This post is sponsored by Level

Smart locks aren’t often seen as a necessity – even for us, and we’ve used ’em all! There’s just usually something about them that doesn’t quite click – usability, quality, design! But I’m ready to say we’ve found the first smart lock we feel good claiming is a must-have – Level locks.

Let’s talk about the obvious one first – looks. The above lock is a Level Lock! Smart locks are infamously bulky, claiming it as a trade-off for more robust features. We’re used to smart locks that look like hotel room locks… or bulky hospital door locks. But this is 2021! Aren’t we beyond sacrificing design for features? Level locks are designed to disappear, not interfere, which is why they’re called The invisible Smart Lock. In fact, if nobody told me these were smart locks, I would have never known.

We chose to install Level Lock (new product!) and Level Lock – Touch Edition to explore the functionality of both. I have to say — one hour after installation, we already love it so much. Both Level Locks are designed to be unlocked in several ways!

1. Using your phone. We just swipe to the Level Home app, and tap “Unlock” and we hear the pleasant jingle of the “confirmation noise” that the door is unlocked, and I didn’t have to bring out keys or try and remember any codes.

2. Touch of a finger. With the Level Lock – Touch Edition (the one with the most advanced technology that can do it all) we need only touch the deadbolt, and we’re in. Your phone is required to be on you, but it’s so easy to just touch a deadbolt! This is great for when your hands are full and you’re carrying grocery bags in one hand and holding a kid’s hand in the other. The lock uses a technology similar to keyless cars. When you have your phone nearby, you can touch the housing to unlock your door (doesn’t use your fingerprint!).

3. Key Cards. The Level Lock – Touch Edition also comes with two key cards key cards you can use to unlock the door, and you’re in – just like a hotel! These key cards are great to hand out to the nanny or our contractor, or have regular visitors download the Level Home app so you can give them “Guest Access.”

In the Level Home app, you can send an access code to anyone in your contacts. Better yet, you can grant access on a schedule. For example, our nanny is here from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Her access code is good during those hours! The contractor sent over a drywall team that had access for a few hours on Thursday morning. It’s dreamy! We’re not giving out a bunch of keys or passcodes, which gives us A LOT more peace of mind. In fact, Level is certified BHMA AAA for security (this is the highest rating there is). And there’s end-to-end encryption with complete data privacy. No trackers.

We’re really looking forward to the “Event Access” function, where we can designate access for an entire group for a certain amount of time. We could make an event called “Dinner at the Marcums!”, or “Game Night” (!!), set the date and time and select all of our invitees from our contact list. Because we all know the best of friends don’t have to knock.

If you really love your current door hardware, Level also makes a product called the Level Bolt. It’s a great way to make the move to Smart tech without disrupting the look. You can make your current lock smart and transform your existing deadbolt. It’s designed to work with most American standard deadbolts (these are the ones where the handles and deadbolts are separate). With Level Bolt, you only swap out the insides of the deadbolt, keeping the same look you already love. Installation is quick and only requires a screwdriver. You won’t have the touch or the key card functions, but you’ll still have ALL of the other cool features.

Before you ask, Level locks *are* compatible with Alexa and Ring, as well as Apple’s HomeKit (“Hey Siri, unlock the patio door!).

Overall, the Level locks marry technology and aesthetics in a way that most things in the home category have not been able to achieve. (They come in four gorgeous finishes. We went with polished brass, but I’ve got my eye on matte black…) It’s an elevated, elegant experience — so easy to install and easier to use. We truly feel like we’ve leveled up.