Good Ring Compatible Smart Locks For 2023
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If you’ve invested in a smart home security system like Ring it makes sense to ensure your door locks are also smart and integrated with that system. This is particularly useful in conjunction with a Ring doorbell watching your front door as you can let guests in while you are away from home right from the Ring app.
The range of smart locks available to you depends on your security system of choice, and for owners of the Ring Alarm you have a number of good options, but the range isn’t huge. The Ring Alarm security system uses Z-Wave to communicate with many Ring security accessories so you can potentially use any Z-Wave smart lock, but testing has shown that not all locks work well.
Ring also supports some Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options, but these need specific Ring certification to work at all and may require specific Ring devices to provide connectivity. I’ve gone through all the certified options and every Z-Wave lock I can find in order to determine which will make a good addition to your Ring setup.
I’ve settled on the Level Touch as the best Ring compatible smart lock overall, but it was a tough call. This model doesn’t feature a keypad - although you can add one as an extra purchase, so I’ve called out a more integrated option for that as well, along with best value, and best Wi-Fi for those that want some extra integration flexibility.
Note that all these options work with a Ring Alarm base station, so I’ve listed them as ‘no hub required’. By that I mean no EXTRA smart home hub. The Ring base station is required to use any Ring compatible smart lock with the Ring app.
My Top Picks
Best Overall
Level Lock Touch
✔ Most Discrete and compact
✔ Long battery life
✔ Touch and NFC unlocking
Best Z-Wave
Yale Assure SL
✔ Good app support
✔ Slim lock profile
✔ Emergency battery feature
Best Wi-Fi
Schlage Encode
✔ Wi-Fi only, no hub required
✔ Easy snap-on installation
✔ Convenient night-light button
What To Look For In a Ring Smart Lock
Connectivity
The key questions you’ll need to ask yourself up front is what communication technology you’ll need to use or prefer. This will come down to whether you have a Ring Alarm base station or not, as that will determine if you can use Z-Wave smart locks or be limited to using Wi-Fi via Alexa integration.
If Z-Wave is on the table, it’s probably better to go with this. It allows the security system to connect to your smart lock directly instead of via the internet, and so is not only more secure, but more reliable in the event that you have power or internet disruptions. The lock itself will be battery powered, and a Ring Alarm Pro can provide backup power for itself and cellular connectivity to Ring’s servers so the Ring app will continue to work from your smart phone.
Keypad or Not
Some folks like the idea of a keypad on their smart locks, and it’s common feature on many models. Personally, I’m not a fan as it adds more complexity, something else to wear out, and the possibility that an uninvited guest might be able to work out the code from the dirt or wear marks on the numbers.
It’s potentially more convenient to rely on Bluetooth or NFC to trigger the lock when you approach as some models allow, or to simply use the app on your smart phone or watch to activate the lock manually. It’s also important to note that some keypad models do away with the physical key-hole in place of the keypad, and that removes your ultimate backup plan in case something goes wrong with the tech.
Reviews In This Guide
Best Overall: Level Touch
Best for Z-Wave: Yale Assure SL
Best for Wi-Fi: Schlage Encode
Z-Wave Runner Up: Schlage Connect
Best Value: Kwikset SmartCode Lever
Without door hardware: Level Bolt
Best Overall
Level Touch
★★★★✩
Key Features:
✔ Ring Certified
✔ Super compact
✔ Long battery life
✔ No hub - Bluetooth
✔ Auto-lock
✔ Touch unlock
✔ NFC card unlock, cards included
What I Like
The Level Lock Touch is a fairly unique smart lock thanks to an innovative design that minimizes any appearance of smarts. This also makes it super compact and adds some novel features in the process to overcome the lack of any other visible controls.
I’ll be frank and say I’m not a fan of smart locks with keypads. Why? Because they provide an extra attack vector for the bad guys, both by advertising your door lock is electronic and by potentially exposing which numbers are used to unlock it by fingerprints or wear. The absence of a keypad and the inclusion of some novel unlocking methods is what nudged me to giving this one the best overall rating.
Now, there’s no denying the simple convenience of a keypad for sharing keyless entry with people you need, so you may not feel the same way. That’s fine, as Level does offer an addon keypad with backlighting as well. Bonus.
Another big reason for liking this one is the build quality and engineering that has gone into it. Not only is it super compact, but very solidly designed and built. Its discrete form factor is entirely hidden inside the door, which helps to hide that fact that it’s electronic, and thus provides some small security benefit. It also means the battery life is excellent in comparison to most other models.
Instead of a keypad for keyless entry, you can use two unique unlocking methods - either touching the outside of the lock or tapping it with one of the provided NFC keycards. These can be shared with others who may need access instead of having keys cut, and they have the benefit of being easily carried in a wallet.
