What Do Smart Locks Cost and Are They Worth It?
Smart locks have become the most popular residential lock upgrade in recent years. Here is what they cost, how they install, and what to consider before buying.
Smart Lock Hardware Cost: $80 to $340
Entry-level keypad deadbolts (Brinks, Defiant, and base Kwikset models) start at $80 to $150 for a standard deadbolt replacement with a keypad and Bluetooth or Z-Wave connectivity. Mid-range smart locks with Wi-Fi (eliminating the need for a hub) and voice assistant integration (Amazon Alexa, Google Home) run $150 to $250. Premium smart locks with fingerprint readers, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and a built-in camera, including the Yale Assure Lock 2 and the Schlage Encode Plus, run $200 to $340. Hardware cost does not include installation or locksmith programming fees.
Smart Lock Installation: DIY or Professional
Most smart locks are designed for DIY installation on a standard door preparation (2-1/8-inch bore hole) the process takes 20 to 45 minutes and requires only a screwdriver. If you are replacing an existing deadbolt in a standard door with the correct preparation: DIY installation is realistic. Locksmith installation: $200 to $400 for standard installation and basic programming on a lock you supply, or $295 to $495 per door for a lock the locksmith supplies and installs. Locksmith installation plus smart home integration (connecting the lock to a security system or home automation hub): more still, depending on the complexity of the integration required.
What to Consider Before Buying
Battery life: most smart locks use 4 AA batteries lasting 6 to 12 months with normal use. A low battery warning is standard; keep spare batteries. Connectivity: Wi-Fi locks work directly with your router; Z-Wave and Zigbee locks require a compatible hub (SmartThings, Wink, or security system panel). Keyed backup: virtually all smart locks include a physical key slot as backup important for power outages and battery failure. Compatibility: measure your door thickness (most standard at 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch) and verify the lock fits your door’s bore hole before purchasing. (For more on this, see Home Lock Security: What Grade Means and Why It Matters.)
Locksmith Service Cost at a Glance
Here is a quick reference for common locksmith service costs. Prices reflect residential calls during standard business hours in most US markets. After-hours, weekend, and holiday calls add 50 to 100 percent to emergency service rates.
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency lockout (daytime) | $75 to $250 | After-hours lockout: $95 to $255. The $49 to $130 trip fee is part of that price and is owed whether or not the door opens. The time of day and day of week are the primary price drivers for lockout calls. |
| Lock rekeying | $12 to $35 per keyhole | priced per cylinder, plus $2 to $5 per new key, with a $75 minimum for a single lock Some shops instead charge $105 to $155 for the first door including the service call and $45 to $65 for each door after Rekeying is the most economical way to secure a new home or after key loss. |
| Standard lock installation or replacement | $100 to $300 per lock | including mid-grade hardware and installation Grade 1 deadbolts at $40 to $80 retail plus $75 to $125 installation labor is the typical standard residential installation. |
| Smart lock, supplied and installed | $295 to $495 per door | Includes the hardware; installing a smart lock you supply yourself runs $200 to $400 with programming and connectivity configuration. |
| High-security cylinders (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) | $495 to $895 per opening | Patented keyways that resist picking and cannot be duplicated without authorization. |
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on August 28, 2026. How we source cost data.
Service call fees ($49 to $130) may be charged separately from labor always ask for the all-in total price before confirming a locksmith appointment. Treat an advertised price under $50 as a warning sign: state consumer protection agencies have warned about operators who advertise a $15 to $35 service call, then demand far more in cash on arrival. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Locksmith.)
Planning Your Project Budget
The cost ranges in this article are based on industry data and are intended as planning benchmarks, not fixed prices. The actual cost for your project depends on your specific home, your local labor market, the current price of materials, and the scope the contractor confirms after a site inspection.
Always get at least two written quotes on equivalent defined scope before committing to any home services project. Wide price variation between quotes usually reflects differences in material quality, scope completeness (what is included and what is not), or contractor overhead and experience level rather than simple price competition.
Use the cost data in this article to ask better questions during the quoting process: What material is included? What does that per-square-foot or per-linear-foot rate include and exclude? Are permits, cleanup, and disposal included? What is the warranty on labor? These questions turn a quote into a comparable basis for decision-making.
