An attractive design, more than two ways to control it, and the ability to connect directly with my smart home are what I want from a smart lock. The Yale Assure Lock 2 ticks all those boxes. If you add the right networking module, it will work with all the major smart home platforms. People, soon. Soon
You can get the Yale Assure Lock 2 with or without a physical key for the same price if you choose to. The base models can be unlocked with the Yale app on a phone or Apple Watch, as well as with Apple Home, which can be used with a voice command.
Yale has an auto-unlock feature that uses your phone's location and the lock's radio to open the door when you approach. When it works, it is pretty magical, but I would rather have a fingerprints reader.
Yale's Assure 2 Lock uses networking modules to add different connections. Instead of a confusing lineup of options, there are just three: Z-Wave for Ring Alarm, Matter over Thread, and wi-fi. There isn't a need for a separate bridge for wi-fi.
I tested the Assure Lock 2 Key-Free Touchscreen with wi-fi, which comes with the wi-fi module included and adds out-of- home control through the Yale app. The same lock is used for both versions of the device. If you get the base model, you can get the module later for less than the price of the base model.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the most discreet looking lock I have ever tested. The Eufy smart lock I had installed previously was much larger and more noticeable against my dark front door.
The Yale Assure model has a smaller rear housing than most other smart locks I have tested. It is not a look I like but it is less of a problem.
The AssureSL models have the same styling as the keypad-only models but with a completely new look.
The model with the key is slightly larger than the model without it. It's a waste of space if you don't have a specific reason for needing a physical key.
I did not use a physical key to get into my home.
If you choose the keyed model, Yale sells replacement cylinders for Schlage and Kwikset keyways and can key them to your existing locks, though if you have multiple exterior doors, you don't really need a keyhole on the one with the smart lock.
I have tested smart door locks for over a decade, but I can't remember when I used a physical key. I was embarrassed when I dropped my son off at a college dorm for summer camp because he had never used one.
If I were to let the lock run out of battery, it would be the only scenario I could think of.
9-volt batteries are easy to get a hold of and are more secure than a spare key under a flower pot.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is located in the rear.
The Assure 2 is next to the AssureSL.
When the keys light up, it's kind of a surprise. It doesn't light up with just a touch, that's the downside When I woke up at 6:30AM, I heard a loud bang on the door.
I hadn't trained my husband on the new lock. He couldn't figure out how to show up after 24 hours of work.
I should have told him that he had to either press the Yale button or put his hand over the lock in order to see the keypad.
The earlier Assure locks work the same way. Let me use the screen. The standard keypad version has physical buttons. It is more convenient for everyone to use.
It was easy to get the hang of the keypad once we got used to it. It's not as fast as a fingerprint reader. I prefer the auto-unlock feature when there isn't a tap-to-unlock option.
I like using auto-unlock on August locks, but it isn't as smooth as I would like.
It is magic when auto-unlock works quickly, you can get to the door a few seconds before anyone else. You end up standing in front of your door for a few seconds if it doesn't work out.
It was easy to install and only needed two screws.
The Assure 2 is not as big as the AssureSL.
The YaleAccess app is easy to use. It has all the features I look for. I can remotely open and close the door with the help of a wi-fi module.
I can use the app to see if the door is open or closed, as well as see a log of every interaction with the door.
The log includes who opened it, how it was opened, how it was opened remotely with the app, with a code, or using a smart home platform.
I can either add guests to the lock or give them a code so they can use it whenever they please. There is no limit to the number of codes that can be revoked.
It's great to see a lock with wi-fi built in, but I don't believe it's the version most people should get.
It's possible to add a lock to a Goodnight Scene with the Apple Home integration. Leaving will lock the door and arriving can open it. I have to tap a prompt on my phone or watch for the automation to start.
Aside from being able to lock andunlock the door when you're away from home, everything I've talked about so far is related to the base model with no extra networking modules.
I don't think it's the version most people should get, the lock I tested had the wi-fi module installed, and while it's great to see a lock with wi-fi built-in, I don't think it's the version most people should
The Yale app can be integrated with more smart home platforms. The out-of- home control worked well in the app, but not in my testing.
I could add the locks to the platforms and add them to routines, but when I tried to control them with their voice assistants, the action was already done.
I will update this review if I see an improvement.
Poor battery life is one of the drawbacks of integrated wi-fi. The 4 AA batteries that the Yale runs on should last around six months after installation. Changing your lock batteries two times a year is tiring.
The Assure 2 is a good lock. It's design will fit in with most homes, it promises broad compatibility, and it provides several easy and reliable ways to access your door while you're away.
The cost of the Assure 2 is more expensive than the previous one. It's possible that you don't need the wi-fi version.
It is the least expensive smart lock that works with Apple Home, you get out-of- home control, and it is upgradeable.
I don't think it's a good idea to get the wi-fi version of the device until you're all in. Wait until they get the bugs worked out with the smart home integrations, or even better, wait for the Matter over Thread module, which Lovejoy says will arrive soon after.
The new smart home standard should be able to connect the lock to all the same platforms, with less lag and better battery life than the current one. It also has wi-fi access. This review will be updated when it is available.
If you don't use Apple Home, you won't be able to control the lock, but if you buy the Matter module, you can.
The Matter version requires a Thread border routers. Hopefully it won't involve a separate purchase, as this can be anything from a smart speaker to a wireless device.
It was a shame that Yale didn't just build Thread into the device and eliminate the need for modules. Lovejoy told me they weren't ready to wait on Matter.
Some smart home companies have been put in an awkward spot by Matter delays, like Nanoleaf, which shipped Thread devices but were left in the cold as hardware requirements changed.
Since it means the company can ship the lock without waiting for a final Matter spec, it is a great asset here. The Assure 2 modules are compatible with the older Assure locks. More companies should follow Yale's lead.
The photo was taken by Tuohy.
Every smart device has a set of terms and conditions that you have to agree to before you can use it. It is not possible for us to read and analyze all of them. We started counting the number of times you have to agree to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people can't negotiate.
To set up the Yale Assure Lock 2, you need to download and install the Yale Access app on your mobile device. You need to agree to this in order to do so.
You need to set it up in the Yale Access app before you can pair it with Apple Home.
It's time to tally three mandatory agreements.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
