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- Verified Buyer
I'm confused by the reviews here. First off, I purchased the Z-Wave / BT model - that's important. Secondly, I'll share my whole experience, because this purchase was EXTREMELY confusing! Purchasing a "smart lock" apparently takes a rocket scientist. As an engineer, a statistician, a tech junkie, and a 20 year IBMer, I can't fathom how complicated this decision was... If you're having the same troubles, I GET IT!!!!HARDWARE:First off - the hardware, then the specifics of the hard part, the TECH! The hardware is high-end. Nicer than the Kwikset lock I replaced by a good margin. The installation was stupid easy, the deadbolt is DEAD QUIET, unlike the kwikset which sounded like grinding gears - good luck entering the house quietly! The screen is gorgeous and very sleek. The functioning of the keypad is good, but having to wake it up, then use the "check" to open the door is a bit more hassle than the simple pushbutton code model it replaced. Still, it's moot if you figure out the tech part, so if interested, then read on... but if you want this for a simple code-opening door lock, I think it's still a good solid choice. I have had a pushbutton keyed deadbolt for years, and I love the convenience of going keyless. But I also really like the absolute security of a completely keyless lock... I live in a safe place, but it stands to reason, this lock is essentially pick-proof and also tamper proof.TECH:First off, this isn't my first programmable code lock, but it was far easier than most - the voice guide was just nice to have to make it easier. So even without a "connected lock", it's a very nice model. I wanted a few additional features... I wanted a simple way to get out temporary codes, and I wanted to see if I could "tech out" and have my smart home do everything I wanted. What's that? Well, I wanted the door to lock automatically when both of us leave the house, or at night. I wanted also to have the door UNLOCK automatically when either of us arrives home. I also wanted to be able to provide multiple "expirable" codes if I ever felt like giving access to a friend or my cleaner. So if that's what you're after, we're on the same page.What to buy, Apple Homekit, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, etc.?- Apple Homekit: I'm an Apple junkie, 2 Apple TV4s, iPhones, iPads, Macbooks. I don't own a windows machine. So it makes sense to buy the Apple Homekit version, right? Well, I was originally inclined, then I second guessed it. Why? It would "work" with my Apple TVs as hubs, but it doesn't have the functionality I really wanted. It would work for you, too, if you don't mind telling Siri to unlock the door AFTER unlocking your phone. It's not a big deal, but you may as well just tap in the code yourself - same difference. Also, you can't do multiple expiring codes, and you can't make it unlock with geofencing with Apple Homekit.- Bluetooth: This works, especially because you can easily manage codes, manually. But as many comment - it's completely INANE to use to unlock the door! I won't comment further - what a stupid idea is about the most I can say about that. May as well have it rather than not, so I got the Z-Wave/BT combo model.- Z-Wave: This intrigued me, but I'm not afraid to push my tech limits. Still, it's a bit intimidating. You need a smarthome hub - I bought a Samsung Smartthings hub for $49, because I love the idea of the flexibility it affords to do some cool home automation functions. If you don't care, and if you're an apple person, go with Homekit. If not, then read on... I plugged the samsung hub in, installed the app, plugged my HUE light hub into the same router - so everything should be good. I programmed the lock, then programmed it to connect to the Smartthings hub, boom, it connected. It did NOT work on my first try, but after resetting the hub and re initiating the lock, I could go to my phone, add the lock, and lock and unlock it with the push of a button from my phone in the Smartthings App - from anywhere. BAM! That's cool!SMARTTHINGS:Now, this is where the cool stuff either works, or doesn't... I was able to set up the Smarthings up with the lock, my honeywell thermostat (wi-fi, 4 years old), my logitech harmony hubs, my philips hue lighting and some smart outlets. Also, was able to add my gal's phone and mine as "presence sensors". Now, could I make it work where if BOTH of us leave, it autolocks, and turns out the lights? Bam! It worked. Could I get it so EITHER of us arrive and it auto-unlocks? Bam! It works. Okay, now I'm kinda impressed - it's doing exactly what I was after. I can tell "Alexa" to "Lock the Front Door" and it also works. It will not unlock - as a safety measure. But still - cool enough for me.Now to temporary codes... I started looking into it, but I must say... this is a project that I need to wait for... we're talking github accounts, downloading code, installing on the hub and so on. Is it rocket science? No, but it's more than your average person is willing to put up with. Regardless, I'm confident I can do it, and I will - but for now, I'm VERY happy with this lock.
