Go with Nest x Yale or Yale Assure Lock SL
The Nest x Yale and Yale Assure Lock SL are two products we adore. These locks are modern and keyless, so you don’t need to carry a key with you.
Both locks may be switched out with an existing deadbolt using a screwdriver and feature user-friendly smartphone applications.
Nest x Yale Smart Lock
Our favorite Yale smart lock is the Nest x Yale, which we prefer above the Yale Assure Lock SL because to the superb Nest app, curved design, and longer guarantee. If you use Google Assistant or have other Nest gadgets, you should buy this one.
Yale Assure Lock SL
Even so, the Assure Lock SL is a strong rival, particularly if you choose the Connected by August model that endows it with superpowers like auto-unlock and open-door recognition. These characteristics come in handy if you’re hauling groceries or if your kids occasionally leave the door open when leaving the house.
Despite the fact that we consider Yale’s other smart locks are excellent, they are all Assure versions with virtually identical functions to the SL but not quite as attractive looks.
Yale Smart Locks Similarities and Differences
Before we go into what makes each Yale smart lock unique, let’s look at certain characteristics that are present in every model as a standard. We’ll also point out the key distinctions between the Nest x Yale and Yale’s Assure line of locks.
Similarities
The following characteristics are included in every Yale smart lock, which should make it simpler for you to select from Yale’s extensive selection.
Finishes
Yale provides smart locks in three different finishes: oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, and satin nickel. If you decide against purchasing a new handle, this enables you to match the lock to your current one.
Yale locks are available in three different finishes: oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, and satin nickel.
Mechanical Warranty
All Yale smart locks offer a lifetime guarantee that includes the mechanical parts and exterior finish of the lock in addition to the electrical components. With smart locks, this is typical.
ANSI Grade 2
Yale’s smart locks all have ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 security ratings (Grade 1 is the highest). They are perfect for usage in domestic settings but aren’t as robust as the Grade 1 Schlage Connect lock.
Automatic Lock
Each lock may be configured to automatically lock once you open the door. The lock engages with Yale Assure models after 30 seconds, which is sufficient for the majority of users. You may select between 10 seconds, one minute, and five minutes with the Nest x Yale.
Automatic locking is advantageous for everyone, but those who frequently forget to lock the door or those attempting to establish better security practices will find it most helpful.
Keypads
For easy access without a smartphone, each Yale smart lock has a keypad. Custom keycodes can also be distributed to family members and others you can trust. The majority of the versions have a stylish touchscreen keypad, however there is also a less expensive variant that has actual buttons.
Batteries
These locks each require four AA batteries, which have an average lifespan of around a year. The majority of Yale smart locks allow you to manually access the lock with a conventional key if the batteries run out while you’re away from home.
Keyless locks such as the Yale Assure Lock SL and Nest x Yale don’t require actual keys, but you may temporarily get access by connecting a 9-volt battery to contacts on the keypad’s bottom.
The underside of the keypad on Yale’s keyless locks (Nest x Yale in the photo) has connectors for a 9V backup battery.
Installation
A smartphone, a screwdriver, and less than 30 minutes are needed for installation. You’ll need a power drill if your door and door frame don’t already have the right holes in them. If you don’t want to install the lock yourself, you might also contact a locksmith.
After installation, insert the radio module and batteries. To use the mobile app, follow the steps to link the lock to a Wi-Fi network or smart hub.
Differences
The Nest x Yale and Yale Assure differ from one other in four areas that are important to note: modules, mobile applications, electronics warranties, and the amount of key codes.
Yale Assure Modules
One of the special features of Yale Assure locks is its modular design, which enables you to purchase a base lock and a radio module for any smart home system you want.
This implies that you just need to purchase a new module if you decide to switch smart home systems in the future.
Yale sells four modules:
- The Connected by August module ($129) adds Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities to your lock. This module enables you to link your lock to Siri (Apple HomeKit), Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. It is the most costly module since it includes a few more functions like DoorSense and auto-unlock. Nevertheless, the extra flexibility is valuable.
