Yale Assure Lock 2: Specifications
Lock type: Combination lock
works with: Alexa, Google Home, Homekit, and SmartThings
Wireless: bluetooth, wifi
plate number: yes
Warning: No
Symbols: 250
ANSI/BHMA Rating: commercial grade 2
Batteries: four AA
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a modest upgrade over its predecessor, the Yale Assure Lock SL. They both have the same dim and elegant number pad, use the same easy-to-use app, and great integration with all smart home systems.
Inside, the Assure Lock 2 is about 30% smaller than the original, and also uses interchangeable modules if you want to connect it to Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave networks — and yes, Matter, which is coming soon. However, in our review of the Yale Assure Lock 2, we found it lacked a few things found in competing models in between The best smart locks.
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: Price and availability
The Yale Assure Lock 2 review first went on sale in the fall of 2022, and is available in several configurations. For starters, you can choose either a touch screen or a keyboard with physical buttons; You can also choose between keyless or keyless options—the former has a traditional keyhole under the number pad, while the latter doesn’t. Touchscreen models are $179, while keyboard models are $159. There is no change in price for keyed or keyless models.
The Assure Lock 2 has built-in Bluetooth, but you can buy it with a Wi-Fi module for $239 for the keyboard version and $259 for the touchscreen version. This unit allows you to connect the lock directly to your home network, without the need for a smart home hub such as HomePod Mini. You can also purchase the Wi-Fi module separately for $79. (Other modules for Z-Wave and Matter are also available).
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: The design
The Yale Assure Lock 2 has a similar setup as most other smart locks: On the outside of your door is a number pad, which may or may not include a keyhole depending on which model you buy. The keyless version I tested is attractive and simple, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints.
My review model came in a satin and nickel finish, but you can also opt for black suede and bronze. Unfortunately, there’s no polished brass option, so those with older door hardware—like me—may find the Yale lock a mismatch.
On the inside of the door is the larger half of the lock – although it’s 30% smaller than the original Assure lock. The bottom half of the lock holds the throw to manually lock and unlock the door. The top half of this section has a black plastic cover that pops up to reveal the battery compartment as well as the lock’s wireless module.
Overall, it’s a good looking lock that doesn’t take up much space on your door, inside or out.
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: Installation
Installing Assure Lock 2 was a fairly simple process. After removing the original lock, I then attached both the outward facing and inward facing parts of the lock, as well as the lock itself. Yale includes paper templates to help you make sure that the holes in your door and door frame are the correct size and position. The Yale app also walks you through each step with short videos. The lock also comes with a small Doorsense unit that can be installed inside the door frame or on the side; The module tells the lock whether the door is closed or open. Overall, it took about 30 minutes to install and get the lock to work.
As part of the installation process, you can also set up an access code on your keyboard; Like the original Assure Lock SL, Assure Lock 2 can only hold 250 characters.
Assure Lock is powered by four AA batteries; In case you run out of juice, you can carry a 9-volt battery on the bottom of the outside of the lock to power it up temporarily, until you can head back home.
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: Performance
The lock number pad lit up immediately and responded just as quickly to my input. The inside throw was solid and smooth. While the number pad is coated matte to prevent your fingerprints from leaving a mark, I wish it also had a security feature like Quick Halo, which requires you to press two random numbers before entering your code. However, in order to activate the pad’s backlighting, you first have to press the Yale logo at the top — something that may not be obvious, even to those who’ve used smart locks before.
Of course, you don’t have to press any button at all. By enabling the auto-unlock feature in the Yale app, the lock will unlock automatically as soon as your phone comes into Bluetooth range. I’ve found that it works well – as soon as I’m about 10-15 feet away from the door, the lock unlocks automatically – but it makes me a little uncomfortable that there’s no secondary authentication required to open your door. Although, you can increase and decrease the radius around which the lock will activate or deactivate. You’ll also need to make sure that auto-locking is also turned on in the app, so the door bolts themselves closed.
You can lock and unlock the Assure Lock 2 using the app on your Apple Watch, but unlike the Schlage Encode Plus, it’s not just a tap-to-unlock; You have to press a button on the watch itself. Not like magic.
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: The app and the smart home
Since both Yale and August are owned by the same company, you can use the Yale Access app or the August app to control the lock. Every app is identical. The home screen has a big red circle to indicate the lock is locked and a green circle when it’s unlocked.
In the app, you can add guests, who can be given permission to access the app or simply get a code to lock and unlock the door. However, these and other settings are only accessible when you’re connected to the lock via Bluetooth, which is a good safeguard against potential intruders.
The app also allows you to connect the lock to Airbnb, Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, and Philips Hue. Compatibility with Samsung SmartThings is on the roadmap, as is the case. The only integration I could wish for was with Ring; The Schlage Encode smart lock can be controlled from within the Ring app, so if you see someone at your door, you can let them in without having to switch from one app to another.
As mentioned earlier, the Assure Lock 2 has interchangeable modules for Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-wave, and soon Matter. These units, which are sold separately, allow you to connect the lock to the respective smart home networks. The Wi-Fi module is likely to appeal to those with less smart home experience, but it will chew batteries into the lock much faster than the alternatives.
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: The verdict
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a solid follow up to the company’s original smart lock. It’s smaller than the original, sleek, easy to use, and works with just about every smart home platform. I wish it had a fingerprint reader or some other way to hide my passcode, but other than that I found it to work just fine. When shopping for one of the best smart locks, it should definitely be on your short list.
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