The Fancy HomeKit Smart Lock: Level Lock+ with Home Key

[@xtracredit]

Thanks for the video. I love the design of the Level, but the operation was unreliable. After many complaints from my family, I replaced it with Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus. The Yale Assure has been rock solid. It opens with the iPhone or Apple Watch. Everyone at home is happy, which makes me happy and relieved.

[@beardfm]

That experience seems to be pretty consistent. Yale Assure FTW!

[@TeeJayKay14]

The Schlage encode plus is by far the best home key smart lock on the market. Connects via thread. Super fast. Home key support. Reliable.

[@beardfm]

I keep seeing it’s Wi-Fi, but saw several people say thread. Getting one to review this week!

[@JohnHolzer]

Agree with the Schlage Encode Plus (not the regular Schlage Encode, you need the Plus for HomeKey). It has Thread built in, and it works like a champ. I have three at my home and they all perform great. I’ve had no dropouts, no communication issues, and great battery life. Again, the Encode PLUS is the best.

[@TeeJayKay14]

@@beardfm yes def has thread. Crazy how they don’t market it to make it clear. But it does connect via thread. Verified its connection in the Eve app

[@MrPecky]

I’ve had the Schlage Encode+ since day 1. It’s solid, battery life is great, at least 6 months or more. I use my watch to unlock the door, have a Homekit Automation that locks the door when the Eve Door Sensor says it’s closed. I also integrate it into Home Assistant where I monitor the battery…

[@beardfm]

Nice! Getting one to test next week

[@johny1220]

I just got this exact version on sale at Walmart for $95! I’m so excited to put it on and try it haha. 😄

[@cd9954]

I'll take the August any-day. Auto unlocks when I get home. Never fuss with tapping a phone. You keep your same key/lock on the outside so you can't tell it's a smart lock. You can also add a wireless keypad if you want.

[@beardfm]

I’ll have to test the August some time, and the Level Lock, Yale, and Aqara can unlock via proximity if you set that up

[@TakWorks216]

Had the same issue with my level bolt. I had to chisel the hole out to be big enough for the bolt to fit in the frame of my garage door. I used support also to help with a connectivity issue I had and they were great help.

[@beardfm]

I was close to chiseling! but decided against it for now 😅

[@jamesakiyama9247]

Nice review. One comment, I was able to get the Level Lock+ rekeyed to a Schlege key through a locksmith (wasn't successful at a HW store offering rekeying). I'd suggest waiting to make sure the lock works reliably, since I suspect rekeying (due to the difficulty) may void the warranty.

[@beardfm]

Good to know that's an option!

[@AndrewDunnAU]

I have this lock and am actually a big fan, the aesthetics are timeless and don't scream "I AM A CHEAP TECH PRODUCT". The lack of bulk on the reverse side is also a boon.

[@juanreyes3963]

I am an Aqara U100 owner. I've had mine installed since July, and the batteries are still in high charge status. It's a tremendous smart lock for the price and has everything I need.

[@beardfm]

Interesting, how far away is the lock from any Aqara hubs?

[@juanreyes3963]

@@beardfm It's about 15 ft away from an M2 hub. Great videos by the way. :)

[@thisssguy3067]

Hey Stephen love the videos! Just a quick comment. The level lock does now have a separate Wifi module called the Connect that works well to use remotely and being out of bluetooth range. Also there is a thread radio built in the level lock connect +, just isn’t enabled yet.

[@beardfm]

Interesting! Is there thread on the model I reviewed or is that only part of the “connect”?

[@thisssguy3067]

@@beardfm Yes it’s in the lock itself and was supposed to be enabled last year but still hasn’t been. Not sure of what the hold is and seems in the interim they released the Connect wifi bridge.

[@BimbusBucklenuts]

Putting a battery in the bolt of the deadbolt is going to replace the steel bolt they put in the center of these bolts to reinforce them from abuse and kick-ins. Just a thought. I know it's tricky to give easy access to the battery, while keeping a small profile. Too bad you can't just use a rechargeable battery in the housing of the lock and just have a USB port on the inside somewhere to connect a power pack or cable to charge it.

[@pittsenbargerbren]

Schlage is what I’ve put in mine and my parents’ homes. I don’t have the home key version though. I have the the Schlage Sense which is pretty much the Emcode but no home key support. My parents prefer the keypad for unlock and lock. I’ve found it most convenient to just activate Siri on the Apple Watch as I’m coming down the street to unlock the door. Schlage Sense also lasts a good while with its batteries but I’ve found that when I use Duracell brand they seem to last longer

[@beardfm]

Nice! I’m testing the Schlage Encode next week for a final comparison

[@jeffreyvilenski7517]

I have level lock. When it works I love it, but it jams too often. Never got the cards to work.

[@beardfm]

Ah that sucks. And thanks for confirming the cards issue, seemed odd

[@250Rem]

Can you just spray paint the straight bar that would be a much better solution to match the deadbolt? I’m at match the door lock anyway

[@beardfm]

You could for sure.

[@PixZTech]

Is it secure? Like is it end to end encrypted? Bcs security for these locks are important

[@beardfm]

It doesn’t communicate to the internet at all, so I would say very secure.

[@mikhailtsa7691]

Oh good but I have extra security door and I have to buy two locks, but can I program it to one keypad or I have to buy two keypad? Thank you.

[@beardfm]

Hmm that’s a good question. I believe the keypad has to pair to a single lock.

