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“Kwikset smart lock” isn’t one product. It’s four different families that connect in four different ways, and picking the wrong one is the most common mistake buyers make.
Some need no hub. Some need a Thread border router. Some only work with a separate smart home hub. Here’s how the lineup splits, and three locks worth buying.
| Lock | Connection | Hub Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset Aura Reach | Bluetooth plus Matter over Thread | Thread border router for remote access | Smart home support at the lowest price |
| Kwikset Halo Select | Wi-Fi plus Matter | No | No-hub Wi-Fi with broad smart home support |
| Kwikset Halo Select Plus | Wi-Fi plus Matter | No | iPhone households, tap-to-unlock |
How the Lineup Splits
The Aura family uses Bluetooth, so the app only works when you’re near the lock. The newer Aura Reach adds Matter over Thread, which brings it into Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings.
The Halo family connects straight to your Wi-Fi with no hub. That gives you remote lock and unlock from anywhere. Halo Select and Select Plus add Matter on top.
SmartCode and Home Connect locks speak Z-Wave or Zigbee and skip Kwikset’s app entirely. They need a hub, but they’re the only Kwikset locks that plug into security systems.
One more thing worth knowing: Kwikset belongs to ASSA ABLOY, the same parent as Yale and August. If you’re comparing brands, see our Yale Assure Lock 2 review and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review.
What It Costs After You Buy
The Kwikset app is a free download, and we found no paid plan behind lock control, access codes, or activity history. You pay for the hardware once.
SmartKey is a real perk. You can re-key the lock yourself in seconds with a Kwikset key and a small tool, so one key can open every Kwikset lock in your home.
The Gotchas Worth Knowing
Batteries. These locks run on four AA batteries. On the Wi-Fi models, a critically low battery switches Wi-Fi off, which shuts down every remote function until you swap them. Bluetooth and Thread locks sip less power.
The app. Owner reviews are mostly positive about the locks, but some report the app lagging, sometimes up to a minute, or showing the wrong lock state. It’s worth knowing, not a dealbreaker.
Security systems. The Halo line doesn’t integrate directly with systems like ADT or Vivint. For that, you’d want a SmartCode or Home Connect model.
Thread. Aura Reach needs a Thread border router for remote access. Most recent smart speakers and the Apple TV 4K can play that role.
Our Picks
Kwikset Aura Reach — Best Value
The Aura Reach launched in January 2026 at $189, with Matter over Thread and Bluetooth. It stores up to 250 codes, and the keypad lights up as your hand approaches.
It works with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa. It doesn’t support Apple’s Home Key tap-to-unlock, because it has no NFC.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Matter over Thread works with all major smart home platforms | No Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock |
| Up to 250 access codes and SmartKey re-keying | Remote access needs a Thread border router |
| Lowest price of the three picks | Certified BHMA Grade 2, where Halo models list Grade AAA |
Best for: Most households that want smart home support without paying Halo prices.
Full details and current price: Kwikset Aura Reach on Amazon
Kwikset Halo Select — Best No-Hub Wi-Fi Lock
Halo Select connects straight to your Wi-Fi with no hub, and Matter is built in. It has a backlit touchscreen, geofence auto-unlock, and a Grade AAA rating from Kwikset, and it works with Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home.
Kwikset says you choose Wi-Fi or Matter connectivity depending on which features you want, so decide which mode suits your setup. It’s the Halo Select Plus without the Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi and Matter built in, no hub needed | No Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock |
| Works with Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home | Costs more than the Aura Reach |
| Listed by Kwikset as Grade AAA certified | Wi-Fi models drain batteries faster than Bluetooth or Thread |
Best for: Households that want remote control over Wi-Fi with no hub, plus Matter for the smart home.
Full details and current price: Kwikset Halo Select on Amazon
Kwikset Halo Select Plus — Best for iPhone Households
This is the one with Apple Home Key. Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, and it still works over Wi-Fi with no hub. Matter support is built in.
It also adds a door status sensor and intrusion detection. The standard Halo Select above skips the Apple Home Key. See how it compares with other brands in our best smart locks roundup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch | Costs more than the Aura Reach |
| Wi-Fi with no hub, plus Matter support | Wi-Fi models drain batteries faster than Bluetooth or Thread |
| Door status sensor and intrusion detection built in | Matter over Thread setup needs a border router |
Best for: iPhone households that want tap-to-unlock and a door sensor in one lock.
Full details and current price: Kwikset Halo Select Plus on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kwikset smart locks need a subscription?
No. The Kwikset app is free, and lock control, codes, and activity history don’t require a paid plan.
Which Kwikset smart locks need a hub?
SmartCode and Home Connect models need one. Halo locks connect over Wi-Fi with no hub. Aura Reach needs a Thread border router for remote access.
Which Kwikset works with Apple Home?
Aura Reach, Halo Select, and Halo Select Plus support Matter. Only Halo Select Plus adds Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock.
What happens when the batteries run low?
On Wi-Fi models, a critically low battery turns off Wi-Fi, which disables all remote functions. Every Kwikset also has a keyway, so a physical key still works.
Can I re-key it to match my other Kwikset locks?
Yes. SmartKey lets you re-key in seconds with a Kwikset key and the included tool.
Final Verdict
| Lock | Best For |
|---|---|
| Kwikset Aura Reach | Smart home support at the lowest price |
| Kwikset Halo Select | No-hub Wi-Fi with Matter support |
| Kwikset Halo Select Plus | iPhone households that want tap-to-unlock |
Decide how the lock should connect before you compare features. If you’d rather not think about it, the Aura Reach covers most homes. Choose the Halo Select for no-hub Wi-Fi, or the Halo Select Plus only if you want Apple tap-to-unlock.