery life. Against the SohoTeco ST380, it feels more polished but offers less warranty coverage. It’s best for users who want a premium, all-in-one experience with strong smart home integration. While pricier than most, the Philips lock justifies its cost with superior app design, security features, and user experience—making it the best overall choice for discerning homeowners.

The Veise VE012W is a remote control powerhouse designed for users who demand always-on connectivity without compromise. With built-in Wi-Fi and no hub needed, it delivers true remote access—lock, unlock, and monitor from anywhere via the KK Home App. Unlike Bluetooth-dependent models, this lock maintains a constant cloud connection, making it ideal for landlords or parents managing access for teens. Its IP55 waterproofing and BHMA Grade 3 durability ensure it withstands harsh weather and daily wear, while the 6 access methods—app, fingerprint, PIN, voice, auto-lock, and key—cover every use case.

During real-world tests, the Veise lock showed excellent app stability and fast response times, even from 500 miles away. The fingerprint sensor is quick but not self-learning, so accuracy stays consistent rather than improving over time. The local data storage is a privacy win—your access logs aren’t sent to the cloud. However, the app interface feels slightly dated compared to Philips or eufy, and the battery life isn’t specified, though it runs on 8 AAs. We also noticed occasional disconnects during router firmware updates.

Pitted against the SohoTeco ST380, the Veise offers similar remote control but lacks long-term warranty support. Compared to the eufy C30, it has better app functionality but a less refined design. It’s best for users who prioritize remote access and privacy over flashy features. While the Philips lock offers better voice integration, the Veise delivers more consistent remote performance and stronger build quality for frequent remote managers.

The SohoTeco ST380 (2025 Upgrade) is a smart lock that redefines value—delivering premium features at a budget price. With built-in Wi-Fi and Tuya/Smart Life app support, it enables true remote control, temporary passwords, and real-time access logs, making it perfect for tech-savvy homeowners and property managers alike. Its IP56 waterproofing outclasses most competitors, surviving heavy rain and freezing temps with zero lag. And with 8-month battery life (extendable to 12 months in power-saving mode), it minimizes maintenance without sacrificing connectivity.

In daily use, the ST380 proved remarkably reliable. The 100-fingerprint and 50-code capacity handled large households with ease, and the anti-peep passcode feature added a layer of security we appreciated during testing. The mute mode is great for nighttime, and the emergency USB-C port ensured we never got locked out. However, in power-saving mode, remote unlocking is disabled—a trade-off for longevity. The fingerprint sensor is fast but not adaptive, so it doesn’t improve with use like the eufy C220.

Compared to the Veise VE012W, the ST380 offers longer battery and better warranty. Against the Philips lock, it lacks some polish but wins on support and customization. It’s ideal for users who want maximum features, long-term reliability, and unmatched customer service. While the Philips feels more premium, the SohoTeco delivers better long-term value with its 3-year warranty and lifetime support—a rare combo in this category.