Smart Lock Roundup

As time marches on there continue to be more and more electronic smart locks becoming available.

They sound interesting but not sure if they are ready to install at your home or not.

Features that would be cool

Entry via Keypad
Entry via Bluetooth (knowing what I now know, bluetooth is not that important
Works with Nest
Good Battery Life

Platforms the lock could integrate with

Z-Wave (Samsung SmartThings)
Nest
Apple Home Kit

My Requirements

Secure Option and Physically strong lock
The ability for those without phones to have keyless entry
Works with Nest Works with Z-Wave and SmartThings
Works well without issue
First priority is people who should be able to get in can easily, those who should not get in stay out.
Some reporting and ability play well with other devices at home.
Not absolute but would be nice to lock and unlock doors remotely.

Interesting point, to make this work you really can only have the deadbolt on the door. If their is a lock on the handle or second lock on the door at some point some with will lock it and you will be locked out of the house.

Big Lock Makers

Yale
Schlage
Kwickset
August

Table of Contents

Yale

Yale is a well know security company and has been producting smart locks for quite some time.

Their locks can be divided into the following groups

Assure Lock

Assure Lock® with Bluetooth (YRD446)
Assure Lock® Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt (YRD246)
Assure Lock® SL (YRD256)
Assure Lock® Touchscreen Deadbolt (YRD226)
Assure Lock® Push Button Deadbolt (YRD216)
Assure Lock® with iM1 Network Module
Assure Lock® Interconnected Lockset (YRC216, YRC226, YRC246)

Difference between Assure / YRD240 / YRD120 / T1L Lock

YRD120 is the same as the T1L Lock, it does not speak programing

240 can be z-wave or zigbe (not both at the same time), has a privacy mode, purchase the z-wave or zigbee module seperately

120 is z-wave only, NO privacy mode

Comparison between YRD240 and YRD120 https://community.smartthings.com/t/yale-yrd120-vs-yrd240/48160

Linus

The Linus is the flagship lock from Yale. You know it is important to Yale because they named this lock after their founder Linus Yale.

The lock runs on 4 AA batteries and uses Weave Technology. Yale says the batteries should last 1.5 years before needing to be replaced.

Another interesting point is that Wifi is not needed.

Looks like Yale has two product lines: Yale Real Living and Yale Linus.

The linus does not use traditional keys at all.

Linus — this is their new flagship lock and is due to be released in 2016

Yale Linus Links

Yale Real Living

While this option does not nessicarily have the smart home aspect, they do have a keypad with codes you can give different people. So for my needs they might not work with Nest but they could be a solid alternative if none of the other options are ready for primetime.

Yale Real Living — In this product line they have several products and variations.

Touch Screen Deadbolt — http://www.yaleresidential.com/Web/Core/Pages/InfoPage.aspx?id=1577154&epslanguage=en

this might be an older model, does not seem to be much on the web about it.

Z-Wave Deadbolt

Reviews

http://www.cnet.com/products/yale-real-living-touchscreen-z-wave-deadbolt/

August Smart Lock

http://august.com/

This lock allows you to keep your existing lock. So your door looks the same from the outside but on the inside you see the august smart lock.

Keypad entry.

If you want kids (those without phones) to have keyless entry, you will need to buy a add on keypad.

My thoughts, this one looks pretty cool, but not sure it is the right fit for what I need.

I also think it could get a little expensive to get the solution I am after. I would need

the lock $199

the keypad $79

wireless connect $79

Total $377 (plus three devices have to be combined)

Reviews

CNet http://www.cnet.com/products/august-smart-lock/

Schlage

Schlage Sense Deatbolt http://www.schlage.com/en/home/keyless-deadbolt-locks/sense.html

Reviews

http://www.cnet.com/products/schlage-sense-bluetooth-deadbolt/

Kwikset Kevo

Kevo Highlights

Lock Price: $199 for lock
Hardware for remote access: $69 (i think)
Ways to be unlocked: Bluetooth, Physical Key FOB, Tradtional Key
Supported Platforms: iPhone & Andriod 5. Lollipop
Batteries: 4AA & batteries should last one year
Works with Nest: Yes
Finish one style available in three colors: Satin Nickel, Polished Brass, Venetian Bronze

Kevo Overview – How it Works

This is the flagship smart lock from Kwikset, one of the largest lock manufacturers in the United States.

With the Kevo you have your phone in your pocket or purse, walk up to the door, touch the lock and then the door is magically unlocked.

If you do not have a smart phone (like a kid), an electronic key fob will unlock the door. Don’t want to go with a fob they you can use an old school key to open the door.

The Kevo is an entire lock replacement. So your entire old lock goes away and is replaced with the Kevo. If you were wondering the other style is hardware that goes on top of your existing lock on the interior side of the door, (like the August lock).

Looks like they have a 2nd Generation version coming out soon. http://kwiksetpresskit.com/events-2/kwikset-introduces-2nd-gen-kevo-touch-to-open-smart-lock-with-sleeker-design-and-added-security-features/

Images

Exterior View

Interior View

Key FOB

Batteries

The Kevo takes 4 AA batteries and a charge should last about 1 year. When the batteires start to run low the lock will send an alert to your phone.

The Fob takes a CRXXXX coin or watch battery. Not sure often these will need to be replaced.

Remote Locking requires a Kevo Plus

If you want to access your locks via the internet you will need to purchase an upgrade called Kevo plus. Essentially you are buying the bluetooth to internet gateway or converter. I think it requires power and an open ethernet port.

I think you will need the Kevo Plus which is a wifi adapter, if you want to be able to lock your door over the internet. The Kevo Plus costs $69.

Smart Home Integration

Kwickset says the kevo works with nest. That is great news.

Their site says you can have the lock adjust temps when you arrive home or leave. Sound good, what happens when you have a multiple people living at a house, when person A leaves does that mean that the temperature will now adjust to Person A’s away settings?

While this is being mentioned on the Kwikset description it could be an issue with all lock that work with Nest. I know nest just announced a profiles enhancement, neet to see all that the new features entail.

Smart Phone App

Your phone has to be a Kevo compatible smartphone which makes sense, one thing to remember anyone you want to give an eKey to will also need a Kevo compatible phone. Which they may or may not have.

For the door to unlock by touch you will need to have the app open. For most people this will mean just leaving the app running in the background on your phone.

Kevo Final Thoughts

The Kevo feels pretty cool by just being able to walk up to the door and touch the lock and the lock unlocksand have. The drawback is you have to have your phone / electronic fob / or physical key on your person. The only way the smart phoneless, AKA kids, to get in your house is for them to have a physical fob.

If you want to give another person access to your house then they will need a compatible smartphone, then they have to install the kevo app, and then you have to send them an eKey which could cost you money.

I really like the idea of a keypad, which allows you to give out a short code to your kids or a contractor. Then when that person no longer needs access to your house, just remove or disable their code. At this point I am thinking it will be much easier to text or tell someone a 4 to 6 digit code.