AndrewWhat Is The Level Bolt?
So what is the Level Bolt? Well, let me tell you exactly what it is in this Level Bolt Review.
It’s one of the few (perhaps only) products that allows you to take your existing deadbolt external hardware and make it smart. All you are really doing is replacing the internal locking mechanism, you keep the same key, same exterior design, it’s truly hidden.
Features
It’s invisible and smart, enough said. You want to know the features, well here is a quick bullet list of it’s features.
- Level mobile app, Homekit ready, and Ring ready
- Auto-Locking
- Auto-Unlocking
- Activity History
- Sharing
- Temporary passes
- Voice control
- Notifications
Some of those features utilize HomeKit, you have the ability to do full automations with your other HomeKit devices. I have an automation set to turn our entryway light on when the door is unlocked at night.
Even though the device is relatively small it is powerful and rather strong. It uses a CR2 battery within the actual bolt. The battery is said to last at least a year and to change it, you bring the bolt out and unscrew it, no need to remove the whole housing.
You have the option to purchase a keypad that works alongside it, so if you have guests or service folks you could give them the keypad code. That’s an additional $79 add on but I can see how it’s helpful for some.
What I Like About The Level Bolt
The biggest thing I like (perhaps love) about the Level Bolt is the fact that if you look at our front door you would have NO idea that it’s a smart lock, from the inside or outside. This was and still is one of the biggest sales points for me on this device, I don’t like it when someone can see that it’s a smart lock and perhaps see it’s vulnerable for hacking (yes I know this is rare, but this is also my home I’m trying to keep secure).
The second thing I liked was how simple the install was. It fit perfectly within our current door and with our current hardware.
For the strike plate I needed to do a little wood work, the plate that comes with the Level is large but VERY strong. I could have used my old strike plate but I felt the upgrade to the thicker and stronger plate was worth it. (You can see the plate below)
Finally I really like that it’s Homekit enabled. If you have followed me long enough you know I am all in on Homekit, our home is mostly Homekit devices. With this lock I’m enjoying the automations, the check at night before I go to bed to make sure I locked up the house, the ability to unlock and lock it on the go (yes this can be done via the Level App as well).
The Level app is pretty nice as well, I haven’t done it yet but I like the idea of a “Pass” that I could share with a family member or someone watching the house / dog when we are on vacation.
What I Don’t Like About The Level Bolt
It’s only been a few months with it installed so I can’t speak to the one item I’m most interested in, battery life. I have a feeling the battery won’t last as long as they say it will, but I’d love to be wrong.
That said I have two gripes with the device, one I wish it was a bit quicker on response time. I do acknowledge I give up stronger device service by having such a small hidden system. There are benefits of the smart locks with the large pads on the inside, better bluetooth / wifi signals. Sometimes this thing is quick, but I’d say 60% or maybe 70% of the time it’s a bit slow. Now granted I may have high expectations and expect it to unlock in seconds, where as it’s usually 15-25 seconds. The second thing, and this is SUPER small, the audible chime. I haven’t dug into if I can turn it off, but it makes this little sound when activated and my dog doesn’t like it haha.
Final thing I don’t like, or wish it had (not a gripe). I wish it had Apple Home Key enabled, if it had Home Key it would be game over and this would be the champion when it comes to Homekit enabled smart locks.
Truly though, it checked almost all the boxes for me, it’s been tough to find things I dislike about it.
Alternatives
I will not be listing all of them, there are so many when it comes to a smart lock. However I haven’t found another like this that uses the existing hardware so perhaps there’s no true alternative. That said here are a few smart locks that I’ve considered in the past.
Cost & Final Thoughts
The Level Bolt comes in a bit in the middle of the pack, maybe pushing towards the more expensive side at $200. It does go on sale on Amazon and Best Buy every so often so if you’re interested keep an eye out. I was able to snag it as a PrimeDay sale item and saved like $50 on it.
At $200 it’s an investment yes, but given how well it’s built and the features it packs, it’s worth it. Hopefully you saw that through this Level Bolt review. If you are at all considering adding a smart lock to your home and you want to avoid it being obvious to strangers (or really anyone) this is the way to go. We don’t use it like this yet, but as our kiddo gets older and goes to play with friends in the neighborhood I can imagine I will really like the notifications and history tracking that comes with it, I see a lot of automation and fun possibilities for security / safety in the future with this device.
GO GET ONE!
FAQ
- Security Features:
Level Bolt typically uses advanced encryption for its smart locks, ensuring secure communication between the device and smartphones. However, specific encryption standards would be detailed in the product’s technical specifications. LINK - Compatibility with Other Smart Home Systems:
Compatibility with smart home systems beyond HomeKit and Ring, such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, depends on the product’s design and updates from Level. Some smart locks may require additional hubs or software updates for full integration. THE HUB LINK - Installation Process Details:
The installation process for smart locks like Level Bolt usually involves replacing the internal mechanism of an existing deadbolt. Challenges might arise with compatibility with certain door types or alignments, and it might require basic DIY skills.
