Level Lock Touch Edition Review

When we reviewed the Level Lock back in 2020, we appreciated how easy it was to install and its Apple HomeKit support, but we weren't crazy about its limited third-party platform options and use of a semi-hollow deadbolt. The new Level Lock Touch Edition ($329) offers one-touch access via your finger or a key card and looks as stylish as ever, but it still relies on a HomeKit hub or a Ring Sidewalk-compatible camera for remote access. If you don't already own such a device or otherwise want more varied third-party platform options, the more affordable Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi ($249) is a better alternative, as well as our Editors' Choice winner for smart locks.

Whereas the original Level Lock uses your existing lock components and replaces the deadbolt latch with a motorized gear case assembly, the Level Lock Touch replaces your entire lock. It comes with an IPX4 water-resistant exterior keyway housing, an interior thumb turn, a motorized gear case, a deadbolt latch, a strike plate, two keys, two key cards, a long cap for the battery compartment, a CR2 battery, and assorted screws. The lock in encased in four sleek finishes, including Matte Black, Polished Brass, Satin Chrome, or Satin Nickel.

The round exterior uses a mix of stainless steel and metal alloy, and houses a keyway that measures 2.5 inches wide by 1.2 inches deep. A smooth, beveled collar surrounds it and enables you to lock and unlock the door with the touch of your finger (as long as you have your phone with you). You can also program the included key cards to lock and unlock the door.

The interior housing is also round and sports the same finish as the exterior piece. It measures 2.5 inches wide and 1.3 inches deep, and features a thumb turn for manually locking and unlocking the door. The lock fits doors that are 1-3/4 to 2 inches thick with a standard 2-1/8-inch diameter borehole. A single CR2 battery powers the lock and should last up to a year before you need to replace it. As with the original Level Lock, the deadbolt is semi-hollow to accommodate the battery. Again, I question the durability of a semi-hollow deadbolt compared with a solid one, but, according to the folks at Level, the deadbolt meets or exceeds ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for Grade 1/A locks.

The Level Touch supports Bluetooth but doesn't have a Wi-Fi radio. You can still control it remotely if you connect it to an Apple HomeKit hub, however (compatible hub devices include the Apple TV, HomePod, and iPad). Alternatively, you can connect it to the Ring Sidewalk network via a compatible Ring Video Doorbell as a bridge and control it remotely from the Ring app. Just note that you can't use the lock with both HomeKit and Ring Sidewalk simultaneously.

The aforementioned Touch to Unlock feature requires you to enable location services on your phone and works only when you return home from an away mode. The lock also offers Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features. With Auto-Lock, you can configure the door to lock after being open for any amount of time between 30 seconds and one hour. The Auto-Unlock feature uses location services (geofencing) to automatically unlock the door when you return home. Note that you can't enable both the Auto-Unlock and Touch to Unlock options at the same time.

As mentioned, the Level Touch supports HomeKit (and thus Siri voice commands). That means you can configure it to work with other HomeKit devices via Scenes and Automations in the Apple Home app. The lock doesn't work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT which limits its interoperability.

The Touch Edition lock uses the same Level Home mobile app (available for Android and iOS) as the standard model. The lock appears in a panel on the home screen that shows its name, status (locked or unlocked), last access time, and last user. Tap and hold the square icon to lock and unlock the device.

Tap the gear icon in the lower right corner to configure Auto-Lock, Auto-Unlock, and Touch settings. Here, you can adjust the lock's chime and beep volume, calibrate the lock, add an optional keypad ($79), and enable Boost Range (which provides a more powerful Bluetooth signal for more consistent performance, but decreases battery life by around one month).

To add users and assign full-time, recurring, or date-restricted access, tap the people icon in the upper right corner of the home screen. When you send an access invitation via email, the recipient receives a link to accept the invite and instructions to download the app. For users who do not have a phone, you can create a key card that can lock and unlock the door, but you can't configure any restrictions or time limitations for the cards. You can buy additional key cards in a pack of four for $20.

I had no trouble installing the Level Lock Touch Edition. I started by removing my existing lock and deadbolt assembly. Then, I installed the new deadbolt with the included screws. I slid the motor assembly through the borehole and tightened the connecting screw to secure it to the bolt. Next, I fastened the strike plate to the doorjamb, fed the exterior housing through the motor assembly, and attached the interior and exterior housings using the included bolts. I inserted the battery into the bolt compartment, heard a chirp, and downloaded the Level Home app.

After creating an account, I tapped Add Lock on the welcome screen and then Pair. Once the app recognized the lock, I gave it a name and added it to a room. A short chirp verified that the installation completed successfully. I updated the firmware and then chose between the HomeKit or Ring Sidewalk platforms. I picked HomeKit, scanned the HomeKit code on the installation guide, and enabled the Touch to Lock and Touch to Unlock features.

The Level Touch worked well in testing. It responded immediately to my Touch to Lock and Touch to Unlock commands. The Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock options worked perfectly, too. In-app commands to lock and unlock the door also worked as intended, as did key card access and Siri voice commands.

The lock was very quiet in testing, operated smoothly, and paired seamlessly with other HomeKit devices. For example, an automation I created for an Eve smart power strip to turn on when someone unlocked the door worked without issue. I also didn't encounter any problems when I added the lock to a Goodnight scene that both turned off certain lights and locked the door.

If you use Apple HomeKit and/or own a compatible Ring Sidewalk device, the Level Lock Touch Edition might be a worthy addition to your smart home. It works with Siri voice commands and Apple Home automations, plus offers several unlock options. But it lacks a Wi-Fi radio and requires a HomeKit hub or Ring Sidewalk bridge for remote operation. If you can give up HomeKit support, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi is a stronger choice as it offers more unlock options, doesn't require a hub, and supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

The Level Lock Touch Edition supports HomeKit and several unlock options, including key cards, but it lacks Wi-Fi and doesn't work with many other third-party services.

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