2025 is the year we’re ditching the old-fashioned lock and key. An electronic lock with a keypad enhances your security and puts you in control of who can access your property – even from thousands of miles away. Going keyless is the future and the first step to creating an automated smart home.
The best electronic keypad door lock will give you the flexibility to create temporary and one-time codes for Airbnb guests, family members, and employees. Wave goodbye to physical keys and enjoy the peace of mind of innovative features like auto-locking and rechargeable batteries.
We’re sharing our advice on how to shop for a front door keypad lock with recommendations from the best-selling Aqara smart lock range.
What is an Electronic Lock with Keypad?
An electronic keypad lock replaces the traditional physical key with a numerical keypad, along with other unlocking options. Also known as a “smart lock”, an electronic lock with keypad can be unlocked with everything from your Apple Watch to a temporary passcode or fingerprint.
These innovative locks are typically powered by traditional or rechargeable batteries. A door lock with key and code improves the security of a building while adding convenience by removing the need for a physical key. You’ll never need to hide a spare key or worry about getting locked out of your property again with multiple access methods.
Enhanced controls allow you to manage access codes from your phone and lock or unlock your door remotely. Just like a video doorbell, an electronic lock sends alerts to your smart device when your door is unlocked or locked. By removing physical keys and manual locking, you can boost the automation of your smart home.
What to Look for in an Electronic Keypad Lock
There’s an electronic keypad lock to suit every type of property and budget. Whether you’re searching for a smart keypad for your own home or a commercial property, a front door keypad lock is an easy-to-use smart home device.
We’re sharing six things to look for when comparing different electronic keypad locks. Looking for advice tailored to your security needs? Read our in-depth guide on the best smart locks for different situations.
Security Features
Security features are the main selling point for an electronic keypad lock. You can expect the best electronic keypad door lock to offer innovative features like auto-locking, tamper alerts, and encryption. Some keypad locks include the option of 2-factor authentication for app access as an extra layer of security, ideal for commercial properties.
By swapping a traditional door lock for an electronic keypad lock, you’re removing the risk of lock picking and reducing the potential for break-ins. The best digital keypad lock will connect to your smartphone via your smart hub, Bluetooth, or wi-fi, allowing you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere with real-time alerts. You can check the door’s access history and generate one-time passcodes or share access via Apple Home Key.
Smart Home Compatibility - Understanding Matter
A front door keypad lock is a crucial part of your smart home set-up. It’s one of the best products to establish your smart home, especially if you’re working towards an automated setup.
An electronic keypad lock is usually compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Matter. These integrations expand the potential of your electronic keypad lock, facilitating voice control and automation.
Choosing a Matter-compatible electronic keypad door lock is one of the best ways to future-proof your smart home. Check out our guide on the best Matter smart home devices to curate a seamless smart home eco-system that aligns with your daily lifestyle needs.
Installation & Design Considerations
A front door keypad lock is one of the easiest smart home devices to install. Most electronic keypad locks are designed with DIY installation in mind, either with retrofitting or as a deadbolt replacement.
If you have a commercial or rental property, you’ll want to consider the design aesthetic of your chosen electronic keypad lock. As a smart home device, most smart locks have a sleek and minimalistic design, making them ideal for modern properties.
Battery Life & Power Options
A battery-powered smart lock will typically have a 6-to-12-month battery lifespan, depending on daily use. If you’re remotely managing a property, you may want to prioritize an electronic keypad lock with a longer battery life or a dual-power option, such as battery and solar power. Some of the best digital keypad door locks, such as the U100 Smart Lock offer an emergency USB-C power option.
Unlocking Options
Don’t forget to think practically! An electronic keypad lock replaces a traditional key with other unlocking options, from NFC cards to pin codes and fingerprint recognition. While you can have a mechanical key backup, it’s important to consider the functionality of your smart lock and what will work best for your daily access needs.
Design & Durability
Unlike most of your smart home devices, a smart lock is located outside your front door, exposing it to the elements. While a modern design and touchscreen display are attractive, your electronic lock with keypad needs to be weather resistant, especially if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions. A smart lock is a high-traffic device, requiring a durable design to survive the wear and tear of regular use.
How to Open an Electronic Lock
An electronic lock can be opened in multiple ways. We’re breaking down the most common ways to unlock an electronic keypad lock.
1. Keypad
Enter the PIN code into the keypad. The best digital keypad door lock will enable you to create multiple user codes, ideal for family members, frequent guests, and cleaners. You may be able to create a one-time code for additional visitors.
2. Fingerprint
Unlock the smart lock by touching the sensor or touchscreen to wake it up. Place the registered finger – typically the index finger of your dominant hand – onto the fingerprint sensor for a few seconds.
3. App
You can unlock an electronic keypad lock using an associated app. It’s an ideal hands-free option and can enable you to unlock your property remotely.
4. Mechanical Key
An ideal backup in the event of a power outage or an emergency. Most smart locks have a hidden keyhole with a physical key to manually unlock it.
5. NFC/Phone Unlock
Open the smart lock by tapping an NFC-enabled device (like your smartphone or smart card) near the sensor. Many high-end electronic locks support contactless unlocking for added convenience.
6. Bluetooth Unlock
Unlock the door automatically when your paired smartphone approaches, or manually via the lock’s companion app. This hands-free method is perfect when your hands are full.
