Level Lock

amazon Level Lock reviews

Smart locks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with some high-end models boasting fingerprint unlocking, shared access codes, anti-jamming protection, and other innovative features. While they all strive to provide homeowners convenience and security, they all have one other thing in common: An unmistakable design. You know it’s a smart lock because of the obvious features, like the digital/physical keypad that is prominently placed outside the door.

That can inadvertently make them a target, especially for some crafty hackers with a nefarious agenda. Who wants to go home to find their smart lock compromised, right? Going against this trend, Level Lock identifies itself as an invisible smart lock and represents a drastic departure from competitors.

Complete installation in under 10 minutes

The beauty of Level Lock is how quick and simple it is to install, which took me no more than 10 minutes to complete. The process is much more streamlined than any other smart lock installation I’ve done from start to finish. All that is needed is to replace the deadbolt, attach the new motor and then snap the lock housing into place.

All components are hidden from view, giving my door the same look and finish as before – something I can’t say about other smart locks. How is it provided? A single CR2 battery is discreetly inside the latch, allowing the six-speed stainless steel transmission to operate. Although uncommon, CR2 batteries are rated to last more than a year with ‘normal’ use.

The best part about the Level Lock is that you can’t tell it’s a smart lock by just looking at the door, so it won’t give anyone much of a reason to try and mess with it. You’re still using most of the original components of your current lock, like the knob, lock cylinder, and key.

Simple features

Unlike its contemporaries, the Level Lock lacks when it comes to features, especially when you factor in its $229 price tag. It works like any other smart lock-in that you can lock/unlock with your smartphone. What about the rest? Has an auto-lock feature that will lock my door for a specified amount of time after I’m out. It’s useful if you’re in a hurry, but even its longest setting (1 minute) is pretty short – so it’s nice to have longer options.

All components are hidden from view.

Hosts will appreciate Level Lock’s general access via invitation. That is useful if you plan on going away and need a friend, neighbor, or family member to check on your whereabouts – or if you happen to be offering your home on Airbnb. You can give them admin or guest rights, with the ability to set a specific date and time for them to access the key.

Apple users are further encouraged, as Level Lock supports HomeKit, giving iPhone or Apple Watch owners the ability to lock/unlock by asking Siri to do it. It’s a trick without support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. I reached out to Level, and while there are plans to expand to other platforms in the future, no specifics are available.

These features are pretty standard among smart locks these days, and one glaring omission is the one that will notify me if my door is left unattended. In all cases where I keep it open on purpose, the auto-lock feature kicks in and initiates the locking process – even when the door is open. I hope the smart lock is smart enough to determine if the door is closed, but that’s not the case here. Notifications are sent to me in case the lock is stuck and cannot be locked completely.

A hollow deadbolt

As I mentioned above, Level can achieve a minimalist design by hollowing out the latch to double as the battery compartment. When doing this, it introduces key integrity issues. I haven’t tried kicking down the door to try it out, but Level made sure it was designed from the ground up for increased strength and durability. The company is even bold enough to claim that it exceeds the highest industry standards and has been stress tested over 1,000,000 cycles to maintain operational and structural form.

where can you get a Level Lock online

Level Lock – Touch Edition, Keyless Entry Using Touch, a Key Card, or Smartphone. Bluetooth Enabled, Works with Alexa, Ring and Apple HomeKit – Satin Nickel: Buy it now

Level Lock, Keyless Entry, Smartphone Access, Bluetooth Enabled, Works with Ring and Apple HomeKit – Matte Black: Buy it now