The touch access works in conjunction with the app on your smart phone. By detecting your presence and allowing a simple touch to activate the lock. This is similar to the proximity detection used by Tesla on the Model 3 and Y. That’s pretty cool.
Potential Concerns
While the Level Lock is compatible with the Ring app, there is a caveat. It works via Amazon Sidewalk integration through a compatible Sidewalk bridge. There are two options for that bridge at the moment, a Ring Video Doorbell Pro or a Floodlight Cam Wired Plus. These are both hard wired models. Without one of these you won’t be able to integrate the lock with the Ring app.
You’ll also need to be very sure it will fit your door given its compact design. Level has a comprehensive guide on precisely what you need to check before buying, so be sure to do that.
Aside from that, there is a catch with the touch control in that it doesn’t become available until it senses that you have ‘left’ the house. This is determined by a geofence in the app which can’t be adjusted. If you don’t go far enough away touch won’t be available (it’s still in ‘lock’ mode instead of switching to ‘unlock’).
That’s only an inconvenience though, as you can still unlock with key, card, or using the app as normal.
Oh, the Level locks ONLY supports Ring and Apple HomeKit, so if you plan to use it with another platform read on.
✔ Long battery life
✔ Touch and NFC unlocking
✘ Not compatible with all door hardware
✘ Only Ring and HomeKit support
Best With Z-Wave
Yale Assure SL
★★★★★
Key Features:
✔ Ring Certified
✔ External keypad
✔ No hub - Z-Wave
✔ Keyhole or touch pad only models
✔ Auto-lock
What I Like
If you do want a Z-Wave model that integrates directly with Ring Alarm, the Yale Assure SL range is probably your best bet. Like most other smart lock models, the Assure consists of a fairly large internal component that contains the batteries and smarts, and an external part that has the touchscreen keypad and (usually) keyhole. What’s nice with this range is you have a choice of keypad only, manual keypad, or touch keypad in a range of four optional finishes. It’s also one of the slimmer profiles among the more conventional smart lock designs.
There’s a decent auto lock/unlock feature, and you can program multiple codes for guests and family members which you can do through some supported apps, like SmartThings or Ring. You can also use Alexa for voice control when paired with a Z-Wave hub, including the Ring Alarm.
For something a little different, there’s a nice emergency battery feature which allows you to touch a 9V battery to contacts embedded in the bottom of the keypad in order to be able to unlock the door if the internal batteries are dead. Of course, you’ll need to go and get a 9V battery first as I doubt you carry those around with you. You could stash one outside somewhere for this purpose.
These extra features, better app integration, and a lower price point have led me to choose the Assure lock as the best Z-Wave smart lock option for Ring users.
Potential Concerns
The key-less model may seem nice and sleek, but there can be problems with motor jams on this model which can leave you stuck. A keyhole is a useful hedge to make sure you can always still unlock the door, even if you need to call a locksmith.
Jams can occur on any smart lock and are often the result of pressure on the door, or a misalignment. If your deadbolt moves smoothly and without friction this shouldn’t be an issue, but some folks have reported the motor occasionally jamming on the Assure lock so it’s worth noting.
A couple of other points are that battery life seems a bit limited, and there is a feature on the keypad here that locks the door by just touching the keypad anywhere. That’s convenient, but if you brush the pad while closing the door the bolt will engage before you close it.
✔ Slim lock profile
✔ Emergency battery feature
✘ Some units have had motor jam issues
✘ Battery life not as good
Best For Wi-Fi
Schlage Encode
★★★★✩
Key Features:
✔ External keypad
✔ No hub - Wi-Fi
✔ Keyhole access
✔ Auto-lock
✔ Snap-on install
✔ Tamper alarm
What I Like
Most of the Ring compatible smart locks connect to the Ring Alarm security system via Z-Wave, but if you are after something that offers independent app control as well, then the Schlage Encode offers a Wi-Fi alternative. You can’t integrate this with Ring directly, but it does with Ring Alarm by connecting it to Alexa first.
Like the Connect Schlage smart lock above, the Encode offers both vintage and modern styles in a range of 4 finishes. That’s a little less choice than on the Connect range, but it’s still a good selection of options.
The Encode is also one of the smaller smart lock models, with a more compact interior design that most, and the keypad back light can be activated by pressing the ‘house’ button without having to enter a digit first, which is a nice convenience. A more permanent back light would obviously be better, but it’s not practical with battery powered devices like these.
Potential Concerns
Schlage is a big name in locks but from my research it appears they’ve been having some issues lately with quality control. These locks don’t seem to hold up well in more extreme weather such as high humidity, frost, or direct rain exposure, and about 5% of customers are reporting early failures and poor component fit.
