Review: Level Lock Plus Home Key Smart Lock + Installation!

[@9to5Mac]

Thanks for watching folks! - Jeff Here's my full written review: 9to5mac.com/2023/05/12/level-lock-long-term-review-the-connected-lock-that-doesnt-try-to-outsmart-you-video/

[@Mor4me]

The LPL IS THE ONLY ONE I would trust for a review about locks

[@9to5Mac]

I mean, okay…. 😂

[@choovick]

This is the way

[@kellerglee]

@@9to5Mac Unfortunately convenience doesn’t mean much if it can be picked by a 12-year-old. It would’ve been a great lock though!

[@artnotes]

@@9to5Mac the problem is not it can be bumped or low skill picked in second, since we can change the cylinder to something fancy. The really problem is how company response to this case, feels like they don’t care and said that low skill attack is for show up to get attraction. That altitude lead to serious security that the computer make security devices do not care about security, so what they will do if security flaws happen in a way that not easy as changing cylinder to solve, but in hardware or software, that is more hidden and much harder for us to fix. And their attitude show that they do not put security principles in head when they design this, tons of stupid might happen even if you keep in mind.

[@SherpaForTech]

@@9to5Mac Great review!! I also agree about Lock Picking Lawyer’s vid that it’s sadly not a very secure lock to attacks

[@shanemowery7255]

Hey, I consider myself an Apple fan boy. But I also know a lot about locks in. Don’t buy this thing you can hit it with a hammer and it will unlock itself. But love 9to5Mac thank you guys for making your videos!

[@HesperianHorsePower]

Have to agree. All these companies are more interested in the tech than security. If that’s the case They should make thermostats, not locks! The second I saw that the deadbolt is just a battery housing I said NOPE! That alone tells me security is not the priority

[@matthewjbutch]

Thank you for this video. Exactly the review I needed to understand whether I want this look. It was really well done!

[@ThenVersusNow_]

Multiple videos showing how anyone can open this lock in a few seconds without lockpick tools. They are literally the worst deadbolts.

[@oneundecided]

Thank you for this video. The issue I have with the Level Lock is that when it is set for the automatic touch door to lock any time I try to unlock the door with the key it is attempting to lock it with that feature.

[@bcbock]

I like the way the Level Bolt looks. It’s invisible. But with this, you’re stuck with mismatched hardware. Not great. But apparently they couldn’t do NFC in the Bolt. What I despise about the Level Locks I own is they are extremely laggy and Level has been zero help to figure out why. The BT from the app is slightly more reliable and responsive than HomeKit, but both kind of suck. I am concerned about getting locked out as it seems to refuse to do anything on occasion. I’ve done the calibration and the signal boost. But it’s just not a fantastic product. This product might be better. But I’ll never buy it because I want my lock hardware to match, and I hate the cylinder they use. I want Kwikset SmartKey because I can rekey all my locks (including a paddle lock) easily. They should have added NFC and Home Key to their add-on KeyPad. But who knows if that thing is at all reliable.

[@ryry2211]

Level has been hit and miss for me. By far the BEST smart lock (AND has Home Key) that I've used in my testing has been the Schlage Encode Plus

[@bunit8]

You’re right on the money 💰

[@9to5Mac]

I don't necessarily disagree with this. The Schlage is excellent. Not the best design, but nonetheless, excellent. Too bad it's basically unavailable to buy.

[@bunit8]

@@9to5Mac AQARA upcoming u100 lock might be the new leader

[@christianh8706]

@@9to5MacSurprisingly many of the Schladge Encode Plus locks are widely available where I live (Houston). Snagged one at Home Depot 2 days ago. They had quite a few in stock and other locations

[@guynumber20]

WHO asked tho?

[@kendrick.e.williams]

Does it support Matter, or just HomeKit?

[@Sazo523]

It will support matter over thread in the future. It will be an update that will come for all level locks including the deadbolt.

[@EireForUs]

What's the Matter?

