Do I need a hub for a smart lock?

That depends on the lock and the functions you want. Check its manual for required radios, bridges, and remote-access setup. The hubs featured here are supporting infrastructure, not universal compatibility guarantees. Confirm support for the exact lock model and desired features before purchasing either device.

Will a smart lock work without internet?

Check the specific lock’s manual rather than assuming all entry methods work offline. Local entry, remote access, and automated routines can have different requirements. Our buying preference is documented local control, but a locally operating hub alone does not establish what a connected lock will do during an outage.

Should I choose a smart lock with Matter and Thread?

Our buying rule favors Matter and Thread to reduce ecosystem lock-in. Verify support on the lock itself and confirm the infrastructure its manual requires. Aqara Hub M3 is listed as a Matter controller and Thread border router, but that does not establish compatibility with every lock or every feature.

What happens when a smart lock battery dies?

Backup entry procedures differ by model, so read the lock’s manual before buying and follow its battery-replacement guidance. Confirm how you would enter if battery power were unavailable, and keep any specified backup method accessible. Our supplied lineup includes no locks, so we cannot verify a particular model’s procedure.

The best smart locks

We cannot name the best smart locks from this review list because it contains no locks; the picks below are supporting hubs, not lock recommendations.

Research-based article drawn from our 25 smart home devices reviews. Updated September 2026.

Short answer

There is no defensible best smart lock pick in our reviewed lineup because none of the supplied products is a lock. For supporting infrastructure, Home Assistant Green suits local-control buyers, Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro suits offline Z-Wave and Zigbee automation, and Aqara Hub M3 offers Matter and Thread infrastructure. Confirm compatibility with your chosen lock before buying any hub.

Our picks for “best smart locks”

Home Assistant Green: for buyers prioritizing local control

Home Assistant Green is our first supporting-hub pick for privacy-conscious buyers willing to manage a more technical setup. It costs $219.00 and earned our score of 8.2/10. Its local server processes automations without relying on outside servers, and mandatory monthly subscriptions are absent. Those attributes fit our preference for equipment that does not depend entirely on a vendor’s cloud service.

This is not a smart lock, and our review data does not establish compatibility with any particular lock. Its main hardware caveat is important: direct Zigbee or Z-Wave connections require separately purchased USB adapters. Do not assume the purchase price covers every radio your installation needs.

Before choosing it, check the intended lock’s documentation and integration requirements. It suits buyers who value platform independence more than turnkey setup; its configuration learning curve makes it a less straightforward choice for someone seeking only a simple door upgrade.

Read the reviews: Home Assistant Green

Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro: for offline Z-Wave and Zigbee automation

Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro is the supporting-hub choice for buyers who want built-in Z-Wave and Zigbee radios rather than separate adapters. At $194.95, it earned our score of 7.9/10. Local processing allows its routines to continue during internet outages, and core automation features do not require a subscription.

Its trade-off is setup rather than radio availability. The administrative dashboard requires deliberate technical configuration, so it is better suited to homeowners prepared to learn their automation system than those expecting a polished, minimal-effort interface. Our supplied specifications list Z-Wave 800 and Zigbee 3.0.

Those protocol names are not proof that every lock using them will work as intended. Check the exact lock model against the hub’s compatibility documentation, then confirm which functions are supported. Treat this as a candidate for the control system behind a compatible lock, not as evidence of a lock’s security, battery life, or reliability.

Read the reviews: Hubitat Elevation C‑8 Pro Smart Home Hub

Aqara Hub M3: for Matter and Thread infrastructure

Aqara Hub M3 is the supporting-hub pick for buyers planning around Matter and Thread. It costs $139.99 and earned our score of 7.9/10. The supplied data identifies it as both a Matter controller and a Thread border router, and its emphasis on local automation helps preserve routines during internet outages.

Our buying rule favors Matter and Thread to reduce ecosystem lock-in. However, those capabilities on a hub do not establish the capabilities of a lock you connect to it. Verify the lock’s own documentation, supported platforms, and setup requirements rather than treating a shared protocol label as a complete compatibility guarantee.

The M3 also includes an infrared transceiver for legacy appliances, although that is not a reason by itself to buy a hub for a door lock. Full setup and diagnostics still rely on Aqara’s companion software. Buyers seeking local control should evaluate that app requirement before committing.

Read the reviews: Aqara Smart Home Hub M3 for Advanced Automation

What to check before choosing the actual smart lock

None of the supporting hubs above provides enough evidence to select the best smart lock. Our supplied reviews contain no lock-specific assessments of physical fit, access methods, battery performance, or security. Ranking locks or assigning a best-overall winner would therefore imply evidence we do not have.

Start with the door. Check the lock manual for required door thickness, bore dimensions, backset, and existing hardware compatibility. Confirm that the door closes and the bolt operates smoothly before installation. For rentals, obtain any required permission before changing hardware.

Next, separate essential entry from optional connected features. Ask what works during an internet outage, how low-battery warnings are delivered, and what backup entry procedure the manual specifies. Prefer documented local control and verify Matter and Thread support on the actual lock. Finally, review any subscription terms, especially if your planned purchase includes a camera, rather than assuming the upfront price covers every feature.

Frequently asked

Do I need a hub for a smart lock?: That depends on the lock and the functions you want. Check its manual for required radios, bridges, and remote-access setup. The hubs featured here are supporting infrastructure, not universal compatibility guarantees. Confirm support for the exact lock model and desired features before purchasing either device.
Will a smart lock work without internet?: Check the specific lock’s manual rather than assuming all entry methods work offline. Local entry, remote access, and automated routines can have different requirements. Our buying preference is documented local control, but a locally operating hub alone does not establish what a connected lock will do during an outage.
Should I choose a smart lock with Matter and Thread?: Our buying rule favors Matter and Thread to reduce ecosystem lock-in. Verify support on the lock itself and confirm the infrastructure its manual requires. Aqara Hub M3 is listed as a Matter controller and Thread border router, but that does not establish compatibility with every lock or every feature.
What happens when a smart lock battery dies?: Backup entry procedures differ by model, so read the lock’s manual before buying and follow its battery-replacement guidance. Confirm how you would enter if battery power were unavailable, and keep any specified backup method accessible. Our supplied lineup includes no locks, so we cannot verify a particular model’s procedure.