The Best Smart Locks for Your Outdoor Gate
We researched over 100 products and found the best Smart Locks for your Outdoor Gate.
We’ve analysed the top rated smart locks for exterior gates and what users have had to say about their experience with them for you.
Ready to end fishing for your keys when you’ve got your hands full, banging your head against the wall when you’ve been locked out? Or rushing home to unlock your gate when visitors have arrived? Here’s our list of recommended smart locks for your exterior gate.
In our research, the ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro came up as the best overall smart lock for exterior gates.
But whether you’re looking to get a keyless outdoor lock on a budget or a smart outdoor lock with the most versatile features, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started.
Things To Note Before Buying
Existing Gate Types
Ensure your Smart Lock is suitable for your gate mechanism (Deadbolt / Spring Latch / Mortice)
Wifi Connectivity
Most Smart Locks connect via 2.4 GHz Wifi Connectivity
Elderly Use
Fingerprints can wear down as we get older, ensure an alternative access method for elderly users
Weather
If your lock will be exposed to wet or cold conditions, ensure the lock you buy is weatherproof
Smart Hub Connectivity
Ensure your Smart Lock can connect to your existing Smart Hub
Remotely Control Lock
Ensure your Smart Lock can be accessed remotely if you require this function
Best For Deadbolt Locks
You don’t have to choose between a fingerprint smart lock or a pin activated smart lock with the ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro. Having one of the most versatile access methods (fingerprint, smartphone, pin, phone shake and physical key) and built-in weatherproofing, the Ultraloq Smart Lock is our best overall pick.
Best For Deadbolt Locks | ||
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Gate Type | Deadbolt | |
Connectivity | Amazon Alexa, Google Home Kit, Apple Homekit, Bluetooth | |
Entry Modes | Smartphone, Anti-peep Keypad, Auto Unlock, Shake to Open, Mechanical Key Touch and Go 360° Fingerprint ID | |
Battery Mode | 4 Triple A Batteries (Battery lasts up to a year and low battery alerts you beforehand) | |
Waterproof | Outer Side Waterproof, Inner Side Not Waterproof | |
Emergency | Yes | |
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CONS | ||
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Best For Spring Latch Gates
The Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock lock has a variety of entry modes. It is made for spring latch doors and gates. Users have reported installation being a breeze with video installation instructions available if you need them. The Sifely application to control the lock is pleasantly user-friendly. For people who are used to having a physical door handle but want the intuitive functions of a Smart Lock, this Smart Lock is for you.
Best For Spring Latch Gates | |
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Gate Type | Spring Latch |
Connectivity | • Bluetooth •Connects with Amazon Alexa abd Google Homekit if you get their Wifi Gateway |
Entry Modes | Smartphone, Fingerprint, Pin Code, Auto Unlock, Key, Physical Key, Smart Card |
Battery Mode | 4AA Batteries (Battery lasts up to a year and low battery alerts you beforehand) |
Waterproof | Both Sides Water Resistant |
Emergency Physical Keys | Yes |
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Best Lock On A Budget
Lametuty Fingerprint Padlock is the best lock on a budget if you have a padlock gate or if you don’t mind some drilling installation, this device comes with hasps (a hinged clasp used for securing a door) for you to secure the gate you intend to lock.
Although it isn’t a traditional Smart Lock, users are able to register multiple fingerprints and it can be unlocked via its application. You can also get real time updates on its access logs and set unlock period times for visitors once you register on the app.
Best Lock On A Budget | |
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Gate Type | Padlock (or others if you are willing to install clasp on) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Entry Modes | Smartphone, Fingerprint Scanner |
Battery Mode | USB Charge |
Waterproof | Waterproof Device |
Emergency Physical Keys | No |
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Best For Apple Home Kit Connectivity
Created by a company that has been making locks for over 100 Years, the Yale Assure Lock SL Wi-Fi Smart Lock is great for people who want to connect to the Apple Homekit (which most Smart Locks tend to exclude). It comes with customizable features and add-ons such as a Garage Control kit to automate opening and closing your garage door. You are also able to customize the look of your lock and choose between a keypad or touchscreen, and whether you want a door handle or not.
Best For Apple Home Kit Connectivity | |
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Gate Type | Deadbolt |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit |
Entry Modes | Smartphone, Pin Code, Auto Unlock, Physical Key |
Battery Mode | 4AA Batteries |
Waterproof | Both Sides are Water Resistant |
Emergency Physical Keys | Available if You Choose Keypad with Key Option |
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Comparison Table
With all these great options on hand, let’s have a look at which smart lock is the most suitable for you.
