Smart Lock vs Traditional Deadbolt: Which Should You Buy?
A deadbolt has been the standard front door lock for decades, but smart locks now offer keyless entry, remote access, and activity logs that a plain mechanical bolt simply cannot match. The right choice comes down to how much convenience and connected control you want versus how much you value simplicity, battery-free reliability, and a lower upfront cost.
Quick answer
A traditional deadbolt wins on simplicity, reliability, and price, but a smart lock wins overall for most US homeowners who want keyless entry, remote management, and the ability to grant temporary access.
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
- We compare locks on real US retail availability, published manufacturer specifications, and recurring owner-feedback themes rather than hands-on lab testing.
Research updated September 2026.
| Factor | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Kwikset 660 Deadbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Factor | Schlage Encode Plus | Kwikset 660 |
| Power source | 4 AA batteries | None |
| Entry methods | Keypad, app, key, home key | Physical key only |
| Security rating | ANSI Grade 1 | ANSI Grade 1 |
| Remote access | Yes, via WiFi | No |
| Typical price band | About $250 to $300 | About $25 to $40 |
| Maintenance | Battery changes and firmware updates | Occasional lubrication |
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Best smart lock overallPros
- Built-in WiFi means no separate hub or bridge to buy
- ANSI Grade 1 rating is the highest residential security grade
- Supports Apple home key and major voice assistants
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than a basic deadbolt
- Battery life depends heavily on WiFi traffic and usage
This is one of the few smart deadbolts with WiFi built directly into the lock, so it works with your home network without an extra hub. It carries an ANSI Grade 1 rating, which is the same security tier many traditional deadbolts are sold under. The tradeoff is price and the need to monitor batteries.
Kwikset 660 Deadbolt
Best traditional deadboltPros
- No batteries, apps, or WiFi to manage
- ANSI Grade 1 rating at a fraction of smart lock pricing
- SmartKey lets you re-key the lock yourself in seconds
Cons
- No remote access, codes, or activity history
- You must carry and use a physical key
A basic Grade 1 deadbolt like this is the benchmark that smart locks are measured against. It has no electronics to fail, no batteries to replace, and no network to configure. For renters or anyone who wants zero maintenance, it remains a strong and inexpensive choice.
Where Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Wins
The smart lock wins on convenience and control. You can issue temporary codes to guests or contractors, check whether the door is locked from your phone, and skip carrying a key entirely. Built-in WiFi removes the hub requirement that trips up many buyers.
Where Kwikset 660 Deadbolt Wins
The traditional deadbolt wins on cost, reliability, and zero maintenance. There is nothing to charge, pair, or update, and a mechanical lock is not vulnerable to WiFi outages or app failures. At roughly a tenth of the price, it is the practical pick for a rental or a secondary door.
FAQs
Are smart locks as secure as traditional deadbolts?
Security depends on the ANSI/BHMA grade, not on whether the lock is smart. A Grade 1 smart lock and a Grade 1 mechanical deadbolt meet the same residential security standard. The difference is that smart locks add electronic attack surfaces such as app accounts and wireless signals.
Do smart locks work if the WiFi goes down?
Most smart locks keep working at the door even without WiFi. Keypad codes and physical keys are stored locally, so you can still get in. You just lose remote access and app notifications until the connection returns.
How long do smart lock batteries last?
It varies widely by model and usage. Locks with built-in WiFi tend to drain faster than Bluetooth or Z-Wave models, and heavy keypad use shortens life further. Many manufacturers rate typical use in the range of several months per set of batteries.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Most smart deadbolts are designed as direct replacements for a standard deadbolt and use the same door prep. If your door already has a deadbolt bore, installation is usually a screwdriver job. Doors without existing prep may need drilling.
Is a traditional deadbolt cheaper to own long term?
Yes. A mechanical deadbolt has no batteries, no firmware, and no app subscription to worry about. Over several years the total cost of ownership is typically much lower than a smart lock, even though the smart lock adds features.
Which is better for a rental property?
It depends on your role. Renters often prefer a traditional deadbolt because it is cheap and requires no landlord permission for WiFi setup. Landlords and hosts often prefer smart locks because they can issue and revoke codes between tenants without re-keying.
Our verdict
For most US homeowners, a smart lock like the Schlage Encode Plus is the better buy because keyless entry and remote access change how you use your front door every day. A traditional deadbolt like the Kwikset 660 remains the smarter pick if you want the lowest cost, zero maintenance, and no dependence on batteries or an app.