Best Smart Lock Battle - Level Lock+ with Apple Home Key vs August WiFi Smart Lock

by Sander Saar

The host provides an overview comparing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Level Lock+ for Android and iOS ecosystems. Along the way it covers Installation Comparison, Setup & Smart Home Integration and Design & Aesthetics, and more. Final thoughts on pricing, ecosystem trade-offs, and which smart lock offers the best value based on your smartphone preference.

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Key findings and exact moments

  1. 0:00Introduction & Overview

  2. 1:13.55Installation Comparison

  3. 2:56.36Setup & Smart Home Integration

  4. 4:44.22Design & Aesthetics

  5. 5:38.69Connectivity & Battery Life

  6. 7:50.22App & User Experience

  7. 9:51.75Locking & Unlocking Performance

  8. 12:44.85Conclusion & Recommendation

Chapters

  1. 0:00 Introduction & Overview

    The host provides an overview comparing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Level Lock+ for Android and iOS ecosystems.

    On screen: A man sits on a sofa explaining smart locks as multiple digital lock product graphics appear beside him.

  2. 1:13 Installation Comparison

    A comparison of the installation process between August's simple 15-minute setup and the more involved physical install required for Level Lock+.

    On screen: A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch talking and gesturing toward the camera, with smart lock boxes displayed behind him.

  3. 2:56 Setup & Smart Home Integration

    The host walks through the digital setup, app onboarding, and smart home platform pairing for both smart locks.

    On screen: A man speaks to the camera while a smartphone screen recording showing the Level Lock and Apple Home app setup process is displayed beside him.

  4. 4:44 Design & Aesthetics

    Evaluating the physical footprint of each lock, comparing August's bulkier interior knob to Level Lock+'s discreet, invisible design.

    On screen: A man in a white t-shirt gestures while speaking to the camera, with product boxes and award graphics displayed in the background.

  5. 5:38 Connectivity & Battery Life

    An analysis of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and Thread connectivity alongside the battery life trade-offs for each lock.

    On screen: The host sits on a couch speaking to the camera while graphics about battery life and Thread smart home connectivity appear on screen.

  6. 7:50 App & User Experience

    Exploring the mobile apps, activity logs, access sharing options, and guest key features for both smart locks.

    On screen: A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey sofa speaking to the camera while gesturing enthusiastically.

  7. 9:51 Locking & Unlocking Performance

    Testing real-world locking and unlocking methods, including Apple Home Key NFC support, voice assistants, and door sensing.

    On screen: A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey couch and gestures animatedly while talking to the camera.

  8. 12:44 Conclusion & Recommendation

    Final thoughts on pricing, ecosystem trade-offs, and which smart lock offers the best value based on your smartphone preference.

    On screen: A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey sofa talking to the camera with dynamic gestures as product graphics and price overlays appear.

Visual moment index

What the footage shows, shot by shot. It is derived from the video itself, independent of the commentary. Timestamps link to the exact second.

0:00–0:01 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch in front of smart lock boxes and excitedly raises a smartphone while speaking.

0:01–0:25 A man sits on a couch holding up a Google Pixel phone and then an iPhone while talking to the camera with smart lock boxes behind him.

0:25–0:44 A man sits on a sofa talking and gesturing directly to the camera with smart lock retail boxes visible in the background and animated text points appearing on screen. On screen: BEST SMART LOCK INSTALLING SETUP DESIGN CONNECTIVITY USER EXPERIENCE CONCLUSION

0:44–1:13 A man sits on a sofa explaining smart locks as multiple digital lock product graphics appear beside him. On screen: level SCHLAGE Kwikset

1:13–1:19 A man in a white t-shirt speaks to the camera while gesturing with his hands in front of a gray couch. On screen: NG INSTALLING

1:19–1:24 A top-down shot of hands unpacking components and mounting plates from an August lock box on a white surface. On screen: No additional Wi-Fi bridge required Pas besoin de pont Wi-Fi supplémentaire Works with Apple HomeKit Optional Cover Plate Cover Plate Optionnel

1:24–1:28 A hand turns the interior deadbolt knob on a white door beside a standard door handle.

