Kwikset Keyless Deadbolt Guide: Keypad, Wi-Fi or Z-Wave?
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Kwikset is one of the most familiar names in home door hardware, and its keyless deadbolts cover every step from a simple battery keypad to a lock you open from your phone. A keyless deadbolt replaces the thumb-turn lock above your door handle with a keypad or touchscreen, so you punch in a code instead of fishing for keys. Most Kwikset models still keep a regular keyhole as a backup and install with nothing more than a screwdriver.
Put simply, these six locks split into three families: the Powerbolt 250, SmartCode 260 and SmartCode 270 are standalone keypads with no app, the two Halo locks connect directly to your home Wi-Fi, and the HomeConnect 620 talks to a Z-Wave smart home hub.
Kwikset Keyless Deadbolts Compared
| Model | Connection | User codes | Security certification | Batteries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset Powerbolt 250 | None (standalone keypad) | 25 + 5 one-time | Not listed | 4x AA, not included |
| Kwikset SmartCode 270 | None (standalone touchpad) | 50 + 10 one-time | Grade 2 BHMA | 4x AA, not included |
| Kwikset SmartCode 260 | None (standalone keypad) | 50 + 10 one-time | Grade 2 BHMA | 4x AA, not included |
| Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Touchscreen) | Wi-Fi, no hub | Up to 250 | Grade AAA (per title), UL listed | Not listed |
| Kwikset HomeConnect 620 | Z-Wave Long Range, hub required | Up to 250 | Not listed | 4x AA, included |
| Kwikset Halo 938WIFIKYPD-15S | Wi-Fi, no hub | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad for a Simple First Upgrade
Kwikset
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte Black Transitional Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, Featuring Convenient Keyless Entry, Customizable User Codes and Auto-Locking
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte
Best for: First keypad lock on a side door
Pros
- 25 user codes plus 5 one-time
- Auto-lock and vacation mode
- SmartKey re-keying
Cons
- No app or remote control
- BHMA grade not listed
The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad is the entry point to the lineup. You press a code on a ten-button keypad that lights up when you tap it, which helps at night. It stores up to 25 user codes, 5 one-time codes for visitors such as a dog walker, and one programming code that lets you add or delete the others.
It covers the everyday safety basics. Auto-lock re-locks the door after 30 seconds, 1, 3, 5 or 10 minutes. Three wrong codes in a row sound an alarm and freeze the keypad for a minute. Vacation mode disables the keypad entirely while you are away. SmartKey security lets you re-key the lock yourself to match any KW1 key, which is handy if you want one key for every door. Four AA batteries (not included) last at least 12 months, and the box includes two keys, latch, strike and mounting plate.
The listing suggests it for entry, garage, side, shed and storage doors, which makes it a sensible, low-fuss choice for a back door or workshop. It does not list a BHMA grade, so if you want a certified rating for the front door, the SmartCode models are the step up.
Kwikset SmartCode 270 Touchpad Deadbolt for Busy Households
Kwikset
Kwikset SmartCode 270 Keyless Entry Electronic Touchpad Deadbolt Door Lock
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset SmartCode 270 Keyless Entry Electronic
Best for: Families wanting a touchpad with more codes
Pros
- Grade 2 BHMA certified
- 50 user codes, 10 one-time
- BILT app install guidance
Cons
- No app or remote control
- Batteries not included
The Kwikset SmartCode 270 Keyless Entry Electronic Touchpad Deadbolt doubles the code capacity to 50 user codes and 10 one-time codes. It uses a light-up touchpad rather than raised buttons. It carries Grade 2 BHMA certification for security, durability and finish. BHMA is the industry body that grades locks, and Kwikset says Grade 2 is up to 2.5 times stronger than Grade 3.
It shares the Powerbolt’s auto-lock timings, three-strike intrusion alarm, vacation mode and 12-month battery life on four AA batteries (not included). Installation needs only a screwdriver, and Kwikset’s BILT app offers 3D step-by-step instructions with voice and animation, which is reassuring if you have never swapped a lock before. The box includes a SmartKey tool for re-keying.
Choose the 270 for a main entry used by a larger family or frequent guests. It still has no app, so if you want to unlock remotely, look to the Halo models.
Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keypad Deadbolt for Front Doors
Kwikset
Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic
Best for: Front doors wanting push-button keypad
Pros
- Grade 2 BHMA certified
- 50 user codes, 10 one-time
- Microban protected keypad
Cons
- No app or remote control
- Batteries not included
The Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic Keypad Deadbolt is the SmartCode 270’s sibling. The listed features are the same: 50 user codes, 10 one-time codes, Grade 2 BHMA certification, auto-lock, intrusion alert, vacation mode, 12-month battery life on four AA batteries and BILT app installation help. The key difference is the entry pad. The 260 uses a push-button keypad, and its listing describes it as Microban protected.
Push buttons suit people who prefer to feel each press, such as older relatives or anyone entering a code with gloves on. The box includes two keys, a SmartKey learn tool, and the full set of latch, strike and mounting parts.
If you are torn between the 260 and 270, pick by feel: buttons for the 260, a flat touchpad for the 270. Everything else in the listings lines up. Our wider Kwikset keyless entry guide covers handle sets that pair with these.
Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Remote Control from Your Phone
Kwikset
Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Keyless Entry Front Door Touchscreen Deadbolt, Matte Black Finish, Grade AAA Certified, UL Listed, Easy Install No Hub, App Control
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Best for: Renters of guests and remote checkers
Pros
- Wi-Fi, no hub needed
- 250 codes and geofencing
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
Cons
- Needs home Wi-Fi
- 1-year electronics warranty
The Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the touchscreen Halo, and it is where the lineup becomes a true smart lock. Built-in Wi-Fi connects straight to your router, so there is no hub, meaning no separate smart home box. Through the Kwikset app you can lock and unlock from anywhere, check the activity history, and share temporary, scheduled or permanent codes with family and guests.
It holds up to 250 access codes on a backlit touchscreen. Geofencing can unlock the door as your phone approaches home. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control, and the app sends alerts for invalid code attempts or tampering. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-1/8 to 2-3/4 inch backset. The title mentions Grade AAA certification and UL listing, and the warranty is lifetime mechanical and finish with one year on electronics.
This suits anyone who hosts guests or wants to check that the door is locked from work. Remember it relies on home Wi-Fi. For more Wi-Fi options, see our Kwikset keyless entry door lock Wi-Fi roundup.
Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Long Range for Smart Home Hubs
Best for: Homes with a Z-Wave or Ring Alarm hub
Pros
- Z-Wave 700 Long Range
- S2 encryption, SmartStart
- Batteries included
Cons
- Hub required, sold separately
The Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Long Range lock takes a different approach. Z-Wave is a wireless standard used by home security systems, and it needs a hub, a central controller that links your devices. The title says the hub is sold separately. The listing names Ring Alarm and SmartThings as compatible systems, and says Ring Alarm owners can control it through the Ring app.
It uses Z-Wave 700 Long Range for a direct link across the house, S2 encryption for security, and SmartStart for easier pairing. You get a touchscreen with up to 250 user codes, auto-lock, a battery indicator and one-touch locking. Four AA batteries are included and should last at least 12 months. It fits doors up to 2 inches thick with a 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 inch backset. This version comes in a polished brass traditional finish.
Pick the 620 if you already run a Z-Wave hub or alarm. Without a hub, the Halo Wi-Fi models are simpler. More detail is in our Kwikset keyless entry door lock Z-Wave guide.
Kwikset Halo 938WIFIKYPD-15S Wi-Fi Keypad Lock for Button Fans
The Kwikset 938WIFIKYPD-15S Halo Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Lock is the keypad version of Halo in a satin nickel finish. Its listing is short, but it confirms the key points: no hub, the Kwikset app on Apple or Android, the Kwikset cloud, an all-metal interior with a status LED, and voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. SmartKey key backup is named in the title.
The listing does not specify the number of codes, battery type, battery life or door thickness range. It does advise measuring your door’s backset, cross bore and thickness before ordering. The warranty matches the touchscreen Halo.
This is the Halo for people who want Wi-Fi control but prefer physical buttons. If full specs matter to you, the touchscreen Halo’s listing is much more complete.
How to Choose the Right Kwikset Keyless Deadbolt
First, decide whether you need an app. If you just want to stop carrying keys, the Powerbolt 250, SmartCode 260 and SmartCode 270 do that with no Wi-Fi setup. If you want to unlock for a guest while you are out, choose a Halo.
Second, check your smart home. Owners of a Z-Wave hub or Ring Alarm system should look at the HomeConnect 620, which plugs into what they already use. Everyone else will find Wi-Fi simpler.
Third, think about who uses the door. The SmartCode models hold 50 codes and the Halo touchscreen and HomeConnect 620 hold 250, while the Powerbolt holds 25. Grade 2 BHMA certification on the SmartCodes is a useful reassurance for a front door.
Finally, measure your door. Halo touchscreen fits 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch doors and the 620 up to 2 inches, and backsets differ. A minute with a tape measure prevents a return.
FAQ
Do Kwikset keyless deadbolts still use a key?
Yes. The listings mention keys or SmartKey key backup for the Powerbolt, SmartCode, Halo keypad and HomeConnect models, so you can still get in if the batteries die.
What is the difference between the SmartCode 260 and 270?
The 260 has a push-button keypad and the 270 has a touchpad. Their listed code capacity, certification and features are otherwise the same.
Does the Halo lock need a hub?
No. Both Halo models connect directly to Wi-Fi. The HomeConnect 620 is the one that needs a Z-Wave hub.
How long do the batteries last?
Kwikset lists at least 12 months on four AA batteries for the Powerbolt 250, SmartCode models and HomeConnect 620. The Halo listings do not specify.
Can I install a Kwikset lock myself?
Yes. Every listing with install details says a screwdriver is all you need, and the SmartCode models add the BILT app for guided steps.
Which Kwikset lock should I buy as a gift?
For someone not into smart home gadgets, the SmartCode 260 or 270 is easy to live with. For a tech-friendly homeowner, the Halo Wi-Fi touchscreen adds app control and voice assistants.
