Kwikset Keyless Entry Guide: Keypad, Lever or Smart Lock?
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Kwikset is a household name for door hardware, and its keyless entry range covers almost every way to open a door without digging for keys. The lineup runs from simple push-button deadbolts to a commercial lever lock, a Wi-Fi smart lock and a Z-Wave smart lock that talks to a home security hub. For a first-time homeowner or landlord, the choice really comes down to two questions: deadbolt or lever, and connected or not.
The six Kwikset models below all let you unlock with a code, but they differ in shape (five deadbolts and one lever), in how many codes they hold, and in whether they stay offline, connect straight to Wi-Fi, or need a Z-Wave hub.
Kwikset Keyless Entry Locks Compared
| Model | Lock type | User codes | Connection | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset Powerbolt 250 | Keypad deadbolt | 25 + 5 one-time | None | Not listed |
| Kwikset 955 Pembroke Lever | Keypad lever | 30 | Not clearly listed | BHMA Commercial Grade 2, AAA |
| Kwikset SmartCode 270 | Touchpad deadbolt | 50 + 10 one-time | None | BHMA Grade 2 |
| Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Touchscreen deadbolt | 250 | Wi-Fi, no hub | Grade AAA, UL listed |
| Kwikset SmartCode 260 | Keypad deadbolt | 50 + 10 one-time | None | BHMA Grade 2 |
| Kwikset HomeConnect 620 | Touchscreen deadbolt | 250 | Z-Wave, hub required | Not listed |
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte for Simple Keyless Entry
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 deadbolt on a side door
Pros
- 25 user codes, 5 one-time codes
- Light-up 10-button keypad
- Vacation Mode
- SmartKey re-keying
Cons
- Batteries not included
- No app or remote control
The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte black deadbolt is the easiest step into keyless entry. A deadbolt is the thick bolt that slides into the door frame above your handle, and this one adds a 10-button keypad that lights up when you tap it, so entering a code at night is easy. It holds up to 25 user codes, 5 one-time codes and a programming code to edit or delete them.
The listing names Auto Lock with options from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, an intrusion alert that sounds an alarm and disables the keypad for one minute after three wrong codes, and Vacation Mode, which switches the keypad off while you are away. SmartKey Security lets you re-key the lock yourself to any KW1 key. It runs on four AA batteries, which are not included, for at least 12 months, and the box holds the interior and exterior deadbolt, latch, strike, mounting plate, installation hardware and two keys. Kwikset lists entry, garage, shed and side doors as uses, and you only need a screwdriver to install it.
This suits a first-time buyer who wants a keypad without apps, or a gift for someone who is always losing keys. If you need more codes, the SmartCode 260 and 270 double the count.
Kwikset 955PML-15S Pembroke Lever Commercial Grade for Property Managers
Kwikset
Kwikset 955PML-15S Pembroke Lever Commercial Grade Electronic Smartcode Lever Lock with SmartKey Satin Nickel Finish
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Kwikset 955PML-15S Pembroke Lever Commercial Grade
Best for: Landlords and small business doors
Pros
- BHMA Commercial Grade 2
- 30 user codes
- 3 locking modes
- Reversible lever
Cons
- Listing gives few electronic details
- Lever only, no deadbolt
The Kwikset 955PML-15S Pembroke Lever Commercial Grade lock is the SmartCode Lever 955, and it is the only lever in this group. A lever lock replaces your door handle rather than adding a deadbolt, which makes it popular on utility rooms, office doors and rentals. The listing says it is BHMA Commercial Grade 2 and AAA certified, tested to 500,000 cycles, and the lever is reversible for left- or right-hand doors.
It stores up to 30 user codes and offers three locking modes for property managers: auto lock with a code or key needed each time, a passage mode that stays unlocked, and a disable-passage option so it always locks. It is built from metal with a zinc handle, weighs 4.8 pounds, comes in satin nickel and includes two keys. The warranty covers electronics for 3 years and mechanics and finish for life. The listing mentions “Control Method: Remote” but does not describe any app or wireless connection, so treat it as a keypad lock unless Kwikset confirms otherwise.
This model suits landlords, small businesses and vacation rentals with interior or secondary doors. For a front door, most homeowners pair a deadbolt instead.
Kwikset SmartCode 270 Keyless Entry Electronic for Touchpad Style
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 many codes, touchpad style
Pros
- 50 user codes, 10 one-time codes
- Grade 2 BHMA
- Light-up touchpad
- BILT app install guide
Cons
- No remote access
- Batteries not included
The Kwikset SmartCode 270 Keyless Entry Electronic deadbolt uses a light-up touchpad rather than raised buttons. It holds up to 50 user codes, 10 one-time codes and a programming code, which is double the Powerbolt 250. The listing says it is BHMA Grade 2 certified and up to 2.5 times stronger than Grade 3 lock sets.
Features include Auto-Lock from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, an intrusion alert, Vacation Mode and at least 12 months of battery life on four AA batteries, which are not included. Installation needs just a screwdriver, and the BILT app offers 3D instructions with voice, text and animation. The box includes the exterior touchpad, interior lock, latch, strike plate, keys and a SmartKey tool.
