Best Smart Locks for Outdoor Gates
A smart lock for an outdoor gate has a harder job than one on your front door, because it faces rain, temperature swings, and the occasional bump from a lawnmower or a delivery driver. The picks below focus on models that are genuinely sold in the US and that owners commonly use on gates, fences, and outbuildings rather than only on entry doors.
Quick answer
The Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi is the best overall pick for most outdoor gates because it combines a familiar keypad deadbolt design with app control and a wide range of smart home integrations.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Checked specifications against manufacturer documentation before publishing
- Every pick here is a currently sold US model, and we flag where a lock is rated for outdoor use versus where owners are simply using it outdoors successfully.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
The single biggest factor is whether the lock is actually rated for exterior use. Many smart deadbolts are designed for a covered front door and will fail early if rain sits on the keypad or the electronics. Beyond weather rating, think about how you want to unlock the gate: a keypad code is fastest for guests and contractors, while app or auto-unlock is more convenient for family members. Check the gate thickness and whether the existing hole pattern matches a standard deadbolt, because retrofitting a gate can mean drilling or adding a reinforcement plate. Finally, confirm the wireless protocol works with your phone and any hub you already own, since Wi-Fi drains batteries faster than Bluetooth or Z-Wave.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi | Best Overall | Keypad deadbolt, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | 93/100 |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best for Apple Home | Keypad deadbolt, Wi-Fi and Thread | 92/100 |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Best for Retrofitting an Existing Deadbolt | Retrofit interior unit, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | 90/100 |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | Best Fingerprint Option | Keypad and fingerprint deadbolt, Wi-Fi | 89/100 |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Best Value | Keypad and fingerprint deadbolt, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | 88/100 |
| Level Lock Plus | Best Hidden Design | Invisible interior smart lock, Bluetooth with optional Wi-Fi bridge | 86/100 |
| Bosma Aegis Smart Door Lock | Best Budget | Retrofit interior unit, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | 84/100 |
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi
Top pickPros
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home via modules
- Keypad plus app plus optional auto-unlock
- Clean, low profile design that suits gates
Cons
- Battery life drops with heavy Wi-Fi use
- Not fully weatherproof without some shelter
The Assure Lock 2 is one of the most flexible smart deadbolts on the market, and its keypad makes it practical for a gate where you want to hand out codes. Based on manufacturer specifications it supports Wi-Fi out of the box on this version, so you do not need a separate hub. Owner feedback themes suggest it holds up well on covered gates but struggles in direct, driving rain.
Schlage Encode Plus
Apple friendlyPros
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub needed
- Supports Apple Home Key tap to unlock
- ANSI Grade 1 residential security rating
Cons
- Premium price
- Thread features need a compatible home hub
Schlage has a long track record in residential deadbolts, and the Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key so you can tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock. The built-in Wi-Fi means it connects directly to your network without an extra bridge. It is a strong choice for a gate that gets regular family traffic rather than just occasional guests.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
RetrofitPros
- Keeps your existing exterior keyed deadbolt
- Auto-unlock as you arrive
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home
Cons
- Interior unit is not weather rated
- Needs a compatible single cylinder deadbolt
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock replaces only the interior thumb turn, so your gate keeps its existing exterior hardware. That is useful when a gate already has a sturdy deadbolt you do not want to replace. Because the smart unit lives indoors, it only suits gates where the inside face is sheltered, such as a gate into a covered porch or garage.
Kwikset Halo Touch
Touch entryPros
- Fingerprint reader avoids codes entirely
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub
- Backup keyway included
Cons
- Fingerprint sensor can struggle with wet or dirty fingers
- Fewer advanced integrations than some rivals
The Halo Touch adds a fingerprint reader to a familiar keypad deadbolt, which is handy on a gate where you may not want to type a code with full hands. It connects over Wi-Fi directly and includes a traditional key as a fallback. Based on owner feedback themes, the fingerprint reader works well in dry conditions but is less reliable after rain or yard work.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
Budget smartPros
- IP65 weather resistance rating
- Fingerprint, code, app, and key entry
- Lower price than big name rivals
Cons
- App can be less polished than premium brands
- Build feels lighter than Grade 1 locks
The U-Bolt Pro WiFi packs fingerprint, keypad, app, and key access into a package that usually costs less than the major brands. Its IP65 rating is a real advantage for an outdoor gate, since it is explicitly tested against dust and water jets. That makes it one of the more sensible choices for a gate with limited overhead cover.
Level Lock Plus
DiscreetPros
- Looks like a normal deadbolt from outside
- Works with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google
- Quiet motorized operation
Cons
- Needs a separate bridge for remote access
- Higher price for the feature set
The Level Lock Plus hides all the smart electronics inside the door or gate, leaving only a standard-looking keyed cylinder visible outside. That is appealing if you do not want a gate that advertises its smart hardware to passersby. Remote access requires the Level Bridge, so factor that into the cost.
Bosma Aegis Smart Door Lock
Low costPros
- Very affordable entry into smart locks
- Keeps existing exterior deadbolt
- Simple app setup
Cons
- Interior unit is not weather rated
- Fewer integrations than premium brands
The Bosma Aegis is a retrofit lock that replaces the inside thumb turn, similar in concept to August but at a lower price. It suits a gate where the interior side is protected and you mainly want app control and auto-unlock. Based on manufacturer specifications it works with Alexa and Google Home, though the integration list is shorter than the top picks.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
Skip any smart lock that is explicitly sold as an indoor-only unit if your gate is fully exposed to rain, and avoid retrofit locks whose electronics sit on the outdoor side of the gate. Also think twice about buying a lock that needs a proprietary hub you do not already own, because that adds cost and another point of failure.
Before You Buy
Measure your gate thickness and the diameter of the existing deadbolt hole before ordering, since most smart deadbolts assume a standard door preparation. Check whether the gate swings freely and latches without force, because a misaligned gate will wear out a motorized lock quickly. Confirm the wireless protocol matches your phone and hub, and decide up front whether you want keypad codes, fingerprints, or app-only access.
FAQs
Can I use an indoor smart lock on an outdoor gate?
Only if the gate is well sheltered. Indoor-rated locks are not tested against rain, and moisture on the keypad or circuit board is a common cause of early failure.
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Most still work locally over Bluetooth or with a keypad code, but remote access and notifications need Wi-Fi or a hub. Some models also support Thread or Z-Wave instead of Wi-Fi.
How long do batteries last in an outdoor smart lock?
Cold weather and frequent Wi-Fi use both shorten battery life. Many owners report needing to change batteries more often in winter than the manufacturer estimate suggests.
Will a smart lock fit my existing gate?
It depends on the hole size and gate thickness. Retrofit locks that keep your existing deadbolt are the easiest fit, while full replacements may need drilling or a reinforcement plate.
Are smart locks secure enough for a gate?
A quality deadbolt with a Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating is the core of the security. Smart features add convenience, but the physical bolt and strike plate do most of the work.
What happens if the battery dies?
Most models give warning notifications and include a backup keyway or a temporary external power option. Keep a physical key accessible in case the electronics fail.
Our verdict
For most outdoor gates, the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi offers the best balance of price, features, and smart home support, provided the keypad has some shelter. If your gate is fully exposed, the IP65 rated Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is the safer bet. Match the lock to your gate's weather exposure first, then pick the entry method you will actually use.