Level Lock+ with Apple Home Keys 2023 REVIEW

Level Lock+ is the perfect way to upgrade your locks and add extra security to your home.

Ever since we moved into our house, the door that connects our house to our garage has concerned me. It’s a big heavy wooden door, but it didn’t have a secure lock on it. We added a keypad to the door handle lock, but over the years, it has become easy to just hit the door in a certain spot and the lock would pop open. The only good solution for this was adding a deadbolt to the door. We didn’t want any deadbolt though, we wanted one that functioned with Apple HomeKit. So, we decided to install the Level Lock+ with Apple Home Keys.

About Level Lock+

Level Lock+ is a smart lock that effortlessly incorporates Apple’s home keys technology, enabling homeowners to securely lock and unlock their residences with a simple tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch onto the Level Lock+. Once a home key is added to Apple Wallet, the advanced privacy and security features inherent in iPhone and Apple Watch are fully leveraged by Apple Home keys. This synergy empowers the Level Lock+ to provide world-class security while offering everyday convenience and an exquisite design.

The Level Lock+ boasts a contemporary appearance and user-friendly technology that aligns seamlessly with Level’s renowned discreet design and industry-leading NFC capabilities. Its streamlined form is cleverly concealed within the lock itself, setting it apart from the bulky smart locks currently available in the market. Regardless of external conditions, the gearbox operates smoothly for locking and unlocking, and it draws power from a concealed CR2 battery within the deadbolt. With BHMA AAA certification—the highest safety and durability standard in the industry—users can anticipate the same straightforward installation as previous generations, requiring only a screwdriver.

“Level Lock+ could not have come at a more perfect time – this is something iPhone or Apple Watch users can utilize, and we’re seeing that people are ready to integrate smart locks into their daily routines,” says John Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of Level Home.

Main Features

• Home Key*
• Mobile App
• Touch
• Key Cards
• Auto-Lock
• Auto-Unlock
• Activity
• Sharing
• Passes
• Audio
• Works with Keypad
• Automations*
• Voice Control*
• Notifications*
• Remote Connectivity*

*Some features require a HomeKit hub or Ring Video Doorbell Pro with Sidewalk enabled. To control this HomeKit-enabled accessory, the latest version of iOS or iPadOS is recommended. To use home keys, iPhone XS or later with iOS 15 or later and Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 8 or later are required.

Pricing & Availability

Level Lock+ with Apple Home Keys has a list price of $329 and is available through level.co, Apple.com, and Amazon. There are four different color options Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, and Polished Brass. Level Lock+ is designed to work with standard exterior doors that meet ANSI specifications.

User Experience

The Level Lock+ comes in a very stout box. It’s tough and that’s a good thing because the hardware inside is somewhat heavy. The outside of the box shows the lock along with the “Works with Apple Home” moniker and a small splotch of color in the bottom corner that lets the user know what color the lock is on the inside. We opted for the Satin Nickel version because it looks clean and would match other door hardware even if it it wasn’t an exact match.

When you open the box, you will find a small envelope that reads, “Home starts here,” and a folded card-style brochure. This is the user manual and the envelope holds the key cards for the lock. One of the unique features of this lock is that it not only comes with physical keys and can be controlled via a smartphone app, but it also has key cards like one would use at a hotel. The card has an NFC chip installed and can be assigned to any user in the Level Lock app. The other items included in the box are: 2 strike plates, CR2 battery, long cap, 2 strike plate screws, 2 bold plate screws, 2 security bolts, the paddle housing (with motor), the bolt, and the key housing.

When it comes to installation, the process is fairly simple — if you already have a deadbolt in your door. If not, I recommend hiring a locksmith to come install the lock so that they can drill the hole precisely for you. It can be done without hiring a professional, but it can get messy. So, use your best discretion. We provided a thorough installation process explanation in our review of the standard Level Lock, which can be found here. The process is nearly the same as the biggest hardware difference is the technology stored in the paddle housing.

Once the hardware is installed, you have to go through the process of programming the lock to work with your Level Lock and HomeKit accounts. During the initial programming step, I had some issues with the lock talking to Home Keys. I was able to get the lock to respond to the Level Lock app and it was responsive to HomeKit, but when I tried to get it to unlock using the NFC options (key card, Apple Watch, or iPhone), the lock was stubborn. It worked 1 out of 5 times when I tried it. I got pretty frustrated and thought that it was faulty, so I walked away from it for a while.

When I came back, I didn’t have any issues with opening or locking the deadbolt using my phone or watch. I’m still not sure why that happened and the only explanation I have is that the system had to sync up completely. After then, I have not had any connection problems with it whatsoever. There is, however, a small delay between when the deadbolt is unlocked or locked and when the notification appears on our iPhones. I would say it’s a 5-10 second delay.

We’ve had good luck with the Level Lock+. It has assuaged our concerns with the door being secure and we haven’t been locked out of the house since installing it. The lock automatically locks itself after its designated time limit and the battery is still going strong.

Level Lock+ with Apple Home Keys is one of the few deadbolt options out there for Apple Home Key users. Apple has three that they sell through the Apple Store — Level Lock+, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, and Yale Assure Lock. Schlage also has a Home Key – compatible deadbolt – the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt – but it’s not sold by Apple. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Yale Assure Lock are powered by the same technology and in my experience, have become unreliable when it comes to connectivity. The Level Lock+ is a strong, reliable product – despite its higher price point.

Conclusion

The Level Lock+ proves to be a reliable and secure smart lock option. Once properly synced, the Level Lock+ performs exceptionally well, providing a sense of security and convenience. The occasional delay in notifications when locking or unlocking the deadbolt is a minor inconvenience. Overall, our experience with the Level Lock+ has been positive, with no connection problems and the battery continuing to perform admirably. With its robust build, versatile control options, and reliable performance, the Level Lock+ is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a smart lock solution that combines convenience and peace of mind.

For more information, visit level.co, Facebook, and Twitter.