Thinking about upgrading your home’s security and convenience? A smart lock is a fantastic step, but for many of us, the idea of ditching traditional keys completely can feel a bit… unsettling. That’s where a Yale smart lock with key truly shines. It gives you the best of both worlds: cutting-edge digital access combined with the reliable, tangible backup of a physical key.
Yale has long been a trusted name in security, and their smart lock lineup proves they’re perfectly capable of blending traditional peace of mind with modern smart home technology. These locks offer keyless entry via keypads, apps, or even your voice, while still providing that crucial physical key option for emergencies or just when you prefer it. No more fumbling for keys, but also no more worrying about dead batteries leaving you locked out!
We’ve rounded up five top Yale smart lock with key options (and one impressive exception!) to help you find the perfect blend of tech and tradition for your front door. Let’s dive in!
1. Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Deadbolt, Satin Nickel Keyed
This Yale smart lock with key offers a fantastic entry point into smart home security without sacrificing your familiar brass key. The Assure Lock 2 gives you ultimate flexibility, letting everyone who needs access choose their preferred entry method – be it a simple keypad code, a voice assistant command, the clever Auto-Unlock feature as you approach, or simply using the Yale Access App on your smartphone or Apple Watch. It’s incredibly user-friendly, and the physical key provides an excellent fallback.
- Key Features:
- Multiple access methods: Keypad, voice assistant, Auto-Unlock, Yale Access App, and physical key.
- DIY installation: Replaces your existing deadbolt with just a screwdriver.
- Auto-Lock feature: Automatically locks when DoorSense detects the door is closed.
- Remote access: Lock, unlock, share access, and receive notifications via the Yale Access App from anywhere.
- Hands-free convenience: Auto-unlocks as you approach, perfect when your hands are full.
- Pros:
- Excellent blend of smart features and traditional key backup.
- Easy to install for most homeowners.
- Great peace of mind with auto-lock and remote monitoring.
- Versatile access options suit various preferences.
- Cons:
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Limited to U.S. and Canada regions.
- User Impressions: Customers frequently praise this lock for its straightforward installation and the convenience of multiple unlocking options. The auto-lock feature is a big hit, often cited as a game-changer for busy households. The traditional key backup also receives high marks for providing an added layer of comfort.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Touch Deadbolt, Satin Nickel
While this particular model isn’t a traditional Yale smart lock with key, it’s a standout option from the Assure Lock 2 lineup, offering unparalleled security and convenience through fingerprint access. We’re including it because its innovative approach to “keyless” is worth considering. Imagine unlocking your door with simply a touch of your unique fingerprint – it’s incredibly fast (under 0.5 seconds!) and undeniably secure, as your fingerprint can never be lost or duplicated. If you’re willing to lean fully into cutting-edge keyless entry, this is a top contender.
- Key Features:
- Fingerprint unlocking: Fast, secure, and unique to you.
- Auto-lock: Never forget to lock the door again.
- Hands-free auto-unlock: Door unlocks as you approach.
- Enhanced security: Two-factor authentication, biometric verification, and matte keypads to resist fingerprint smudges.
- Easy DIY installation: Replaces existing deadbolts with a screwdriver.
- Pros:
- Extremely fast and convenient fingerprint access.
- High level of biometric security.
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock enhance daily convenience.
- Sleek design with robust security features.
- Cons:
- Does not include a traditional physical key backup.
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Limited to U.S. and Canada regions.
- User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the speed and reliability of the fingerprint reader, often calling it a “game-changer” for quick entry. While the lack of a physical key might be a con for some, those who embrace full keyless living find this lock exceptionally convenient and secure.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Deadbolt, Black Suede Keyed
Now this is where things get exciting! The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Deadbolt in Black Suede perfectly embodies the Yale smart lock with key concept, bringing together the lightning-fast fingerprint unlocking of its counterpart with the invaluable peace of mind of a physical backup key. This makes it an ideal choice not just for homeowners, but also for Airbnb hosts or those managing rental properties, thanks to its excellent guest management features. You can share unique, temporary door codes through the Yale Access app, ensuring a smooth, hands-free check-in experience.
- Key Features:
- Unlock with fingerprint: 99% accuracy and <0.5s recognition time.
- Physical backup key included: No more lockouts even if batteries die.
- Guest management: Share unique, temporary door codes via app.
- Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge included: Enjoy remote app access and extended battery life.
- Auto-Lock: Automatically secures your door.
- Activity Feed: Monitor who comes and goes via the app.
- High security: Two-factor authentication and matte keypads.
- Pros:
- Combines fingerprint speed with traditional key reliability.
- Excellent for rental properties with robust guest access features.
- Remote access and monitoring included via Wi-Fi bridge.
- Easy DIY installation.
- Cons:
- The comprehensive features might come at a slightly higher price point.
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the convenience of fingerprint access combined with the reassurance of a physical key. Hosts particularly love the seamless guest check-in and the ability to manage access remotely, making it a powerful tool for property management.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Yale Assure Lock with Z-Wave, Black Suede Smart Touchscreen
If you’re already deeply invested in a Z-Wave smart home ecosystem like Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm, or Wink, this Yale Assure Lock is a smart choice. This Yale smart lock with key seamlessly integrates with your existing hub, allowing you to control and monitor your door from anywhere through your preferred smart home app. It combines a sleek touchscreen keypad with the vital inclusion of physical keys, ensuring you’re never locked out. It’s a solid, reliable choice for those looking to expand their Z-Wave setup.
