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Expert Rating

94

If you’re looking for a premium locking system that’s also the best smart lock, don’t turn your nose away from the Yale Assure Lock. Its keyless design means you never have to carry keys again, relying almost solely on your mobile device or, alternatively, a password.

Why We Like It – Yale Assure Lock

The Yale Assure Lock provides a high quality premium security locking system, far better than a normal lock, while also throwing in a ton of supported devices and additional features.

Pros
  • Locks up even if you forget to
  • Smart home device integration
  • August Home app is solid
Cons
  • Lacks a normal keyhole
  • Needs 4 AA batteries to operate

Performance

All things considered, the Yale Assure SL works incredibly well. The lock will sense your phone when it’s nearby, unlocking the system automatically. This also works when you leave said location. So if you forget to lock up, don’t worry—it’ll do it for you. Compare this with the Genie Smart Lock that lets you unlock your door via your phone even when you’re a million miles away on the other side of the world.

Additionally, the Yale Assure Lock’s network module allows linking with smart home devices such as Apple HomeKit, Apple TV, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, even an Apple TV. Since it also includes the August Module, you can link up the August app, August Connect, to control the lock remotely. Curious to learn about a top-rated Wi-Fi smart lock? Read our August door lock review.

Only two problems exist: using batteries, and lack of a normal keyhole. You won’t need to change the 4 AA batteries often, but invest in rechargeable ones to save money. If you happen to forget your phone and the password, you’re locked out because it doesn’t have a normal key lock to fall back on or a fingerprint scanner like the Ultraloq UL3. Are you only looking for smart locks that exclusively work with the Apple HomeKit? Read our Vocolinc smart door lock review.

Design

The Yale Assure Lock SL Key Free belies its high quality security with its design. It’s quite simple in design. Everything that it is fits into its small dimensions, which is 6 x 6 x 14 inches. With it being a touchscreen keypad, you lose any number keys. This touchscreen deadbolt also comes in a variety of finishes such as black, brass, bronze, and satin nickel, allowing it to fit into any smart home. It’ll replace your lock, unlike the August Smart Lock Pro.

Value

The key free Yale Assure Lock SL asks for a hefty price. Compare it with the Kwikset 909 and you’re paying almost 4 times as much. With that price comes a load of compatibility and functions than other smart locks. Your phone, which is probably in your pocket than, say, a purse, is arguably more secure than a physical key. In other words, it’ll be a better security system on your front door than other door locks that rely solely on pin codes every time you need to get in.

Yale Assure Lock Wrap Up

The Yale Assure Lock relies on your memory and phone to unlock, lacking a normal keyhole. If that isn’t your cup of tea, this lock isn’t for you. However, its hands-free design, smart home integration, and solid August app would argue otherwise. Sure, it runs on batteries, but that’s a small price to pay for a lock that secures itself even when you forget to.