Hands-On: The Sleek, Smart, and Still Pricey Level Lock Pro

Smart locks have transformed home security by blending digital convenience with traditional peace of mind, and the Level Lock Pro stands out by delivering advanced functionality within a design that looks like a standard deadbolt. This latest model preserves the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic while packing in meaningful upgrades, including faster connectivity, extended battery performance, and integrated door sensing, all without sacrificing its discreet appearance.

Priced at $349, the Level Lock Pro introduces a dual-core Bluetooth/Thread chip, a built-in door sensor, and a passive infrared sensor for presence detection. It also boasts double the battery life of its predecessor, the Level Lock Plus. Users can operate the lock using a physical key, Apple Home Key, a key fob, an optional keypad, or through an app via Bluetooth or Matter connectivity.

One of the most significant improvements is its native Matter support, which allows the Pro to integrate seamlessly with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. This represents a major step forward from earlier Bluetooth-only models, which were more limited in ecosystem compatibility.

The lock is powered by a single CR2 battery, neatly concealed within the bolt mechanism. In testing, the Pro demonstrated noticeably faster response times compared to previous versions. Externally, the design remains clean and understated, with only subtle updates like a color-matched strike plate and a new outer bezel that hides the PIR sensor.

A standout feature is the built-in door sensor, which alerts users whether the door is open or closed, not just locked or unlocked. This eliminates the risk of mistakenly believing the door is secured when it’s actually ajar. Unlike many competitors that require an external sensor, Level’s solution is entirely contained within the lock itself.

However, the door sense functionality works best when paired with the optional Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge, which retails for $79. This accessory enables more detailed notifications, such as who locked or unlocked the door, and ensures reliable remote access. Without it, door status alerts may be inconsistent across different Matter-supported platforms.

During testing, the lock performed flawlessly over Matter, responding instantly to commands and delivering prompt notifications. Apple Home Key proved especially reliable, allowing quick access with a simple tap from an iPhone or Apple Watch. Auto-unlock, which uses geofencing and Bluetooth, worked adequately though occasionally lagged, a common issue with location-based triggers.

Battery life is rated for up to 12 months, a notable improvement over the six-month lifespan of the Level Lock Plus. This enhancement is thanks to a more efficient chipset and the new PIR sensor, which reduces unnecessary radio wake-ups.

While the Level Lock Pro excels in performance and design, it may not be ideal for all door types. Older or misaligned doors can pose installation challenges, and full feature access often requires the additional Connect bridge, increasing the overall investment.

In all, the Level Lock Pro represents the most refined expression of Level’s vision: a smart lock that doesn’t look like one. It’s faster, smarter, and finally delivers broad compatibility through Matter, though achieving its full potential may require supplementary hardware.

(Source: The Verge)