Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus: The Ultimate Smart Lock for iPhone Users

Some Noticeable Information

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus integrates Apple's Home Key tech, allowing you to unlock your door with a simple tap from your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Starting at just over $200, the lock is indeed more affordable than certain other Home Key compatible locks available in the market. However, it is important to note that it still falls under the category of being an expensive option.

In terms of its design, the lock sports a minimal appearance and offers extensive compatibility with various smart home platforms. Additionally, it features a compact number pad. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that the motor of this lock tends to be louder in comparison to its competitors. Furthermore, it is essential to remember that if you desire remote access through Wi-Fi, there will be an additional cost involved.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus incorporates Apple's Home Key technology, allowing you to conveniently unlock your door by simply hovering your iPhone or Apple Watch over it. While it does come with a price starting at just over $200, it is comparatively more affordable than other locks in the market that are compatible with Home Key.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus.

With the Apple Home Key, accessing your home has never been simpler or safer. Just a single tap on your iPhone or Apple Watch is all you need to unlock your door.

Yale, a renowned brand, ensures connectivity through Bluetooth with the option of Wi-Fi integration. It seamlessly works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. The device runs on 4 AA batteries and also features a compact and minimalistic number pad for added convenience.

Home Key support

Wide support for multiple smart home platforms

Cons Wi-Fi for remote access is an additional cost

Motor is louder than competitors

$210 at Amazon $209.99 at Yale

Yale Smart Lock Style and Design

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus features a sleek and compact numberpad for easy installation on doors with limited space. The thumb turn component on the interior is not overly bulky and provides ample room for the four AA batteries.

Installing the lock on an exterior utility door was a breeze, thanks to its manageable size and helpful in-app video instructions. The model currently comes in Satin Nickel and Black Suede colors, with the addition of a bronze color option expected soon.

Making Sense of Apple Home Key and Yale Locks

The nickel version of this lock, with its all-black light-up number pad, dominates the visible surface. Despite the color you select, black will be the predominant color.

Introducing Yale's latest addition, the Plus lock, alongside another impressive model. This lineup of Assure locks offers an array of options, and delving into their features reveals a wealth of possibilities. Both the Plus and Touch variants seamlessly integrate with the existing entry-level Yale Assure Lock 2. All three models come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for local interactions, and for those seeking remote support, upgrading to Wi-Fi is available at an additional cost.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch offers the same connectivity options as well as a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. Additionally, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus supports Apple's Home Key, although all models are compatible with Apple's HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa, among other platforms. You have the option to choose a keyed version, physical buttons, or not, depending on the model. And let's not forget about the variety of color choices available to you!

Luckily, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, which will be reviewed here, offers fewer options for users to consider. The reason it is recommended over the Touch model is because it supports Home Key access. It is important to note that the Touch model with a fingerprint sensor does not offer this feature.

Why Do You Even Want Home Key Support?

Introducing Tyler Hayes

Home Key, the groundbreaking digital key, facilitates seamless communication between Apple devices and smart locks. This innovative feature resides in Apple Wallet and can be shared with other members of your household. The true delight of this cutting-edge technology lies in its ability to effortlessly unlock doors using iPhones and Apple Watches, by either a quick touch or close proximity.

By utilizing this unlocking method, there is no need to concern oneself with passcodes or maneuvering through an app. Even if the iPhone's battery is drained, Home Key can still function seamlessly. It retains a small amount of power specifically reserved for such urgent situations.

Upon installing the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, I could comfortably depart from my residence for a run while only carrying my Apple Watch. As I exited the door, I simply tapped my Ultra 2 onto the Assure Lock 2 Plus, promptly securing the door.

I streamed music and recorded my workout on my wrist computer. Upon returning home, I effortlessly unlocked the door by simply raising my arm and touching the watch to the lock. Although I had the option to enter my PIN code by illuminating the numbers with a touch of the Yale logo, it seemed too arduous after a run. Additionally, using a Home Key can help address privacy concerns. When the lock is located in a visible area, there is a potential risk of someone trying to spy on your code by looking over your shoulder. By touching your phone or watch to the lock, this eliminates the possibility of shoulder surfing.

Assure Lock 2 Plus Battery Life and More

Home Key is different from HomeKit support, as it enables you to effortlessly lock and unlock connected devices using Apple's Home app. It offers a convenient method of controlling a smart lock with minimal effort. In terms of performance, the Assure Lock 2 Plus compares favorably to other Home Key enabled smart locks like the Schlage Encode Plus and the Level+ Connect.

Tyler Hayes

In terms of functionality, Encode Plus, Level+ Connect, and Assure Lock 2 Plus offer similar features. However, one key distinguishing factor is the battery life and the specific type of batteries utilized by each lock.

