Best 5 Smart Door Locks Without Subscription (2026)
Stop renting your security. These top-rated smart locks give you remote access, video recording, and biometric entry without a monthly fee.
UPDATED FOR 2026
Subscription fatigue is real. You bought the house, you bought the door, so why should you pay a monthly fee just to unlock it? While companies like Ring and Nest push cloud subscriptions, many premium brands offer full functionality—including remote unlocking and video history—completely free. Here are the Best 5 Smart Door Locks Without Subscription that respect your wallet and your privacy.
1. Schlage Encode Plus
Best for iPhone
The Verdict: If you use an iPhone, this is the endgame. It was the first lock to support Apple Home Key, allowing you to unlock your door by tapping your Apple Watch against the deadbolt. It connects directly to Wi-Fi, meaning no extra hubs are required.
- ✅ Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi.
- ✅ Killer Feature: Apple Home Key (NFC Tap).
- ✅ Subscription: $0 Forever.
👉 Read Full Review: Schlage Encode Plus
2. Eufy Video Smart Lock S330
Lock + Camera
The Verdict: Why buy a doorbell and a lock separately? The Eufy S330 combines them. It features a 2K camera, a fingerprint scanner, and a keypad. Best of all, it stores all video footage locally on an included SD card, avoiding cloud fees entirely.
- ✅ Storage: Local SD Card (Included).
- ✅ Killer Feature: Integrated Video Doorbell.
- ✅ Subscription: $0 for video history.
👉 Read Full Review: Eufy S330
3. Aqara U100
Best Value
The Verdict: This lock packs features found in $300 models for nearly half the price. It supports Apple Home Key, Fingerprint unlock, and physical keys. It is the perfect entry point for building a smart home on a budget.
- ✅ Connectivity: Zigbee / Bluetooth.
- ✅ Killer Feature: Apple Key support for under $190.
- ✅ Subscription: $0.
👉 Read Full Review: Aqara U100
4. Yale Assure Lock 2
Most Stylish
The Verdict: If aesthetics matter to you, the Yale Assure 2 is the winner. It’s 30% smaller than competitors and features a modular design, allowing you to upgrade it with Wi-Fi or Matter modules later.
- ✅ Design: Invisible Touch Keypad.
- ✅ Killer Feature: DoorSense (Alerts if door is ajar).
- ✅ Subscription: $0 for digital keys and logs.
👉 Read Full Review: Yale Assure Lock 2
5. SwitchBot Lock Pro
Best for Renters
The Verdict: Renting an apartment? This lock mounts over your existing thumb-turn without removing it. You keep your original keys, and your landlord never has to know. It’s powerful, battery-efficient, and fully reversible.
- ✅ Installation: Retrofit (No drilling required).
- ✅ Killer Feature: Magic Touch (Unlock from inside).
- ✅ Subscription: $0.
👉 Read Full Review: SwitchBot Lock Pro
❔ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do these locks work if the Wi-Fi goes down?
Yes! All the locks listed above have local memory. Codes, fingerprints, and physical keys will work perfectly even without internet. You simply won't get remote notifications until the connection is restored.
How long do the batteries last?
On average, Wi-Fi locks last 3-6 months. Bluetooth/Zigbee locks (like Aqara and SwitchBot) can last 8-12 months. They all alert you weeks before the battery dies.
Are subscription-free locks secure?
Yes. Security depends on the hardware encryption (AES-128) and physical build quality, not on a monthly fee. In fact, local storage (like Eufy's) is often considered more private than cloud storage.
