Head-to-head · Best Smart Locks

Level Lock+ vs Yale Assure Lock 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Level Lock+ comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about Apple-centric users valuing a hidden motor and seamless Home Key over remote access — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Smart Locks

Level Lock+

4.3

2 sources$345.99as of Aug 1

Apple users widely consider the Level Lock+ the best smart lock available, thanks to tight HomeKit integration, Home Key support, and a discreet design that hides the motor inside the door. Remote control requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge, and compatibility with non-Apple ecosystems like Google Assistant is limited for now. Installation is straightforward, but the included security cylinder is a weak point that may need a locksmith to upgrade for maximum protection.

Strengths

— Understated industrial design that hides the smart mechanism inside the door frame
— Supremely easy to install and set up using only a Phillips screwdriver
— Supports Apple Home Key for instant NFC unlock via iPhone or Apple Watch

Watch-outs

— Limited to local operation without purchasing a separate Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge for remote access
— Essentially incompatible with Google Assistant until the Thread radio is activated
— Security cylinder lacks security pins and can be picked with a simple bump key

$345.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Smart Locks

Yale Assure Lock 2

3.8

6 sources$279.99as of Aug 1

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread support give the Yale Assure Lock 2 enough connectivity options to fit almost any modern home. Users report inconsistent Wi-Fi performance, though, and shorter battery life when it runs wirelessly, which can mean more frequent maintenance.

Strengths

— Supports multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread for flexible smart home integration
— Features a sleek, modern keypad design with a backlit interface for easy nighttime entry
— Compatible with major smart home ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa

Watch-outs

— Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent and sometimes requires a separate bridge or hub for stable connection
— Battery life is shorter than expected when using Wi-Fi features, requiring frequent replacements

$279.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Level Lock+

The Level Lock+ offers a uniquely discreet design that hides the motor inside the door, a feature absent in the bulky Schlage Encode Plus and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, and provides superior Apple Home Key integration. However, it is significantly less versatile than the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, which supports six unlock methods including fingerprint, whereas the Level Lock+ requires a separate bridge for remote access and has limited Google Assistant compatibility.

Yale Assure Lock 2

The Yale Assure Lock 2 distinguishes itself from the August and Level Lock+ by offering a built-in backlit keypad and support for Thread connectivity, though it suffers from inconsistent Wi-Fi performance that the Schlage Encode Plus and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro handle more reliably with integrated hubs. Its battery life is notably shorter than the Ultraloq's when using Wi-Fi features, and it lacks the Level Lock+'s discreet, hidden-motor design.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Level Lock+	Yale Assure Lock 2
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Thread, Wi-Fi (via bridge)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread
Smart Home Support	HomeKit, Home Key, Siri support	Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa
Unlock Methods	NFC (iPhone/Watch), App, Physical Key, Keypad (optional)	Backlit Touchscreen
Power Source	4 AA batteries	4 AA Batteries
Door Compatibility	Standard deadbolts	1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
Fingerprint Capacity	None	None
Material	Stainless Steel	Metal, Zinc

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