Yale
Yale Assure Lock 2
$239.99Cheaper
Released 2022
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Yale Assure Lock 2 is cheaper at $239.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Yale
$239.99Cheaper
Released 2022
Level
$349
Released 2023
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the cheaper at $239.99.
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✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $239.99 | $349 |
| Brand | Yale | Level |
| Released | 2022 | 2023 |
| Unlock methods | touchscreen keypad, smartphone app, Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (on keyed models), voice assistant (Alexa/Google) | smartphone app (Bluetooth range), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (original hardware retained), optional keypad accessory ($79), optional key card/fob |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi built-in (premium SKU), Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus module (optional, $80 add-on) | Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 built-in, Matter over Thread; Wi-Fi via optional Level Connect bridge ($79 add-on) for remote access |
| Matter | No | Yes |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | 4× AA (9V terminal for emergency backup) | CR2 |
| Finish options | Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bronze | Multiple — integrates into existing exterior hardware (knob/lever retained; interior module is discrete) |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door | Retrofit interior — replaces existing deadbolt interior mechanism, exterior hardware unchanged |
| Release | 2022 | 2023 |
Sources — Yale Assure Lock 2: digitaltrends.com (verified 2026-06-15). Level Lock Pro: level.co (verified 2026-06-15).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Four whitelisted testers (Engadget, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, TechHive) hands-on-tested the Yale Assure Lock 2 (across keypad/touchscreen and Wi-Fi configurations) and all recommend it as a good-looking, reliable smart deadbolt with broad smart-home support. The most common gripes are the dated, buggy Yale Access app (TechRadar, TechHive) and an installation that can need careful attention (TechRadar, Engadget). Tom's Guide separately dinged the lack of fingerprint or tap-to-unlock. Consumer Reports and retailer reviews were excluded. (4 sourced reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
Praised: Attractive, compact design (about 30% smaller inside than the original); Reliable everyday locking and unlocking in testing; Broad smart-home support (Alexa, Google, HomeKit, plus Wi-Fi/Z-Wave/Matter modules).
Flagged: Dated, buggy Yale Access app (crashes, no battery indicator); Installation can need careful attention (~30 min, occasional troubleshooting); No fingerprint or tap-to-unlock; must press Yale logo first to use the pad.
Only one whitelisted tester, PCWorld/TechHive, published a hands-on review of this exact 2025 Matter-over-Thread Level Lock Pro; it calls it the best and most attractive smart lock you can buy and recommends it without reservation. No lab measurements are reported. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Invisible design that looks like an ordinary deadbolt, not a smart lock; Supremely easy, fast installation and setup; Matter-over-Thread lets it work across multiple smart home ecosystems (Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings) simultaneously.
Flagged: High price at $349; Numeric keypad is an added-cost option ($79); No biometric access (no fingerprint or palm-vein reader).