ANSI Grade 1 Smart Locks
The highest security standard for renters and homeowners — what it means, which locks earn it, and why the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 is bigger than most buyers realise.
What Is ANSI Grade 1 Certification?
ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute / Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) runs the only independent, third-party certification program for residential and commercial lock hardware in North America. Every grade reflects a specific minimum test threshold — not a marketing label any brand can self-assign.
Grade 1 is the ceiling. A lock earns it by surviving 250,000 open/close cycles and resisting 360 pounds of forced-entry torque in standardised lab conditions. That's roughly 68 years of four times daily use without failure. No brand pays for this label — the hardware earns it or it doesn't. You can verify every certification through the BHMA Certified Products Directory, which we cross-reference on every recommendation. See exactly how we do this in our review methodology.
Why renters should care: Most lease agreements specify that exterior deadbolts meet a minimum security standard. An ANSI Grade 1 lock not only satisfies those clauses — it often reduces renter's insurance premiums and provides documented evidence of due diligence in case of a break-in claim.
Six Reasons Grade 1 Sets the Bar
The gap between Grade 1 and Grade 2 isn't marketing copy — it's a measurable difference in how your front door performs under the scenarios that actually happen. Learn more about the DU Tech Team's research standards and how we apply them.
Maximum Forced-Entry Resistance
360 lbf torque and kick-in resistance means a standard crowbar or boot-to-door attack won't overcome the deadbolt mechanism. Grade 2 locks resist 250 lbf — a 44% reduction in tolerance that matters in real intrusion scenarios.
250,000 Cycle Durability
At four lock/unlock operations per day, a Grade 1 lock is certified to last over 170 years of use without mechanical failure. For renters who operate the lock dozens of times weekly — and Airbnb hosts automating guest access — that margin matters.
Commercial-Grade Trust
Banks, hospitals, and government buildings specify ANSI Grade 1 for every exterior lock. That same standard is now available in smart lock form for residential use — without compromising on connectivity features.
Third-Party Verified, Not Self-Certified
Brands cannot self-certify to ANSI/BHMA standards. An independent accredited laboratory runs every test. The certificate number is publicly searchable in the BHMA directory — we check every lock we recommend.
Insurance & Lease Compliance
Many home and renters insurance policies quietly require or reward Grade 1 exterior locks. A certified Grade 1 lock documents your front door meets the highest residential security threshold available.
Resale & Property Value
For homeowners, installed Grade 1 certified hardware is a documented upgrade that buyers and real estate agents increasingly recognise — particularly in security-conscious urban markets.
Best ANSI Grade 1 Smart Locks in 2026
Every lock below carries a verified ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certificate, cross-checked against the BHMA Certified Products Directory. Scores reflect our 8-category research methodology.
01Schlage Encode Plus
4.8★ANSI Grade 1- Only smart lock with Grade 1 + Apple HomeKey simultaneously
- 480-entry encrypted keypad with built-in alarm
- No hub required — built-in Wi-Fi
- Replaces full deadbolt (permanent install)
Yale Assure Lock 2
4.6★ANSI Grade 1- Matter 1.2 certified — works across all platforms natively
- Yale Access app with time-limited guest codes
- Available in touchscreen and touchpad versions
- Replaces full deadbolt — check lease before installing
Kwikset Halo Touch
4.4★ANSI Grade 1- Fingerprint reader supports up to 100 stored fingerprints
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub or bridge needed
- SecureScreen technology randomises PIN entry position
- Most affordable ANSI Grade 1 smart lock available
Who Benefits Most from Grade 1?
Grade 1 isn't reserved for commercial buildings. Three residential groups in particular benefit disproportionately from the higher standard.
Apartment Renters
- Some landlords specify minimum security grades in the lease — Grade 1 satisfies even the strictest clauses
- Insurance companies in urban markets increasingly require Grade 1 documentation for renters coverage
- A Grade 1 lock's superior forced-entry resistance is especially valuable in buildings with shared entrance areas
Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Hosts
- Grade 1 durability handles far higher lock/unlock frequency than Grade 2 — critical for properties with daily guest turnover
- Some STR platform insurance programs require documented Grade 1 hardware at the exterior
- Auto-expiring guest codes on Grade 1 smart locks like the Schlage Encode Plus reduce liability exposure
Vacation & VRBO Rental Hosts
- Properties with irregular or seasonal maintenance schedules benefit from Grade 1's longer mechanical lifespan
- Remote properties where a locksmith visit is costly need hardware that won't fail prematurely
- VRBO's Host Protection Insurance guidelines increasingly reference lock grade documentation
Grade 1 Install: What You Need to Know
Here's the honest trade-off: the vast majority of ANSI Grade 1 smart locks require a full deadbolt replacement, not a retrofit interior attachment. That's because the Grade 1 rating covers the entire latch-bolt mechanism — including the exterior cylinder, the strike plate, and the bolt itself.
Retrofit smart locks — which only replace the interior thumbturn — typically carry ANSI Grade 2 certification. That's still a strong residential standard. The question is whether your situation allows for the more permanent Grade 1 option. Our installation guide walks through both paths in detail.
Full Deadbolt Replacement
Examples: Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2, Kwikset Halo Touch
- Replaces the entire deadbolt — exterior hardware changes
- Requires landlord permission in most rental agreements
- Provides the most complete Grade 1 protection
- Reversible but requires keeping the original hardware
Retrofit / Interior-Only Attachment
Examples: August Wi-Fi (Grade 2), Level Lock+ (Grade 2), Nuki 4.0
- Attaches to the interior thumbturn only — exterior unchanged
- No landlord permission typically needed
- Most retrofit locks are ANSI Grade 2, not Grade 1
- Best option when you cannot modify the exterior hardware
Not sure which install type fits your situation?
Our step-by-step installation guide covers compatibility checks, deadbolt tailpiece sizing, and how to assess whether your lease allows full deadbolt replacement.
Certification Data, Not Marketing Claims
Our recommendations are based on ANSI/BHMA certification data, not manufacturer press releases. Every grade listed here reflects a verified third-party test result. Read our affiliate disclosure to understand where we earn and where we don't.
Verified Against BHMA Directory
Every ANSI grade claim on this page is cross-referenced against the BHMA Certified Products Directory — the only authoritative public registry for verified lock certifications.
No Sponsored Placements
Brands cannot pay to appear on this page or to receive a higher-ranked position. Our recommendations are based entirely on certification data, not marketing relationships.
Updated Quarterly
ANSI certification status can change when products are discontinued or new models are certified. This page is reviewed and updated each quarter — last updated April 2026.
Independent · Unbiased · Transparent. No brand pays for a Grade 1 badge on this page. Every certification is publicly verifiable at csa-iot.org and the BHMA directory.
Find the Right Security Level for Your Door
Looking for maximum security? Explore our Best Retrofit Smart Locks Guide to see how ANSI Grade 1 models compare, or visit our Methodology Page to learn how we evaluate lock safety.
All ANSI/BHMA grade certifications referenced on this page are sourced from the BHMA Certified Products Directory and verified at time of publication. Certification status subject to change — always verify current grade standing before purchasing. Updated April 2026.