Smart locks can feel like a premium product, but one that is worth every penny. The convenience and security a smart lock provides more than justifies the cost. But finding the right smart gadgets that will work together can be downright confusing.
Nest is a well-known name and if you have a Nest product already, you’ll want this list of the 5 best smart locks for Nest. This smart lock comparison list includes August smart locks, Nest x Yale, and Kwikset Kevo Smart Locks.
There are many home automation platforms and compatible products all vying for your dollars: Amazon Echo and Alexa; Apple HomeKit and Siri; Google Home, SmartThings, Wink, Z Wave, Zigbee, Honeywell, Logitech Harmony, Ring, Caseta, Philips Hue light bulbs, Smart Bulbs, Dimmer Plugs, Lutron, and so much more.
Those are all different protocols, platforms, brands, and products, but to the smart home newbie, they are all the same (that was me a few years ago with my head spinning).
With so many options out there and the different wireless technology protocols, it’s hard to find a short list of the right smart locks that will work with different smart home platforms.
You might’ve seen that Nest does have its own Nest x Yale smart lock through its partnership with Yale, but that’s not the only smart lock compatible with Nest. I’m here to help you with finding the best smart lock that works with Nest today.
If you’re in a hurry, this is the shortlist of Nest compatible smart locks.
What is Nest?
Nest started out as a smart thermostat company with the Nest Thermostat, I’m sure you’ve seen them around, if you don’t have one yourself. Nest was acquired by Google in 2014 and rebranded as Google Nest, so that’s why you’ll see the combined name now.
Through the years, Nest has grown along with Google’s own suite of home automation devices like the Google Home smart speakers and the voice assistant Google Assistant. Nest has expanded their own lineup of smart home devices to keep our homes safe and secure.
Google Nest’s lineup now includes smart devices: Nest Cam (security camera), Nest Hello (smart video doorbell), Nest Secure (alarm and security system), Nest x Yale Lock (smart lock), and Nest Protect (co2 and smoke detector).
Add in their latest Nest Learning Thermostat and you have a comfortable, safe, and secure home by Google Nest.
Smart Lock Compatibility Requirements with Nest
In order for Nest products and smart locks to be paired together, they have to be able to connect to the same WiFi network. That’s it. The majority of homes now have WiFi, so the barrier to entry here is low.
Once both are connected to the same WiFi network, you can then control your smart lock via a voice assistant connected to Nest products. You can do things such as checking and adjusting temperature in your home through your smart lock’s actions.
Let’s take a look at the best compatible smart locks to see what features and benefits they offer with Nest.
5 of the Best Smart Locks that work with Nest
1. Google Nest x Yale Lock
Nest and Yale partnered up to create a smart door lock that has an excellent connection between the Nest Secure alarm system and Yale’s expertise with electronic door locks. The partnership helps to make the smart security gadgets work together with the
This secure smart lock replaces the existing deadbolt mechanism on your front door. It features keyless entry on the LED keypad for complete keyless entry. The keypad will chime when someone locks or unlocks the smart door lock too. The deadbolt smart lock is tamper proof, and build quality is robust, ensuring security for your home.
Unique access codes can be created to give access to your family and friends access to your home when they need it. Another great use case is if you have an apartment you’re renting out, whether through Airbnb or monthly. You can create access codes for your tenants and have the history of access dates and times when a lock or unlock occurs.
There’s also a privacy mode that disables the keypad entirely. If you’re at home and don’t want to be disturbed, you can turn off all access methods for privacy.
For a higher sense of security level, alerts are sent to your phone whenever there is activity or potential tampering that is occurring on your smart lock. If you have Nest Cams setup, you’ll also get Person Alerts on your phone for even more safety.
Connecting to Nest is simple with the Nest Connect device (included in the box). It’s plugged into a wall socket for power and will link the smart lock with your Nest system.
Yale manufactures many great smart locks like the Yale Assure SL, Yale Real Living Touchscreen Z-Wave, and more. They make compatible smart locks for various devices and protocols like SmartThings, smart displays, etc. But the Nest x Yale lock is made specifically for compatibility with Nest products.
2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)
The design of this smart lock from August is undeniably understated and stylish – with its circular looks and smart brushed silver color, this is a smart lock that is sure to match most doors new or old. Plus, it’s not the design alone that makes it so great.
The nice thing about August locks is you don’t need to replace your entire deadbolt system. August will easily work with traditional deadbolt hardware.
It offers plenty of functionality out-of-the-box like WiFi connectivity. The smart lock links your smartphone to the auto-unlock function that activates when it detects you coming home. It also locks the door automatically when it can’t detect you and your smartphone anymore.
Using the August smartphone app, you are able to access features such as locking and unlocking. The August lock also has Door Sense technology that tells you whether your door is open, closed or locked.