[@GamingTrivia1113]

​@@EireForUsit's a new system that works over all devices

[@Mod_headgear2]

​@@EireForUs lol

[@bryanbuff]

I have a Level Lock and it works some of the time, but it sure is annoying when you’re trying to unlock the door and it says “not responding”

[@PWingert1966]

I live in an apartment. It would be nice if there was a way to give the superintendent access and for them to provide notice of entry for maintenance notices through the app to tenants in the building using the level lock. I find many of these lock systems are not renter friendly or considerate of unique needs of renters. While I don't think many low-income buildings are about to deploy electronic locks anytime this millennium it would be nice to see companies like lock facilitate their adoption in MDU settings. What I like about this lock is that it looks like a conventional lock and is unlikely to draw attention to itself in buildings where tenants are not as accepting of technology solutions that differ from what is conventionally installed. A number pad or illuminated lock make such systems a target in our building for thieves and those wishing to conduct mischief.

[@shonpe2392]

Great review. Thanks.

[@tomdaniels8855]

Yay! Jeff’s here.

[@Reform3d]

Yeah, didn’t he leave? Glad to see him back even if it’s for one video.

[@9to5Mac]

@@Reform3d I'm here for the long haul.

[@Reform3d]

@@9to5Mac Glad to hear this!

[@nikhillalu]

For like home security this definitely isn’t adequate but in the same thought how secure is your door? Most doors are made of wood and can be broken with enough force, and not to mention most crimes are that of spur of the moment which this would prevent but most premeditated crimes have a lot of thought in them so like no matter how secure the house can be there is always a way to get in

[@matthewjbutch]

Yeah that's what is going into my evaluation. I know LPL said its easy to pick, but you can also replace the cylinder. Plenty of windows are easy to break, so is lock picking really the biggest threat?

[@HesperianHorsePower]

@@matthewjbutch I’d say lockpicking is the lowest threat and more a game for nerds to play than any random criminal. At least on the scale of quick in quick out. What concerns me is the bolt isn’t really a bolt but a housing for the battery. Neat idea but I want a solid bolt and far stronger screws holding the strike plate.

[@BalsaRadunovic]

Did you record your voice over for this video on iPhone 15 pro max maybe (without AI enhancement)? I hope you can reply because I have a channel and I think about getting iPhone 15 Pro Max for voice over, and I'm a little worried about microphone quality. I hope you can reply. Thank you in advance brother.

[@MandoMonge]

Can’t wait to see the LockPickingLawyer to open this in less than 3 seconds with a paper clip

[@9to5Mac]

Already done months ago :)

[@barryomahony4983]

Yep. Can be opened in a few seconds by a simple no-skills rake. But as someone else mentioned, if you're front door is made predominantly of glass, then security is unimportant to you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5CwiWxsgrt3ZpI

[@traderjoe477]

then you get the version without the cylinder lock and get your own...

[@fernandosilva]

loved this video, explained so well

[@9to5Mac]

Appreciate you!

[@stanleyssn]

Hello, is it possible to install a door sensor and set it on HomeKit to never "auto lock" when the door is not closed?

[@markscott6152]

Yes - Do it in Home App, add automation. That will allow you to create a custom macro

[@brendonklassen507]

Can you share HomeKeys with guests for this so that they can use their digital key/wallet instead of installing the app?

[@Nadm460]

What door sensor did u get to work with Apple kit?

[@Jimmy_red1]

I’ve been trying to find that out too.

[@RandomBogey]

13:41 What type of NFC card is that? I assume since it’s being read by the iPhone, it’s an NTAG2xx of some kind, unless Apple has started allowing specific/security apps to read Mifare cards since the hardware technically can read them, but is software restricted. But, it’d be really cool if it’s just an NTAG, and they’re not restricted to only level lock brand cards because, after almost 9 years, I’d finally be able to unlock my front door with the NFC implant in my hand, and not just my computer…

[@TechnologyGeek862]

For security I'd assume they are some type of java card like p71, or desfire ev2 or similar.

[@RandomBogey]

@@TechnologyGeek862 Just got one today. Haven’t gotten the lock set up yet, but the included cards are ISO 15693 type-V cards with 8 digit UIDs

[@sladesurfer]

I haven't gone in my front door in years....always straight to the garage :)

[@skyhawk21]

Yeah my front door is a wall triple locked, and I use garage..

