Yale is rolling out its latest smart lock, designed with Google Home users specifically in mind and proudly carrying the title of the first “Google Home Preferred” lock. This new Yale Smart Lock brings modern connectivity like Matter-over-Thread support, making it a great fit not just for Google’s ecosystem but also for Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and others.
Contents
What Makes This Lock Stand Out?
Replacing your existing deadbolt, this new smart lock from Yale isn’t just smart; it’s built for simplicity and broad compatibility. Its key feature is deep integration with Google Home, letting you do things like create temporary passcodes for guests, check who entered when, and see the lock’s status all from the convenience of the Google Home app. It’s designed to work seamlessly alongside devices like Google’s Nest video doorbells for a more unified smart home security experience.
White Yale Assure Lock 2 smart lock installed on a door, showcasing its sleek design and keypad.
Connectivity is a big win here. Thanks to Matter-over-Thread technology, this lock speaks the same language as many other smart devices. This means it connects reliably and efficiently to platforms beyond just Google Home, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant, assuming you have a compatible Thread border router (like a newer Nest Hub, Nest Wi‑Fi Pro, or Apple HomePod mini).
For those without a Thread network, you can still connect the lock using Bluetooth via the Yale Access app on your phone or by adding Yale’s Connect Wi‑Fi bridge for remote access and voice commands.
Design and Power
The lock comes in three color options: classic white, sleek black, and an upcoming gray version. It replaces your standard deadbolt entirely, featuring a built-in keypad for code entry and, importantly for many, a traditional mechanical keyway so you always have a backup physical key.
Powering the lock are four standard AA batteries, which Yale says can last up to a full year before needing a change.
Key Features and Differences
While it doesn’t offer the automatic unlocking feature you might find on some competitors (which unlocks as you approach your door), it does include auto-lock functionality. This means you can set it to automatically lock itself after a set amount of time, giving you peace of mind that your door is secure even if you forget to lock it manually.
One significant difference from the older, now discontinued Nest × Yale lock is the return of the physical key option. This offers an extra layer of convenience and reliability for users.
Pricing and Availability
This new Yale smart lock is priced at $189.99 USD. Good news for Canadian smart home enthusiasts: Yale has confirmed that the lock is set to launch in Canada sometime in July.
Overall, this Yale smart lock looks like a strong contender, especially for Google Home users seeking deep integration and those who value broad smart home compatibility thanks to Matter. It brings back the physical key for convenience and offers reliable auto-locking for security.
Looking to upgrade your home security? Explore more smart home devices and find the perfect fit for your setup.
