Best Smart Lever Locks for Doors Without a Deadbolt

TL;DR: At $106.33 the Kwikset SmartCode 917 Satin Nickel delivers 30 one‑time and permanent user codes, a backlit keypad and SmartKey re‑keying, earning a 4.5‑star rating from 1,910 reviewers.

The lock’s standout feature is its SmartKey technology paired with 30 programmable user codes and a motion‑activated backlit keypad. With a backset of 2‑3/8 in (60 mm) and a weight of 3.8 lb, it fits standard residential doors while feeling solid enough for frequent use. The auto‑lock timer can be set from 30 seconds up to 10 minutes, and a low‑battery alert warns you before the 9 V battery reaches the end of its 36‑month life.

When you line it up against the three peers, the satin‑nickel finish sits between the matte‑black Kwikset version (which is marginally lighter at 3.7 lb) and the Yale Assure Lever Black (which uses a touchscreen keypad). The Yale Assure Lever Satin Nickel is noticeably larger and carries a higher price tag, while the Kwikset Matte Black offers a similar spec sheet at a lower cost. In short, the 917 Satin Nickel is pricier than the matte‑black sibling but brings a premium finish and comparable functionality.

Reviewers consistently praise the lock’s reliability and the long‑lasting 9 V battery, noting that the auto‑lock mode adds peace of mind for families. Professional reviewers also highlight the Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA AAA rating and the anti‑pick, anti‑bump SmartKey feature as strong security points. The main criticism centers on the lack of app control or smart‑home integration, which leaves power‑smart‑home users wanting more remote access.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Kwikset SmartCode 917 Satin Nickel offers Backset: 2‑3/8 in (60 mm) or 2‑3/4 in (70 mm).

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range or need full smart‑home integration.

TL;DR: The Kwikset SmartCode 917 Matte Black delivers AAA‑grade security, a backlit keypad, and up to three years of battery life for just $69, making it a solid, budget‑friendly interior smart lever.

The lock’s standout feature is its BHMA AAA security rating combined with Kwikset’s SmartKey self‑rekeying system, which lets you change the lock core in seconds. At a weight of 3.7 pounds and a depth of 3.87 inches, it fits comfortably on standard interior doors while staying sturdy enough for daily use.

Compared with the other three contenders, the matte‑black model is the most affordable option. Its satin‑nickel sibling shares the same 3.87‑inch depth but is slightly heavier at 3.8 pounds. The Yale Assure Lever in black is markedly shallower at 1.375 inches depth and narrower, while the Yale satin‑nickel version is considerably deeper at 7.0 inches and much wider, making the Kwikset a better fit for typical interior lever openings.

Homeowners repeatedly praise the lock’s ease of programming and the reliable battery life—up to 36 months on a single 9V battery—plus the low‑battery alert that warns you before power runs out. On the flip side, reviewers consistently note the lack of any wireless connectivity; there’s no Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, or Z‑Wave, so remote access or smartphone control isn’t possible.

Beyond the security hardware, the lock offers auto‑lock and auto‑relock functions, a motion‑activated backlit keypad, and a physical key override for emergencies. It supports 31 unique user codes, reversible door handing, and backset options of 2.375 or 2.75 inches, giving you flexibility for different door configurations.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Kwikset SmartCode 917 Matte Black offers Depth: 3.87 inches

Avoid if: You need modern smart‑lock capabilities with remote access and automation, or you plan to install it on a primary exterior door

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lever Black is a compact, Grade‑2 smart lever with a backlit touchscreen, auto‑lock, and 2 included keys, priced at $135 but limited to 25 codes without extra modules.

At just 1.375 inches deep, this lock packs a touchscreen keypad, voice‑guided programming and auto‑relock into a surprisingly slim profile. The backlit keypad wakes on touch, and the lock auto‑locks after each use, while a low‑battery alert warns you before power runs out. With a reversible hand‑ing and an adjustable backset of 2.36‑2.76 inches, it fits a wide range of door preparations.

Compared with the Kwikset SmartCode 917 models, the Yale lever is far shallower (1.38 in vs 3.87 in) and taller (6.06 in vs 2.5 in), while its width of 2.75 in is noticeably narrower than Kwikset’s 4.11 in. All three share a similar backset range, but the Yale’s compact depth makes it a better fit for single‑hole doors where space is limited. Against the larger Yale Assure Lever Satin Nickel, the Black version is dramatically smaller in depth, height and width, offering a sleeker look for modern interiors.

Reviewers appreciate the elimination of a separate deadbolt, noting the lock’s solid Grade 2 security rating and the convenience of keyless entry. The auto‑lock and voice prompts receive positive mentions, while the 3.7‑star rating from 226 reviews hints at mixed experiences, often centered on the limited 25‑code capacity and the need to purchase optional smart‑home modules separately.

Technically, the lock meets ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 standards, runs on four AA batteries with a 9 V emergency backup, and alerts you when power runs low. It supports up to 25 user codes out‑of‑the‑box, reversible handing, and a mechanical key override with two included keys, giving you a reliable fallback if the electronics fail.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Yale Assure Lever Black offers Keys Included: 2

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lever Satin Nickel packs an ANSI Grade 2, Z‑Wave‑enabled smart lever with a tall 11‑in. profile, auto‑lock features and voice‑assistant support, but its premium price and door‑thickness limits keep it in a niche.

At 11.0 inches tall and 7.0 inches deep, this lock feels substantially larger than many interior levers. The adjustable backset of 2.36 inches lets you fit it to standard pre‑drilled holes, while the 100‑code capacity and physical backlit keypad give you plenty of flexibility for family members or short‑term guests.

Compared with its peers, the Yale Assure Lever Satin Nickel is taller than the Yale Assure Lever Black, which measures 6.0625 inches in height, and deeper than both Kwikset SmartCode 917 models that sit at 3.87 inches deep. It also carries a higher price tag than the Kwikset options, making it the most premium‑priced lever in this four‑product set. All three competitors use Z‑Wave, but only the Yale lock requires a separate hub for remote Wi‑Fi access, adding to the overall cost.

Users consistently praise the auto‑lock and auto‑relock functions, noting that the lock reliably engages after each use. Professional reviewers highlight its ANSI Grade 2 certification and 80 dB tamper alarm as solid security touches. On the flip side, the 3.8/5 star rating and 94 reviews reveal recurring frustrations with setup complexity and the need for a compatible hub, which some buyers feel inflates the total expense.

Technical details round out the picture: the lock runs on four AA batteries with a manufacturer‑claimed 12‑month lifespan, and it alerts you when power runs low. It tolerates up to 95 % humidity, operates from –25 °C to 60 °C, and locks down after five failed code attempts. Voice‑assistant support spans Alexa, Google Home, Siri and Apple HomeKit, and the keypad’s backlit physical buttons work without draining the battery as quickly as touchscreen alternatives.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Yale Assure Lever Satin Nickel offers Backset: Adjustable 60‑70 mm

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns