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Nest x Yale with Connect Review

An easy to install model that is useful for existing Nest users
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Nest x Yale with Connect Review
Price:  $280 List
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Manufacturer:   Nest
By Max Mutter and Steven Tata  ⋅  Sep 29, 2022
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 9
  • Smart Features - 35% 6.4
  • Keyless Entry - 25% 5.2
  • Security - 25% 7.2
  • Installation - 15% 8.4

Our Verdict

One of the latest offerings in Nest's ever-growing lineup of smart home devices, the Nest x Yale attempts to add remote door locking and access sharing to that smart ecosystem. And, in our experience using the lock, it mostly delivers on that promise. While the lock provides easy keyless access, remote unlocking capabilities, and an accurate activity log, we often ran into issues when trying to remotely share access to the lock with others. You can somewhat work around these issues if you're diligent about manually creating and managing keypad codes, but this feels like a very small step up from a dumb keypad lock. If you're already committed to the Nest ecosystem though, the Nest x Yale is one of the more convenient to use among top-ranked smart locks.
REASONS TO BUY
Works well within Nest ecosystem
Easy to install
REASONS TO AVOID
Remote access sharing often malfunctions
No compatibility outside of Nest
No physical key backup

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Top Pick Award
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Bottom Line Integrates well into existing Nest systems, but falls a bit short when it comes to remote access sharingAn easy to install option with great security, good connectivity, and is easily used with just about any smart home systemStreamlined smart features in an easy to install and high-security packageAn affordable home device that works well with the Wyze smart home ecosystemOne of the best options for people that want to be able to share access to their home and check on the status of the front door remotely
Rating Categories Nest x Yale with Co... August WiFi Smart Schlage Encode Wyze Lock Schlage Sense with...
Smart Features (35%)
6.4
7.4
7.2
6.4
8.4
Keyless Entry (25%)
5.2
8.4
6.3
8.4
5.2
Security (25%)
7.2
10.0
9.6
6.4
6.0
Installation (15%)
8.4
8.4
7.2
8.4
6.0
Specs Nest x Yale with Co... August WiFi Smart Schlage Encode Wyze Lock Schlage Sense with...
Apple HomeKit No Yes No No Yes
Amazon Alexa No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Google Assistant No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Smartphone Compatible With Included Hub Yes Yes Yes Yes
Z-Wave No Yes No No Yes
Zigbee No No No Yes No
ANSI Rating Grade 2 Grade 1 Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 3
Uses Existing Deadbolt or Full Replacement Replacement Existing Replacement Existing Replacement
Deadbolt Included Yes No Yes No Yes
Backset 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 2 3/8" or 2 3/4"
Door Thickness Range 1 3/8" - 2 1/4" 1 3/8" - 2 1/4" 1 3/8" - 1 3/4" 1 3/8" - 1 3/4" 1 3/8" - 2 1/4"
Face Bore Hole Diameter 2 1/8" 1 1/2" or 2 1/8" 2 1/8" 2 1/8" 2 1/8"
Power Requirement AA Batteries Pre-installed batteries AA Batteries AA Batteries
Hub plugs into the wall
AA Batteries
Hub plugs into the wall

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Nest x Yale replaces your entire current door deadbolt. It connects easily with the included Nest hub and boasts an ANSI security grade of 2.

Performance Comparison


nest x yale with connect - the nest x yale's keypad offers easy user entry for the owner of the...
The Nest x Yale's keypad offers easy user entry for the owner of the lock, though we did run into issues when sharing keycodes with others.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Smart Features


The Nest x Yale only works in conjunction with the nest app. That means no integration with things like Alexa and Google Assistant. This is really only a software limitation, so it could change at any point, but as of now, this is a Nest-only device.

Controlling the lock through the Nest app is easy and works well. It lets you set keycodes for the lock, open and close it remotely, and see a full activity log of what the lock has done. So if all you want is a smart lock that you can control remotely from an app, the Nest x Yale would likely be a worthy addition to your home.

The Nest x Yale's smart features begin to fall apart with remote access sharing. Most access sharing must be done through the app, which means the people you want to share access with need both a Nest account and the app. While both of these things are free, it certainly presents a hurdle if you suddenly want to share access to your home with a new dog walker or babysitter. Also, while the app lets you easily create time-constrained keypad codes that can then be shared with other people who have the Nest app, we often ran into issues. Nearly 50% of the time, we received error messages when the app tried to produce a keycode, resulting in no shared access.

You can get around these sharing issues in a couple of ways. First, you can create a new keycode for the lock and simply text that code to someone. However, Nest does not let you create time constraints for these types of codes, so you are essentially sharing 24/7 access until you delete the code. This may work if you're meticulous about manually managing those codes, but it certainly doesn't feel smart. You can also lock/unlock the lock remotely, so someone could text you when they get to your door, and then you could hop into the app and unlock the door. Again, the user input required here doesn't feel very smart.


Keyless Entry


There are two ways to open the Nest x Yale without a key. The first is by punching in a keypad code. The second is taking out your phone, opening the Nest app, and pushing a button. Both methods were effective in our testing, though we would probably opt for just punching in a keycode instead of fumbling around with a phone. The one exception might be if we had a lot of groceries to carry, in which case you could use the app to unlock the door from your car before filling your arms with groceries.

Ironically, the one thing that kept the Nest from getting a top score in this category is that it doesn't have the option to use a physical key. While this does make it harder to pick the lock, it also means you can be locked out of your house if the lock's battery dies. In that case, you can hook up a 9-volt battery from the outside to temporarily give the lock power, but this feels like much more of a hassle than just keeping a key hidden in your glove compartment for the odd time when the lock runs out of battery.

nest x yale with connect - we like that the nest offers keycode entry so you don't even need to...
We like that the Nest offers keycode entry so you don't even need to take your phone out of your pocket to open the door.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Security


The Nest x Yale is rated as ANSI Grade 2, meaning that it surpasses the minimum security standards required for residential locks but doesn't quite meet commercial lock standards. The Nest x Yale also lets you set up auto-locking with a custom delay. Whereas most locks automatically lock after 30 seconds of inactivity, you can set the Nest to do this more quickly or to wait a bit longer. This means you can set it so you won't get locked out when walking out to the mailbox and back. We found this auto-locking feature to be effective; we never ran into an instance where it failed.

nest x yale with connect - the nest is ansi grade 2, meaning it is slightly more secure than...
The Nest is ANSI Grade 2, meaning it is slightly more secure than the average residential lock.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Installation


The Nest x Yale installs in the vast majority of standard doors with only the use of a screwdriver. It's very unlikely you'll have to do anything more unless you have a custom door frame. If you're not the DIY type, you can easily find a Nest expert in your area that will install the lock for a fee.



Once the lock is installed, getting it hooked up to the internet and talking to the Nest app is fairly seamless. Nest is no stranger to smart devices, and the software setup reflects this. You will need either a Nest Connect Hub or a Nest Guard security system to connect the lock to your WiFi network and unlock its smart features.

nest x yale with connect - the nest x yale is quite easy to install.
The Nest x Yale is quite easy to install.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Should You Buy the Nest x Yale?


All smart locks are more expensive than “dumb locks”, particularly with the often additional cost of the required smart home hub. If you've already invested in other Nest products, the Nest x Yale's integration into that existing system gives it a bit of a bump in value and usability.

What Other Smart Locks Should You Consider?


The Nest x Yale is functional but not great. It's not without its glitches, especially when trying to share codes. Yet, it's a worthwhile purchase if you've already invested in the Nest ecosystem and want to be able to monitor your lock remotely. However, if this is your first foray into smart home technology, we like the August WiFi Smart far better — it integrates with more hubs, is even easier to use, and a more affordable option.

nest x yale with connect - if you already have nest tech in your smart home, the next x yale...
If you already have Nest tech in your smart home, the Next x Yale will integrate right in.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Max Mutter and Steven Tata