Kwikset Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock Review

The Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock has been around for a while. But is it still one of the best smart door locks around? Well, sort of.

The first generation of the Kevo came out in 2013, and the second iteration in 2016 added new smart home integrations and connectivity. We think the Kevo Touch-to-Open still has some compelling perks, but we’ve seen even better features from options like August and Schlage.

But, if you want that cool tap-to-open sensation, the Kevo won’t let you down.

The Kevo has a keyhole, but you might not ever use it. This lock works with Bluetooth to connect to your phone (or Android Wear smartwatch) and open your door for you.

When the lock detects that your device is outside the door (and you’re probably there with it), it lets you tap the metal exterior to unlock your door. It flashes a fancy blue LED light when the door unlocks and voilà, open sesame.

This is a bit like the auto-unlock feature we’ve seen with some other smart locks, like the August Smart Lock Pro. But while other locks with auto unlock just go ahead and unlock your door for you when it senses your device, the Kevo waits for you to touch it.

That’s a good thing, even if it doesn’t feel like it when you’re standing on your porch with both arms full of groceries trying to find a way to touch the lock.

We’ve seen other auto unlocks malfunction sometimes and unlock people’s doors when they enter through their garage. This means your front door could just be sitting there unlocked without you realizing it.

Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock features: 

• Bluetooth functionality
• Control through the Kevo app
• Electronic “eKeys” you can send to guests who need access
• Backup keyhole
• SmartKey rekeying feature
• Two design options (round and square)
• Power by four AA batteries
• DIY installation
• ANSI/BHMA security Grade 2

The Kevo gets an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2. The ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, which works with the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) to assign security grades to door locks of all kinds, smart or not-so-smart.

The grades go from grade 1 to grade 3, with grade 1 being the best and most secure. The Kevo, with its Grade 2 rating, is pretty average. Most smart door locks we’ve seen are Grade 2, and that’s fine. But if you want to up your security game a bit, we recommend the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt.

Smart lock integrations can be kind of hit or miss. You have things like the August Smart Lock Pro that play well with all kinds of other smart devices, and you have others that can barely connect to their own mobile app.

We’d say the Kevo Touch-to-Open is somewhere in the middle. It does have some cool integrations, like with Ring and Skybell doorbell cameras. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Honeywell thermostats.

But if you want access to any of the Kevo’s available integrations, you’re going to need to subscribe to Kevo Plus.

A lot of smart door locks have guest access codes you can give a babysitter, dog walker, or anyone else who needs temporary access to your house. Since Kevo doesn’t use a keypad, temporary access with this lock isn’t quite so simple.

Instead of codes, Kevo uses a feature called eKeys. You can send digital eKeys to guests, including temporary, scheduled, or “anytime” guests. Temporary guests will have access for 24 hours. Scheduled guests will have access during set timeframes you assign. And anytime guests will have access, well, anytime. (That one’s a bit obvious.)

The annoying thing about eKeys is that your guests have to download the Kevo app and give it access to their device’s location. Your technophobe great aunt Sarah might not want to give the Kwikset overlords her location info. (And really, who can blame her.)

Of course, you can always give guests a good old fashioned metal key to use instead. But we prefer the ease and customization of access codes on a keypad.

If the phrase “DIY deadbolt” raises your eyebrows, you’re not alone. But it’s a lot easier than it sounds. If you can work a screwdriver, then you can probably install the Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock. The hardest part is ripping out your old lock so you can switch out the parts.

The Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock has some compelling features. We like the tap-to-open thing, and that the lock doesn’t scream “Smart lock!” when you’re looking at it from afar. We also like Kevo’s smart home integrations.

That said, we prefer smart locks with keypad entry, especially if you have a lot of guests who need access codes.

Features: Kevo works with Bluetooth to let you open your door with just a tap, which is pretty neat. It also has several smart home integrations, including Ring and Amazon Alexa.

Home automation: Kevo has some decent smart home features, but you’ll need a Kevo Plus subscription to get access to them. The subscription/necessary Bluetooth gate will cost you about $100.

Installation: Deadbolt installation looks intimidating, but it’s actually not too bad. Plan to spend around 20 minutes installing your Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Lock.

Do you use a smart door lock? Do you prefer a keypad, or would you rather use your phone? Tell us about your experience in the comments!