Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Kwikset Obsidian for a sleek keyless touchscreen lock with strong SecureScreen and Z-Wave routines. Skip it if you need built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HomeKit/Google support, a physical key, or low-maintenance batteries.
Best for
Best for people who want a clean, key-free touchscreen deadbolt and already use, or are willing to use, a compatible Z-Wave, Wink, SmartThings, or Alexa setup. It also fits buyers who value SecureScreen-style code privacy over physical-key backup.
Not for
Not for shoppers who need a physical key, built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, easy HomeKit or Google integration, or robust code scheduling on every platform. It is also less ideal for doors exposed to strong sun if heat buildup is a concern.
Verdict
Reviewers consistently framed the Kwikset Obsidian as a stylish, minimalist key-free lock with strong everyday keypad use and useful security extras, especially SecureScreen. Its best evidence comes from design praise, reliable locking, easy Z-Wave pairing, and app or voice control when the right hub or ecosystem is in place. The tradeoff is that its smart side is fragmented: some versions or platforms lack remote code creation, code scheduling, Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi, or broad HomeKit and Google support. Installation is another split area, ranging from simple to frustrating depending on fit and instructions. Battery life and hub costs also keep it from feeling universally easy.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
26 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.07 (27%)
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Positive 3.5-4.411 (42%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.48 (31%)
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Negative 1.5-2.40 (0%)
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Very negative below 1.50 (0%)
Pros
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Design was the strongest consensus attribute, with repeated praise for the sleek, minimalist, modern, key-free look.
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Locking reliability was positive overall, with reviewers reporting that auto-relock worked every time, the bolt worked fine after setup, and the mechanism did not jam.
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Build quality was praised in the clearest durability evidence, with the lock described as sturdy and jam-free during testing.
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Existing hardware reuse was a strength in the replacement scenario, where the reviewer installed it easily after removing a prior Kwikset lock.
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The keypad was praised for intuitive everyday locking and unlocking.
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Physical attack resistance was praised because the keywayless design removes common keyed-entry attack paths.
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Pick and bump-key resistance was praised because ditching the keyway removed the risk of picking or forced entry with a bump key.
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Fingerprint-related security earned consistent praise because SecureScreen and coating features reduced the risk of visible touch patterns revealing codes.
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Auto-lock was reliable and easy to set up in stronger reviews, though one transcript noted that changing related customization switches required a screwdriver.
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Security features were praised across reviews, especially SecureScreen, which reviewers said worked well and helped prevent code guessing from fingerprints.
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Door fit looked favorable for standard replacements, with the reviewer saying it should be almost as easy to install in most standard lock enclosures.
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Touchscreen feedback was mostly positive for responsiveness and security, but reviewers also noted wake-up misses and glossy smudging.
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Guest access was one of the most mixed areas: reviewers liked multiple codes and temporary scheduling in some versions, but criticized limited code counts and remote-code gaps in others.
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Locking speed was mixed, with one review praising prompt Alexa locking while another noticed the lock ran a bit slower than normal.
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Smart-home integration was useful but ecosystem-dependent: Z-Wave, SmartThings, Wink, Alexa, and other platforms worked well in some cases, while HomeKit and Google limitations hurt compatibility.
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Voice control worked well when supported, especially Alexa locking and status checks, but other reviews emphasized that Alexa or Google control required a Z-Wave hub.
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Installation ranged from simple and thoughtfully guided to frustrating, with one reviewer blaming unclear instructions and bolt machining while others completed setup easily.
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Reviewers liked app-based control when a compatible platform supported it, but the lock lost points because it lacks its own app and some hub apps could not manage codes.
Cons
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User access management varied sharply by version and platform, from strong scheduled and one-time code support to complaints about no expiring codes or no app-based code changes.
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Remote access depended heavily on the platform: it worked well through Wink in one review, but other evidence tied remote control to a more expensive hub-enabled setup.
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Value was divided: some reviewers considered it expensive once hubs or non-connected limitations were included, while one YouTube reviewer called the price good for a keyless Z-Wave lock.
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Hub requirements split reviewers: Z-Wave was welcomed by smart-home users, while others treated the required hub as an added burden.
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Bluetooth was a mild drawback rather than a dealbreaker: one reviewer did not mind its absence, but warned it could deter buyers who want phone proximity unlocking.
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Battery feedback was mixed: one preview praised warning before batteries died, while later user-oriented evidence reported six-month or five-month battery life concerns.
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The locking motor drew a clear complaint for being quite loud, even though the same review did not report jams.
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Sun and heat exposure was a concern in one user review because the black exterior became uncomfortable for children to touch.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Smart Locks, this product is above average in Pick/drill resistance (if rated), Existing hardware reuse, below average in Weather resistance, Locking motor, User access management.
Summary
8 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher2 (25%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts0 (0%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower6 (75%)
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather resistance | 2.5 | 4.3 | -1.8 |
| Locking motor | 2.5 | 4.1 | -1.6 |
| User access management | 3.4 | 4.3 | -0.9 |
| Value and Price | 3.0 | 3.9 | -0.9 |
| Battery | 2.8 | 3.8 | -0.9 |
| Lock/unlock speed | 3.8 | 4.7 | -0.9 |
| Pick/drill resistance (if rated) | 4.5 | 3.6 | +0.9 |
| Existing hardware reuse | 4.5 | 3.6 | +0.9 |
FAQ
Does the Kwikset Obsidian work well without a smart-home hub?
It can work as a keyless touchscreen deadbolt, but reviewers found the connected experience depends heavily on the version and platform. Remote control, voice control, and some code features generally require a compatible hub or ecosystem.
Is the touchscreen easy to use?
Most reviewers found keypad locking and unlocking intuitive or responsive. The main caveats were occasional wake-up touches and some glossy smudging.
How good are the security features?
SecureScreen received repeated praise because it helps hide code patterns from fingerprint trails. Reviewers also liked the keywayless design for removing pick and bump-key risks.
Can I create guest or temporary codes?
It depends on the version and platform. Some evidence praised temporary, scheduled, or one-time codes, while other reviews criticized limited code counts, no expiration, or no remote code creation.
Is installation easy?
Installation evidence was mixed. Some reviewers called it simple or easy with helpful hardware, while others lost time on door handling or found the instructions and machining frustrating.
What are the biggest drawbacks reviewers found?
The main drawbacks were hub dependence, limited ecosystem support, no Bluetooth, no physical key, inconsistent code management, battery-life concerns, and one report of heat buildup on the black exterior.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
cnet.com
- Review score
- 4.4
techhive.com
- Review score
- 3.4
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Premis
- Similar: user management approach Premis was cited as having the same solid user-management approach described for Obsidian.
- Alternative: physical key or Bluetooth preference Premis was suggested as a better fit for buyers who want a physical key or Bluetooth capability.
August Home Smart Locks
- Alternative: retrofit installation and manual key retention August Home Smart Locks were recommended for people who do not want to replace a deadbolt or lose a manual key.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Better: built-in Wi-Fi, installation, and broad smart-home compatibility The review favored August Wi-Fi Smart Lock over Obsidian for built-in Wi-Fi and wider compatibility.
Consider This Instead
If you want better Weather resistance
Choose Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock. It scores 4.5 vs 2.5 for Weather resistance, with a 3.8 overall score.
If you want better Battery
Choose Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400. It scores 4.3 vs 2.8 for Battery, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better User access management
Choose ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock. It scores 4.8 vs 3.4 for User access management, with a 3.8 overall score.
If you want better Locking motor
Choose Google Nest x Yale Smart Lock. It scores 4.5 vs 2.5 for Locking motor, with a 3.7 overall score.
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