ConsFirst / Smart locks

Kwikset

Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Wi-Fi Smart Lock: the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#8 of 8
$$Fingerprint deadboltScore 3.3/5
24%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,030 ratings (Matte Black contemporary listing).

A stylish fingerprint lock with built-in Wi-Fi that installed in five minutes and never misread a finger in PCMag's test. Amazon owners tell a different story: unreliable scans, jams and monthly battery changes. It has no keypad for guests and no HomeKit or IFTTT support.

Top complaints

  • Fingerprint and jamming problems

    Amazon's summary says the fingerprint reader is unreliable, the lock jams frequently and some units stop working. PCMag's reader, by contrast, never failed.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say), PCMag review
  • Batteries drain monthly

    Amazon's summary says owners find battery life poor, with batteries running down every month.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Limited integrations, no keypad

    PCMag and CNET note there's no HomeKit or Apple support, and PCMag adds no IFTTT. Wirecutter says that without a keypad you can't easily share access, because every visitor needs a registered fingerprint. Amazon owners report Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection trouble.

    Source: PCMag review, CNET, Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)

What owners love

  • Fingerprint reader works well in tests

    PCMag says the fingerprint reader never failed to unlock the door, and Wirecutter says it works well. Amazon shoppers like the reader when it works.

    Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Quick install, quiet operation

    PCMag removed the old hardware in about five minutes with a Phillips screwdriver and calls operation whisper quiet. Amazon shoppers find it easy to install.

    Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Stylish, with built-in Wi-Fi

    PCMag names it the most stylish lock on its list, with built-in Wi-Fi and Alexa and Google voice control. Wirecutter calls it pretty.

    Source: PCMag, Wirecutter (NYT)
Good for
  • Fingerprint unlocking for a small household
  • Alexa or Google Home users
  • A clean, stylish look

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • PCMag: 4.0/5, Most Stylish Design. Easy to install and responsive, but pricey, with no HomeKit or IFTTT and limited third-party integrations.
  • CNET: Not on its list: a straightforward fingerprint lock with Wi-Fi and Alexa and Google support, but no Apple support, and a bit pricey unless on sale.
  • Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering: pretty, with a fingerprint reader that works well, but no keypad makes sharing access hard.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked smart locks whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in smart locksSchlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Wirecutter's top pick: easy to install, top-grade hardware and rubber keys that are simple to use. But the Schlage app is slow, it doesn't work with Apple Home or Matter, and it has no door sensor, so auto-lock can throw the bolt while the door is open.

Its catch: slow app, settings only in bluetooth range#2 in smart locksYale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad

Wirecutter's adapter pick and Tom's Guide's best budget lock: slim, quick to fit over your existing deadbolt, with fast, accurate auto-unlock. Remote control needs a plug-in Wi-Fi bridge, the motor is noisy and it doesn't work with Apple Home.

Its catch: needs a plug-in wi-fi bridge#3 in smart locksAugust Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)

PCMag's and CNET's favorite retrofit: it fits over your existing deadbolt, keeps your keys and works with almost every platform. The catch is batteries that PCMag says last up to three months (some Amazon owners say six weeks) and a bulky body. Some owners also report random auto-unlocks.

Its catch: short battery life

See all 8 smart locks ranked →