Verdict: Level Lock+ remains one of the most elegant smart locks for Apple Home Key users, but it is not the best choice for everyone. Its discreet hardware, physical-key backup and Apple Watch/iPhone unlocking are excellent. The current Matter-over-Thread version is also more versatile than the Bluetooth-era model reviewed in 2023. However, the $249 lock does not include a keypad, battery-life claims are inconsistent, and Matter-based remote access requires a compatible hub.
For a design-conscious Apple household with a suitable Thread network, it is a compelling buy. For families needing code entry, buyers wanting the lowest total cost, or anyone seeking fingerprint access, an integrated-keypad competitor may be better.
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What changed since the original Level Lock+ review?
The widely cited long-term review of Level Lock+ was published on May 12, 2023, before Level introduced its Matter version. Level announced Level Lock+ (Matter) on November 14, 2024.
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The original Level Lock+ launched in 2022 with Apple Home Key and Bluetooth/HomeKit connectivity. The current product is often marketed simply as Level Lock, and Level lists the Matter-capable model at $249 on its U.S. store. Existing owners were offered a free Matter firmware-update program, but buyers of an older lock should confirm their hardware revision and update eligibility directly with Level rather than assuming every unit can be migrated.
#1 Best Overall
- This model is discontinued by the manufacturer. Search ASIN B0F8RC3YRF for the latest model.
- Turn your existing lock into a smart lock
- Keyless Entry via Level Home App
- Safe and Secure
- Fits most exterior doors
This distinction matters. A 2023 review can still be useful for its observations about Apple Home Key and the physical design, but it should not be treated as a complete review of the current Matter-over-Thread product.
The design is still Level’s biggest advantage
Most smart locks make their identity obvious: a large touchscreen, keypad, fingerprint reader or bulky interior motor. Level takes the opposite approach. Its locking mechanism is installed inside the door, leaving a conventional-looking exterior keyway and a relatively discreet interior.
Level says the design is approximately 62% smaller than other smart locks. That is a manufacturer comparison, not an independently verified measurement, but the underlying benefit is real: the lock does not visually dominate the door.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The current product page lists approximate dimensions of 2.8 inches high by 2.8 inches long by 4.5 inches wide and a weight of 3.02 pounds. It includes two physical keys. The concealed design suits historic homes, minimalist renovations and front doors where a visible electronic lock would look out of place.
The trade-off is equally important: there is no built-in keypad. If you want code-based access, you must buy and mount the separate Level Keypad.
Compatibility and installation
Level Lock is not a universal replacement for every deadbolt. Before ordering, check that the door has:
Rank #2
- SMART LOCK, SMARTER DESIGN: Seamlessly integrate Lock+ with your existing door hardware, with no visible technology on the inside or outside. Security meets style with this small, discreet smart lock available in various sophisticated finishes.
- TAP TO ENTER WITH APPLE HOME KEY: Forget your keys at home - on purpose. Access your home effortlessly by tapping Lock+ with your iPhone or Apple Watch, using the key stored in your Apple Wallet, just as you would when making a purchase.
- CONTROL YOUR LOCK FROM ANYWHERE: With Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge (included) you can remotely lock/unlock your door, view live activity history and manage key codes for Level Keypad from anywhere via the Level Home app (Wi-Fi Connectivity 2.4 GHz).
- KEYLESS ENTRY VIA LEVEL HOME APP & KEY FOB: Easily lock or unlock your door via the Level Home app (iOS & Android) or with the provided key fob. Share keyless access with trusted individuals, check activity history, configure auto-lock/unlock and more.
- WORKS WITH GOOGLE, ALEXA & APPLE HOME: Lock, unlock, and set automations using voice commands with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. Let friends in while cooking dinner with a simple command such as, “Alexa, unlock the front door”.
- A standard 21⁄8-inch bore.
- A 23⁄8-inch or 23⁄4-inch backset.
- Door thickness of approximately 13⁄4 to 2 inches.
- A compatible deadbolt layout and enough clearance for the mechanism.
Level also specifies that its supplied strike plates must be used; strike plates from other manufacturers will not work according to its technical documentation. Check the current specifications and setup guidance before installation.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe practical installation sequence is:
- Check the door measurements and confirm that the deadbolt fits the opening.
- Make sure the door closes smoothly and the bolt does not bind.
- Remove the existing deadbolt.
- Install the Level interior mechanism and exterior cylinder.
- Fit the supplied strike plate.
- Insert the CR2 battery.
- Install the Level Home app and add the lock.
- Complete calibration and configuration when prompted.
- Add Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or SmartThings through the appropriate Matter process.
- Add the keypad, codes, key cards, fobs, guest passes and automations if needed.
Test the lock repeatedly with the door open before relying on it. A motorized deadbolt cannot compensate for a sagging door, a misaligned strike or a bolt that already needs force to operate. Fix the mechanical problem first; otherwise the lock may be noisy, slow and harder on its battery.
Apple Home Key is the reason to buy it
With Apple Home Key, a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch becomes the key. Hold the device near the lock’s NFC area and the door can unlock without entering a code. Express Mode can make the process especially convenient because it may not require opening an app or authenticating in the usual way.