Gate Type | Deadbolt | Spring Latch | Padlock (or others if you are willing to install clasp on) | Deadbolt |
Connectivity | Amazon Alexa, Google Home Kit, Apple Homekit, Bluetooth | • Bluetooth •Connects with Amazon Alexa abd Google Homekit if you get their Wifi Gateway | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit |
Entry Modes | Smartphone, Anti-peep Keypad, Auto Unlock, Shake to Open, Mechanical Key Touch and Go 360° Fingerprint ID | Smartphone, Fingerprint, Pin Code, Auto Unlock, Key, Physical Key, Smart Card | Smartphone, Fingerprint Scanner | Smartphone, Pin Code, Auto Unlock, Physical Key |
Waterproof | Outer Side Waterproof, Inner Side Not Waterproof | Both Sides Water Resistant | Waterproof Device | Both Sides are Water Resistant |
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In Depth Buying Guide
Before buying your Smart Lock, ensure you understand all the things you should look out for before purchasing your lock so that you don’t waste your money on a lock that isn’t suitable for your existing gate.
Location of Lock (Outdoor, Weather)
The location of the gate you are looking to use the smart lock on is crucial when making a decision. Is your gate in a sheltered area? If it is, you will have no problems with any one of these smart locks.
If your gate is not sheltered, you may need to consider whether both sides of the lock will be exposed to wet weather conditions, or only the outer side of the lock will be exposed to th ese weather conditions. This is because some weatherproof smart locks have weatherproofing only on the outer side of the lock such as the ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro.
If you need a Smart Lock that is weatherproof on both sides, the Yale Assure Lock SL Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock is your best pick.
Alternatively, you may want to consider picking up a waterproof cover (insert link) for the part of the lock that will be exposed to the outdoor elements.
Gate Locking Mechanism (Deadbolt? Spring Latch? Mortise?)
All gates have different locking mechanisms so make sure the lock you get works with your type of gate. If your gate locks with a deadbolt or a spring latch or even a mortise style lock, you will have more options in choosing a smart lock for it as most smart locks are catered to this type of lock.
If you have a fence or metal gate that uses a padlock or sliding lock, you may need to wait for manufacturers to catch up to incorporating smart hub connectivity to their locks as there aren’t many available on the market at the moment. The closest we can get to “smart locking” padlock gates are bluetooth padlocks at the moment.
Lock Measurements
Make sure you check the measurements of your gate and the recommended measurement of each lock before you make your purchase so that it will fit seamlessly. Users have complained of ill fitting locks because they overlooked checking the measurements before purchase.
Running on 2.4 GHz Wifi
Most – if not all – Smart Locks work on 2.4 GHz connection at the moment. This means if your house mainly uses a 5 GHz wifi connection, you may need to reconsider or make adjustments on which wifi connection you use to integrate your lock with your existing smart devices at home.
Wifi Gateway
Most Smart Locks require an external device (usually sold separately as an add-on) when you are purchasing your smart lock to allow your lock to connect to your home’s Smart Hub. This device is called a Wifi Gateway. For your ease, all the smart locks we have recommended are linked with the Wifi Gateway. Also, make sure your Wifi Gateway is plugged to an outlet as close as possible to your Smart Lock.
Fingerprint Scanner for Elderly
As we get older, our fingerprints may wear out. This is important to keep in mind if you have an elderly person regularly accessing your gate lock. Ensure you choose a Smart Lock which has alternative methods of entry other than a fingerprint scanner if you have an elderly guests accessing it frequently such as via pin code or an access key card.
Emergency Keys
If you are worried about your smart lock failing on you for any reason, it would be best to get a Smart Lock with a physical key as one of its access methods to ensure you are never caught in a situation where you can’t access your gate.
Conclusion
There’s a Smart Lock available for all kinds of exterior gates, and the ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro is our top pick. It’s sleek look, multiple access entry methods and weatherproof design ticks all the boxes on our list.
Ready to ditch the keys and access your gate with ease? Get all the products we’ve rated via the links below.
Best for Deadbolt: ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro
Best for Spring Latch Gates: Sifely Smart Latch Lock
Best for Budget Pick: Lametuty Fingerprint Padlock
Best for Apple HomeKit Connectivity: Yale Assure Lock SL Wi-Fi Smart Lock