1:28–1:34 A person removes the original deadbolt thumbturn plate from the door and aligns the August mounting plate in its place.

1:34–1:38 Hands use a screwdriver to secure the August mounting plate onto the door.

1:38–1:42 A hand displays a green plastic adapter before inserting it into the center of the August mounting plate.

1:42–1:50 A close-up shot shows a person's hands mounting the August smart lock body onto the door's mounting plate and securing it.

1:50–1:54 The camera captures the hands placing the magnetic front cover onto the August smart lock installed on the door.

1:54–1:59 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch and gestures enthusiastically while speaking directly to the camera.

1:59–2:01 A top-down view shows hands opening a Level Lock+ box and laying out the included instruction manual.

2:01–2:06 A top-down shot shows hands removing hardware parts and a small component box from the packaging onto a table. On screen: - Test your deadbolt Install your Level Lock Assemble your Lock 1. Remove your lock or strike plate 2. Remove your old lock body and bolt 3. Remove your…

2:06–2:10 A top-down view of the Level Lock components and user manual arranged on a white table next to the unboxing packaging. On screen: 01 Test your deadbolt 02 Disassemble your lock 03 Install your Level Lock and strike plate 04 Reassemble your lock using the Level Lock housing 05 Activate…

2:10–2:13 Hands unscrew and remove an old deadbolt lock mechanism from a white interior door. On screen: Kwikset

2:13–2:16 A close-up view of hands unscrewing and extracting the deadbolt core and strike components from the edge of an open door.

2:16–2:20 A close-up shows hands inserting the deadbolt latch mechanism into the pre-cut hole on the side edge of a door.

2:20–2:23 A person uses a red screwdriver to secure the deadbolt faceplate onto the side of the door.

2:23–2:29 Hands fit the circular metallic smart lock housing into the deadbolt hole on the surface of the door.

2:30–2:31 A close-up shot shows hands pushing the deadbolt latch mechanism into the side edge of a door.

2:31–2:32 Hands use a screwdriver to secure the deadbolt latch plate onto the edge of the door frame.

2:32–2:35 A close-up shows hands holding and positioning the lock mechanism installed inside the open door edge.

2:35–2:37 A close-up shot shows a hand pushing the deadbolt mechanism into an open position on the door edge.

2:38–2:54 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch talking and gesturing toward the camera, with smart lock boxes displayed behind him.

2:54–3:00 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch and gestures enthusiastically while speaking to the camera, with smart lock retail boxes displayed behind him. On screen: SETUP

3:00–3:17 A man talks directly to the camera next to an iPhone screen recording showing the August app device setup and calibration steps. On screen: 6:38 27 SET UP A DEVICE SET UP A SMART LOCK DOORBELL CAMERA CONNECT SMART KEYPAD YALE OR EMTEK 6:42 26 CALIBRATE Rotate the lock until your door is locked.…

3:17–3:51 A man speaks to the camera while a smartphone screen recording showing the Level Lock and Apple Home app setup process is displayed beside him. On screen: 12:25 76 Oops! We couldn't find your Level Lock Common Pairing Issues Your battery is in the wrong way. Ensure the CR2 battery's negative (flat) end is in the…

3:51–3:55 A person holds up a smartphone displaying the Amazon sign-in page next to an installed smart door lock. On screen: 4:42 Add your Front to Sidewalk a Amazon Sidewalk provides secure new ways to use your Level lock. A Sidewalk hub is required "Level" Wants to Use "amazon.com"…

3:55–3:59 The smartphone screen displays a connection setup error popup in front of the door lock. On screen: 4:42 Add your Front to Sidewalk Amazon Sidewalk provides secure new ways to use your Level lock. A Sidewalk hub is required. Remote connectivity Alexa voice…

3:59–4:27 A man talks directly to the camera next to a phone screen overlay demonstrating integration options in the Level app. On screen: 6:54 Search Works with Apple HomeKit Amazon Sidewalk Bluetooth alexa

4:27–4:44 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey couch and talks animatedly toward the camera with product boxes displayed behind him.

