Kwikset’s Latest Smart Lock Nails Almost Every Feature
▼ Summary
– Kwikset’s Halo Select is a cutting-edge smart lock featuring Matter-over-Thread connectivity, offering broad smart home compatibility and responsive performance.
– The lock supports four entry methods: key, keypad, app/smart home control, and auto-unlock, with the latter working flawlessly in tests.
– Auto-unlock uses GPS and Wi-Fi to detect proximity, but requires the Kwikset app to run in the background, limiting reliability if the phone dies.
– The Halo Select balances advanced features like auto-unlock with Matter compatibility, though using Matter means losing some functionalities like door sensor alerts.
– Despite its sleek design and quiet mechanism, the lock has prominent branding and a bulky rear housing, with battery life varying based on connectivity (Wi-Fi or Thread).
Kwikset continues to push boundaries in smart lock technology with its latest release, the Halo Select, blending cutting-edge features with reliable performance. This Matter-over-Thread compatible lock stands out as one of the most versatile options on the market, offering seamless integration with major smart home ecosystems while maintaining the brand’s reputation for durability and security.
The Halo Select ($279.99) represents a significant leap forward, combining four access methods: traditional key entry, a responsive touchscreen keypad, smartphone control, and remarkably accurate auto-unlock functionality. Unlike many competitors, Kwikset’s location-based unlocking proved exceptionally reliable during testing, eliminating the frustration of fumbling with keys or apps when arriving home. The absence of a fingerprint reader might disappoint some, but the auto-unlock feature compensates by working flawlessly, a rare achievement in smart locks.
Design-wise, the Halo Select maintains Kwikset’s signature aesthetic, fitting naturally alongside existing door hardware. While the modern styling works well with contemporary homes, the prominent branding and slightly bulky rear housing might not appeal to minimalists. Installation remains straightforward, thanks to clear in-app guidance, and the inclusion of a slim door sensor adds valuable functionality by alerting users if the door remains open.
Smart home compatibility shines as a major selling point. Users can opt for Wi-Fi connectivity to retain advanced features like auto-unlock and door status monitoring through the Kwikset app. Alternatively, switching to Matter-over-Thread extends battery life significantly (projected at over a year) and enables broader ecosystem support—though this comes at the cost of losing some premium features. During testing, battery consumption halved when using Thread compared to Wi-Fi, validating Kwikset’s claims.
The trade-offs between Matter and proprietary features highlight an industry-wide challenge rather than a product flaw. While Matter ensures future-proofing and cross-platform functionality, it currently lacks support for advanced capabilities like precise geofencing or biometric access. Kwikset’s approach cleverly lets users choose their preferred balance between cutting-edge convenience and long-term compatibility.
With BHMA Grade AAA/ANSI Grade 1 security certification, robust construction, and innovative access options, the Halo Select establishes itself as a top-tier smart lock. Though not perfect, the touchscreen shows fingerprints, and the auto-lock feature requires app persistence, its strengths far outweigh these minor drawbacks. For homeowners seeking a reliable, future-ready smart lock with exceptional auto-unlock performance, Kwikset’s latest offering delivers where it matters most.
(Source: The Verge)