[@MrKonscience]

Can you schedule it to unlock say at 9am everyday and automatically lock at 8pm every night? For a laundry room for example?

[@beardfm]

You can schedule things like that in the Level Lock app, but Apple Home doesn't allow you to automate locking and unlocking like that.

[@MrKonscience]

@@beardfm Coo! Thank you

[@2sriram]

The Wyze lock also looks like a normal lock, and works with you existing lock/ key.

[@beardfm]

That one doesn’t seem to be Home Key enabled though?

[@zad1429]

Need this with the bolt version

[@beardfm]

Would love to try that one

[@area51xi]

Yes there is a wifi option.

[@jonharrison7160]

I'm interested in homekit locks, thanks for the reviews. Because my front door has sidelight windows I need a lock that does NOT have a thumb knob on the inside because the sidelight can be broken and the deadbolt then unlocked by reaching through. It needs to have a key on the inside to open in order to be secure. If you find one like this then I'll be much more interested.

[@beardfm]

Ah that’s a tough requirement. I don’t know of any right now

[@gmac2.0]

Not sure why it's called a deadbolt. "Deadbolts" and "dead locks" in Australia, once locked, require a some form of key to get in, or out, to stop doors being used to carry out larger stolen goods.

[@AndrewDunnAU]

You can buy the level bolt internals as a standalone to be used with your own external hardware.

[@ぷりん-j6t2s]

日本ではHomeKey製品が少なくて悲しい。。いつもHomeKit系参考にさせてもらってます

[@danh9922]

I find that this particular due unique electrical grid with have lack smart home products, shrinking market and the lack of Japanese speakers international so you also require a Japan only office.

[@beardfm]

Are there an Aqara options available??

[@ぷりん-j6t2s]

@@beardfm AqaraもLevel lockも公式にはないです😭　買えるものは輸入業者による販売のためとても高く、10万近くになることもあるので買えていません。。泣

[@myHomeKithome]

Supposedly this lock already has a thread radio in it, but it's just not activated yet. I don't know what their waiting for

[@beardfm]

Yeah I always recommend people to “buy a product for what is it today,” not what the company promises to upgrade in the future. Often those features or updates never happen

[@Christopher_Ago]

The level lock is the worst lock I've had at home. I replaced my Yale/Nest locks with them. Level has replaced both my locks twice now because of how bad they are. Always having mechanical issues or no signal from homekit. I can have the door open, turn thr lock manually and it will give me an error message saying it's jamed or having mechanical issues. Biggest waste of $700!!

[@beardfm]

Wow. It seems people have very mixed experiences with these

[@SoufBayDad]

Great video! I’m looking for a leather case for iPhone 15 Pro Max, any case would do! Good luck to all!

[@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!💯👍

[@BK-pc3ei]

With a smart lock, not having a physical key is a lot more secure

[@beardfm]

I don't mind it at all, glad that Yale offers that option!

[@estusflask982]

It needs Thread!

[@beardfm]

All home key locks do! Although some people are saying the Schlage encode has thread, which I couldn’t confirm. So I ordered one to review next week!

[@estusflask982]

@@beardfm Only the Encode Plus does

[@derrickbarnes8122]

Good video but you don’t have to swipe it. Just touch.

[@beardfm]

Oh, good tip!

[@iamenvymetoo]

I internet stalked this thing for so long before pulling the trigger. Unfortunatley I can now say its not worth the cost.

[@beardfm]

The Schlage Encode Plus is probably the best option right now, and the Aqara U50 is the best for its value. I review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqK1oIiwpdqshq8si=bz0OlPhLSuuGa27Y

[@xXJtagWarfareXx]

“to unlock your level lock lock”

[@beardfm]

Peter Piper...

[@matemozes5540]

Flat head screwdriver +steel wire + 10sec = open

[@TeeJayKay14]

It’s 2023. These companies need to stop making devices with technology that is outdated. Bluetooth being the only connection protocol is a sin.

[@beardfm]

Definitely could’ve used thread

[@sturmbreakers7817]

You mean a lock with keys?

[@BK-pc3ei]

Bluetooth is not outdated by any means

[@BK-pc3ei]

@@sturmbreakers7817 you don’t need a physical key on a smart lock. Quite frankly, it’s more secure to not have a physical key on it

[@TeeJayKay14]

@@BK-pc3ei came out in 1999. Sure that’s not old 😂😂

[@adalarce]

Whatever you do don’t get a Bluetooth based lock

[@beardfm]

Apparently there’s a newer Level Lock Connect model, but requires a module to be in Bluetooth range if the lock and gives you wifi access. Thread is still the better option here, hoping for more lock options soon

[@BK-pc3ei]

get your kids an iPhone or Apple Watch

[@beardfm]

Two of three have Apple Watches, but my youngest is a little early for that.

[@adampozek]

These locks are complete garbage. The battery life is non-existent, even on a door that is used at most for a few days every 3 or 4 weeks. They jam at the drop of a hat, and the thumb turn know is so slimy that it feels like it's going break off in my hand when I use to un-jam the lock. There are numerous threads on Reddit of people reporting similar issues. I've just purchased two Schlage Encode Plus locks and, despite the complete waste of $600+, I cannot wait to toss the 2 Level Lock+ in the trash.

[@beardfm]

I have Schlage encode coming this week to test, will compare them!

[@enriquelinares9218]

Why would anyone buy this crap when the Aqara u100 is a thing 😂