The app is also used to send secure, electronic keys to your family, friends or service providers in an instant. These codes can be made temporary and you can reprogram them when they are no longer needed.
August has great integrations with Nest that makes for a connected home automation system. Pairing the Nest Cams to your August locks, you’ll be able to see the Nest Cam feeds right from your August app. It’s similar in function to streaming the Nest Cam feeds on your Google Chromecast if you have one.
With Nest Thermostat integration, you’ll be able to see and toggle the temperature on from your August app. Features also include Away mode automatic temperature changes when you come home or leave home.
When the August Smart Lock locks or unlocks, the Nest Thermostat changes the temperature automatically to help you save on your electricity bills. How convenient is that? The August WiFi Smart Lock is easily one of the best smart locks that work with Nest.
3. August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge
The August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge is an earlier version of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, listed right above at number 2. They do share pretty much the same amount of functionality, like activity monitoring, auto-unlock, Door Sense and secure key sharing with other people.
The most visible difference will be in the size and design. The newer 4th generation August lock is about 45% smaller than this 3rd gen one.
While the 4th gen model has WiFi built-in, the 3rd gen model requires the Connect WiFi Bridge adapter for WiFi connectivity. The Connect bridge will need to be continuously plugged into the wall and kept switched off for the August lock to work. You’ll want to make sure the Connect isn’t too far from your door, otherwise your August lock could get disconnected.
Pairing the August 3rd gen smart lock to Nest is made simple through the August app. You have the ability to lock, unlock, and check to see if your door is locked. You’ll also be able to use voice commands through Google Home or Alexa if you have the smart devices to connect to.
If you have the Amazon Echo Show and its touchscreen smart display, you can even use it with Nest compatible products. You can control the temperature with Nest Thermostat and view the Nest security camera feeds on the smart display.
4. Kwikset Kevo (2nd Gen) Bluetooth Smart Lock and Kevo Plus Hub
The Kwikset Kevo smart lock is intuitive, well-designed, and secure – everything a smart lock is meant to be good in one stylish package.
This particular package comes with the Kevo Plus Hub, which gives you WiFi connectivity for Alexa and Google Home voice activation compatibility. You’ll also be able to use the smartphone app remotely.
The Kevo app tracks all the activity that goes in and out of your smart door, and you’re able to share eKeys with your loved ones for them to gain access to your home.
The touch-to-open Bluetooth function is super convenient. The lock detects that you and your smartphone are nearby, so it prepares itself to unlock. All you need to do is touch the lock with a finger to unlock.
Connecting to Nest is easy through the Kevo app. Pairing your Kevo smart lock to Nest allows you to set the thermostat levels for Home and Away modes. When you’re away, Kevo app will work with Nest to help you save money on energy bills.
5. Kwikset Kevo Contemporary Touch-to-Open Smart Square Door Lock
The Kwikset Kevo Contemporary Bluetooth Smart Lock also features touch to open Bluetooth technology (smartphone and Kevo fob), similar to the 2nd gen version listed above.
Up to 24 eKeys can be created and sent to your family, friends or your dog walker for complete convenience even when you’re not there. The design of this smart lock comes in 4 smart colors to match different doors. Installation is easy with just a screwdriver too.
Kevo’s SmartKey security protects you against potential break-ins. Kwikset’s SmartKey security helps to prevent lock picking and lock bumping. SmartKey also gives you the ability to easily re-key the lock yourself.
If you want to use the remote and voice command features with the Kevo smart lock and app, you’ll also need to use the Kevo Plus hub.
The Kevo app send you notifications whenever anyone arrives at your front door. You’ll be able to check the status of your lock via the app as well.
This smart lock features great smart home compatibility with Nest through a reliable Wi-Fi network. This gives you the option to operate the functions of your smart lock, such as checking if the lock is activated, sharing eKeys with your guests and knowing immediately if someone is trying to break into your front door.
Both of the Kevo smart locks offer similar functionalities, so look at what type of design you prefer.
Final thoughts
After going through a number of compatible locks, the list was narrowed down to five smart locks. From those five, I narrowed it down to the 3 best smart locks that work with Nest based on performance and budget considerations.
Best Overall
The Nest x Yale Lock does what it is meant to be doing – which is to connect to Nest for seamless smart home experience. And with a name that includes Nest in it, it definitely does the best out of all the choices listed above.
Best Value
If you’re looking for value for money, the sleek August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) gives you all the features you need in a smart lock to keep your home secure at a great price.
Best Budget Friendly
Budget conscious homeowners should look at the August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge. It has smart lock functions, but does need a bridge adapter (which is the connect device) in order to work with Wi-Fi. A slight inconvenience for a lower price and a smart and secure home.
Smart locks are just one of the many smart home security devices out there, but it’s an important component of any home security system. Smart locks are the doorway to your smart home.
