Level represents a relatively recent entrant into the intelligent lock market, distinguished by a development team comprised of many former Apple staff members. The company has quickly gained recognition for its exceptional product design. Having evaluated both of their present models, the Level Bolt and the Level Touch, I discovered they are thoughtfully engineered, easy-to-use smart locks that surpass competing products in both visual appeal and functionality.

The basics

Level’s initial product, the Level Bolt priced at $229, is designed to function with your current deadbolt by replacing the internal components with a connected locking system controllable through your smartphone using the Level application. The more recent Level Touch, costing $329, is a complete deadbolt replacement, including the exterior faceplates. However, unlike many other smart locks currently available, it maintains the appearance of a traditional deadbolt from the outside—though with a particularly refined design. The Level Touch comes in four distinct finishes: satin nickel, satin chrome, polished brass, and matte black (with the latter two designated as “coming soon”).

The Bolt operates on a similar principle to other smart lock solutions like the August lock, utilizing your existing deadbolt to avoid the need for key replacement. It also preserves the thumb turn, ensuring that the installation appears as a standard lock from the exterior. Installation is straightforward, essentially involving a lock mechanism exchange. Level provides various cam bar adapters to accommodate most standard deadbolts, making it a task most homeowners can complete in a few minutes. The Bolt provides features such as access sharing through the app, automatic locking upon departure, automatic unlocking upon arrival, an activity record, temporary access permissions, and an integrated audio signal. It is also compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, enabling remote operation, voice commands via Siri, automation routines, and push notifications.

The Level Touch builds upon the strengths of the Bolt, incorporating advanced features like a capacitive external deadbolt housing. This allows for a convenient touch-to-lock and touch-to-unlock functionality, as well as NFC technology that enables the use of programmable NFC cards and stickers to grant and revoke access to your door. Furthermore, it is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing deadbolt available, especially considering that many smart locks feature bulky keypads or large battery compartments.

Design and features

The Level Bolt stands out due to its discreet design, appearing completely seamless during operation. The deadbolt unit itself houses the power source – a single CR123A lithium battery, which is included and provides power for more than a year. Installation of the Bolt is straightforward: simply remove your current deadbolt, take out the internal mechanism, select the appropriate adapter for the cam bar, insert it into the door’s deadbolt lock, and reattach the exterior face plates. The entire process should take less than 10 minutes.

The lock’s setup process is equally simple. After downloading the application and following the on-screen prompts, you can gain control of your lock(s) within minutes. The app allows you to create a home profile for your lock and extend access to other household members, who will need to install the app and create their own profiles. If you have an Apple device and a HomeKit hub, such as an Apple TV or iPad, you can also integrate with HomeKit, unlocking features like remote locking and unlocking capabilities when you are away from your home.

Even without HomeKit integration, Level can be configured to automatically lock when you exit a defined geofenced area around your home and unlock as you re-enter. This is a remarkably useful feature that provides significant convenience, particularly when carrying items like groceries or packages.

The Level Touch builds upon the features of the Bolt, adding a particularly valuable capability: touch control. The exterior metal cylinder of the Level Touch incorporates capacitive touch sensors, similar to those found on smartphones. These sensors detect contact with a finger or skin. You can enable a touch-to-lock function, allowing the lock to engage whenever someone touches the deadbolt cover as they leave, and even configure it to unlock upon detecting a touch combined with the nearby presence of your phone for added security.

In my experience, this touch functionality is even more practical than the auto-lock/auto-unlock feature, and it’s considerably more convenient than using keys or the app for manual locking and unlocking. This is a key differentiator for the Level Touch and a substantial benefit.

Installing the Level Touch is just as easy as installing a standard deadbolt. Like the Bolt, it utilizes a single CR123A battery housed within the deadbolt itself, providing over a year of power.

Key Takeaway

The popularity of smart locks has increased significantly in recent times; however, substantial advancements in their capabilities or aesthetic appeal have been limited. Level has fundamentally changed this landscape, successfully integrating superior usability features and cutting-edge, compact technology with a sleek, contemporary design that surpasses existing options.