Level Lock Review: Continued fusion of smart and elegant
MSRP $249.00
“Your neighbors won’t be able to tell. That’s how Level Lock looks like a standard lock.”
Avg
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Beautiful aesthetics
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Simple installation
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Better prices in Level’s lineup
Against
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I can’t adjust the geofencing settings
I just don’t like Level’s smart locks, I absolutely love them. Why do you ask that? Well, that’s mainly because they don’t follow the traditional design of smart locks, which have huge casings above the latch and an obvious keypad on the outside. Very simply, Level smart locks look like traditional locks. You would be hard pressed to even tell the difference.
Level Lock is the company’s latest offering that follows the same principles as its siblings. Some people might be confused by the differences in the current lineup, but the Level Lock sits in the middle of the lineup at $249 — complementing the hotel key-style Level Lock Touch Edition at $329 and the original Level Bolt at $199. After testing previous locks, I naturally have high expectations for the latest Level Lock.
Assembly
Having installed two previous Level smart locks, this one was a breeze, taking no more than seven minutes to install. The Level Lock consists of three main components: the locking plate, the motor and the key cylinder housing. It’s a fairly simple process, and for the average person it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to install from start to finish.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Unlike the original Level Bolt Smart Lock which essentially turned your existing lock into a smart one, the Level Lock is an all-in-one, complete locking solution that replaces your existing deadbolt. This means that you will have to start carrying a new set of physical keys, unlike the one you have been using. This is essentially the biggest difference between the two smart locks. Level Lock Touch Edition, on the other hand, is similar to Level Lock, but adds NFC-based key cards as an alternative form of unlocking.
To shape
As always, Level does a great job with their designs, and this latest one doesn’t change the recipe. Level claims it’s the smallest smart lock ever, but it’s honestly not that different from the Touch Edition.
From the outside, I still like the fact that it looks like a normal lock that you find on any door. It doesn’t attract the same attention as other smart locks with fancy fingerprint sensors or bulky keypads on the outside, which is one way to deter potential hackers.
John Velaszco / Digital trends
There really isn’t anyone else designing smart locks that retain the look and decor of your existing lock, so it’s hard to fault a design that’s sleek, beautiful and contemporary. Level offers it in four finishes: satin nickel, satin chrome, polished brass and matte black to match any decor.
Software
To complete setup, you’ll need to connect the Level Lock to your home Wi-Fi network using the Level app, available for iOS and Android. I am quite familiar with the app as I have been using Level Lock Touch Edition for the past 8 months.
I still like the fact that it looks like a normal lock that you find on any door.
Like the design of the lock, the app itself follows the same simple and straightforward approach. From the app’s main screen, I have access to unlocking the lock, setting passes to grant temporary access, and modifying some of its settings — like choosing how long it takes for the lock to automatically lock in case I forget to do it myself.
Performance
Functionally, the Level Lock works exactly like the other smart locks in the Level line. While you can choose to access the lock using mobile apps, I really appreciate that Level Lock continues to offer an automatic unlock feature whenever I approach the door with my phone in my pocket. It can do this because it places a geofence around my location, so when I’m in that vicinity, Level Lock will automatically unlock. As for exit, you can choose how long it takes to self-lock after opening.
The only persistent problem that I hope will be fixed at some point is the instance where I had to re-enter my apartment because I forgot something on my way out. Since I have the lock set to automatically lock after one minute, it knows I haven’t left the geofenced area yet — so the lock won’t unlock automatically when I approach the door. I just wish there was a way to adjust this, but there isn’t yet.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
Otherwise, Level Lock offers all the convenience you’d want in a smart lock. It’s handy when I’m walking back from the grocery store with both hands carrying groceries or packages, so I don’t have to fumble around looking for my keys. It just starts automatically unlocking when I’m about 3 feet away. Best of all, the mechanism is smooth and fluid — so the bolt locks correctly every time.
Battery life
Just like other Level smart locks, the Level Lock is powered by a single CR2 battery, which comes with the package. Unfortunately, the app doesn’t tell you the percentage, so it’s impossible to gauge its performance at this point. Instead, the app just shows that it’s in a “healthy” status.
Image used with permission of the copyright holder
On their landing page, Level claims a battery life rating of over a year, but I’m a little skeptical since the Level Lock Touch edition needed to be replaced after 9 months. Even so, I still think getting over six months is commendable.
Our opinion
If you don’t need the unlocked touch unlock features of Level Lock Touch Edition, then the new Level Lock will meet all your needs. It’s still one of the best-designed smart locks out there, packed with all the smart features you’d expect from a modern smart lock — like automatic unlocking, voice control (works great with HomeKit), and temporary guest passes.
Considering this is $80 less than the touch-enabled version, this Level Lock saves you money while still providing outstanding features with a modern design that few can match.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes, it’s still expensive, which makes affordable smart locks like the Wyze Lock a great alternative. You pay less for similar features, but its design follows traditional smart locks.
On the other side of the spectrum, some people will appreciate the more-is-better approach. Smart locks like the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, Lockly Duo and Kwikset Halo Touch have fingerprint sensors as another way to unlock. These fingerprint sensor locks come in handy if you forget to take your smartphone with you.
How long will it last?
The Level Lock seems well constructed and consists mostly of metal components. Level explains that it uses a patent-pending stainless steel six-speed transmission to withstand almost any condition. In the event of a breakdown, there’s a two-year limited warranty, which is generous considering most others offer one-year warranties.
Should you buy it?
You can bet! The Level has three options to choose from, but for those looking for a brand new lock to replace everything they have now, the Level Lock is an excellent choice that doesn’t have the clunky look or operation I usually see with a standard smart lock. Removes extra baggage by removing fat.
Editor’s recommendations
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn