Simplisafe has always been active on refreshing its line of do-it-yourself home security devices from time to time, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of home protection technology. This year has marked significant improvements in the majority of the company’s camera offerings, enhancing both their functionality and user experience, and now the Simplisafe Smart Lock is next on the list for upgrades.
The Smart Lock Series 2 is now here, boasting advanced features that promise greater security and convenience for homeowners. After around a month of usage, I have gathered some thoughtful insights about its performance, usability, and how it integrates with the existing Simplisafe ecosystem, which further elevates the overall security framework that many users have come to rely on for their peace of mind.
Design
This seems to be the lion’s share of changes and improvements in the Smart Lock Series 2. The design is less circular and more square. It also slightly slims the overall footprint from the previous series. Overall, not a huge change in the high-level industrial design.
One key difference in practice I’ve noticed is the battery compartment. This area still houses four AA batteries, but the door to the storage is much better. The Series 1 Smart Lock door slide upwards to reveal the batteries, while the new edition is from left to right. It’s a small change, but the older models would vibrate off after closing your home’s door repeatedly. So far, this slight change has solved this issue for me.
Installation
Getting the new Simplisafe Smart Lock Series 2 setup out of the box is a breeze. There are few companies who have a better onboarding process than Simplisafe. The app takes you step-by-step on how to get everything going. From the hardware installation to adding the units to your security system, it’s in an intuitive, well-branding UI wizard.
As mentioned, the hardware is fairly straightforward if you’ve ever installed a doorknob or deadbolt. You’ll be replacing the interior portion of your deadbolt only. The exterior portion, and your current key stay, in place which is nice. No re-keying or locksmith required.
The app takes you through this and then moves to your security software portion. Inside the battery compartment is a sync button that initiates the pairing. Afterward, the wizard takes you through naming the Smart Lock, adding it to the entry sensor for further integration.
It will finally make sure the lock works as intended with your home, using a calibration test. This initiates the Smart Lock Series 2 to go through a sequence of locking and unlocking the deadbolt. If the lock lands in the intended position, it asks you to confirm. Once completed, you should be good to go.
Daily usage
I’ve not had either of my three entry doors give me an issue. The normal day-to-day has been as expected from the previous generations. The deadbolt works as needed from a manual aspect, and I’ll cover some of the Simplisafe magic further for possible first time buyers.
On the outside of your entryway, you still have what seems to be the same PIN pad from Simplisafe. The soft touch covered keypad can be installed via 3M tape strips or with the included screw kit. This pad sync with the door lock and entryway sensors to both unlock the door and disarm the alarm if it’s active. This is fantastic for coming in when you have groceries or just repetitive entries to not have to fumble through your house to beat the countdown of the keypad inside the home.
Another great feature is auto-lock. In the Simplisafe app settings, you can set the Smart Lock Series 2 to auto-lock after a set amount of time. This convenient feature utilizes the entry sensor that’s most likely on the same door to sync with the lock. The system then knows if the door is closed the set allotted time and locks. Again, it’s peace of mind and thoughtfulness for those busy days you may simply forget to lock the deadbolt behind you.
This same entry sensor sync offers a couple of other smart features for the Smart Lock. It also allows you to know if the door is shut and manually lock the system manually via the Simplisafe app. Lastly, it allows the system to auto-lock the doors with the Smart Lock when you set your system to either Home or Away. It will even alert you if the system is set, but a door is still open.
Final thoughts
Pinnacle Selection represents our highest honor, one reserved for products that stand out in design, performance, and overall value.
Products earning this distinction exemplify excellence across the board, delivering an experience that truly rises above the rest.
When you see the badge, you’re looking at the best of what’s available in its category.
Simplisafe lives up to its name once again with the Smart Lock Series 2. This dead simple solution is easy to install, maintain, and offers a ton of features to your existing security system. At $120 it’s not a dreadful wallet killer either. If you have a deadbolt door and a Simplisafe unit already installed, I think this new Smart Lock is a worthy addition to your system.
You can purchase the Simplisafe Smart Lock Series 2 in two color variants: black and white. Hit our links below to snag one now from either Simplisafe directly or Amazon.
Purchase the new Simplisafe Smart Lock Series 2 from Simplisafe
Purchase the new Simplisafe Smart Lock Series 2 from Amazon