4:44–4:49 A man in a white t-shirt gestures as he speaks directly to the camera in an indoor setting. On screen: DESIGN

4:49–4:55 A close-up view of an August smart lock mounted on the inside of a white door as the door closes.

4:55–5:00 A top-down perspective showcases the cylindrical August Smart Lock installed on a white interior door.

5:00–5:04 The camera pans around the edge of the door to show the standard-looking exterior lock cylinder. On screen: Weiser

5:04–5:09 Hands remove the exterior cylinder housing from the door, revealing the inner mounting plate and bolt hole. On screen: level

5:09–5:14 A pan around an open white front door showcasing the seamlessly installed smart lock mechanism on the edge and sides.

5:14–5:19 A high-angle close-up of the metal smart lock thumbturn above the door handle on a white interior door.

5:19–5:25 A man sitting on a sofa speaks to the camera with graphic overlays showing color variants of the Level Lock and August Smart Lock.

5:25–5:26 A man sits on a couch speaking with Red Dot Design award logos displayed on either side above product boxes. On screen: reddot winner 2021 reddot award 2014 winner

5:26–5:38 A man in a white t-shirt gestures while speaking to the camera, with product boxes and award graphics displayed in the background. On screen: reddot winner 2021 reddot award 2014 winner

5:38–6:09 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey couch gesturing expressively while discussing connectivity features with smart lock retail boxes behind him. On screen: CONNECTIVITY 3-6 MONTHS BATTERY

6:09–6:17 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch speaking and gesturing enthusiastically in front of smart lock boxes. On screen: matter

6:17–6:46 The presenter sits on a couch speaking enthusiastically while network and connectivity diagrams appear on screen beside him. On screen: iCloud External Internal Authorized Clients Home Hub Accessories amazon sidewalk

6:46–7:26 The host sits on a couch speaking to the camera while graphics about battery life and Thread smart home connectivity appear on screen. On screen: MONTHS BUILT ON THREAD matter The Verge Tech Reviews Science Entertainment More SMART HOME / TECH Level locks had a secret Thread radio this whole time / A…

7:26–7:50 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey couch, gesturing enthusiastically towards the camera with product boxes in the background.

7:50–8:02 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch speaking directly to the camera with product packaging on the sofa back behind him. On screen: USER EXPERIENCE

8:02–8:28 A person holds two smartphones side by side against a white door, comparing the companion mobile app interfaces for both smart locks. On screen: LS Home Front Locked By Sander Saar SIDE DOOR Closed / Locked Activity history Unlocked By Home Card Automatically Unlocked manually ACTIVITY Sander Saar…

8:28–8:43 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a sofa and gestures while speaking to the camera.

8:43–9:06 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch and gestures while talking to the camera, with smart lock boxes positioned behind him.

9:06–9:14 A person holds two smartphones side by side against a white door, navigating app settings menus. On screen: 7:07 LS Home Front People Sander Saar Cards Home Card Read Card Passes Level Lock Touch Auto Lock 30 sec Auto Unlock Off Touch to Lock Touch to Unlock Show…

9:15–9:16 A close-up shot of a white interior door showing the Level smart deadbolt and door knob.

9:16–9:51 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey sofa speaking to the camera while gesturing enthusiastically.

9:51–9:58 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a couch and speaks directly to the camera with smart lock boxes visible in the background. On screen: OCKING & UNLOCKING

9:58–10:07 A close-up shot of a door edge showing the August smart lock unit while a hand unlocks it from the outside using a traditional key. On screen: Kwikset

10:07–10:11 A person holds a smartphone showing the August app next to the August Smart Lock installed on the front door. On screen: LS Home FRONT DOOR CLOSED | LOCKED

10:11–10:20 A close-up shot shows a hand holding an Android phone to operate an August Smart Lock on a door. On screen: Living room 9 devices Off Living room lights Living Room > Living Room Google Video camera > Unlocking... Front Door Stopped Roborock S7 Sunset > Office 2…

10:20–10:23 A hand holds an iPhone opening the Apple Home app beside the mounted August Smart Lock. On screen: 9:18 Front Locked

10:23–10:28 A hand holds a smartphone showing the unlocking status next to an August smart lock on a white door. On screen: 9:18 Front Unlocking...