- Key Features:
- Z-Wave compatibility: Works with popular smart home and alarm systems (hub sold separately).
- Backlit touchscreen keypad: For easy code entry.
- Physical keys included: For added peace of mind.
- Auto-relock: Automatically locks behind you.
- Easy installation: Replaces standard deadbolts in minutes with a screwdriver.
- Alexa integration: Via a compatible hub.
- Pros:
- Excellent choice for existing Z-Wave smart home users.
- Reliable touchscreen keypad and physical key backup.
- Simple DIY installation.
- Strong integration with other smart devices through a hub.
- Cons:
- Requires a separate Z-Wave hub for smart features (no direct Yale app control).
- Features may vary based on the Z-Wave controller used.
- User Impressions: Users with Z-Wave hubs consistently praise its smooth integration and dependable performance. They appreciate the ability to manage their door alongside other smart devices, and the physical key is a welcome bonus for traditionalists.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Yale Matte Black Keyed Deadbolt Smart Lock with Google
For those living in the Google ecosystem, this Yale smart lock with key is a perfect match. Built with Matter technology onboard, it ensures future-proof compatibility and seamless integration with your Google Home devices like Nest Hubs, Google TV, or Nest Wi-Fi Pro. You can manage access, create codes, and monitor activity right from the Google Home app, or simply use Google Assistant voice commands when your hands are full. The flexible access options—custom codes, mobile app, or a physical key—mean you’ll always have a way in. Plus, it’s designed with eco-conscious materials, using 60% recycled plastic!
- Key Features:
- Google Home integration: Manage from anywhere via the Google Home app (requires Matter-enabled hub).
- Matter technology: Seamless compatibility with various smart home brands.
- Voice control: Lock your door using Google Assistant.
- Flexible access: Custom entry codes, mobile app, or physical key.
- Long-lasting power: Matter over Thread technology for energy efficiency.
- Eco-friendly design: Made with 60% recycled plastic.
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified security.
- Pros:
- Deep integration with Google Home ecosystem.
- Future-proof with Matter over Thread technology.
- Convenient voice control and app management.
- Excellent battery life.
- Physical key for backup.
- Environmentally friendly materials.
- Cons:
- Requires a Matter-enabled hub for remote access.
- User Impressions: Google Home users consider this lock an essential addition, loving the unified control through the Google Home app and the convenience of voice commands. The reliability of the physical key backup alongside the cutting-edge tech earns it high marks.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why should I choose a Yale smart lock with a key backup?
A1: Choosing a Yale smart lock with key provides the ultimate flexibility and peace of mind. You get the modern convenience of keyless entry via keypad, app, or voice control, but you also have the traditional physical key as a reliable backup. This is great for power outages, dead batteries, or simply for family members who prefer a traditional key.
Q2: How easy is it to install a Yale smart lock?
A2: Most Yale smart locks are designed for easy DIY installation, often requiring just a screwdriver to replace your existing deadbolt. You typically don’t need to drill new holes, and installation can usually be completed in minutes, even without prior DIY experience.
Q3: Do Yale smart locks work with popular smart home systems?
A3: Yes, many Yale smart locks integrate seamlessly with popular smart home ecosystems. Some use Wi-Fi for direct app control, others offer Z-Wave compatibility for systems like Samsung SmartThings or Ring Alarm, and newer models are adopting Matter technology for broad compatibility with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa. Always check the specific product’s compatibility.
Q4: What happens if the battery dies on my Yale smart lock?
A4: This is where the “with key” part of a Yale smart lock with key becomes invaluable! If your smart lock’s batteries die, you can simply use the physical key provided to unlock your door manually. Some models also have terminals for a 9V battery to temporarily power the keypad for emergency entry.
Q5: Can I give temporary access codes to guests or service people?
A5: Absolutely! A key feature of Yale smart locks is the ability to create and manage unique, temporary access codes. You can set these codes to be active for specific periods, making them perfect for house sitters, dog walkers, or vacation rental guests. This feature gives you full control over who enters your home and when.
Q6: Are Yale smart locks secure against hacking or tampering?
A6: Yale has a long-standing reputation for security, and their smart locks are built with robust features to protect your home. This includes strong encryption for wireless communication, ANSI/BHMA certifications for physical durability, and features like matte keypads to resist fingerprint smudges. They are designed to be highly resistant to both digital and physical tampering.
Q7: How long do the batteries typically last in a Yale smart lock?
A7: Battery life varies depending on usage, environmental factors, and the specific model. Generally, you can expect 6-12 months of battery life from a set of standard AA batteries. Locks using newer technologies like Matter over Thread often boast even longer battery life due to their energy efficiency. The Yale Access app will usually alert you when batteries are running low.
Choosing a Yale smart lock with key means embracing modern convenience without compromising on traditional security. You get the best of both worlds: smart features that simplify your life and a reliable key for peace of mind. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect Yale smart lock for your home!