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Level has been creating smart locks that feel like they’re made for Apple users since the beginning, and the new Level Lock Pro (affiliate link) might be its most exciting development yet. I’ve been checking it out before my full review, and it’s clear that this is the direction smart locks should go. Home key support is still the gold standard for Apple users, and Matter over Thread delivers the speed and reliability that makes it the perfect fit for your daily routine. The only thing missing is UWB support.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home gadgets, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple’s smart home framework.

Ever since Apple introduced Home Key, it has completely changed the way I think about smart locks. Once you’re used to walking up to your door and opening it with a tap from your iPhone or Apple Watch, everything else feels like a step backwards. Level was one of the first products to embrace the Home key, and the new Level Lock Pro feels like the culmination of everything the company has learned so far. After spending some time with it, it’s clear that this is the way smart keys need to go, and it feels reliable enough that I’d recommend it to anyone, whether they’re “tech savvy” or not.

What is included in Level Lock Pro?

Inside the box, you get a full deadbolt assembly, strike plate, internal mounting hardware, CR2 battery, two virtual keys, and two NFC key cables. Key fobs work much like a home key. He clicks them without the lock, and the door opens. I find these are great for kids to open the door, but you don’t want to give them an iPhone just yet. This is a SMALL request, but I would like the ability to order multiple at a time and all be on the same physical key.

The level includes everything you need to install a lock except for a Phillips screwdriver. Installation is basically the same process as a regular deadbolt. If your door already has a standard hole and standard backset height, everything fits without drilling. That’s part of what makes Level different. It hides inside your existing hardware and looks exactly like a normal lock once installed. I installed a bunch of these, so changing a deadbolt takes me about five minutes. The strike plate was a little different than my existing one, so I removed most of the internal frame so the lock wouldn’t catch at all. It’s not something the Level can answer, but the way the strike plate was originally installed/cut when the home was built.

Key features of Level Lock Pro

The subject matter is Matter over Thread. That delivers fast performance and rock-solid reliability while maintaining absolute local lock. The series does not rely on Wi-Fi range in the same way as older smart locks. If you have a modern Apple TV or HomePod, you already have a Thread border router that will work with this key. I added it to Level Connect, so I can use the Level app remotely, but if you have it in your Home app with Matter, you’ll be able to use it remotely as well (assuming you have an Apple Home hub).

Design-wise, the Level Lock Pro continues the minimalist look the company is known for. It’s small, light, and disappears through the door. You’ll never know it’s a smart lock from the outside. It is almost identical to my existing door. Another improvement I like is the new door status detection. Instead of using a magnetic sensor like many other locks, Level builds the sensor right into the hardware. Level Lock Pro can detect whether a door is closed or still open, allowing for better automation and more accurate alerts. I’m not sure how it works, but I’m incredibly impressed so far.

Battery life is still something I monitor, as I’ve only had it in for a month or so. The standard claims a year from the CR2’s included battery, which will depend on how often you use the automatic lock and how often you interact with the lock. The claim seems reasonable based on previous models, and Thread should help keep power consumption down.

You get all the unlocking you’ll ever need. Home key on iPhone and Apple Watch, Home app, Level app, NFC fobs, physical key, or optional keypad if you want to access pin code. Everything works immediatelyand I haven’t seen any slowness so far. The level has a lot of auto-opening options and it worked well in my testing. In fact, there was never a single time when I needed to restart it, and I had a time when the home key didn’t work, etc. This sounds like the product the company originally intended to build, and they had to wait for technology to catch up. There isn’t a single thing I don’t like about it, and I don’t find anything difficult to use.

Level Lock Pro carries a AAA safety rating from BHMA and meets the highest standards for durability and finish. It also has an IP54 rating. That means protection from rain, dust, and general outdoor exposure. You can’t submerge it underwater, but if that happens, you probably have a much bigger problem on your hands.

HomeKit Performance and Matter

This is a really important part for Apple users. Because the key uses Matter over Thread, it appears in the Home app as a native resource. Locking and unlocking commands were almost instantaneous in my testing. The home key works flawlessly. I tested the auto-lock after a short delay, and it worked every time without me needing to check it. It’s getting to this kind of reliability that makes smart locks worth using.

A door position sensor is also featured in the Home app, which represents a significant improvement over older models. If the door is not closed all the way, the lock will not attempt to lock itself. You can build automations around this as well. For example, send an alert if the door is left open after ten minutes, or automatically turn off the lights near the entryway when the door closes.

Complete with Level Lock Pro

After a few weeks with it, Level Lock Pro feels like the smart lock Apple users have been waiting for. It blends easily into your home (two finish options are available), performs as you’d expect, and offers all the best features without compromising on design or reliability. Matter and Thread delivers fast performance, the home key makes everyday use feel completely automatic, and the understated design remains unmatched in the industry.

If you’re looking for a smart lock that doesn’t look like one, supports all of Apple’s key features, and has a great hardware design, the Level Lock Pro is one of the best options available right now. Honestly, I have no complaints about the product. It’s really good.

You can buy Level Lock Pro on Amazon (affiliate link) or directly from Level. You can also browse the Level Amazon store to view all available models.