This sleek new smart lock opens with just a tap

(Image credit: Level)

One of the biggest problems with almost smart locks comes down to aesthetics. Not only practice many people not desire to advertise the fact that they have a smart lock, but they also don't want to have a big chunk of tech on their front door.

Like its original model, Level's newest smart lock, the Level Touch, doesn't wait like a smart lock from the outside, or inside. And, it has a few new features, including the ability to open with your finger or by using an NFC menu. The Level Affect is available today for $329.

Best smart locks

The original Level Commodities smart lock is hidden completely inside your door, and uses your existing deadbolt's exterior hardware. It'southward a clever design that conceals the fact that your deadbolt can exist operated past your telephone or HomeKit.

The new Level Bear on takes things farther; instead of replacing just the guts of your deadbolt, it replaces the lock entirely, but still retains the look of a traditional deadbolt. It's available in Satin Nickel, Satin Chrome, Polished Brass, and in 2021, Matte Black.

Considering the Level Touch at present includes the exterior parts, the company was able to add a few more ways to unlock the door. First, you lot can simply touch the exterior of the lock to unlock your door, provided your telephone (used to authenticate the user) is nearby.

The Level Touch on also has an NFC reader, and included with the lock are two NFC cards, which tin be used to unlock the door—much like the cards many of you lot used to get into your part, back when we went to offices. The cards can be programmed to merely work during specific times, and can exist wiped in the event they're lost. Information technology's a good alternative if yous want to provide access to someone who doesn't have a smartphone, or who doesn't want to get through the problem of downloading the Level app.

Similar its original smart lock, the Level Affect only has Bluetooth, and only works with Apple HomeKit, though the visitor is looking to add together compatibility with other smart home systems.

All the same, it's too added a new auto lock and unlock feature in its app (which will besides piece of work with the Level Bolt), and then you lot don't need to use HomeKit if y'all want to make certain it locks backside yous on your way out.

The $329 Level Affect is ane of the more expensive smart locks out there; our favorite smart lock, the August Wi-Fi Lock, costs $249, and works with more smart home systems. Only, if you lot're looking for the best smart lock that doesn't look like a smart lock, the Level Bear upon is worth considering.

Michael A. Prospero is the deputy editor at Tom'due south Guide overseeing the home, smart home, drones, and fettle/wearables categories, as well as all buying guides and other evergreen content. When he's non testing out the latest running lookout, skiing or training for a marathon, he's probably using the latest sous vide machine or some other cooking gadget.