Managing keys for your business is a nightmare. Whether you’re clumsy and losing keys every other month, you’re probably cutting more copies than you need, and wondering who actually has access.
It’s 2025 winding down, and there’s a better way to start 2026. Smart lock installation in NYC is what all the smart business owners are doing, and you should probably jump on the bandwagon, too.
Here are some of the top smart locks from this year.
Yale Assure Lock 2
This one keeps winning best smart lock awards for a reason. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is like building your own security system: start basic, add features when you need them.
You can buy the basic touchscreen version, which works great with PIN codes. Then six months later, when you decide you want remote access, you just snap in a Wi-Fi module. No new lock, no reinstallation, just add the module and boom, you’re managing access from your phone!
It allows you to create PIN codes for everyone, up to 25 of them, and schedule when they work. The Yale also plays nicely with basically everything, whether it’s Apple devices, Android ones, Alex or Google Assistant.
Installation is straightforward, and it fits standard doors without any modifications. The lock’s battery life is solid, a year-plus on 4 AA batteries. When they do run low, the lock warns you weeks in advance.
Schlage Encode Plus
If your business runs on iPhones, the Schlage Encode Plus is a compelling choice. The standout feature is that employees can unlock doors by just tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock.
The Schlage stores 100 PIN codes, which is way more than most locks. It’s great if you’ve got a larger team, lots of part-timers, or a rotating cast of contractors and vendors who need occasional access. The activity log remembers the last 100 events, who opened the door and when, exportable through the app for your records.
Installation, however, needs to be precise for the motor to work smoothly. This is where professional smart lock installation in NYC really pays off.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is your answer if you want something that can fit over your existing deadbolt’s inside part without touching the exterior. Your landlord sees the same lock they’ve always seen. You get smart lock features.
The fourth-generation August is way smaller than the earlier versions. It works with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit. And it’s got this DoorSense feature, which is a magnetic sensor that tells you if your door is actually closed.
For businesses, August’s virtual key system is genius. It allows you to send temporary keys through the app with exact time windows. When the time expires, their key stops working automatically.
Batteries last 6-9 months, and the app nags you three weeks before they die. Plenty of time to grab replacements.
Also Read: The Benefits of Upgrading to Keyless Entry Systems
Kwikset Halo Touch
The Kwikset Halo Touch stores 50 fingerprints and 100 PIN codes. That’s enough for a team of 15-30 people, where everyone gets both options.
It connects via Wi-Fi without needing a hub and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. The SmartKey feature lets you rekey it yourself in seconds with a special tool.
Here’s the catch, though. It’s rated Grade 3 (about 200,000 cycles), which is fine for offices and most businesses, but might wear out too fast on a busy retail entrance with constant traffic.
If you’re watching the budget as 2026 wraps up, this gets you fingerprint access for $100-150 less than more expensive options.
So What Should You Actually Buy?
As 2025 winds down and you’re thinking about 2026, here’s the quick guide:
- Got 1-10 employees and want flexibility? Yale Assure Lock 2. Start simple, upgrade later; it works with everything.
- Running on Apple devices? Schlage Encode Plus. Tap-to-unlock with company iPhones is ridiculously convenient.
- Renting your space? August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Landlord-friendly, fully reversible, gets the job done.
- Need fingerprints, but watching the budget? Kwikset Halo Touch. Solid features for less money.
The reality is, any of these beats managing physical keys.
When you’re ready to make the switch, The NYC Locksmith helps businesses figure out which lock actually makes sense for their situation. We’re not going to push the most expensive option; we’ll ask about your door traffic, how many people need access, whether you’ve got existing security systems to integrate with, and then recommend what actually fits.
Get in touch with us for smart lock installation in NYC.