In the world of home automation, security is an aspect that cannot be taken lightly. We’ve tested all kinds of smart locks on this website, but our favorite (so far) is the Linus Smart Lock L2 from Yale, which combines security with the convenience of modern technology. It’s compact, easy to install, has WiFi and Bluetooth, and has a USB-C rechargeable battery. Below, I will tell you in more detail what it looks like and why I recommend it.
Yale Linus Smart Lock L2: Lock with WiFi, USB-C charging and easy installation
The Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 is a smart lock with Bluetooth and WiFi that opens and closes without the use of your mobile phone. In addition, it has an application where you can manage each of its functions. We will leave the technical sheet and then discuss all the details in depth.
Linus Smart Lock L2 Lock Technical Sheet
What does the Linus Smart Lock L2 smart lock look like?
This lock is made of strong metal, so it is not easy to break or pick. Available in black or silver, both very elegant and minimalistic. It’s pretty heavy (over 600g) and big, but we haven’t found a door yet that it can’t fit on.
Please note that it can be installed on any door with a minimum Euro profile cylinder of 3mm protruding or 22mm round. The installation is very easy and will not take you more than 5 minutes because the lock is installed on the existing cylinder. Below we leave a video that explains the installation step by step, which does not require glue or screws.
If your door cylinder is not compatible, you simply have to change it for a generic double clutch cylinder that meets the above characteristics. Why double clutch? Because installing the Linus Smart Lock L2 requires leaving the key in the cylinder.
That means that after installing this smart lock, you should completely forget the key. After all, this is the purpose of such a lock: to open the door more conveniently without using the keys.
As we mentioned throughout this review, the Linus Smart Lock L2 includes WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless communication with your cell phone and other devices (if WiFi is not available, it can be unlocked and locked via Bluetooth). It also has a speaker (makes a sound when the door is opened or closed) and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home voice assistants. In addition, it comes with two physical accessories.
One of them is the Yell Dot, which is basically an NFC tag that sits next to the lock (with added adhesive) to unlock by simply bringing your phone up to it. Of course, you can put the Yale Dot wherever you want (in your car, outside, etc.) as long as it’s in a Bluetooth lock.
Another accessory included is a magnet that attaches to the door frame to detect the lock’s status (open or closed). This adds an extra layer of security, as it notifies you if the door has been left open or is not properly closed.
What can the Linus Smart Lock L2 do that your home lock can’t?
During a month and a half of testing, the lock performed flawlessly for me. It responds very quickly, takes little time to open and is very quiet. Its companion app sets it up quickly and offers you the following features that make this lock more than a traditional one:
Remotely open and close: You can open or close the lock from anywhere. It can also be set to automatically open or close when it detects your arrival or departure. When the door is left open or closed properly. The app won’t show you the current battery percentage when the lock battery is low (less than 20 percent). You can share lock access with a temporary virtual key sent through the app without having to hand out a key or unlock the door with it.Manage multiple locks: The Yale Home app is great. It allows you to manage all product locks from one place and with the same account, making it much easier to manage your home security.
Ah! And if you don’t like the app recording all your lock activity, you can set privacy mode to not collect data from the app.
How long does the Linus Smart Lock L2 battery last?
One of my favorite things about the Linus Smart Lock L2 is that it comes with a rechargeable battery with a USB-C mobile charger. It does not use conventional batteries that have to be thrown away from time to time. I only took it for a month and a half, so I couldn’t measure the total autonomy, but the manufacturer claims that the battery will last up to 6 months. It only needs to be paid twice a year!
By the way, charging with a normal 10W charger only takes 1.5 hours.
Final verdict: Is the Linus Smart Lock L2 worth it?
The Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 is a highly recommended smart lock. It’s a very complete solution for updating your home security in an easy way, although I miss the internal unlock button, which isn’t really a problem if you use Yell Dot as I mentioned before. It won’t take you more than 5 minutes to install on your door and you don’t even need tools for assembly.
In addition, it does not cost you to connect it to your mobile phone through the application, which is very easy to use and has many functions to control the opening and closing of the door. I found the performance to be unbeatable and loved the fact that the battery can be recharged with a mobile charger.
The price of 229 euros may seem very high, but considering the advanced functions inside (opening and closing programming, virtual key, NFC tag, etc.) it is really worth it. You can buy directly from the official website of the manufacturer with this key:
