The best smart padlocks for 2023

Tired of relying on a pesky traditional deadbolt lock with a required key or numeric code? It sounds like you should consider upgrading to a smart padlock instead. Utilizing the same basic design as your standard deadbolt lock, a smart padlock adds features like random PIN generation, Bluetooth pairing capabilities, and even companion app controls.

If it's time to upgrade your padlocks to shield your smart home, we've rounded up some of the best smart padlocks below. Take a look at our guide, check out the features, and see what's right for you. You can also peruse our list of the best smart locks, if you want something for the front door.

MYPIN Smart Fingerprint Padlock

The best Bluetooth padlock

• Integrates with your phone
• Stores up to 10 fingerprints
• IP65-rated

• Fingerprint scanner can be a bit unresponsive
• Only uses Bluetooth (no Wi-Fi connectivity)

The Mypin Smart Fingerprint Padlock is our favorite lock overall, and for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it comes loaded with all of the features we would expect to see on padlocks that are double, if not triple, the price. This includes an intelligent fingerprint sensor that stores up to 10 sets of prints, Bluetooth functionality for remotely unlocking it with a mobile device, and an IP65-rated body for water resistance and a rust-proof shackle.

While some users have complained that the fingerprint sensor can get a bit finicky when fingers are wet and shriveled from sweat or a swim, once hands are dry, the lock works just fine. While it may not be the most tech-heavy lock in our roundup, we believe that most folks will be completely satisfied with the capabilities and rugged design of the Mypin Smart Fingerprint Padlock.

Boread Fingerprint Padlock

The best for luggage

• Stores up to 20 fingerprints
• Can unlock without an app, key, or phone
• Solid battery life

• Cannot be used outdoors

For those looking for a low-profile smart lock for their luggage, the Boread Fingerprint Padlock measures a little over half an inch thick. This smart padlock can store up to 20 fingerprints, including two administrator fingerprints. It's possible to unlock the Boread Fingerprint Padlock without needing an app, key, or Bluetooth connectivity.

The 100mAh battery can last up to a year on standby. Use a Micro USB cable to recharge it when needed, making it last about another 2,500 uses. The zinc alloy body provides a standard level of durability, but don't count on using it outdoors like some of our other picks here.

Igloohome Smart Padlock

The best for PIN generation

• Can create customizable PINs
• Shackle can be swapped for bigger sizes
• Pairs with Airbnb app

• Somewhat expensive

Whether you're locking down a toolbox, locker, gate, or bike, this intuitive smart padlock from Igloohome is compact and versatile enough to handle it all. Using the Igloohome companion app, the account administrator has the ability to create customized PINs through the company's proprietary AlgoPIN technology.

PINs can be for one-time usage, recurring, duration-based (great for vacation rental properties), and permanent periods. Best of all, you can pair your Igloohome login with the Airbnb app to automatically generate duration PINs for those using your residences. It may be one of the more expensive padlocks in this roundup, but the Igloohome Smart Padlock backs up its higher cost with plenty of great features and a durable metal shackle that you can swap out for bigger styles.

eLinkSmart Digital Padlock

The best for multiple users

• Stores up to 18 users
• Can be used outdoors
• Enough battery for 2,000 unlocks

• Can only store two administrators

The eLinkSmart Digital Padlock covers all your security bases. You can remotely authorize as many users as you like using the companion app, as well as review activation history. You can store up to 18 users along with two administrators in the app.

The eLinkSmart Digital Padlock is able to handle outdoor conditions with forged aluminum construction and a stainless steel shackle. The IP65 rating means it can stand up to water and dust. It should last the long haul with six months of standby power and has enough of a charge to get through 2,000 unlocks.

Master Lock Lock Box

The best for rental properties

• Can store cards, keys, and other items
• Designed for indoor and outdoor use
• Accessible through Bluetooth

• Bluetooth only (no Wi-Fi connectivity)

Have you ever seen one of those lockboxes on the front door of a home you're about to tour? Your realtor opens the box to find a key inside. This product by Master Lock is a similar idea, as it holds a cavity inside for keys, key cards, or even small trinkets.

Designed for indoor and outdoor use, you can access this weather-resistant lockbox via Bluetooth and your smartphone. There's also a keypad on the Master Lock Lock Box for backup access. Once you open the lock, you can access the internal key, making it an excellent option for Airbnb hosts.

BoxLock Package Delivery Lock

The best for package deliveries

• Can track UPS and FedEx packages
• Sends notifications when a package is delivered
• Weather-resistant

• Need to recharge battery every 45 to 90 days

The BoxLock is specifically designed for protecting porch boxes and containers that hold delivery packages. You can share access codes with friends and family, but its real talent is tracking packages received by shippers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx. You can get notifications on your phone when a package is delivered, and feel confident that it's safe from porch pirates and other thieves. The lock is weather-resistant and comes with a battery that you will need to recharge every 45 to 90 days, depending on how much you use the lock.

Megafeis Fingerprint Padlock

The most feature-rich padlock

• Holds up to 15 fingerprints
• Battery lasts for 2,500 unlocks
• Good companion app
• Inexpensive

• Requires a lot of phone permissions

Water-resistant and USB rechargeable, this affordable lock can hold up to 15 sets of fingerprints so you can easily share access with friends and family. IP65 water resistance means you can use the lock outdoors without too much fear of damage, while the battery has enough juice to allow for 2,500 unlocks. You can use your phone as the key or your fingerprint. When you connect the companion app to the Megafeis Fingerprint Padlock, you can check the last 1,000 unlock activities. This unit is one of the more feature-rich locks available for under $35.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. In fact, when you consider the range of additional security features you'll get with a smart padlock versus a traditional model, including things like fingerprint scanning, random PIN generation, and dashboard companion apps for monitoring lock activity, it becomes apparent just how much more safety your property and valuables receive when compared to the typical lock-and-key scenario.

This all depends on what features you're looking for. If you're the kind of person that wants your tech outfitted with as many controls, customizations, and add-ons as possible, a fully-loaded smart padlock with an app, Bluetooth settings, and fingerprint scanning may cost upwards of $100, compared to a more basic smart padlock that may only pair to your phone using Bluetooth for remote controls.

That said, the average price for a smart padlock tends to be around $70.

Yes, you can, but you'll want to make sure you purchase a model that features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi controls, or a smart padlock that only uses Bluetooth.

These days, a smart padlock with Wi-Fi capabilities is a big ask, with many models offering Bluetooth as the one and only means of remote controls. And while this may be inconvenient when it comes to monitoring your smart padlock from miles away, it ensures that your padlock will still be accessible in the event of a network outage.

Editors' Recommendations

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