Pick this one if you have a busy household with many visitors and like a smooth touchpad look. If you prefer physical buttons, the SmartCode 260 offers the same code count.
Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Control From Anywhere
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: Remote control with no hub
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
- 250 access codes
- Geofencing auto-unlock
- Voice assistant support
Cons
- 1-year electronics warranty
- Doors up to 1-3/4 in thick
The Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the one to choose if you want to lock or unlock from your phone anywhere. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so no hub is required. Through the Kwikset app you can lock and unlock remotely, share temporary, scheduled or permanent codes, view activity history and get alerts for invalid codes or tampering.
It holds up to 250 access codes on a backlit touchscreen. Geofencing, which uses your phone’s location, can unlock the door as you approach home. The listing says it works with popular voice assistants, and Auto-Lock can be set to your chosen time. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick with a 2-1/8 to 2-3/4 inch backset, and it is Grade AAA certified and UL listed. The warranty covers mechanics and finish for life and electronics for one year. For more options in this style, see our guide to the Kwikset keyless entry door lock with Wi-Fi.
This suits homeowners who want app control and guest access without buying a hub. If your home already runs on a Z-Wave security system, the HomeConnect 620 fits better.
Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic for a Traditional Look
Best for: Traditional look, many codes
Pros
- 50 user codes, 10 one-time codes
- Grade 2 BHMA
- Microban protected keypad
- SmartKey Learn Tool included
Cons
- No remote access
- Batteries not included
The Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic deadbolt is the keypad sibling of the SmartCode 270. It shares the same 50 user codes, 10 one-time codes, BHMA Grade 2 rating, Auto-Lock timing, intrusion alert, Vacation Mode and 12-month battery life on four AA batteries (not included). This version comes in Venetian Bronze with a traditional design.
The specifications describe a Microban protected keypad and SmartKey re-key security, and the box includes two keys, a SmartKey Learn Tool, latch, strike, mounting plate and hardware. Like the 270, it installs with a screwdriver and supports BILT app guidance. Our Kwikset keyless deadbolt guide covers more finishes in this family.
Choose the 260 over the 270 if you want pressable buttons and a classic look. Choose the Powerbolt 250 if you need fewer codes.
Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Long Range for Hub-Based Smart Homes
Best for: Homes with a Z-Wave hub
Pros
- Z-Wave 700 Long Range
- S2 encryption
- 250 user codes
- Batteries included
Cons
- Hub required, sold separately
The Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Long Range lock connects through Z-Wave, a low-power wireless system used by many home security hubs. Unlike Wi-Fi, Z-Wave needs a hub, which is sold separately. The listing says Z-Wave 700 Long Range gives a direct connection to your hub across the whole home, with S2 encryption and SmartStart for easier pairing. It names Ring Alarm and SmartThings as compatible systems.
It holds up to 250 user codes on a back-lit touchscreen, offers Auto-Lock from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, one-touch locking and a battery indicator, and lasts at least 12 months on four AA batteries, which are included here. It fits doors 1-3/8 to 2 inches thick with a 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 inch backset. This version is polished brass in a traditional style. For more on Z-Wave locks, read our Kwikset keyless entry door lock with Z-Wave guide.
This model is for people who already own, or plan to buy, a Z-Wave hub. Without a hub, the Halo Wi-Fi is simpler.
How to Choose the Right Kwikset Keyless Entry Lock
Deadbolt or lever. A deadbolt is the extra bolt above your handle and is the usual choice for front doors. A lever replaces the handle itself and suits interior doors, offices and rentals, which is where the Pembroke Lever fits.
Offline or connected. The Powerbolt 250, SmartCode 260 and SmartCode 270 work on their own with codes. The Halo Wi-Fi connects straight to your router. The HomeConnect 620 connects through a Z-Wave hub.
Wi-Fi vs Z-Wave. Wi-Fi is easiest if you have no smart home gear. Z-Wave makes sense if you already use a security hub, because it adds the lock to your existing system.
Number of codes. 25 codes on the Powerbolt, 30 on the lever, 50 on the SmartCode models and 250 on the Halo and HomeConnect.
Door size. Check the listed door thickness and backset ranges on the Halo and HomeConnect before buying.
FAQ
Which Kwikset keyless lock should I buy for my front door?
For a simple offline keypad, the SmartCode 260 or 270 gives the most codes and Grade 2 certification. For phone control, the Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock needs no hub.
What is the difference between the SmartCode 260 and 270?
The 260 has a push-button keypad and the 270 has a light-up touchpad. The listings share the same code count, certification and features.
Do Kwikset keypad locks still use a key?
Yes. The Powerbolt, SmartCode, lever and HomeConnect listings include keys, and several models use SmartKey so you can re-key them yourself.
Does the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 work without a hub?
The listing says a hub is required and sold separately, so plan for one to use its smart features.
How long do the batteries last?
The Powerbolt, SmartCode and HomeConnect listings state at least 12 months on four AA batteries. The Halo listing does not specify battery life.
Can I install these locks myself?
Kwikset describes the deadbolts as screwdriver installs, and the SmartCode models add BILT app guidance.