[@Iamdprice]

You must also have some type of apple hub to utilize all the features shown in your video

[@isaygarciaortiz4904]

How good/bad is battery life on this device??

[@MarcERNOULT]

Hi and thanks for the vidéo ! Do you know if Home Key is compatible in Europe ? I'm interested to by this product but it's seems to be complicated to import this on from France... Thanks for your help !

[@Kingra5hid]

It works anywhere in the world, it has nothing to do with servers

[@timberthewolf733]

Looks like the faceplate would let water in behind it... or a crowbar. I know you can 'just break a window" but that is loud and obvious. Prying off the face of it seems to be an easy way to pop it open?

[@notoneaura]

Does It use NFC or some type of authentication? It would be not safe if it’s NFC.

[@OrbCorp361]

This is the Lockpicking Lawyer and what I have for you today is someones Frontdoor...

[@enajarro21]

Do you need anything to special when I do it from Apple home get error

[@oleksandrone]

What is the purpose that kind of smart lock for such a week door?

[@9to5Mac]

I mean, what's the point of any lock for a weak door? Do you have locks on your windows? These things, ultimately, are superficial. If someone wants in, they'll get in with ease.

[@freshguy601]

Ios 17 is jacked up for anything Level locks. You would think former Apple founders would be up to date. 😂

[@barryobongo8833]

I have trouble getting past the fact the strength of the deadbolt is basically the strength of the battery.

[@terrydiorio6010]

Does it work with Alexa also?

[@JP-nq1rh]

it's water ressitant? I'd like to use it in a front gate , under weather conditions

[@npgeorges]

Don't think it is water resistant. I called in and they said no

[@dhanishh]

The battery being in the deadbolt is a major design flaw as it is very easy for anybody to break in.

[@qwertyuhi8221]

How?

[@trandang.]

@@qwertyuhi82211 strong kick and it breaks, that deadbolt has zero endurance

[@josephyang3260]

A battery and some hollow metal isn’t gonna be as strong as a solid piece of metal

[@matthewjbutch]

Most doors with a solid metal bolt will break on the frame just as easily, unless you have reinforced it. Don't think it matters.

[@trandang.]

​@@matthewjbutchyou must be using a very cheap door to think of that, a good door with a decent deadbolt will not break easily, I have a anti-pick, anti-drill lock from Japan that can withstand 10000N of pressing force on the deadbolt alone

[@toonworld12]

I understand the level lock + is the specific model of this product however does anyone know if I were to get the level lock bolt could I still have these features of Apple watch and key card support? I ask because we live in a condo with pretty strict rules and they wouldn't let me change the exterior of what the lock looks like.

[@thishandleisntavaiIable]

do smart locks ran out of battery and can you replace it?

[@MosesTheLiar]

Of course!

[@traderjoe477]

Everyone that complains how easy it is to lock pick - buy the version without the cylinder lock and get your own!

[@stevegonzales527]

2:03 “super simple installing” while the top screw was screwed in crooked 😂

[@HesperianHorsePower]

Blame that on the original installer of the door as they didn’t drill the screw hole 100% at a 90 degree. Every screw installed there after will thread in at the angle it was drilled. I see this all the time. Fact is it won’t affect much anyway.

[@Omgthedude]

Jeff get us a key pad. I need to see how to use it. Jeff!!

[@9to5Mac]

I gotcha.

[@David4413]

Wait for the Aqara U100 releasing soon.

[@9to5Mac]

I'll have a review.

[@jackwong64]

I don’t like this idea somehow, because I will still have to pull our my phone and point to it like using a traiditonal key. I am currently a August Smartlock and I would unlock it before I get off the car or steps before I get to the door.

[@9to5Mac]

You can setup automation to Auto Unlock as well. Just like you can with August.

[@jackwong64]

@@9to5Mac correct but the selling point of this new smart door lock is the NFC feature - like using the phone as a key to point to the lock, and cost more $$$.

[@quadlui8220]

Apple Watch as well

[@IvanPauletti]

I see a lot of people praising this lock, I just wonder if they stayed for more than 2 months with it. The batterywon'tt last s**t. Max 2 months and it doesn't warn you in time to replace it, it just drains. I had to hire a locksmith twice and pay 200 bucks due to this product. The product promises 6 months and you can find a lot of forums complaining. This is why I think all reviews should be long-term. I cannot unrecommend this product enough.

