Kwikset Halo Select Smart Lock Blends Matter and Auto-Unlock

Kwikset Halo Select: A New Standard in Smart Locks

Legacy lock maker Kwikset has produced innovative smart locks since 2013. Its new Halo Select model represents the company’s most polished full-replacement deadbolt yet, combining a sleek, modern design with robust connectivity options. The lock supports either built-in Wi-Fi for seamless auto-unlock or Matter-over-Thread for local, cross-platform interoperability—all while maintaining ANSI Grade 1 security ratings.

Visually, the Halo Select blends in with both traditional and contemporary door handles, and it comes in multiple finishes. Users can choose between Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Thread during setup: Wi-Fi provides cloud-based control via the Kwikset app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home, while Matter-over-Thread opens local integration with Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, and more.

Seamless Auto-Unlock vs Matter-over-Thread

One of the Halo Select’s standout features is its location-based auto-unlock. By leveraging GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, the lock senses your phone as you approach and unlocks the door without manual input. In our tests, this worked flawlessly every time—an implementation edge over many competitors whose geo-features only succeed half the time.

• Flawless auto-unlock via Kwikset app and Wi-Fi
• Matter-over-Thread support for local cross-platform integration
• ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating with rekeyable keyway
• Discrete door sensor for open/closed status in the app

Switching to Matter-over-Thread requires a Matter controller and a Thread border router—an Apple TV or an Echo paired with an Eero Wi-Fi router will suffice. This mode delivers faster responses and nearly double the battery life, but it disables auto-unlock and door-state alerts in the Kwikset app.

Battery Life and Performance

The Halo Select runs on four AA batteries. Over five weeks on Wi-Fi, battery dropped to 50%, projecting about three months life. In Thread mode, it fell just 10% after three weeks, suggesting the promised 12+ months lifespan on a single set. This efficiency highlights the benefits of low-power mesh networks in IoT devices.

Installation and User Experience

Setup via the Kwikset app is straightforward with step-by-step guidance and in-app calibration. The slim door sensor tucks above the strike plate, alerting you when the door is left open. The touchscreen keypad offers tactile feedback, though fingerprint marks can be visible at certain angles—a minor cosmetic concern.

Weighing the Trade-Offs

Matter brings future-proof compatibility and improved battery life, but you’ll trade away auto-unlock and real-time door status in the current Kwikset app. Tech leaders must balance cutting-edge interoperability against user-focused convenience. The Halo Select lets you toggle between modes today while keeping an eye on Matter’s evolving feature set.

Final Thoughts

The Kwikset Halo Select raises the bar for smart locks by delivering seamless auto-unlock and full-replacement Matter support in one package. While you can’t have every feature at once, the lock offers a clear path forward, blending today’s convenience with tomorrow’s standards. This is the best time to rethink your smart home access strategy.