- Direct communication with Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV is possible with the Apple HomeKit module .
- Work with smart home hubs like Samsung SmartThings is possible with the Z-Wave module .
- The $50 Zigbee module is compatible with smart home hubs like the Samsung SmartThings and Amazon Echo Plus.
Shut The Door
The August DoorSense function, which recognizes when your door is open, is included in the Connected by August module. A practical method for avoiding premature lock engagement is DoorSense. In order to provide you advantages on both sides of the door, the August app may also automatically open the lock as you approach the entrance.
The Nest x Yale doesn’t utilize a module; instead, it features built-in Bluetooth and Thread (a Zigbee-like radio) radios that let it interact with other Nest products and your smartphone.
For various smart home systems, Yale Assure smart locks offer interchangeable radio modules (an Apple HomeKit module is shown in the illustration).
Mobile Apps
There are several mobile app experiences depending on the module that you use with your Yale Assure lock. You may utilize the August app, one of our favorite smart lock applications since it’s so simple to use, if you have the Connected by August module.
If you have the HomeKit module, Siri and the Apple Home app on a number of Apple products will let you operate the lock. Although the HomeKit controls aren’t as feature-rich as the August app, it’s still a terrific method to manage every HomeKit-compatible item in your smart home from one app rather than switching between them all.
If you select a Z-Wave or Zigbee module, you will require a smart home hub to operate the lock, such as Samsung SmartThings (Z-Wave and Zigbee) or Amazon Echo Plus (Zigbee). In this situation, you may anticipate using the app from any hub you have, which depending on the app may or may not be a good thing.
The Nest x Yale requires the Nest app or Google Home app, unlike the modular Yale Assure locks. Although both of these applications are very user-friendly, a Yale Assure lock is required for Amazon Alexa or HomeKit unless you already have Google Assistant or other Nest gadgets.
Nest x Yale Electronics Warranty
The Nest x Yale follows the Nest tradition of having longer warranties than other smart home devices. Its comparable Yale smart locks only give a one-year warranty on its electrical components. This one offers a two-year warranty.
Number of Key Codes
The Yale Assure locks can store up to 25 codes, compared to the Nest x Yale’s maximum of 20 codes. Each Yale Assure lock may store up to 250 codes if you link it to a smart home system or app. If you manage a small business or are a landlord, you could need extra capacity.
Our Top Picks
- Secure smart lock for your front door; replaces the deadbolt lock you already have.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit
- Keyless entry on the LED keypad so you can lock and unlock your front door without a key; keypad chimes play sounds to confirm responses, such as locking, unlocking, or turning Privacy Mode on or off
- Let someone in from anywhere; unlock the door with your phone for easy guest access
- Give unique passcode to family and guests and set a schedule to control when they work; when you don’t want to be disturbed, Privacy Mode disables the keypad so it can’t be unlocked with a passcode
- Get alerts when someone locks or unlocks the door or tries to tamper with your smart door lock
- Lose your keys, for good: Hands full, Have your door unlock for you with Auto-Unlock. Or unlock using the keypad, or Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Enjoy key-free access and leave the bulky keychain behind..Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Expand your smart home: Connect your lock to your favorite voice assistant or smart home system. Works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, Airbnb, Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit, and more. Includes the Wi-Fi Connect Bridge so there’s no additional hub needed.
- Auto-Locks and Unlocks: Your Assure Lock will Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking. With Auto-Lock and DoorSense, your home automatically secures once your door is closed, or after a set amount of time. Features a BHMA Grade 2 certified deadbolt that's fully motorized and super quiet
- Stop sharing keys: Digital keys are the new hide-a-key. Quickly and easily share permanent, temporary or scheduled access with friends, family, and people you trust, and never hide a key under the doormat again.
