Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus Review

The dream of ditching your house keys for good inches closer to reality with every new smart lock generation. Yale’s Assure Lock 2 Plus enters a crowded market, but it brings a killer feature that could make it the default choice for Apple enthusiasts. This lock isn’t just about remote access; it’s about seamless, tap-to-unlock integration with the devices you already carry.

The most compelling reason to consider the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is its flawless execution of Apple Home Key. This feature, which uses NFC, allows you to unlock your door by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock—no app-fumbling required. It’s astonishingly fast and reliable, working even if your phone’s battery is dead thanks to Apple’s Power Reserve feature. This single function elevates the user experience from a novelty to a genuine convenience that quickly becomes second nature. Beyond Home Key, the lock offers a full suite of access methods: a responsive backlit touchscreen keypad for PIN codes, the Yale Access app for remote control via the included Wi-Fi bridge, and proximity-based auto-unlock. Performance across all methods is solid, with the Wi-Fi connection enabling reliable remote locking, unlocking, and status checks through the app and integrations with Alexa and Google Home.

Aesthetically, the Assure Lock 2 Plus is a significant improvement over its predecessors. Yale has shed the bulk, delivering a slim and modern exterior unit that sits elegantly on the door. Available in finishes like Black Suede and Satin Nickel, it blends well with contemporary hardware. The build quality feels robust and durable, as you’d expect from a legacy brand like Yale. The interior unit, which houses the batteries and thumbturn, is still somewhat plasticky but remains compact and unobtrusive. Installation is also commendably straightforward, easily manageable for most DIYers with just a screwdriver and guided by clear instructions or the BILT app’s 3D walkthroughs.

While the hardware is excellent, the ecosystem has a few quirks. The lock operates through the Yale Access app, which is functional but feels a step behind the slicker interface of the August app (which Yale also owns). This is a minor gripe, as the app reliably manages user codes, access logs, and settings. The bigger consideration is value. The Assure Lock 2 Plus carries a premium price tag, largely justified by the Apple Home Key integration and included Wi-Fi module. If you aren’t an Apple user, this lock loses its primary differentiator, making competitors that offer similar features (sans Home Key) at a lower price point more attractive.

Ultimately, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is a triumph of integration for those embedded in Apple’s world. It’s a well-built, attractive, and highly functional smart lock that delivers on the promise of effortless key-free entry. If the magic of tapping your watch to unlock your door appeals to you, this is unequivocally the best-in-class option and worth the investment. For Android households or the budget-conscious, its core value proposition is diminished, making the smart lock market a much wider field to play in.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon