Credit: Shutterstock
Your face is now your key and these smart locks prove it works better than you might think
Remember when facial recognition felt like something from a sci-fi movie? Well, it’s here now, and it’s actually working on front doors across the country. These smart locks recognize your face and unlock automatically. No more juggling grocery bags while trying to find your keys. No more getting locked out because you left your phone inside.
The technology has gotten really good. Most of these locks can identify you in different lighting conditions. They even work at night using infrared sensors. And before you worry about someone holding up a photo of you, these systems are smart enough to tell the difference between a real face and a picture.
Lockly Visage Zeno Series
This is the heavyweight champion of facial recognition locks. The Visage unlocks in under two seconds, which is incredibly fast. You also get fingerprint scanning and a really clever keypad where the numbers shuffle around after each use. That means nobody can figure out your code by watching where your fingers go.
It plays nice with Apple Home Keys, Alexa, and Google Assistant. The price is steep at $348, but you get two rechargeable battery packs in the box. One downside is battery life. You’ll be swapping packs every few months, which some people find annoying.
Eufy Video Smart Lock E330
Eufy took an interesting approach here. They built a 2K camera right into the lock, so you’re getting a video doorbell and smart lock in one package. The camera can recognize different objects like people, pets, and packages. All video stores locally on the device, so there are no monthly fees eating into your budget.
The battery is massive at 10,000mAh and lasts longer than most competitors. At $250, it makes sense if you don’t already have a video doorbell. But if you do, you’re paying for features you might not need. Also, there’s no two-way audio, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Lockly Flex Touch
Here’s the budget option that still delivers facial recognition. The lock itself costs $179, but you’ll need to add an $80 Wi-Fi hub for remote access. That brings the total to $259, which is still cheaper than premium models.
The exterior looks pretty standard with a small fingerprint sensor hanging underneath. Recognition speed varies between two and four seconds depending on how bright it is outside. The inside is made of plastic that doesn’t feel as solid as metal options. But honestly, for the price, it does what it promises.
Yale Assure Lock 2
Yale went for a sleek, compact design that doesn’t scream “I’m a smart lock.” Facial recognition is only available on certain premium versions, so check before you buy. The lock works beautifully with Apple Watch and Home Keys if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem.
Four AA batteries keep it running for several months. You get support for Alexa, Google, and Siri. Prices start at $230 and go up to $300 depending on which features you want. This is perfect if you care about how your lock looks and want something that blends in rather than stands out.
Kwikset Halo Touch
The Halo Touch keeps things simple. It offers facial recognition with built-in Wi-Fi at $179. No hubs needed, which is nice. But the recognition takes three to five seconds, and you can feel that extra wait time when you’re standing outside.
It works with Alexa and Google but skips Apple HomeKit entirely. AA batteries power the system. The performance is acceptable but not impressive. This works better as a lock for a side door or garage entrance rather than your main front door.
Best Smart Locks with Facial Recognition 2026 Comparison
| Smart Lock Model | Price | Recognition Speed | Voice Assistant Support | Battery Type | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lockly Visage Zeno Series | $348 | Under 2 seconds | Alexa, Google, Apple Home/Siri | Rechargeable (includes extra pack) | Fingerprint, shifting keypad, Home Keys |
| Eufy Video Smart Lock E330 | $250 | 2-3 seconds | Alexa, Google | Rechargeable 10,000mAh | 2K camera, video storage, fingerprint |
| Lockly Flex Touch | $179 + $80 hub | 2-4 seconds | Alexa, Google (requires hub) | AA batteries | Fingerprint sensor, requires Wi-Fi hub |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | $230-300 | 3-4 seconds (select models) | Alexa, Google, Apple Siri | 4 AA batteries | Compact design, Apple Watch support |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | $179 | 3-5 seconds | Alexa, Google | AA batteries | Fingerprint scanner, built-in Wi-Fi |
Final Thoughts
Facial recognition locks have moved past the experimental phase. They work reliably now, and the convenience factor is real. If you’re tired of traditional keys or find yourself frequently locked out, these systems solve actual problems. The Lockly Visage offers the best overall performance, while the Eufy provides great value if you need video capabilities too. Just make sure to pick one that fits your budget and works with whatever smart home system you already use. The future of home security is literally staring you in the face.