- Lose your keys, for good: Hands full. Have your door unlock for you with Auto-Unlock. Or unlock using the keypad, or Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Enjoy key-free access and leave the bulky keychain behind..Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Expand your smart home: Connect your lock to your favorite voice assistant or smart home system. Works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, Airbnb, Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit, and more. Includes the Wi-Fi Connect Bridge so there’s no additional hub needed.
- Auto-Locks and Unlocks: Your Assure Lock will Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking. With Auto-Lock and DoorSense, your home automatically secures once your door is closed, or after a set amount of time.
- Easy to install on any door: Not so handy Not a problem. Yale Assure locks are super easy to install and are guaranteed to fit standard doors (doors 1-¾” to 2-¼” thick. Doors under 1-⅜” require thin door kit).
- Stop sharing keys: Digital keys are the new hide-a-key. Quickly and easily share permanent, temporary or scheduled access with friends, family, and people you trust, and never hide a key under the doormat again.
- Lose your keys, for good: Hands full, Have your door unlock for you with Auto-Unlock. Or unlock using the keypad, or Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Enjoy key-free access and leave the bulky keychain behind..Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Expand your smart home: Connect your lock to your favorite voice assistant or smart home system. Works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, Airbnb, Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit, and more. Includes the Wi-Fi Connect Bridge so there’s no additional hub needed, Deadbolt Type: Single Cylinder Deadbolt
- Auto-Locks and Unlocks: Your Assure Lock will Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking. With Auto-Lock and DoorSense, your home automatically secures once your door is closed, or after a set amount of time.
- Digital keys are the new hide-a-key. Quickly and easily share permanent, temporary or scheduled access with friends, family, and people you trust, and never hide a key under the doormat again. Backset-2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches
- Replaces your existing lever or knob on doors with a single hole (no deadbolt) that are 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick with just a screwdriver
- Lock, unlock, share access and see who comes and goes from anywhere using the Yale Access App - no additional hub needed, Wi-Fi Connect included
- Your door will unlock automatically as you get home and have your phone on you - If you don't have your phone, just use the keypad.
- Lock, unlock and check lock status with voice assistants including Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Alexa can also notify you when your battery is running low. Set up smart reorders through Dash Replenishment to have replacement batteries when needed
- Never worry about if you forgot to lock the door - Enable Auto-Relock to ensure the door always locks behind you
Review
Nest x Yale: Best Keyless Lock
- Secure smart lock for your front door; replaces the deadbolt lock you already have.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit
- Keyless entry on the LED keypad so you can lock and unlock your front door without a key; keypad chimes play sounds to confirm responses, such as locking, unlocking, or turning Privacy Mode on or off
- Let someone in from anywhere; unlock the door with your phone for easy guest access
- Give unique passcode to family and guests and set a schedule to control when they work; when you don’t want to be disturbed, Privacy Mode disables the keypad so it can’t be unlocked with a passcode
- Get alerts when someone locks or unlocks the door or tries to tamper with your smart door lock
The finest standalone Yale smart lock for those who simply want mobile app controls is the Nest x Yale. Compared to other Yale locks, the Nest app offers more configurable settings, such as the ability to alter the auto-lock delay. The ability to create secure codes for your family so that a thief cannot guess the code by utilizing the most popular codes, like 0000 and 1234, is another feature we enjoy.
Because no other Yale smart lock has such a lengthy two-year warranty, we prefer it. We believe that this is the greatest smart lock to purchase if you have a Nest or Google smart home. Still, if you use Alexa or Siri, it’s not a good choice.
The simple design of the Nest x Yale transforms your entrance into a high-tech gateway on the visual front.
Yale Assure Lock SL: Best for Smart Homes
- Lose your keys, for good: Hands full, Have your door unlock for you with Auto-Unlock. Or unlock using the keypad, or Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Enjoy key-free access and leave the bulky keychain behind..Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Expand your smart home: Connect your lock to your favorite voice assistant or smart home system. Works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, Airbnb, Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit, and more. Includes the Wi-Fi Connect Bridge so there’s no additional hub needed.
