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Smart locks are one of the most exciting prospects in the world of smart homes and home automation. As the smart speaker and home surveillance market have become saturated, smart locks have not gained a great deal of traction in the UK. The exception appears to be in the US when August is quite popular.
Using a key feels a bit archaic in a world of smartphones, contactless payments, and semi-automated electric cars. In recent months I have locked out my partner thanks to leaving the key in the door, locked myself out after a run, and needed to replace the cylinder because the I couldn’t find the code for my extra secure bump proof Yale keys. So I am eager to ditch them.
I have previously reviewed the Nuki Smart Lock and was pleasantly surprised by it, though it did have issues which I will address later when comparing these products.
The Yale Conexis L1 Smart Lock has been around for a while now, and Yale is about the biggest name in the lock business, so if anyone is going to do it right, it should be Yale.
The Yale Conexis L1 is designed for multi-point doors, and it approaches the problem as you might expect, you replace all the lock and handle hardware. The lock has various electronics inside that turn the locking mechanism, and you control this via phone, tag, or keycard.
The hardware looks and feels superb, it is weighty and heavy, and you can choose various colours. If you have twin doors like me, it won’t match the other handle, but the overall design looks superb both inside and out.
It used to have an RRP of £269.99, but Amazon has it on consistent offer for £169.99 around £30 cheaper than the Nuki, which has a far inferior look and build quality.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Conexis L1 Smart Keyless Door Lock for Home Security,... |
£199.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Security
The inevitable concern people have when you say smart lock is hackers. While this is a possibility, logically I don’t see it being a huge concern, though I guess it depends where you live. In Blackpool, I don’t imagine there are many hackers skilled enough to hack my door, they would also then need to know I had the Conexis L1 and also want to rob my house.
Even with the possibility of hacking, it is often easier to bump an older euro cylinder, unless you have gone out of your way to fit anti-bump locks, you will almost certainly be susceptible to bumping, which takes seconds, and limited skill. The other option which is quicker than hacking and bumping is just to smash a window.
So the security of this lock is not a major concern for me.
This may be different for people living in Kensington though I am sure they use more professional solutions for their security.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
