Fingerprint and biometric smart locks offer keyless convenience — touch a sensor and you're in. We compare five top picks across retrofit and full-replacement designs, built-in WiFi and hub-based options, and a range of budgets.
Fingerprint and biometric smart locks promise the thing we all want from a lock: walk up, touch it, and the door opens — no keys, no codes, no fumbling. But the reality is that true built-in fingerprint sensors are still relatively rare in mainstream smart locks, and many of the best options in this space are keyless locks that get you most of the way there with keypads, apps, and remote access.
This guide walks through five strong picks across retrofit and full-replacement designs, built-in WiFi and hub-based connectivity, and a range of budgets. Here's what we found.
| Pick | Fingerprint | WiFi | Install type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Add-on module | Requires bridge | Full replacement |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Not available | Built-in | Retrofit |
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Not available | Built-in | Full replacement |
| Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Not available | Built-in | Full replacement |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Not available | Built-in | Retrofit |
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the standout here for anyone specifically wanting fingerprint access. Its modular design supports add-on biometric/fingerprint readers, so you can configure it with the sensor you want — and it also offers keypad access and remote code management through the app.1
The clean, minimalist design makes guest check-in seamless, and the modular approach means you can start with keypad-only and add the fingerprint module later if you want. The trade-off: WiFi connectivity requires a separate bridge or hub, which adds cost and setup complexity compared to locks with built-in WiFi.1
If biometric access is your priority, this is the lock to get. The modular fingerprint add-on is what sets it apart from everything else on this list.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is the best option if you don't want to replace your existing deadbolt. It installs over your current lock hardware, keeping your existing keys and exterior look intact.2
It includes DoorSense technology (which tells you if the door is open or closed, not just locked) and offers remote access via built-in WiFi — no hub needed. At roughly $230, it sits in the mid-range.2
The catch: no fingerprint sensor. If biometric access is a must-have, you'll need to look elsewhere. But for retrofit convenience and smart features, it's hard to beat.
The Schlage Encode is a heavy-duty full-replacement deadbolt with built-in WiFi — no hub or bridge required. You can create and manage unique access codes for guests remotely, which makes it especially appealing for Airbnb hosts or anyone managing access for multiple people.3
It carries a high security rating and offers keyless entry via keypad. Like the August, there's no fingerprint sensor — but the built-in WiFi and remote code management make it a strong pick for people who prioritize connectivity and guest management over biometric access.3
At $199, the Schlage Arrive is the most affordable option here.4 It offers keyless entry, remote locking and unlocking, and easy installation. It's a straightforward full-replacement deadbolt with built-in WiFi.
It doesn't have a fingerprint sensor, but if you want keyless convenience and remote access without spending more, this is the value pick. The simpler feature set means fewer things to configure — which can be a plus.
This is the August for renters. It attaches to the interior side of the door, preserving the original exterior hardware and keys — so your landlord never knows it's there.5 You get remote access and smart features without modifying anything visible from outside.
It sits in a premium price band and, like the other August, doesn't offer fingerprint access. But if you're renting and want smart lock features without permanently altering the door, this is your best bet.5
The biggest decision isn't really about fingerprint sensors — it's about how the lock installs.
Retrofit locks (August) mount over your existing deadbolt on the interior of the door. You keep your original keys and exterior hardware. This is ideal for renters or anyone who doesn't want to deal with removing and replacing a deadbolt. The downside: you're limited to the interior design, and there's no fingerprint option.2
Full-replacement locks (Yale, Schlage) replace the entire deadbolt. This gives you more design freedom and, in the Yale's case, the ability to add a fingerprint module. The trade-off is a more involved installation and the need to remove your existing hardware.1
Schlage's Encode and Arrive both have built-in WiFi — you connect them directly to your home network, no extra hardware needed.3 The August locks also have built-in WiFi.2
The Yale Assure Lock 2, by contrast, requires a separate bridge for WiFi connectivity.1 This adds cost and another device to manage, but it also means the lock's electronics are simpler and the bridge can support additional smart home integrations.
Here's the honest truth: of the five locks on this list, only the Yale Assure Lock 2 supports fingerprint access — and only via a modular add-on, not built-in.1 The others are excellent keyless smart locks, but if a fingerprint sensor is non-negotiable, the Yale is your pick.
If you're flexible and just want keyless convenience (keypad, app, remote access), the August and Schlage options are strong alternatives that may actually be easier to live with day-to-day.
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