Best Yale Smart Lock Controllers

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lock blends built‑in Wi‑Fi, a 250‑code touchscreen, and fingerprint access into a premium deadbolt, delivering strong security and smart‑home integration at a higher price point.

The lock’s standout spec is its built‑in Wi‑Fi, so you don’t need a separate bridge to reach it from anywhere. It also supports up to 250 unique keypad codes and a backset range of 60 mm to 70 mm, giving you flexibility for most door preparations. At $249.12 the unit weighs 2041 g, underscoring its solid construction.

Compared with the four other Yale models in this roundup, the Assure Lock is pricier than the SL Black Suede and the Matte Black version, but it offers more integrated connectivity than the Approach bridge‑only system. It is heavier than the Matte Black model (which lists a weight of 3.0 lb) and deeper than the SL’s 0.69‑inch depth, reflecting its robust internals. Like the SL, it shares an adjustable backset of 60‑70 mm, while the Touch Oil Rubbed Bronze model also includes built‑in Wi‑Fi.

Users repeatedly praise the ease of sharing up to 250 access codes and the reliability of the auto‑unlock feature that triggers via Bluetooth proximity. Professional reviewers note the QR‑code setup is seamless and the Wi‑Fi connection stays steady without a hub. On the downside, several owners mention the four AA batteries need periodic replacement, and the fingerprint sensor can become less responsive in very cold or hot conditions.

Technically, the lock runs on four AA batteries with a 9 V emergency backup terminal, and it alerts you when power runs low. It tolerates operating temperatures from -25 °C to 60 °C and humidity up to 95 %. DoorSense monitors lock status, and the fingerprint reader adds a biometric layer to the keypad, PIN, app, Apple Home Key, and physical key options.

Best for: Tech‑savvy homeowners who want a premium deadbolt with Backset: 60 mm to 70 mm, built‑in Wi‑Fi, and multiple biometric and voice‑controlled access options.

Avoid if: You’re on a tight budget, prefer rechargeable or solar‑powered locks, or live in environments with extreme temperature swings.

TL;DR: The Yale Assure SL Black Suede delivers a sleek 0.69‑inch‑deep, backlit touchscreen deadbolt with up to 250 user codes, Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth control and a lifetime finish warranty for $184.99.

The lock’s standout spec is its adjustable backset of 60‑70 mm, letting you match most standard door preparations without extra drilling. Its shallow 0.69‑inch depth and compact 3.56‑inch height keep the hardware unobtrusive, while the 2.56‑inch width fits typical strike plates. With a user‑code capacity of up to 250, it’s ready for families, Airbnb hosts, or anyone juggling many guests.

Compared with the other four models in this roundup, the Assure SL is shallower than the Matte Black version’s 0.88‑inch depth and considerably shorter than its 5.38‑inch height, yet it shares the same 2.56‑inch width. The Touch Oil Rubbed Bronze model sits deeper at 0.9 inches and taller at 4.9 inches, while the basic Yale Assure Lock lists a 35 mm depth (about 1.38 inches) and a larger 70 mm width. The Yale Approach is a lighter, bridge‑only solution, but it lacks the deadbolt’s built‑in touchscreen and battery backup. Our lock also requires optional Z‑Wave or ZigBee modules for broader smart‑home ecosystems, a cost that the Matte Black model includes via its built‑in Matter over Thread support.

Users consistently praise the keyless entry and the ease of retrofitting – most installations finish with just a screwdriver. Professional reviewers note the lock’s durability, citing successful stress tests beyond 2,000 cycles, and they appreciate the 24/7 activity logs that feed directly into the Yale app. The main complaints revolve around the need to replace four AA alkaline batteries regularly and the fact that Z‑Wave/ZigBee modules aren’t bundled, which can add to the overall spend.

Technical details round out the picture: the lock runs on a 9 V battery backup port plus four AA alkaline cells, operates in humidity up to 95 % and temperatures from –25 °C to 60 °C, and carries RCM compliance certifications (EN 61000.6.3 2012 & EN 55032 2016). Yale backs the finish and mechanical parts with a lifetime limited warranty and offers a one‑year electronics warranty.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the Yale Assure SL Black Suede offers Backset: Adjustable 60‑70mm

Avoid if: You need a fully integrated Apple Home Key solution without extra modules, or you require precise weight specifications for your door hardware.

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Oil Rubbed Bronze blends a sub‑half‑second fingerprint scanner, IPx5 weather rating, and full smart‑home integration, but its $269.58 price limits it to premium‑budget buyers.

What really sets this lock apart is its built‑in fingerprint sensor that unlocks in less than <0.5 seconds with 99% recognition accuracy. The hardware sits 0.9 inches deep and rises 4.9 inches tall, giving it a solid presence on the door while staying compact enough for most standard deadbolts.