10:28–10:34 A hand adjusts the DoorSense sensor affixed near an installed August smart lock on a door frame.

10:34–10:50 A person holds a smartphone displaying the August app while manually turning the August Smart Lock and opening the door. On screen: LS Home FRONT DOOR CLOSED | LOCKED OPENED | UNLOCKED LOCKING

10:50–10:57 A hand holds up an iPhone displaying an Apple Home key, a Level NFC key card, and physical keys next to a Level smart lock installed on a door. On screen: 6:56 Search Done LS Home

10:57–11:03 The user taps the Level mobile app on the smartphone screen to unlock the smart lock installed on the white door. On screen: LS Home Unlocked By Sonner

11:03–11:07 A person holds an iPhone near the Level Lock on the side of a white open door to unlock it with Apple HomeKey. On screen: Swipe up to unlock 4:32 T-Mobile

11:07–11:13 A hand brings an Apple Watch near the Level Lock deadbolt on the door to unlock it seamlessly.

11:13–11:21 A close-up view of a person holding a smartphone displaying the smart lock app interface next to the Level Lock installed on a door. On screen: 5:08 Level Lock No Response Unlocking

11:21–11:30 A close-up shot shows a hand wearing an Apple Watch with Siri active held near an interior smart lock deadbolt. On screen: Open the front door One moment...

11:30–11:36 A slightly open front door is seen from an edge perspective as a hand reaches to touch the Level Lock+ exterior face with a smartwatch.

11:36–11:41 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a sofa and gestures while speaking, with two product boxes displayed behind him.

11:41–11:55 A close-up view of an ajar white door showing the smart deadbolt locking mechanism extending automatically into the open gap.

11:55–12:12 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey couch and gestures animatedly while talking to the camera.

12:12–12:21 A man in a white t-shirt talks to the camera with smart lock packaging visible on the sofa behind him.

12:21–12:31 A man speaks directly to the camera while sitting on a couch with smart lock boxes and keypad graphics displayed beside him.

12:31–12:44 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a sofa, gesturing expressively as he talks to the camera with product boxes displayed behind him.

12:44–13:20 A man in a white t-shirt sits on a grey sofa talking to the camera with dynamic gestures as product graphics and price overlays appear. On screen: CONCLUSION $149 $229 PRICE

13:20–13:45 A man speaks enthusiastically on a couch as price tags and Level Lock product graphics appear on screen. On screen: $329 PRICE $199

13:45–13:57 The presenter sits on a grey couch gesturing directly to the camera with product boxes resting behind him.

Transcript

0:00 Speaker A: If you're predominantly an Android user, your best bet would be the August Wi Fi smart lock that comes with Google Assistant support and is absolutely the easiest to set up, requiring just 15 minutes to replace your existing lock. Speaker A: If you're a predominant iOS and iPhone user, your best bet would be the level lock plus that comes with Apple home key support as well as is completely invisible. Speaker A: Doesn't look anything like a smart lock. Speaker A: That's it. Speaker A: That's the video.

0:25 Speaker A: If you actually want to see what it was like to install those two locks, how to set them up, the connectivity, the battery life life as well as the user experience both on iOS and Android devices within the ecosystem of Google, Amazon and Apple, then continue watching the video. Speaker A: Feel free to skip around to any of the sections that interest you most. Speaker A: I chose these two smart locks as they're some of the most popular ones out there today based on Amazon reviews and I've used them for a while.

0:50 Speaker A: I believe they're the best looking, easiest to set up and most feature rich locks out there. Speaker A: I previously used also August Basic smart lock as well as the Slake Connect and similar to the latter like Yale and Quick Set. Speaker A: I just don't like the looks of those big keypads and locks that just shout I'm a smart lock because I believe all of the smart home stuff should really be seamless, integrated and fade into the background. Speaker A: First let's talk about installing and this is an area where August dominates everything comes in a super nice box with a lock, the plates, the adapters, easily laid out and then you get into the step by step guidance from the app helping you to replace the existing lock.