- Auto-Locks and Unlocks: Your Assure Lock will Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking. With Auto-Lock and DoorSense, your home automatically secures once your door is closed, or after a set amount of time. Features a BHMA Grade 2 certified deadbolt that's fully motorized and super quiet
- Stop sharing keys: Digital keys are the new hide-a-key. Quickly and easily share permanent, temporary or scheduled access with friends, family, and people you trust, and never hide a key under the doormat again.
The adjustable radio modules of the Yale Assure Lock SL, especially the Connected by August model, make it the finest Yale lock for a smart home. We appreciate the features unique to August, such as auto-unlock and DoorSense, which alerts you when a door is open.
We favor the Connected by August version over alternative modules, even if it costs $299 more, since it integrates with the most widely used smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. The most costly Yale smart lock is the Assure Lock SL, which is $20 to $40 more expensive than other variants.
Yale Assure Lock Keypad: Best for accessibility
- Lose your keys, for good: Hands full. Have your door unlock for you with Auto-Unlock. Or unlock using the keypad, or Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Enjoy key-free access and leave the bulky keychain behind..Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Expand your smart home: Connect your lock to your favorite voice assistant or smart home system. Works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, Airbnb, Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit, and more. Includes the Wi-Fi Connect Bridge so there’s no additional hub needed.
- Auto-Locks and Unlocks: Your Assure Lock will Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking. With Auto-Lock and DoorSense, your home automatically secures once your door is closed, or after a set amount of time.
- Easy to install on any door: Not so handy Not a problem. Yale Assure locks are super easy to install and are guaranteed to fit standard doors (doors 1-¾” to 2-¼” thick. Doors under 1-⅜” require thin door kit).
- Stop sharing keys: Digital keys are the new hide-a-key. Quickly and easily share permanent, temporary or scheduled access with friends, family, and people you trust, and never hide a key under the doormat again.
Choose the Yale Assure Lock Keypad if you prefer a lock without a touchscreen. If you have eyesight issues and need tactile feedback before pushing the buttons, a physical keypad might be useful. It also functions while you’re wearing heavy winter gloves, something touchscreen keypads don’t do too well with.
If you struggle to remember key codes or don’t always have a smartphone, you may also unlock your door with a real key in addition to the keypad. By doing this, you may distribute codes to your friends and family in place of extra keys.
Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen: Best for Physical Keys
- Lose your keys, for good: Hands full, Have your door unlock for you with Auto-Unlock. Or unlock using the keypad, or Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. Enjoy key-free access and leave the bulky keychain behind..Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- Expand your smart home: Connect your lock to your favorite voice assistant or smart home system. Works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google, Airbnb, Philips Hue, Apple HomeKit, and more. Includes the Wi-Fi Connect Bridge so there’s no additional hub needed, Deadbolt Type: Single Cylinder Deadbolt
- Auto-Locks and Unlocks: Your Assure Lock will Auto-Unlock as you get home for totally hands-free unlocking. With Auto-Lock and DoorSense, your home automatically secures once your door is closed, or after a set amount of time.
- Digital keys are the new hide-a-key. Quickly and easily share permanent, temporary or scheduled access with friends, family, and people you trust, and never hide a key under the doormat again. Backset-2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches
If you don’t want physical buttons as on the Yale Assure Lock Keypad but still want the possibility to bypass the keypad with a physical key, you should only purchase the Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen.
The Yale Assure Lock SL is the superior choice because it costs a little more and is less bulky if you’re not addicted to physical keys.
Yale Assure Lever Touchscreen: Best Door Handle
- Replaces your existing lever or knob on doors with a single hole (no deadbolt) that are 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick with just a screwdriver
- Lock, unlock, share access and see who comes and goes from anywhere using the Yale Access App - no additional hub needed, Wi-Fi Connect included
- Your door will unlock automatically as you get home and have your phone on you - If you don't have your phone, just use the keypad.