Wi-Fi signal can also be a problem here, but to be honest I wouldn’t expect much from a device with conventional batteries. Wi-Fi is a power hog, so you’re going to have to compromise on strength and battery life, which this does.
Finally, having to connect via a linked Alexa account to the Schlage app, and then to with Ring, requires jumping through a few extra hoops. Once done, it does work well, though.
✔ Easy snap-on installation
✔ Convenient night-light button
✘ Wi-Fi range is not great
✘ Some quality control issues
Z-Wave Runner-Up
Schlage Connect
★★★★✩
Key Features:
✔ Ring Certified
✔ External keypad
✔ No hub - Z-Wave Plus
✔ Keyhole access
✔ Auto-lock
✔ Snap-on install
✔ Tamper alarm
What I Like
Schlage is a big name in smart locks and produces some of the most reliable and robust models on the market. Not surprising coming from a well established maker of conventional door locks, but that legacy also tends to mean less innovative features. The Schlage Connect smart deadbolt is an excellent choice for a reliable Z-Wave option, but lacks any newer, more convenient unlocking methods.
I like Schlage’s range of finishes and styles, and the Connect offers both vintage and modern styles in a range of 5 finishes - Satin Nickel, Light Chrome, Matte Black, Satin Chrome, and Antique Bronze. That’s more than many other competitors, so there should be some for you in that selection. A built-in alarm for tampering is included as well. This is supposed to detect potential attempts to force the door.
The design is fairly conventional otherwise, with a larger internal unit to hold the batteries - you’ll get about 6 months out of a set - and a more compact lock barrel and touchscreen keypad outside. Once integrated with your Ring security system, you’ll have Alexa voice control with the ability to lock and unlock the door directly. You can also set up to 30 access codes using the Schlage app for various household members, and even guests since you can make these temporary.
Z-Wave support is certified not only for Ring, but also SmartThings, Wink, Iris, and Nexia home security systems.
Potential Concerns
Schlage is a big name in locks but from my research it appears they suffer from the all-too-common complaint of poor customer service. Now, I always take these with a grain of salt. Often times poor customer service complaints are more a matter of poor customers, but it’s a common enough occurrence in this case that it’s worth being aware of.
It’s worth noting that this touch pad smart lock doesn’t have the home button that the Encode does, which means you need to press a digit to activate the back light, and that counts as the first digit of your code. That’s not really helpful in the dark.
One other surprising issue is the choice of blue for the keypad can make it harder to see in daylight. This is going to vary from one person to the next, but white would have been a safer option.
✔ Solid build quality
✔ Good battery life
✘ Basic unlock methods
✘ Poor Support
Best Value
Kwikset SmartCode Lever
★★★★✩
Key Features:
✔ Ring Certified
✔ External keyhole SmartKey
✔ No hub - Z-Wave Plus
✔ Good battery life
✔ Compact keypad
✔ Reversible lever
✔ SmartKey self-re-keying
What I Like
Kwikset make good locks, and the Kwikset SmartCode 912 lever lock is no exception, you’ll get solid build quality and better battery life than anything other than the Level locks. It’s also good value being one of the highest rated Z-Wave lock in Kwiksets range at near the lowest price.
It’s compatible with Kiwkset’s SmartKey system, which allows you to easily re-key the lock yourself using the provided SmartKey tool, so if you have other KwikSet locks you can match them up on the one key.
It’s a good, basic Z-Wave lock that gets the job done but lacks any smart features on its own. That all comes from the hub you use. For that it’s certified with Ring, SmartThings, and Wink.
Potential Concerns
While it does support Z-Wave Plus for added security, it’s still using an older series 500 chipset so you won’t get the latest and greatest security improvements. There’s also a number of reports of quality control issues with units dead on arrival or failing within a short period of time. Given the overall positive customer ratings, however, these look to be edge cases.
✔ Self re-keying capability
✔ Reversible lever handle
✘ Some quality control issues
✘ Z-Wave range can be a little short
Other Ring Smart Lock Alternatives
Level Bolt
★★★★✩
Key Features:
✔ Ring Certified
✔ Super compact
✔ Long battery life
✔ No hub - Bluetooth
What I Like
This is the internal part of the Level Touch that I rated as the Best Overall smart lock. If you’re happy with your door hardware, you can actually just buy the Level Bolt and replace the internals without changing the look of your door at all. That’s appealing to some folks.
You’ll get excellent battery life and certified Ring integration, and no one needs to know you have a smart lock in there.
Potential Concerns
As with the Level Touch, confirming your door and existing hardware is compatible is critical here. The compact design mandates some specific requirements, and although Level assures that it’s compliant with ANSI standards, not all doors are. Use Levels comprehensive guide to confirm yours is OK before buying.
