> At a Glance
> – The TP-Link Tapo DL110 tops the list at $150 with BHMA Grade 2 durability, built-in Wi-Fi, and fingerprint access
> – Five locks priced between $80-$180 deliver solid security without breaking the bank
> – Why it matters: Smart-home protection now costs under a typical dinner out, making security upgrades accessible to renters and homeowners alike
Smart locks used to mean dropping $200+, but 2026 brings reliable picks for about $100. Daniel J. Whitman tested dozens to find the best budget models that still guard your door.
Top Pick: TP-Link Tapo DL110
The Tapo DL110 lands at $150 (often on sale for less) and nails the basics:
- BHMA Grade 2 metal housing rated for home and light commercial use
- Fingerprint sensor stores 100 prints, keypad, app and Bluetooth unlock
- Built-in Wi-Fi-no extra hub required
- USB-C rechargeable battery lasts about a year
The only hiccup: you pull the battery pack to recharge, so keep a USB-C cable handy.
Toughest Option: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro
Need maximum strength? The $180 U-Bolt Pro earns BHMA Grade 1-the same rating found on many commercial doors. A compact front sensor reads prints in under a second, while the interior module hides Wi-Fi radios and four AA batteries. It works with Alexa, Google and IFTTT, plus sends temporary eKeys to guests.
Apple-Friendly Pick: Aqara U50
Apple households on a budget can grab the $150 Aqara U50. It keeps HomeKit and Matter support, so you can tap to unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The lock auto-locks, offers quiet mode, and uses four AAs. You’ll need an Aqara Zigbee hub for Wi-Fi remote control, but keypad and Bluetooth work out of the box.
Retrofit Choice: SwitchBot Smart Lock
Renters who can’t swap hardware love the $100 SwitchBot. It sticks over your existing deadbolt in minutes-no screwdriver required. Timers, auto-lock and sharing controls run via Bluetooth; add a Hub Mini for voice control or Hub 2 for Matter. Expect shorter battery life, but replacement is tool-free.
Cheapest Full Lock: Wyze Lock Bolt v.2
Wyze returns with the $80 Lock Bolt v.2, adding a physical key slot to the original keypad/fingerprint combo. Two AA batteries last up to 8 months, the Wyze app stays simple, and you get IP53 weather sealing plus BHMA Grade 2 security. No Apple support, and recent security breaches have been addressed, according to News Of Los Angeles testing.
Quick Compare
| Model | Price | Durability | Power | Voice | Key Pad | Finger Print | Key Override |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapo DL110 | $150 | BHMA 2 | Li-ion USB-C | Alexa/Google | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| U-Bolt Pro | $180 | BHMA 1 | 4×AA | Alexa/Google | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Aqara U50 | $150 | BHMA 3 | 4×AA | HomeKit/Matter | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| SwitchBot | $100 | n/a | Built-in Li | With hub | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Wyze v.2 | $80 | BHMA 2 | 2×AA | Alexa/Google | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Key Takeaways
- The Tapo DL110 is the best all-rounder under $150, blending Wi-Fi, fingerprint and sturdy Grade 2 metal
- Need maximum strength? The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is the only budget lock with BHMA Grade 1 protection
- Apple users should grab the Aqara U50 for Home Key and Matter-just budget for a Zigbee hub
- Renters can keep their old deadbolt and still go smart with the adhesive-backed SwitchBot for $100
- The Wyze Lock Bolt v.2 is the cheapest full replacement at $80, now with a physical key fallback
Pick the lock that matches your phone, door and wallet, and you’ll add keyless convenience without the premium price.