Top Aqara Smart Keypad Door Locks for 2025
Before you start shopping for an electronic keypad lock, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Aqara smart lock range. We’re making our recommendations for which electronic lock with keypad is best suited for each type of user to help you find the optimal device for your home or office.
Aqara Smart Lock U50 – Best Budget-Friendly Pick
At just $150, the Aqara Smart Lock U50 is one of our best-selling options. It’s an ideal gateway into the world of smart home technology and is suitable for rental properties, whether you’re a resident or renting out short or through Airbnb.
Compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, this front door keypad lock is affordable and easy to install. You can unlock your front door with the Apple Home App or your Apple Watch for an easy key-free experience. It also seamlessly integrates with Google Home and Alexa, making it suitable for multi-device smart homes. You can expect up to 6 months of battery life, making it ideal for rental properties and office spaces.
This smart lock utilizes the Zigbee protocol with auto-lock and door status-sensing features. You can enable an always-open setting for busy work environments and a quiet mode for night-time, ideal if you have kids or elderly family members.
Aqara Smart Lock U100 – Best for Apple Users
At a slightly higher price point of $190, the Smart Lock U100 is a best-seller and the go-to option for Apple users. It supports advanced HomeKit integration, including Apple Home Key, and is ideal for smart home enthusiasts focusing on Apple-supported devices. Its sleek design and robust security options make it suitable for home and office use.
This deadbolt lock offers multiple unlocking methods, including fingerprint with multiple user support, enabling you to store up to 50 fingerprints. It also offers power-independent access and easy guest access management, allowing you to share door access with guests directly through the Apple Home app.
The Smart Lock U100 has an extended battery life of up to 8 months with a USB-C port for emergency charging, keeping your smart lock operational. This front door keypad lock is the ultimate way to upgrade your smart home setup.
Aqara Smart Lock U200 – Best Wireless Installation Option
If you want an easy installation and Matter compatibility, look no further than the Smart Lock U200. Considered one of the best digital keypad door locks, it works with multiple ecosystems and has a rechargeable battery, meaning you don’t have to worry about changing the battery.
At a higher price point of $270, this electronic keypad lock is ideal for office use and has one of the best wireless installation options. Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, this versatile smart lock offers robust security and easy installation.
You can set temporary passwords, perfect for shared office spaces and short-term rentals, with a quiet unlock mode and additional unlock methods. The keypad can be unlocked by an Apple Watch, Apple Home Key, or NFC key for even more convenient options. The built-in gyroscope enables the smart lock to send alerts if your door is left option, while automatically locking your door every time you leave.
The Smart Lock U200 can be seamlessly installed over your existing door lock with an emergency function. No need for door modifications or installing extra wires. It’s compatible with both mortise and deadbolt locks.
Aqara Smart Lock U300 – Best Premium All-Around Lock
If you’re a tech enthusiast investing in your smart home set-up, consider the Aqara Smart Lock U300. Its sleek design makes it a premium choice for a durable build and stylish look. Available in black and grey, the U300 is the first Matter-compatible leveret with fingerprint access and Apple Home Key.
It can be unlocked with an iPhone, Apple Watch, or secure NFC cards – even without power. The fingerprint reader can store up to 50 fingerprints, 75 codes, 10 NFC records, and 10 Matter users, making it the best electronic keypad lock for office use. It switches between Passage Mode and auto-lock after user verification and has an impressive 10-month battery life.
You can optimize the Smart Lock U300 by integrating it with the Aqara Home app and Aqara 2-in-1 Thread Border Router and Matter Controller for advanced automation.
What is the Best Electronic Keypad Door Lock for You?
An electronic keypad lock is a popular option for rental properties, making it easy for guests to securely check-in without needing someone to give them a physical key. While the advice below will also apply to you in this scenario, we can check out our in-depth guide to the best smart locks for Airbnb and short-term rentals.
What to consider when choosing your smart lock:
· Ensure the electronic keypad lock is compatible with your other devices or main ecosystem, such as Apple, Google, or Amazon Alexa.
· Door compatibility, including whether you want a retrofit or deadbolt door lock, along with the installation process.
· Daily usage patterns and whether you need a high volume of additional passcodes or the option of remote access for family members or guests.
FAQs about the Best Smart Keypad Door Lock
· Are electronic keypad locks safe?
A digital keypad door lock is more secure than a traditional mechanical lock with advanced security features. It provides access code control with encrypted digital access. You don’t have to worry about a physical key being lost or copied and most smart locks have a tamper-resistant design.
· What happens if the lock’s battery dies?
Don’t worry! You won’t be locked out if the battery of your electronic keypad lock dies. Every smart lock has a backup option, whether it’s a physical key or an offline mode.
· Can I install an electronic lock myself?
Most smart locks are designed for easy DIY installation. There’s no wiring required, and most are installed in a similar way to a manual door lock.
· Do I need Wi-Fi for an electronic lock to work?
You don’t need wi-fi for your electronic keypad lock to work. While wi-fi is required for features like remote unlocking and access sharing, a smart lock can still lock and unlock with a pin and use auto-lock timers without wi-fi.
Shop for the Best Smart Keypad Door Lock at Aqara to Curate Your Smart Home
Wave goodbye to losing your front door keys. An electronic keypad lock is the modern way to secure your home with hassle-free technology that enables you to unlock your door from anywhere, including providing one-time codes and unique codes for frequent visitors. It’s the first step to automating your home. Shop the best electronic keypad door lock range at Aqara or expand your smart home set-up by exploring our new arrivals.
