Yale Approach Smart lock
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
Across reviews, the standout benefit is true retrofit design: the lock keeps the exterior hardware unchanged and preserves your existing key access, which is especially appealing for renters and anyone...
Pros: Existing hardware reuse, Access logs
Cons: Build quality and durability, Fingerprint
Across reviews, the retrofit design is a standout: it replaces only the interior thumb-turn so you can keep your existing deadbolt, exterior look, and physical keys, which is especially appealing...
Pros: Existing hardware reuse, Hub requirement
Cons: Battery, Voice control
A core strength is keeping the existing exterior cylinder and keys, which reviewers call ideal for renters or anyone preserving curb appeal. Because it’s interior-only, reliable outside entry typically improves...
Pros: Existing hardware reuse, Battery
Cons: Finish durability, Auto-unlock
Encode is a full deadbolt replacement but reuses standard door prep (common holes and latch dimensions), so most users do not need door modifications unless their existing setup is nonstandard...
Pros: Hub requirement, Physical attack resistance
Cons: Auto-unlock, Door-sense
If you are replacing another Kwikset deadbolt, the footprint and standard door prep can make swaps easier, with minimal changes to the door.
Pros: Existing hardware reuse, Locking reliability
Cons: Key override reliability, Bluetooth
Several reviewers highlight rekeyability to match existing keys as a major convenience, though installation still replaces the deadbolt hardware and some users reuse or swap strike components depending on fit.
Pros: Guest Codes and Access, User access management
Cons: Fingerprint, Warranty and support
At least one installation guide notes you may be able to reuse existing deadbolt hardware if it fits flush, reducing the need to replace every component.
Pros: Lock/unlock speed, Access logs
Cons: Door-sense, Jam detection
Reviews and demos suggest standard deadbolt installation with typical door prep, including the ability to reuse common existing door hardware components like strike plates.
Pros: Hub requirement, Value and Price
Cons: Door-sense
It installs as a standard deadbolt replacement, and some reviewers noted they could reuse existing cutouts or sensor placements from prior locks, reducing additional door work.
Pros: Auto-unlock, Lock/unlock speed
Cons: None
Existing-hardware reuse is mixed: the lock replaces the whole deadbolt assembly, but some reviewers noted no extra drilling or strike-plate reuse in their installs.
Pros: Lock/unlock speed, Smart-home integration (Alexa
Cons: Physical attack resistance, Hub requirement
Some installers successfully reuse existing hardware like a strike plate, but at least one reviewer found that trying to reuse parts slowed installation. Using the included hardware is often suggested...
Pros: Backset compatibility, Guest Codes and Access
Cons: Keyway quality, Pick/drill resistance (if rated)
Assure Lock 2 usually replaces the full deadbolt rather than reusing existing hardware, but Yale’s Smart Modules can be moved between compatible locks, which reviewers see as a long-term flexibility...
Pros: Security features (encryption), Two-factor authentication availability
Cons: Warranty and support, Battery
Because this lock replaces the deadbolt but typically keeps your doorknob, some installs reuse existing hardware successfully. However, at least one review needed a new handle due to a backplate-style...
Pros: Weather resistance, Warranty and support
Cons: Auto-unlock, Door-sense
This is a full deadbolt replacement, so you generally swap existing hardware; one reviewer chose to reuse a preferred deadbolt piece, but reuse options are limited versus retrofit-style locks.
Pros: Hub requirement, Backset compatibility
Cons: Door-sense, Smart-home integration (Alexa
Some installations reuse the existing strike plate or fit the current bore cleanly, but others require minor modification or a new strike fit.
Pros: Locking reliability, Notifications
Cons: Door-sense, Geofencing
This model replaces the full deadbolt, so you generally cannot reuse your existing keyed hardware the way retrofit kits can. Rekeying is possible but often framed as a locksmith job,...
Pros: Smart-home integration (Alexa, Google
Cons: Fingerprint, Door-sense
It is generally treated as a full deadbolt replacement rather than a retrofit that reuses existing exterior hardware, which some reviewers consider a downside versus modular designs.
Pros: Hub requirement, Locking motor
Cons: Auto-unlock, Door-sense