Compared with the other Yale models in this roundup, the 0.9‑inch depth is deeper than the SL Black Suede’s 0.69‑inch profile yet only marginally thicker than the Matte Black’s 0.88‑inch depth. Its door‑thickness range of 1.75 to 2.25 inches matches the standard Assure Lock’s 35 mm to 57 mm span, but the lock carries a higher price tag than the budget‑focused Yale Approach.

Customers consistently praise the lock’s reliable fingerprint entry, sleek oil‑rubbed bronze finish, and straightforward retrofit installation. Professional reviewers highlight its BHMA certification and Secure Encryption as top‑tier security features. The most common complaint centers on the need for frequent battery changes, and several users note that the premium cost may be a barrier for budget‑conscious shoppers.

Technical extras include an IPx5 rating that shields the unit from water jets, built‑in alarms, auto‑lock, and voice‑assistant support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The lock works with Apple Home Key, allowing you to unlock via Apple Watch, and it can be controlled remotely through the Yale mobile app.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Oil Rubbed Bronze offers Depth: 0.9 inches

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $269.58

TL;DR: The Yale Assure Lock 2 Matte Black blends Matter‑over‑Thread smart control, a rugged IPX5 body and 60% recycled plastic, but you’ll need a separate hub for full remote access.

What really sets this lock apart is its native Matter over Thread support, paired with a 2.4 GHz network frequency and Bluetooth encryption. At 0.88 inches deep, 5.38 inches tall and weighing 3.0 Pounds, it feels solid on the door, and the IPX5 rating means it can handle rain and splashes without fuss. The ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certification adds a layer of confidence for security‑focused homeowners.

Compared with the other four Yale models in the roundup, the Assure Lock 2 is heavier than the Yale Approach (which weighs 1 pound) and deeper than the Assure SL Black Suede’s 0.69‑inch depth. It’s a bit shorter than the original Assure Lock’s 154 mm height, yet its depth is almost identical to the Touch Oil Rubbed Bronze version’s 0.9 inches. Widthwise, it matches the SL’s 2.56‑inch profile, keeping the overall footprint familiar across the line.

Users consistently praise the lighted push‑button keypad and the mobile app’s code‑management tools for guests, dog walkers and kids. Professional reviewers highlighted the lock’s “Designed for Google Home” badge and its smooth interaction with Nest Doorbell, letting you unlock from the app’s Favorites screen. The main gripe is the need for a Matter‑enabled hub—such as a Nest Hub Max or Google TV—to unlock remotely, which adds cost and complexity. A handful of reviewers also note the absence of any fingerprint scanner.

Beyond connectivity, the lock offers auto‑lock, an integrated alarm, and a 12‑month battery life powered by four AA cells. It works with Google Assistant for voice commands and stores user codes locally, keeping your data on the device. The hardware is built from 60% recycled plastic, a point many eco‑conscious buyers appreciate. Operating temperatures range from 32 °F to 120 °F inside and –22 °F to 140 °F outside, ensuring reliable performance year‑round.

Best for: Google Home and Nest users who want a Matter‑compatible deadbolt with eco‑friendly materials and solid on‑door presence.

Avoid if: You need built‑in Wi‑Fi remote access or biometric fingerprint entry.

TL;DR: For $90.00 the Yale Approach delivers a lightweight (1 lb) retrofit lock with a 15‑foot Wi‑Fi bridge range, quick installation and unlimited virtual keys, though it needs a separate bridge and lacks a built‑in keypad.

The standout spec is its 15‑foot bridge range, which lets you control the lock from anywhere in a typical home without a wired hub. At just 1 pound, it’s notably lighter than many full‑size Yale deadbolts, and the whole system installs in under 10 minutes, meaning you can upgrade without drilling through the exterior.

Compared with the other Yale models in this roundup, the Approach is the most budget‑friendly and the lightest—Yale Assure Lock 2 Matte Black weighs about 3 pounds, and the Assure SL and Assure Lock 2 Touch both carry more hardware and higher price points. Unlike those models, the Approach does not include a built‑in keypad, so you’ll need to add one separately if you want a keypad on the interior.

Professional reviewers praise the sleek design, the ability to keep your original keys, and the unlimited virtual keys that renters love. Users consistently note the “quick, 10‑minute install” as a major win, while the separate Wi‑Fi Bridge requirement and the 15‑foot range limitation draw the most criticism. The lock runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries, supports Bluetooth 4.0, Wi‑Fi 4 (2.4 GHz), DoorSense technology, and voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri and Samsung SmartThings.

Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money — the Yale Approach offers Bridge Range: 15 feet.

Avoid if: You need a built‑in keypad, multi‑point deadbolt support, or a lock that works without a separate bridge.