Since Apple unveiled Home Key, it has rapidly established itself as a vital feature for smart locks. Basic HomeKit compatibility no longer suffices. Unlocking your front door with a simple tap from an iPhone or Apple Watch feels enchanting, and once experienced, it’s challenging to envision returning to traditional keys or an app. Level was among the pioneers to adopt Home Key, and it has now returned with its most sophisticated product to date: the Level Lock Pro. It’s the most compact smart lock available, seamlessly integrating into your door (it doesn’t appear to be a smart lock at all), and it is equipped with Matter over Thread technology.
### What Comes with Level Lock Pro
Upon opening the box, you will find everything necessary to swap out your existing deadbolt for the Level Lock Pro. Included is the lock itself, a strike plate, mounting hardware, a CR2 battery, two standard keys, and two NFC key fobs. The fobs function similarly to Home Key on your iPhone or Apple Watch. You simply tap them on the lock to open the door. They are especially helpful for children who do not have iPhones.
The company also offers an optional keypad if you wish to use PIN codes for those who require temporary access to your home, but it is not essential for initial use. The battery is pre-installed, allowing most users to set it up in under fifteen minutes with just a Phillips head screwdriver.
Like previous Level models, it accommodates standard deadbolt cutouts and is designed to blend into the door frame. If your door features the typical bore hole size and backset length, installation can be completed without additional drilling. For thinner doors, spacers are provided to ensure the lock remains secure. Overall, setting up Level Lock Pro is akin to installing all deadbolts, whether smart or traditional.
### Key Attributes
The standout feature of Level Lock Pro is Matter over Thread. This allows for rapid connection, dependable performance, and compatibility across major platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. It also includes Bluetooth connections as a backup, ensuring the lock remains functional even during internet or power outages.
The lock is crafted to resemble a conventional deadbolt. It is 62% smaller than an average smart lock, fitting entirely within your door. There are no cumbersome battery packs or external sensors attached to the frame. One of the most remarkable aspects is the new door status detection. Rather than depending on a magnetic sticker that may fall off or become misaligned, Level has integrated the sensor directly into the lock, allowing it to discern if the door is open or closed without requiring additional hardware.
Battery life appears robust based on the technical specifications, although it has yet to be confirmed. Level asserts that the supplied CR2 battery can last up to a year before needing replacement, though individual usage will affect this duration. Built-in features encompass auto lock, activity history, guest sharing, and Apple Home Key compatibility. To unlock your door, you can use your iPhone and Apple Watch with Home Key, the Home app, the Level app, NFC fobs, a regular key, or the keypad.
Level Lock Pro boasts an IP54 weather rating and an AAA security rating. In practical terms, IP54 can endure everyday dust, rain, and splashes without issue. However, it is not intended to withstand complete submersion in water.
### Conclusion
An in-depth review of Level Lock Pro will be published soon, but based on the specifications and previous experiences with Level products, this appears to be an outstanding smart lock. Level has consistently prioritized the harmonious blend of design, security, and usability in ways that other companies frequently overlook. With Matter over Thread, integrated door status detection, and a form factor that seamlessly fits into your door, Level Lock Pro is likely to emerge as the premier choice for Apple users seeking a smart lock that feels intuitive and dependable.