- Lock, unlock and check lock status with voice assistants including Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Alexa can also notify you when your battery is running low. Set up smart reorders through Dash Replenishment to have replacement batteries when needed
- Never worry about if you forgot to lock the door - Enable Auto-Relock to ensure the door always locks behind you
The Yale Assure Lever Touchscreen may be used to replace the handle on doors without deadbolt locks. This handle is surprisingly helpful on internal doors in your home, even if your external doors have deadbolts. You may lock up a cupboard containing valuables or keep your home office isolated from the rest of your residence.
This door handle is available with physical buttons on the keypads and without a key.
Things to Consider before Buying a Yale Smart Lock
Verify that you are purchasing the appropriate module for your smart home system after selecting the Yale smart lock model you like. Get a version without a module if you haven’t decided on a smart home system yet but want the choice later to save money on a module you won’t use.
If you’re unsure whether a Yale smart lock is the best solution for your house, discover if there are any other options in our analysis of the top smart locks.
Yale Smart Lock FAQ
Does the Yale lock work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can open your door without Wi-Fi by using the keypad or a real key. Using the lock’s keypad, you may easily add new codes and modify most of the settings.
Wi-Fi is only necessary if you want to update settings quickly or need to utilize a mobile app for remote access. No matter the module you choose, all Yale locks need an adapter or smart hub to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Here’s a list of the Wi-Fi adapters you can use with Yale smart locks:
- Lock or Module: Wi-Fi Adapter
- Nest x Yale: Google Nest Connect (included) or Google Nest Guard (optional)
- Connected by August Module: August Connect (included)
- HomeKit Module: Requires Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad
- Z-Wave Module: Requires Z-Wave smart hub
- Zigbee Module: Requires Zigbee smart hub
Is the Nest x Yale lock secure? Can it be hacked?
To lessen the danger of hacking, Google Nest employs encrypted radio frequencies. No product is totally secure even with encryption, so it’s important to do your bit by creating strong passwords for your wireless network, Google account, and smartphone.
Why do some Yale locks use the August app?
Assa Abloy, a Swedish manufacturer of security goods such locks and access control systems, owns the Yale and August divisions. In 2017, Assa Abloy purchased August.
After the purchase, Yale and August worked together to develop the Connected by August module for their smart locks. The August app only works with Yale locks that have this module.
What are ANSI/BHMA security ratings?
A lock’s security grade tells you how well it stands up to lockpicking and other brute force methods of entry. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) are responsible for developing the standards that apply to locks.
Grade 1 locks have the highest grade in the ANSI/BHMA grading system, making them a great option for both homes and businesses. Although Grade 2 locks aren’t as strong, they are more than enough for the majority of residences. Using Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks is advised if you want the highest level of security.
How we reviewed Yale Smart Locks
I’ve used hundreds of smart locks throughout my tenure as a security expert, including the Nest x Yale, Yale Assure Lock SL, and Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen. These experiences served as the foundation for my judgments about the Yale Assure Lock Keypad and Yale Assure Lever Touchscreen, the other two locks we compared.
Based on how beneficial each model is in various contexts, I was able to focus my study on a smaller number of models. Instead of switching between several smart home systems, I concentrated on the Yale Assure locks’ Connected by August capabilities to make the comparison as straightforward as possible.
I looked up each lock’s capabilities on Yale’s website for about two hours, and I also spent a few hours reading online customer reviews to get a sense of how people use their smart locks. Our complete approach contains further information regarding our product evaluation process.
Which Yale Smart Lock is Best?
For Google-based smart homes, the Nest x Yale is ideal, while the Yale Assure Lock SL (Connected by August) is a fantastic alternative that supports Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google. While each lock has a somewhat different design and warranty, the lock you pick mostly relies on the smart home system you choose.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
