Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad review: This is easier? [Video]

Price When Reviewed

$179.99 ($129.99 without keypad)

Best Prices Today: Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad

Smart locks can be an unattractive option for people who don’t want to change their exterior door hardware. If you’ve carefully selected a matched lock and handleset to enhance the look of your home, you probably don’t want to replace the deadbolt with a big electronic keypad. The Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad works with your existing deadbolt, replacing only its interior escutcheon. On the exterior side of your door, the hardware will look after it’s been rendered smart. 

In addition to not changing your door’s exterior aesthetic and retaining your existing physical keys for entry–features that make landlords more comfortable with the upgrade–retrofit locks like this one are supposed to be easier to install than a full-replacement. But in my experience, installing the Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad was no easier—and in a few ways, …