Note: Level Bolt works with most standard deadbolts that have a profile of at least ¾” (19 mm). If you have a deadbolt with a lower profile (for example, Baldwin Reserve, Baldwin Estate, or Emtek) you may need an adapter or spacer from the manufacturer, or help from a professional locksmith.
The Level Bolt can be controlled remotely if you have a HomeKit Hub (iPad, Apple TV, or a HomePod), but because the lock communicates with the hub via Bluetooth, there are limits to that range versus a lock with Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Z-Wave.
It contains a Bluetooth radio for connecting to your mobile device using the Level Home app, but lacks a Wi-Fi radio, which means you can't connect it directly to your home network. It works with most standard deadbolt locks, but as is the case with most smart locks, it doesn't work with Mortise locks.
The radios inside the Level Lock Touch Edition can be updated to support Thread. And the Touch Edition also has an NFC chip inside it which could be used in a “tap to unlock” scenario with an NFC-enabled phone or wearable.
Level locks work via Bluetooth (and, in the case of Level Lock - Touch Edition, via capacitive touch and near field communication), so you don't need internet access to control them. And you can always use your physical key.
That said, if you have small children or someone in the house who doesn't have a smartphone, it's definitely worth the upgrade. For users who want every bell and whistle, the Level Lock – Touch Edition has no equal. If you don't need or don't value its touch features, buy the Level Lock and keep $80 in your pocket.
The newest Level Lock comes in a variety of sleek finishes, and includes touch-based locking and NFC keycards for phone-free operation. HomeKit support gives it the ability to work in scenes, automations, and voice controls through Siri and the Home app.
With today's announcement, we now know that the Nest Secure will continue to work and get security updates until at least November 2022.
One common question is, are smart locks worth the investment? Overall, yes, smart locks have multiple advantages that are worth your investment. Despite having a relatively higher price than traditional deadbolts, smart locks are more convenient and they provide advanced security features that can keep your home safe.
Technical glitches aside, smart locks, like most other categories of tech products, come with the potential for hackers and concerns over battery life. While some go the do-it-yourself path, for others, the cost of installation can be a barrier for consumers looking to level up their home security.
Starting today, all of Level's locks are now certified with the Works with Alexa program, so you can use Amazon Alexa to control them. They also work with Amazon's Sidewalk network, as well as Apple's HomeKit platform for control outside of the home.
Note: Remember once Homekit is successfully enabled for your Level device, lock and unlock through the Level app can also be used at any time from anywhere.
You can connect Level locks to Apple HomeKit so that you can control your lock using the Apple Home app: Connect your new Level lock. Connect your existing Level lock.
Level Bolt
Relying on Bluetooth also reduces this lock's energy consumption, although it does make it incompatible with common smart home systems that rely on wireless protocols such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, or, in some cases, Wi-Fi.
A HomeKit hub (such as an Apple TV, an iPad, or a HomePod) will allow for remote control of the Level Lock, as well as the ability to enable automations. Unfortunately, there's no support for either Alexa or Google Assistant, nor is there any Zigbee or Z-Wave support.
Installs anywhere
A wireless, weatherproof, LED-backlit design gives you the freedom to discreetly install anywhere near your lock.
While smart locks offer ease of access and they can be locked from anywhere, if you forget to lock up, they are very similar to traditional locks when it comes to security. Since most smart locks work with a traditional deadbolt, they are just as secure as traditional locks.
But Google Home users are still out of luck. Level makes beautiful, minimalist, easy-to-install smart locks that don't look like smart locks.
Starting today, Google is done holding smart home appliance maker Nest at arm's length. It was folded into the Google Home division last year, but now, the entire group has a new name: Google Nest. The new name is more than just a rebranding effort.
Other Google home security products, including the Nest Yale Lock, the Nest Hello Doorbell, and Nest Indoor and Outdoor security cameras, are still available for purchase.
Users can to lock and unlock the Level Lock via Siri from an iPhone or Apple Watch, or include the Level Lock in scenes. HomeKit also allows the Level Lock automatically unlock or lock as your arrive or leave.
Since the Level Bolt works with HomeKit, it can also be controlled via Siri.
If you have a HomeKit-compatible home hub, you can connect Level locks to the hub and then control your lock from anywhere with internet access. To access your lock remotely: Make sure your lock is in Bluetooth range of your home hub, and add your lock to Apple's Home app (see Add a HomeKit accessory to the Home app).