1:28 Speaker A: You just have to take off the knob inside the lock as well as the plate and then replace it with the plate that comes from the August lock, screw it into place, choose a correct adapter and then use the wings to attach the lock to your door and then open the magnetic cover, put in the batteries and that's it. Speaker A: You're ready to go. Speaker A: It literally takes you 15 minutes and it's a super seamless step by step guide in the ogostep guiding you through the process.

1:54 Speaker A: And it is a whole different story installing the level lock plus where the Phillips screwdriver is not enough, it all comes in a nicely laid out box with almost everything that you need. Speaker A: But if you're installing into somewhere like an older door as I have, you also need a drill most likely to drill new holes to fit the lock as well as make sure that the strike plates that you have to replace because it's a different shaped bolt also fits perfectly to your door.

2:19 Speaker A: It took me quite a while and they don't do a really good job in their user guide guiding you step by step. Speaker A: As opposed to August, which did it really clearly in the app. Speaker A: This one is not on paper and for troubleshooting I had to go back to their online help section multiple times. Speaker A: For example, things like that. Speaker A: The lock needs to be in an open position when you install it, otherwise it's not even going to turn on. Speaker A: So this definitely goes to August. Speaker A: It's much more seamless and easier, not just meaning that you replace fewer parts, so it takes less time and less effort.

2:47 Speaker A: But also it's a much more seamless experience in the app, helping you get started on your own rather than going out and searching for help once you've got the locks installed. Speaker A: Now let's move on to the setup, meaning you're making the locks actually smart. Speaker A: And this is where August shines again, where August Lock guides you through the install process. Speaker A: It also guides you through the setup process, getting it connected to your wi Fi, also making sure that you're connected to your Google Home Alexa, as well as adding it to your Apple HomeKit.

3:14 Speaker A: For me, everything went super smoothly and it just works. Speaker A: Setting up the Level lock was much more confusing. Speaker A: First it failed the first two times I was trying to do it. Speaker A: Then I was able to add it to the Level app and as a next step it guided me to add it to Apple HomeKit, which I did. Speaker A: But then I realized it doesn't include the Home keys. Speaker A: So I went back and reset the lock again added to my Apple Home app first without touching the Level app that enabled Apple Home key for me.

3:39 Speaker A: Then I went back to the Level app and also added it there, which worked. Speaker A: So I was able to use it both in the Apple app as well as the Level app. Speaker A: But then I tried to add it also to my Amazon account or connect it with the Ring services or Alexa services and that didn't work. Speaker A: It was just showing me that failed connection failed. Speaker A: But then when I went back to the app, I realized it was actually showing errors that you have to choose one of the three, meaning you set it up as a Bluetooth only, which you can use it in the app and you can use it in HomeKit, but without the home keys you can use it just with HomeKit.

4:10 Speaker A: Predominantly that means you won't have access to the Alexa features, or you choose it with the Alexa features, but then you wouldn't have access to HomeKit as well as the Bluetooth version in the app. Speaker A: So you have to choose one of the three and it's very confusing that you kind of have to try on and error your way through it. Speaker A: While overall August was much more of a seamless experience for me to set it up I have to give it to Level as well because they are able to set it up without using the app at all.

4:36 Speaker A: You could just use the pre installed Apple Home app on your phone and add the lock without ever touching the level app. Speaker A: So let's call it a tie for setup. Speaker A: Moving on to the looks and aesthetics which matter if you have the lock in a space that you use regularly and it needs to fit into the environment. Speaker A: And while the August Lock looks very minimal and sleek, it actually adds quite a lot of bulk and definitely shouts I'm a smart lock from the inside, while from the outside it obviously remains the same and nobody can tell that you are even using a smart lock.

5:04 Speaker A: But nothing beats the design of a level lock. Speaker A: Plus it is a very thoughtful design, utilizing the otherwise empty space within the door and making it truly invisible from the inside and outside, fitting into almost every environment. Speaker A: It comes in two colors like a lighter satin nickel and comes in a darker brushed color depending on the environment you need to fit it in. Speaker A: While both of the locks are red dot design winners August in 2014 and level in 2021, I'd have to give it to Level for the most thoughtful seamless design, especially if you care about the looks having it in a space that you use regularly.