Also like the Level Lock you need a Sidewalk bridge device to use this with Ring, a Ring Video Doorbell Pro or a Floodlight Cam Wired Plus at the moment. These are both hard wired models. Without one of these you won’t be able to integrate the lock with the Ring app.
✔ Completely invisible
✔ Keeps your door hardware as-is
✘ Not compatible with all door hardware
✘ Supports Ring and HomeKit only
My Recommendations
When looking at all the options for Ring compatible smart locks, I’ve had a hard time narrowing the field to my top picks in each category. Battery life and build quality were recurring issues, so I’ve tried to knock those out as much as possible, and I think we’ve got a good selection in the list now.
The best overall smart lock for me has to be the Level Touch due to top class engineering, amazing discrete design, and innovative control methods. Having no keypad is an issue for some, though, and for those people I recommend the Yale Assure as the best model with a keypad. You can choose what style of keypad you want with that one, which gives some nice extra flexibility.
Beyond that I’ve called some other locks for different situations. Kwikset’s SmartCode 912 Lever lock range is a good quality, basic Z-Wave lock that will work with Ring and shaves off some dollars for the budget conscious. Finally, if you want a Wi-Fi model so you can integrate with other (non-Z-wave) systems as well, the Schalge Encode is your only option.
With anything home security related you can always discuss your needs with an expert. There are many local businesses that can help with this kind of thing, such as Clear Sound Security, that can give you a free security survey and other advice, or a home automation specialist like Avisio.
Questions About Smart Locks And Ring
Does Ring have a smart lock?
No, Ring doesn’t sell their own smart locks, but provides integration with third party locks in their Ring Alarm system. You can also get some integration with other brand smart locks via Alexa routines.
Is a smart lock worth it?
Arguably having a smart lock is a luxury and does complicate the otherwise simple concept of a door lock. But for the extra cost and maintenance (recharging batteries for example) you do gain several very useful features.
The most obvious benefit is having a backup for if you don’t have your keys, or if someone needs to get in when you’re not home. By using the Ring app, or the lock brands own app, on your phone you’ll be able to unlock the door from anywhere. You’ll also be able to monitor the lock state of your home and be alerted to people coming and going if your desire. Many smart locks also provide an access log or activity so you can review who came and went, and if the door was locked correctly or not.
Smart locks also provide a convenient means for sharing access to your home, permanently or temporarily by the use of guest access codes, shared app access, or contactless key cards.
Can you unlock your door with Ring?
Yes, using a compatible smart lock integrated with the Ring Alarm system you can unlock your front door with the Ring app. This can be useful if you see a visitor arrive on your Ring doorbell before you get home. You can also tie your Alarm state to your door lock, so entering code on the smart lock keypad can also disarm your alarm as you come in. Note the Ring Modes don’t affect lock states, only cameras and sensors.
How does a smart lock connect to Ring?
All smart locks communicate wirelessly, but you can’t integrate a smart lock with just the Ring app. Smart lock integration is with the Ring Alarm security system specifically. This requires the Ring Alarm base station to be set up in your home first, and that provides the hub that smart locks can connect to.
The base station support Z-Wave, which is how most third-party products connect to Ring Alarm. Some smart locks may use Bluetooth or connect via integration with Alexa and the new Sidewalk network.
Can I use any Z-Wave lock with Ring?
In theory Z-Wave ensures interoperability of devices with any Z-Wave certified controller/hub, but Ring only supports specific models in order to provide the correct functionality. That’s a limitation of the Ring app, not Z-Wave. You might still get other Z-Wave models to work, but there’s no guarantees, and you certainly won’t get any extra features, like the ability to manage user access codes via the Ring app.
It’s also important to remember that Z-Wave radios are region specific. Different regions use different frequencies and can’t work together. For this reason, make sure you only buy devices from the same region as your Ring Alarm base station.
What are the disadvantages of smart locks?
There are a few potential disadvantages when it comes to smart locks. The biggest of these is the possibility of the lock failing to respond. This could be due to communication issues with the smart lock, or the battery in the lock being too low to be able to actuate the bolt. In these cases you can usually still fall back on the manual key, so long as you still carry it with you.
The other is losing the device associated with your smart lock account. This could pose bigger problems as you may lose the ability to configure or reset the device. Having a backup device and saving your account details in a good password manager will be effective mitigations for this.
The bigger concern could be around front door security. Many smart locks actually don’t have very good lock barrels, which can make them relatively easy to pick, but this isn’t an issue specific to smart locks per se, but consumer locks in general. The fear of the lock being hacked isn’t really a major concern as most people would expect. The data connection security of major brand smart locks is reasonably robust, certainly enough to fend of unsophisticated break and enter attackers.