[@Ado010]

Mine lasts way more than 2 months. Something wrong with your unit

[@Iamtechboy]

Auto unlock , unlocks the lock when u r home , what if someone came to the house when u r sleeping and the phone is home obviously?

[@Mr.C0ffee]

Are there any smart locks with home key that are less than $150? 😢 💸💸💸

[@MandoMonge]

If watching LockPicking lawyer has taught me anything is that “smart” locks compromise physical security for fancy gizmos 99.9% of the time. Pretty sure it can be opened with a bent paper clip

[@himynameisryan]

Not yet, however I’m hoping for price drops as the technology matures, I really want this at my house as well

[@Eazy015]

Home key is kinda overrated. Might as well just pull out a key. Auto Unlock is where it’s at, after that, code. Had this lock and returned it

[@himynameisryan]

@@Eazy015 that’s not true. Keys are an extra item to carry around and this takes that and puts it inside apple wallet. Not only do physical keys require the extra turn action that could be hella difficult for those with arthritis, but you have to remember this also works with your Apple Watch

[@Eazy015]

@@himynameisryan agree with your points about the turn action. Just saying it’s not any faster or more convenient to justify such a high price tag. Folks with arthritis (or other considerations) could spend half the $, use a lock with auto-unlock/ code/ fingerprint/ app and use the rest of the $ for therapy

[@47crazed]

the only smart lock that works 100% at a time

[@bcbock]

That’s not Level lock. It definitely fails. At least the Level Bolt does.

[@weirdo1060]

How does this compare to competitors like August lock?

[@jonathanrhein1835]

August is so much better imo

[@HesperianHorsePower]

@@jonathanrhein1835 agreed! Only this this has that August doesn’t is Apple key but I honestly don’t see that as a negative. At least with August you can use a real deadbolt and cylinder instead of this dinky thing.

[@ricosuaveyatusabe9179]

How about a flipper?

[@BrendenBishop]

1. Auto-unlock will unlock randomly when you are home. Happened a few times while sleeping! Unacceptable, feature is permanently turned off. Really hard to trust a "lock" after that... 2. Battery life is decent, but the software that buries the battery % level 4 menus deep and has no notifications when you are going low, it just down right stupid. 3. Touch to unlock works maybe 20% of the time. 4. Physical key cards randomly stop working after a few months and then you have to re-pair them. So giving them to guests/family members is useless... 5. Homekit integration does work about 70-80% of the time, but still has a ton of quirks where it will just randomly stop working at all, you need to then take out the battery and put it back to "reset" the lock Bottom line, this lock is gorgeous, clean, and simple, but the execution especially on the software side is a straight up FAILURE. Save yourself the headache and look elsewhere.

[@Desmond_wang]

Canada does not have it😢

[@RonnieGreher]

$329 and it’s not very resistant to picking? So go ahead and have it re-keyed for increased security? I love all things  and tech related, but this seems to be a giant fail. What am I missing here? Visual appeal, ease of installation, HomeKit integration are great, but a lock should keep the door securely locked.

[@smoothiethepotato]

what if you don’t have keys and the battery dies? 😭

[@skyhawk21]

Why is the dead bolt hollow and flimsy?

[@9to5Mac]

Because it's where the battery goes... According to Level, it's still super-strong, and meets some of the noteworthy specs for strength.

[@DenisQuentinSimon]

I wish this would be available in Europe…

[@dandraeg3679]

is that idb?

[@dandraeg3679]

(I DOWNLOAD BLOG)

[@DesignsbyBlanc]

From your demo it seems to take a while to unlock.

[@9to5Mac]

Lot of factors there, but it can be quick, sometimes it can be a little less than quick. Hopefully the upcoming thread updates will enhance its speed. A lot depends on network factors.

