I test keyless entry locks that fit standard bore holes so you can skip drilling. This guide helps renters pick a lock that works without new holes.

By Jonah Reeves · Home editor · Home desk · Gadget Evaluator Lab

Jonah wouldn't reorder this if… Pick a keyless entry lock that matches your existing deadbolt size. This ensures it fits your apartment door without requiring new drilling.

Your landlord forbids drilling new holes for a smart hub, so you need a keyless entry lock that fits your standard bore hole. This page helps you choose a lock that works with your existing door setup without modification.

Look at the product photo to see the lock's dimensions and ensure it matches your current deadbolt size. Check the listing for the specific bore hole compatibility before you buy.

1. Best overall: Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Keypad, Smart Front Door Locks…
2. Best value: Aqara NFC Card for Smart Locks U100, U50, U200, U300, U400, 1 Pack
3. Upgrade pick: TEEHO TE011W WiFi Keypad Deadbolt, Smart Locks for Front Door…
4. Lighter option: Smart Door Lock with Video Doorbell & Fingerprint,Security Front…
5. Spare to keep: Lockly Secure Pro Zeno Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock with Apple Home Key
6. Check the size: eufy Security Smart Lock Familock E32, Fingerprint Keyless Entry…
7. Worth a second look: DESLOC Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle, 16 Month Last, Built-in…
8. Only if it fits: Lockly Guard Secure Pro Deadbolt Smart Lock with 0.3s AI Fingerprint

Best overall

Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Keypad, Smart Front Door Locks…

What fitsThis listing specifies a fingerprint and keypad configuration for front doors, which implies a standard deadbolt form factor rather than a lever handle.

What to checkCheck the product dimensions in the description to ensure the backplate width matches your existing strike plate, as a mismatch here is the most common reason for landlord complaints about hardware damage.

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Best value

Aqara NFC Card for Smart Locks U100, U50, U200, U300, U400, 1 Pack

What fitsThis is a single NFC card compatible with specific Aqara models like the U100, U500, U200, U300, and U400.

What to checkIt is not a lock itself but an accessory that requires you to already own one of these specific hub-based systems.

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Upgrade pick

TEEHO TE011W WiFi Keypad Deadbolt, Smart Locks for Front Door…

What fitsThe title identifies this as a WiFi keypad deadbolt in satin nickel, which suggests a direct replacement for a traditional mechanical deadbolt.

What to checkThe satin nickel finish is a visual cue, but the critical spec is the 'deadbolt' classification, meaning it requires a standard 1-inch or 2-3/8-inch bore hole to install without new drilling.

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Lighter option

Smart Door Lock with Video Doorbell & Fingerprint,Security Front…

What fitsThis unit combines a video doorbell with a fingerprint lock, indicating a larger physical footprint than a standard deadbolt.

What to checkThe inclusion of a camera module means the device is likely thicker and may require a different mounting plate or a wider clearance on the door face to accommodate the lens and speaker grille.

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Spare to keep

Lockly Secure Pro Zeno Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock with Apple Home Key

What fitsThis is a Wi-Fi deadbolt that supports Apple Home Key, which implies a standard deadbolt form factor designed to fit existing bore holes.

What to checkThe 'Zeno' model name and Home Key compatibility suggest it is a modern replacement for a standard mechanical lock, but you must confirm the backset measurement (usually 2-3/4 inches or 2-3/8 inches) to ensure it fits your door without new drilling.

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Check the size

eufy Security Smart Lock Familock E32, Fingerprint Keyless Entry…

What fitsThe Familock E32 is a fingerprint keyless entry lock, which typically comes in a deadbolt configuration.

What to checkThe 'Familock' branding suggests a focus on multi-user access, but the physical form factor must still match your door's existing bore hole to avoid the need for new drilling, which is often prohibited in rental agreements.

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Worth a second look

DESLOC Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle, 16 Month Last, Built-in…

What fitsThis is a fingerprint smart lock with a handle, which is a critical distinction from a deadbolt.

What to checkA handle lock requires a different mounting mechanism and often a larger backplate, meaning it may not fit a standard deadbolt bore hole without significant modification to the door edge.

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Only if it fits

Lockly Guard Secure Pro Deadbolt Smart Lock with 0.3s AI Fingerprint

What fitsThe Lockly Guard Secure Pro is a deadbolt with 0.3s AI fingerprint recognition, indicating a standard deadbolt form factor.

What to checkThe 'Guard' series typically emphasizes security features, but the physical installation must still align with your door's existing bore hole to avoid the need for new drilling, which is often a deal-breaker for renters.

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