Apple also supports a power-reserve behavior that can allow an iPhone to operate a Home Key for a limited period after the phone battery has depleted. Do not treat that as a substitute for a physical backup: the exact behavior depends on the device and its remaining reserve.
Level’s original launch requirements were an iPhone XS or later running iOS 15 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 8 or later. Those were launch-era requirements, not necessarily the complete current compatibility list. Check current Apple and Level documentation for the devices in your household.
Home Key is most valuable when residents already use iPhones and Apple Watches. Android users do not receive the signature NFC wallet experience, and guests without compatible Apple devices will need a physical key, a keypad code, a Level Key Card or Key Fob, or another supported access method.
Rank #3
- SMART LOCK, SMARTER DESIGN: Seamlessly integrate Lock+ with your existing door hardware, with no visible technology on the inside or outside. Security meets style with this small, discreet smart lock available in various sophisticated finishes.
- TAP TO ENTER WITH APPLE HOME KEY: Forget your keys at home - on purpose. Access your home effortlessly by tapping Lock+ with your iPhone or Apple Watch, using the key stored in your Apple Wallet, just as you would when making a purchase.
- CONTROL YOUR LOCK FROM ANYWHERE: With Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge (included) you can remotely lock/unlock your door, view live activity history and manage key codes for Level Keypad from anywhere via the Level Home app (Wi-Fi Connectivity 2.4 GHz).
- KEYLESS ENTRY VIA LEVEL HOME APP & KEY FOB: Easily lock or unlock your door via the Level Home app (iOS & Android) or with the provided key fob. Share keyless access with trusted individuals, check activity history, configure auto-lock/unlock and more.
- WORKS WITH GOOGLE, ALEXA & APPLE HOME: Lock, unlock, and set automations using voice commands with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. Let friends in while cooking dinner with a simple command such as, “Alexa, unlock the front door”.
Every supported entry method
Depending on the model and setup, Level’s documentation lists these methods:
- Level Home app.
- Apple Home Key with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Apple Home app.
- Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Samsung SmartThings through Matter.
- Level Keypad access codes.
- Level Key Card or Key Fob.
- Physical key.
- Touch to Lock and Touch to Unlock.
- Auto Unlock and Auto Lock.
These features do not all have the same requirements. A physical key and some Bluetooth functions are local. Remote control depends on the relevant bridge, hub, controller and ecosystem configuration. Automations depend on the platform you choose and whether the required home hub is online.
Matter improves compatibility—but it is not built-in Wi-Fi
The current model combines Bluetooth Low Energy with Matter-over-Thread. Level says it works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings, and can connect to up to three smart-home ecosystems simultaneously. See Level’s Matter explanation and technical specifications for the setup requirements.
The critical qualification is that Matter-over-Thread requires a compatible Matter controller and Thread Border Router. The lock does not independently provide Wi-Fi remote access merely because its packaging says Matter.
Depending on your ecosystem, that may mean a compatible Apple TV or HomePod, Google/Nest hub, Alexa device or SmartThings controller. The hub must also be close enough to provide reliable Thread coverage at the door. A weak Thread network can produce delayed status updates, failed automations or an apparently intermittent lock.
The Level Home app remains important for setup, firmware updates, guest passes, keypad codes and Level-specific functions. The company’s recommended sequence is to install the lock, add it to Level Home, then add it to the ecosystem app.
Rank #4
- There is a newer version of this product available. Search ASIN B0FKLBYHD2 for the latest model.
The optional $79 Level Connect Wi-Fi Bridge may still be useful in setups that require Level’s Wi-Fi connectivity, but it may be unnecessary if you already have a compatible Matter-over-Thread arrangement. Do not buy the bridge automatically; first identify how your chosen ecosystem will connect to the lock.
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Level’s own current pages do not give one consistent estimate:
| Level source | Claimed battery life |
|---|---|
| Level Lock+ Matter technical specifications | Up to six months |
| Current Level Lock Matter product page | Up to one year |
Both figures are estimates under typical conditions. Actual life can vary with the number of lock cycles, radio behavior, Thread conditions, temperature, door alignment and motor load. The honest buying assumption is therefore not a guaranteed year of operation, but a range that Level itself describes inconsistently.
The lock uses one CR2 lithium non-rechargeable battery, not standard AA cells. Keep a replacement CR2 available. If the battery dies, the physical key remains the fallback, but that only helps if someone can reach the key. Earlier PCWorld coverage also criticized the lack of a convenient emergency 9-volt or USB power option; that is historical reporting rather than a new hands-on finding here.
The keypad makes the real price higher
The Level Keypad costs $79 on Level’s current U.S. store. It supports up to 50 codes, including temporary or limited-time codes, uses capacitive touch with backlighting, has an IP65 weather rating and is rated for up to two years from two AAA batteries. Level lists its Bluetooth range as 20 feet on one page and 30 feet in its technical specifications, so the conservative figure is 20 feet.