[@manin4568]

Whatif a battery dies when the door is locked? 🤔

[@milaman06]

Can you see? Use the key

[@IvanPauletti]

@@milaman06 Yeah. So you still need to carry your keys with you, even the WHOLE APPEAL of home key is to not carry keys anymore. I have this lock and is garbage. Product promises 6 months, delivers less than 2 and the worst: it doesn't warn you that it is in critical level

[@matthewjbutch]

@@IvanPauletti No I think its you don't have to use your keys. I'd always still have them, in case of emergency.

[@TheOnlyGodInTheWorld]

You can literally kick break a lock like this. Just how fragile can this get?

[@MiniMarker94]

my thoughts exactly, the lock pin is make of plastic with a battery inside..

[@benjiebarker]

Is it alexa enabled?

[@9to5Mac]

Supports HomeKit and Amazon Sidewalk. But should get Matter support via Thread in a future update.

[@ydw9527]

why don't use fingerprint?I mean when get out of your home, you probably forget your key, cell phone or your card.but you can never forget take your fingerprint

[@hussienalsafi1149]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MyIronman8]

That’s an joke right you put the battery in the part that goes in the door stricker even weaker

[@ihyeo412]

It doesn’t work as they say. Not able to unlock with a touch and app also glitches .

[@neoanderz]

I wouldnt buy it untill lock picking lawyer investigates this lol

[@MyIronman8]

Wow that’s easily defeated did you see how it is made I gotta do is grab the deadbolt thing that sticks out of the house grab it and twist it it will turn that cylinder part in the middle I haven’t had it will hold back the thing that goes in the wall that is terribley made

[@Iluizfern]

A smart lock on the side of a glass door. You americans really are funny

[@9to5Mac]

Smart or not, the door is basically an "idea" of security. Someone could just as easily break a window. There is no real security if someone really wants in.

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Most doors, like the one in this video, not only have a dead bolt lock but also a "regular" door lock. So what's the point of this product? If the "regular" door lock is also locked, you still can't get in your house. 🤦‍♂️ Also, this product very non-robust. The dead bolt, for all practical purposes, is hollow.

[@g.r.2985]

A lock that’s easily picked, with a hollow cylinder holding the battery to make it easier for me (and any burglar) get into my house, just because I’m too lazy/forgetful to get my keys out of my pocket? Thanks for the review? I’ll pass.

[@he4666]

You cant give acces via SMS? Sending an email is absolutely a PITA.

[@Marcoxx00]

I really like it but I’m scared that’s some bad dude with a flipper zero unlocks my home door

[@ZeroCtr1]

Easy hack for my flippers zero honey I’m home

[@IvanPauletti]

Please do another video in 1 month when you are locked outside because you trusted 100% in the smartphone and not carry your keys.

[@andylam1772]

No hdr video please…

[@robertoolivares9241]

With all the hacking going on now and robberies wouldnt ever put this up

[@Iamppp]

*all fun games until someone who knows your address steals your phone*

[@purplenurp5590]

This lock is actually less secure then a $10 deadbolt from the store. Bruh

[@DwayneBryan]

Lol what's in your garage bro? Lol

[@9to5Mac]

My car, and about a billion other things. Smh.

[@DwayneBryan]

@9to5Mac 😅 alright man, don't take the comment too seriously.. I was just pulling your leg cause each time when ur doing a demo, you'd unselecte the garage lol

[@ponchopalito3953]

This is just ridiculous, highly don't recommend this on ur house a bump key can actually unlock this easily and effortlessly. U know what now that i think about it yeah! It is very beneficial you'll have it on ur door. Highly recommend it!💯👍

[@cobrabtc]

Too expensive.

[@everythingvideos24]

Shi slow. A key can unlock the door faster than a phone can.

[@BitSmythe]

The incessant “dingling” sound in this video is extremely distracting!

[@1fjeflistens]

Looks cheap & unsecure

[@ChesmarHomesSanAntonio]

This logo is horrible. The batteries only last a few weeks at best

[@스벅]

Easy to hack

[@666Valo777]

Price is ridiculous 👎🏻

[@Gooeybrowniebaby]

Just get the Aqara D100. A lot more secure.

[@jie1379]

@lockpickinglawer we need his approval before u can buy it😂😂😂😂

[@robertg5393]

I had one, and returned it to Level. The idea is great, the execution is good, but the software sucks. Very unreliable, eats batteries, and poor software integration.