5:38 Speaker A: Talking about smart features, let's move on to connectivity and battery life and this is where August Lock really shines. Speaker A: Together with its Wi Fi and Bluetooth supports, it has become a true cross platform champion, enabling you to use Google, Amazon or Apple Ecosystems interchangeably. Speaker A: This has come at a cost to the battery life, so even with two larger batteries they allow you to get three to six months and in my experience with a power hungry WI fi enabled it gets you more like three months and no more.

6:09 Speaker A: However, August has already delivered a cross industry interoperability with while the rest of the industry is still working on the new standard cord matter, Level lock does not include WI fi, it only supports Bluetooth and nfc, meaning that by default you're only able to interact with the lock when you're in close proximity, unless you connect it to HomeKit, in which case your HomePod or iPad can act like a transmitter from the Bluetooth and connect it to the Internet using Wi fi so you can see notifications as well as interact with the lock remotely.

6:39 Speaker A: The same applies to Amazon Sidewalk technology which allows you to interact with through Ring and Alexa while you're not at home. Speaker A: Because Level only utilizes the low power Bluetooth antennas, it means that the battery life extends up to 12 months. Speaker A: But this is not where it stops. Speaker A: With a recent announcement from their cto they said they've been silently building in also Thread radios. Speaker A: Thread is an alternative to Bluetooth and contrary to Bluetooth is using the Internet protocol to connect with other devices in your house.

7:09 Speaker A: This is a standard that the industry again has been working together to create the low powered way for all of your smart home devices to connect to the Internet. Speaker A: So once they enable Thread that would also bring matter support across industry. Speaker A: So what we just spoke about the cross platform champion as August. Speaker A: This might happen to Level in the future as well, but as an overall connection and battery section I would say it's a tie. Speaker A: While I would give it to Levol for the NFC connection which makes it instant to unlock the door rather than build a connection to WiFi or Bluetooth which sometimes fails and takes a longer time, I still believe that August is a better option being a cross platform champion so you can use any of your assistants or any other ecosystems to interact with it to be seen in the future if that's going to change.

7:50 Speaker A: Moving on to the app and user experience, the apps are very similar for both across platforms. Speaker A: IOS and Android look very much the same as well as the build and the structure of the apps for Level and August are very similar. Speaker A: On the home screen you can unlock or lock the lock. Speaker A: On the second tab you can see the timeline of your lock so who has opened the lock and when. Speaker A: The better thing for August is you can not just see which app has been used. Speaker A: For example HomeKit was used to unlock the door, but you also see the person individual who used that feature which is I think better for August.

8:22 Speaker A: Then the third tab is about sharing. Speaker A: You can share an August access in the August app using a phone number or email address based on the date or time, or give your guests an indefinite access. Speaker A: But you could also use any of the ecosystem connected environments. Speaker A: So you could use your Google Home or Alexa app or even Apple Home app to share access to your August lock without needing anybody to download additional apps. Speaker A: Level support with HomeKey means that you can very seamlessly share access to your home using the Apple Home app without anybody needing to download additional apps.

8:52 Speaker A: But that means if they're outside of the ecosystem you still have to go to the Level app using their email address or phone number share access based on date or time. Speaker A: Or you could also generate the time bound link to share with a larger group of people, for example if you're hosting a birthday party and the last section is Lock settings where you can use the automations for unlocking and triggers for locking as well as set up accessories and update your lock. Speaker A: Overall for the app and user experience, I have to give it to Level.

9:18 Speaker A: While the functions are very similar across both of those apps, I love that Level is much more modern and feels fresh compared to August app which hasn't really changed for the last eight years since I've been using their locks. Speaker A: Level also adds some of the modern features, things like sharing access using a link rather than knowing everybody's phone number or email address that you want to share your home with. Speaker A: In addition, obviously the Level app experience can be completely taken away and you can use just Apple Home app for example when you're sharing access.