The keypad is useful for children, cleaners, dog walkers, contractors and guests who should not be added to a digital wallet. But separating it from the lock changes the value calculation:
Best Value
- CONTROL YOUR LOCK FROM ANYWHERE: Level Connect adds Wi-Fi capabilities to any Level Lock or Level Bolt for remote access from anywhere in the world.
- REMOTELY LOCK AND UNLOCK: Whether you are out of town and need to let the dog walker in, or have kids who arrive home while you are running errands, securely and reliably open your home to family, friends, and trusted guests from anywhere.
- EASILY MANAGE HOME ACCESS: Use the Level Home app (available for iOS & Android) to view the status of your lock, see up-to-date activity history, and manage Level Keypad key codes remotely for family or guests.
- WORKS WITH GOOGLE HOME AND AMAZON ALEXA: Pair with your smart home platform to lock, unlock, or set automations for your Level Lock. Let friends in while cooking dinner with a simple command such as, “Alexa, unlock the front door”.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL LEVEL SMART LOCKS: Works with Level Lock+, Level Bolt, Level Lock and Level Lock - Touch Edition with a 1-to-1 connection (connect a single Level lock or Bolt to your Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge).
- Lock alone: approximately $249.
- Lock plus keypad: approximately $328 before tax.
- Lock plus keypad and Wi-Fi bridge: approximately $407 before tax.
Prices can change and these figures apply to the U.S. prices observed on Level’s store. Professional installation was displayed at $180, discounted to $99 during the research period; that promotion may be eligibility-dependent and should not be treated as a permanent price.
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Level says the lock is BHMA Certified AAA, meets ANSI 156.18 and 156.40 Grade 1/A claims, and has been tested to 250,000 cycles. Level equates that test figure to 135 years of average use. The lock is rated IPx4 for water resistance and specified for operating temperatures from -4°F to 140°F.
These are useful specifications, not an absolute security guarantee. Real-world protection also depends on the door, frame, strike installation, deadbolt alignment, physical keyway, account security, phone security, hub and network configuration.
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The physical keyway is both a strength and a responsibility. It gives you a familiar recovery method, but owners must carry or securely store the key. The absence of a convenient external emergency-power contact makes that backup more important than it may be with some competitors.
Level Lock+ versus the alternatives
| Lock | Best fit | Main advantage over Level | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Apple households needing code entry | Apple Home Key and an integrated keypad | More conventional and visibly bulkier design; check current availability and price |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus | Buyers preferring a touchscreen/keypad | Visible code-entry interface and multiple model options | Model and module naming is complicated; Matter support varies by exact version |
| Aqara U100/U200/U400 family | Feature-focused buyers | More access methods, potentially including fingerprint or NFC features | Compatibility, hubs and availability vary by model and region |
| Level Lock Pro | Level fans wanting a newer model | Level’s newer, smaller and more advanced product positioning | Listed at $349; confirm what improvements justify the premium |
| Level Bolt | Owners preserving exterior hardware | Retrofit-style installation with Matter-over-Thread and Bluetooth | Compatibility depends on the existing deadbolt housing |
Schlage is the clearest alternative when a household wants Apple Home Key and a keypad in one product. Yale suits buyers who actively want a touchscreen. Aqara is worth considering when fingerprint, NFC or other access methods matter more than Level’s invisible design. Level Bolt is the better in-brand option when replacing the visible exterior hardware is undesirable.
Who should buy Level Lock+?
Buy it if:
- Apple Home Key is your priority.
- You want the least conspicuous smart-lock hardware possible.
- Your door meets the published compatibility requirements.
- You have, or are willing to install, a suitable Matter-over-Thread hub.
- You are comfortable keeping a physical key available.
- You can accept paying extra for a keypad when guests need code access.
Choose something else if:
- You need a keypad included in the box.
- You want fingerprint unlocking, a display or an integrated alarm.
- You expect remote access without a bridge or compatible smart-home hub.
- You want the longest and most predictable battery life.
- Your door is poorly aligned or the deadbolt requires force.
- You use Android and have no particular reason to value Level’s design.
Recommendation for existing Level Lock+ owners
Owners of an older Level Lock+ should not update solely because Matter is fashionable. First confirm the exact firmware-update path, hardware eligibility and whether the resulting setup meets your needs. Matter can make the lock more useful in mixed-platform homes, but it does not remove the need for a Thread-capable hub, the Level Home app or a physical-key backup.
Also plan for practical ownership: retain access to the Level app for firmware work, keep a CR2 battery available, verify that Apple Home Key remains configured after any migration, and avoid duplicating conflicting automations across multiple ecosystems.
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Level Lock+ is still arguably the best-looking Apple Home Key lock. The current Matter version fixes much of the original platform limitation by adding Matter-over-Thread support for Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings.
It is not the best smart lock in an absolute sense. The separate $79 keypad, hub requirements and conflicting six-month-versus-one-year battery claims make it a specialist recommendation rather than a universal winner. Buy it when discreet design and Apple Home Key matter most. Choose Schlage, Yale or Aqara when integrated keypad access, fingerprint entry, conventional connectivity or broader feature coverage matters more.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
