The Kwikset Halo has smart security features and customizable user access codes.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Review
The Kwikset Halo Smart Lock is a solid choice for anyone who wants a chic-looking smart lock, but it’s especially good for people who manage one or more rental properties.
Almost all smart locks let you set up guest codes, but not all of them make it as simple and customizable as the Kwikset Halo. The Halo allows up to 250 unique guest access codes, and you can label them in the app so you don’t forget which one goes to who.
The Halo also comes with a SmartKey Security™ feature, which lets you retool keys yourself in case one gets lost.
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Kwikset Halo Smart Lock features
The Kwikset Halo Smart Lock is a good-looking piece of equipment, and its looks aren’t the only benefit. The Halo gets a high AAA security grade, which is the top rating for security, durability, and finish.
Source: Kwikset
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock features:
- Touchscreen and keypad styles
- Multiple finish color options
- BHMA AAA certified
- Built-in Wi-Fi integration (no bridge required)
- DIY installation
- Up to 250 unique user codes
- App supports multiple locks and multiple properties
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- SmartKey Security™ feature
- SecureScreen™ technology
Touchscreen and keypad options
The Kwikset Halo Smart Lock comes in two different styles: touchscreen and traditional keypad. We’re partial to the style of the touchscreen, but the keypad has better functionality. As cool as the touchscreen looks, it can be finicky in practice.
Before you enter the keycode you have to wake the touchscreen with a tap or the palm of your hand. The touchscreen can be stubborn and doesn’t register your hand on the first try sometimes.
The keypad version has no such problems. Just enter your code and you're good to go.
Hundreds of unique user codes
You can create, schedule, and label up to 250 unique user access codes with the Kwikset Halo. That’s probably more than anyone really needs, but it’s useful if you have an Airbnb or a rental property.
The Kwikset app lets you name the access codes you create and schedule them for specific days and times. If you need to set up a code that only works from check-in time on the day your guests arrive to check-out time on the day they leave, then it’s easy to do. And you can delete and revoke codes with just a few taps.
Built-in Wi-Fi integration
The Kwikset Halo has a built-in Wi-Fi integration, so you can connect the lock to your network with no bridge required.
Some smart locks, like the August Smart Lock Pro and the Yale Assure SL, require a Wi-Fi bridge before you can connect them to your internet network. It’s one more device you have to worry about and one more step during installation.
SmartKey Security™ feature
The Kwikset Halo still has a keyhole if you’re feeling old-school and want to use a regular key. And just in case any of those keys get lost or stolen, Kwikset offers a re-keying feature you can use yourself.
Your Halo lock comes with a SmartKey tool you can use to re-key the lock. It only takes a few seconds, but you will need both a current key that works (so if you lost your only copy, then you’re out of luck) and the new key you want to use going forward.
SecureScreen™ feature
Some smart locks aren’t the most secure option because the buttons you press (or where you put your fingers on the touchscreen) leave marks or wear down so that potential intruders can tell which buttons to press.
The Kwikset Halo has a workaround. The optional SecureScreen™ feature makes it so that you have to press a random two numbers before you can enter your actual entry code. That way, all the buttons look the same, and potential thieves can’t tell which ones your press.
This smart lock also helps you change your door code regularly if you don’t want to bother with the extra numbers. A door code that’s older than your firstborn child is probably due for an update.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock pricing
As price goes, the Kwikset costs roughly the same as other locks with similar features. In fact, it’s cheaper than some options from big names like Schlage, Yale, and August.
Source: Kwikset
You’re going to pay more for the Kwikset than you would for a standard deadbolt. And there are cheaper smart locks out there, like the Wyze Lock, if you don’t want to pay a couple hundred dollars for a lock. But overall, we think the features are worth the one-time cost.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock home automation
The Kwikset Halo’s smart home functionality is all through the Kwikset app. The app is where you can lock and unlock your door remotely, manage user codes, and see who’s been in your house.
Source: Kwikset
The app shows an activity feed that tells you when the lock has been used. Just know that while it can tell if the lock is locked, it can’t tell if your door is open or closed. So if your door is open, but the lock is “on,” then you might get some false information.
As for third-party integrations, the Kwikset Halo keeps it pretty standard: it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you’re an Apple HomeKit fan, we recommend going with the August Smart Lock Pro.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock installation
Source: Kwikset
You can install the Kwikset Halo yourself, but it does get a bit tricky since you’re replacing your entire door lock and latch. Kwikset has interactive guides and videos to guide you through the process, but to be honest, they’re not the best we’ve seen. Plan on spending at least 30 minutes to get everything up and running.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock installation overview:
- Check that your lock is compatible with the Halo. Most single-cylinder deadbolts work with this lock while mortise and rim locks do not.
- Remove your existing deadbolt and latch.
- Check that the lock hole, backseat, and door edge hole are the right sizes. You can find exact measurements in the Kwikset Halo installation guide.
- Install the lock latch and strike plate.
- Attach the Halo keypad to the installed latch. Make sure the cable is pulled through properly.
- Use the included keys to make sure the latch works and turns properly when you insert the key.
- Install the interior assembly on the inside of your door. Connect the cable on the interior assembly with the cable from the keypad portion. Then attach the assembly to the mounting plate.
- Install the batteries.
- Test the lock and make sure everything’s working the way it should.
- Download the Kwikset app and connect the lock to your Wi-Fi network.
The good news is you don’t need any special tools to install the Halo. A screwdriver and maybe a hammer should be sufficient.
Recap: Is the Kwikset Halo Smart Lock good?
The Kwikset Halo is a solid smart door lock, especially for people who need lots of different user access codes and want to be able to label and schedule them easily.
Features: The Kwikset Halo hooks up to your Wi-Fi network without a bridge, and it comes with features that let you keep your passcode more secure and re-key the lock yourself if necessary. That’s on top of offering up to 250 user access codes that you can label and schedule in the Kwikset app. Just know the touchscreen version can be a little finicky.
Pricing: The Kwikset Halo is reasonably priced for a smart lock with these features. You’ll pay less for the Halo than you would for an August smart lock.
Home automation: The Halo works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and the Kwikset app gives you a full activity log of who’s used the lock and when.
Installation: Installation is a little tricky, but if your door and lock are compatible, then it’s doable in less than an hour. Kwikset has a few different guides available to get you through the process.
Want to check out some other smart lock options? Read our full Best Smart Door Locks review.
Kwikset also offers their Kevo Touch to Open Smart Lock.
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