The Encode Plus and Assure Lock 2 Plus both utilize standard AA batteries, with four in each case. Meanwhile, the Level+ Connect operates on a single CR2 Lithium battery, which the company claims provides 6 months of power. However, in my experience, the battery life of the Level lock was closer to three months. This meant having to replace a non-standard battery four times annually. Schlage and Yale do not emphasize their battery life estimates, making it difficult to find this information. According to Yale, the Bluetooth-only option should last around nine months, while using Wi-Fi may result in a battery life of three to six months.

In my moderate usage, the Encode Plus lasted anywhere from seven to 12 months. It's still too early to provide precise battery life data for the Assure Lock 2 Plus, but from what I've observed with the Wi-Fi option, the company's estimates seem accurate.

Another interesting detail I observed was that this lock's motor is the loudest among the three different brands I currently have in use. When manually turning the thumb turn, there is no motor noise from the lock. However, operating it electronically produces a noticeable sound as the deadbolt is moved into position, and the same is true when unlocking.

Yale Access App

Among the various smart locks I have tested, the Level+ Connect stood out as the most silent, while the Encode Plus was slightly louder. Although none of them can be considered completely silent, the Assure Lock 2 Plus tends to make the most noise. If installed in an entryway adorned with tile, it has the potential to disturb a peaceful nap.

If you don't have an iPhone, the higher cost of the Plus lock may not be justified. I suggest sticking with the Touch or base-level Assure Lock 2, both of which can still be used with HomeKit on an iPad or Mac if needed.

Although iPhone users can fully utilize the Assure Lock 2 Plus through Apple's Home app, Yale also offers its own mobile app called Yale Access. This app is compatible with both iPhone and Android and is used with other August products as well.

The app offers a wide range of features and settings, allowing users to customize the volume level of the lock's chimes and the device's indicator light. However, I found the guest access feature from Yale to be slightly inadequate. While the app does provide options to grant temporary, recurring, or permanent access, it lacks the ability to create a recurring schedule with varying times for different days.

It is quite inconvenient that I couldn't set my son's access code to work for one hour after he gets out of school, especially when the time varies on certain days. Similarly, it poses a problem for individuals like housekeepers who have recurring schedules with different times on different days.

The activity section in the Yale app will display the individuals who have locked or unlocked a door and the specific method they utilized. This provides a digital trail, ensuring that if you opt to extend the recurring schedule access within a broader time frame, there is evidence to support your decision.

Price and Availability

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is now available, starting at $209.99 for the Bluetooth version. The Wi-Fi option is priced at $289.99. Both options are available in Satin Nickel and Black Suede colors, with a bronze variant coming soon. The Assure Lock 2 Plus does not offer keyed options.

I had the opportunity to test the Assure Lock 2 Touch with a fingerprint sensor, and it performed well. Although I personally struggle to imagine situations where this unlocking method would be preferable over others, it might be more convenient for some individuals to grant household access to a teenager through their fingerprint, eliminating the risk of losing or forgetting a PIN code.

Should You Buy the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus?

Tyler Hayes

For iPhone owners, there is currently no better way to enter or exit a home than utilizing the Home Key feature, especially if you also own an Apple Watch. Unlike relying on unreliable Bluetooth proximity, this method eliminates the need for passcodes. Simply move your hand from your pocket or wrist to the lock in one seamless motion to lock or unlock the door.

I highly suggest that iPhone owners consider investing in a smart lock that is compatible with Home Key. When comparing the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus to options from Schlage or Level, it is a strong contender that deserves serious consideration and is definitely worth the investment.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is a more compact and contemporary option compared to the Encode Plus design choice. Additionally, it offers a longer battery life and a built-in number pad, distinguishing it from the Level+ Connect. If any of these factors hold significance for you, then the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus should be your preferred choice for a smart lock.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus

8 out of 10 individuals are finding it more convenient and incredibly secure to access their homes with the assistance of the Apple Home Key. Just a swift touch of your iPhone or Apple Watch is all that's needed to effortlessly unlock your door.

Available for purchase at $210 on Amazon or at an even more affordable price of $209.99 directly from Yale.

Editor's P/S

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is a great choice for iPhone users looking for a convenient and secure way to unlock their doors. With Apple Home Key integration, you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the lock to unlock it. The lock is also very affordable, starting at just over $200.

In addition to its convenience and affordability, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is also very stylish and durable. It features a sleek and modern design that will complement any home, and it is made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come.

If you are an iPhone user looking for a smart lock that is convenient, affordable, stylish, and durable, then the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is a great option for you. I highly recommend it.