9:45 Speaker A: So you don't even need to use the app or ask your guests or friends to download the app to be able to operate your lock. Speaker A: This leads us to the most important section of locking and unlocking your door and that's where also things get more nuanced. Speaker A: For August Lock, you can keep using your old key because the key cylinder hasn't really changed at all, you only change the knob. Speaker A: You could then use the August app on your phone or your watch across both platforms to unlock or lock the door.

10:11 Speaker A: In addition to the Google Home app, Apple Home app as well as the Alexa app that all allow you to interact with a door. Speaker A: As a true crosstart from Champion, you can use their respective voice assistants which whether it is hey Google or Alexa or Siri that you want to use to lock or unlock your door. Speaker A: August Lock comes with Door Sense which enables you to not just see when it's unlocked or locked, but also trigger actions based on whether it's closed or open.

10:37 Speaker A: So you only want to really lock the door when the door is closed rather than lock the door when the door is open. Speaker A: Which Level does a lot of the times. Speaker A: So this is really helpful feature to help you when you're setting up triggers for locking and unlocking. Speaker A: Level Lock can be unlocked using the two new keys that come in the box as well as an NFC enabled card as well as using the Level own app on both iOS and Android as well as using your watch and phone on an Apple device using HomeKey.

11:05 Speaker A: This is really the hero feature. Speaker A: This is the make or break of level experience for me at least. Speaker A: Which means that you don't need to double tap or trigger or open apps or use your voice assistant. Speaker A: You just put your phone or your watch close to the lock and it just automatically using the nfc triggers the action and opens the lock for you. Speaker A: It's the most seamless, fastest experience you will have on a smartwatch when you're using an iPhone.

11:30 Speaker A: If you decide not to use your Apple Home key and give up on HomeKit, you would be able to use Amazon Sidewalk technology, which allows you to use Alexa or Ring to interact with your lock as well. Speaker A: However, Level Lock has no sense whether it's left open or closed. Speaker A: So oftentimes when I leave the door open just to air the room, the lock automatically closes based on a timer I've set up after 30 seconds because I want the door always to be closed when I leave or close the door.

11:56 Speaker A: This is not really helpful. Speaker A: To be honest. Speaker A: I wish it had a door sensor or built into that because it already has a strike plate, it already has a bolt. Speaker A: So I wish there was some sort of magnet that knows whether the door is open or close to trigger the unlocking and locking actions. Speaker A: Based on that, you could technically work around it by adding, you know, door sensor and then creating an automation in the Apple home app, but I doubt that most people will go above and beyond to do that.

12:21 Speaker A: Both of those locks can be extended using a keypad for a $50 keypad for August and $70 keypad for level, you can enable access without anybody having any devices around at all. Speaker A: So overall, as a locking and unlocking experience, I would give it to August if you're using an Android device just because of the seamless experience with Google. Speaker A: And I would give it to Level if you're using an iOS or Apple ecosystem. Speaker A: So to conclude, what is the better value for money or better option?

12:48 Speaker A: To be honest, neither of them because both of them represent the flagships of each of the brands and for August it cost $229 while it's often on sale for $190. Speaker A: Check the pricing on the links below. Speaker A: You could get the same for the August Smart lock together with the Connect hub for just $150, doing all of the things that we've already talked about without missing a feature. Speaker A: However, August as an ecosystem will still be missing the home key support because it doesn't include the NFC antennas and it will be much bulkier than the completely invisible level lock.

13:20 Speaker A: Level lock plus is $100 more, costing you $329 and being an Apple Store exclusive product, but it does give you the home key support and the best looking smart lock out there. Speaker A: However, if you're willing to give up on the home key support and you just want to get the best looking most invisible smart lock out there and you could get their cheaper $199 version of the level lock that doesn't include the home key.

13:45 Speaker A: Thank you very much for watching. Speaker A: I hope you enjoyed it. Speaker A: If you did, please give it a thumbs up and see some of my other videos on the connected home for example, how to best improve your sleep using an eight sleep mattress. Speaker A: Until next time.