HomeKit Weekly: These are the best Home Key enabled smart door locks

If you’re deep into HomeKit like me, you know how convenient it can be for home automation. One of the most exciting smart home security additions for me in the past few years is Home Key from Apple, which lets you unlock your door using just your iPhone or Apple Watch. There is no need for apps or Bluetooth connection—tap your device, and you’re in.

In this blog, I will break down the top HomeKit-compatible locks with Home Key support, highlighting what makes them stand out and why they should be at the top of your smart home wishlist for Christmas.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.

To use Home Key, you’ll need a lock that is compatible with NFC. The Home Key feature will be stored in the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch, along with other items like credit cards and CarKey. When you approach your door, you can open the Wallet app and unlock it with a button. You can also give temporary access to guests by sharing a pass with them.

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Level Lock+

The Level Lock+ is the upgraded version of the popular Level Lock, offering even more convenience and security features for your home. One of the key differences between the two is that the Level Lock+ is equipped with Home Key support, allowing you to unlock your door using NFC technology. This means that you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock to gain entry, without the need for keys or passwords.

In addition to Home Key support, the Level Lock+ offers all of the features of the original Level Lock, such as the ability to lock and unlock your door using your voice, the Level app, or your Apple Watch. You can also set up automation rules to lock or unlock your door at certain times of day, or when certain events occur, such as your arrival home. The lock is also equipped with a tamper-resistant interior cover and a strong, secure deadbolt, ensuring the safety of your home.

You can buy it from Amazon, Apple, and directly from Level.

Aqara Smart Lock 50

The Aqara U50 includes Zigbee and Bluetooth protocols, allowing it to connect directly to the Aqara Home app. This means easy setup, lock management, and firmware updates, all without needing an Aqara hub. However, pairing it with an Aqara hub unlocks its full potential for fine-tuning all the features. The Aqara U50 includes compatibility with various Matter-compatible platforms like Amazon, Apple HomeKit (our favorite), Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. With the hub, you can control and manage the lock remotely and integrate it with other smart home devices for customized automation and control.

Key features of the Aqara U50 with Home Key

• Auto-Lock and Door Status Sensing: With a built-in gyroscope, the U50 can automatically lock and sense the door status, adding an extra layer of home security.
• Rekeyable Design: The lock can be rekeyed to match an existing 5-pin key, offering flexibility for those integrating it into an existing home setup.
• Weather-Resistant Construction: The Aqara U50’s outer panel is IPX5-rated, making it resistant to heat, cold, and moisture.
• Long Battery Life: With up to six months of battery life from a single set of four AA batteries, the U50 ensures long-lasting performance based on typical daily use case.
• Do-Not-Disturb Mode: This feature is perfect for uninterrupted sleep and privacy. It allows you to disable the lock’s sound and notifications.
• Easy Installation: No professional help is needed—just a Phillips-head screwdriver is required to install the U50. The U100 was quite easy to install as well.
• Support for NFC cards and PIN unlock: This feature strikes a nice balance between a home key and a physical key. You can also buy NFC cards or leverage an on-device PIN code.

You can buy the Aqara U50 from Amazon.

Schlage Encode Plus

Schlage Encode Plus is a HomeKit-enabled smart door lock that can be controlled via HomeKit and the Schlage app. One feature that makes it attractive over other options is the range of styles for the exterior-facing part of the lock. Of course, it supports Apple Home Key out of the box.

It can be purchased from Amazon, Lowes, or Home Depot.

Aqara Smart Lock U100 with Home Key

The Aqara Door Lock U100 is a budget-friendly smart lock with Apple Home Key support, allowing users to unlock doors with a tap using their iPhone or Apple Watch. It features NFC for fast access, alongside traditional pin code and fingerprint options. While installation is straightforward, the documentation could be improved. The lock also includes a USB-C port for backup power and runs on four AA batteries. Priced under $200, it offers a solid value, but its “smart lock” appearance might not appeal to everyone. Click here to read my full review.

You can buy the Aqara Smart Lock U100 from Amazon.

Aqara Smart Lock U200 with Home Key

The Aqara U200 lock is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their current deadbolts easily. Its retrofit design makes it perfect for homeowners and renters, allowing you to enhance Euro mortise and US deadbolt locks without changing keys or altering your door. Installing the Aqara U200 is straightforward, requiring no tools beyond a screwdriver.​

Key features:

• Fingerprint recognition: Fast and secure access with the built-in fingerprint reader
• PIN codes: Personalized codes can be entered on the included wireless keypad. Aqara appusers can manage guest access easily with one-time passwords that can be remotely created, shared, and used even when the lock is disconnected from any smart home platform
• Mobile apps and voice assistants: Remote access for locking and unlocking is available via the Aqara app, Amazon Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home/Google Assistant, SmartThings, Home Assistant, and more
• Aqara NFC cards: Manual and easy unlocking using Aqara’s NFC key fobs
• Traditional keys: emergency access using your original door keys

The U200 lock takes home security to the next level with advanced encryption that guards against hacking, a tamper alarm on the wireless keypad, and an auto-lock feature that secures your door automatically after a set time. You’ll also receive real-time notifications about your home’s security status.

Building on the popular features of previous Aqara locks, the Aqara U200 offers local and encrypted storage for fingerprints and passwords, anti-peep PIN code protection, and modes like Do-Not-Disturb, Passage, and Night Latch. Additionally, the Aqara U200 introduces a quiet unlock mode to reduce noise, a pull spring for handle-less or inward-opening doors, and convenient turn-to-lock and turn-to-unlock functions.

Built on the Thread protocol, the U200 lock is designed for long-lasting use. It operates on rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, offering up to six months of battery life per charge. The IPX5-rated keypad can run on AAA batteries or use existing doorbell wiring for permanent power.

You can buy the Aqara Smart Lock U200 from Amazon.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus 

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a stylish and feature-packed HomeKit door lock that offers a range of convenient and secure features. One of the standout features of the Yale Assure Lock 2 is its sleek design, which includes a large, backlit touchscreen keypad that is resistant to weather and other outdoor elements. This lock is designed to be keyless, so you can simply enter your passcode on the keypad to unlock your door.

It can be purchased from Amazon, Best Buy, or Home Depot

Wrap up on Home Key locks

When it comes to choosing a Home Key-compatible smart door lock, there’s no shortage of options, each bringing its own strengths to the table. Aqara takes the cake when it comes to the number of options, but they’re all great depending on what you’re looking for.

Whether you prioritize a “normal” looking design, advanced security features, or ease of the install, these Home Key-enabled smart locks can help enhance your home’s convenience and security. With Apple Home Key, managing your home’s door locks has never been easier.