A smart lock is an easy solution to some common problems. Locked yourself out? Need to let a friend in to water the plants? Your latchkey kid lost their key? Hands are full, and it’s raining cats and dogs? A smart lock solves all of these problems and more.
Technology
French biotech Generare speeds up hunt for new drugs by cloning natural molecules
French biotech startup Generare has closed a €5 million seed round (around $5.5 million at current exchange rates) to step up development of what it touts as a highly scalable approach to identifying promising compounds for drug discovery that already exist in nature. It’s focused on sifting for molecules that are produced by microorganisms but could be repurposed as treatments in humans.
Such molecules were once a rich source of drug discovery using early chemistry-based discovery techniques. The cardinal example is Penicillium’s antibiotic effect that was spotted after the mold happened to grow in a lab petri.
But finding less common molecules that could become the basis for new antibiotics, anticancer or other drugs requires a new kind of approach that can sift through large amounts of genetic material, says Generare co-founder and chief science officer Dr Vincent Libis.
“We are really interested in discovering chemical molecules produced by bacteria,” he explains. “They encode them in genes — which is basically [a] genetic recipe for [a] molecule. And so what we are hunting for is these genetic recipes. And our technologies are all focused on detecting novel genetic recipes and then manipulating them to obtain the molecules that they encode.”
“So [it’s] a lot of molecular biology to sequence DNA, to cut and paste DNA, and bioinformatics, or computational biology, to triage which one of these genetic recipes you want to go after first, and what do you expect the molecules that they encode are gonna be like.”
Drug hunting ‘on a planetary scale’
Founded in October 2022, the startup says it’s devised a technique that relies upon cloning and biosynthetics to break up the genetic material of microorganisms into millions of fragments to allow for speedier analysis — making it much quicker and easier to identify new molecules of interest.
Although still young for a biotech, Generare has already been able to identify more than 1,000 “genetic recipes”, as it calls the molecules of interest, since it began operating its discovery platform 12 months ago. Part of this early haul includes more than 100 “novel” chemical molecules with a handful that have antibiotic activities.
The approach it’s taking depends on scaling this up to cast a very wide net so it can crunch through masses of genetic material to find the minority of useful compounds hiding amid the dirt.
“Because these molecules are very successful, the more you find, the more chances you have of finding the next billion dollar drug, basically,” CEO and co-founder Guillaume Vandenesch tells TechCrunch. “It’s like you’re playing a board game and you’re trying to get a double six — but you’re throwing like 100 or 1000 dice at a time.
Generare is drawing on around a decade of work by Libis in genetic engineering which underpins its approach. Essentially the method involves taking DNA extracted from a microorganism that codes for a natural molecule, putting the genetic recipe into a lab host and producing (he calls it printing) the molecule in a test tube — “where you can really interrogate it”.
The startup says this method allows it to explore the entire chemical diversity of microbes. It also talks about its platform enabling scanning for novel genetic recipes “on a planetary scale” as a result of how efficiently it’s able to conduct the search.
“If you want to explore the entire map of natural molecules that are produced by microbes you need to have a technology that is extremely efficient, extremely cost efficient,” stresses Vandenesch.
DNA sequencing has been used in drug development for around 15 years, per Libis. More recently, about five years ago, a wave of startup began using DNA sequencing to mine natural molecules specifically. Generare is aiming to improve on earlier efforts by accelerating the analysis of the genetic material.
It’s patenting its approach and what Libis refers to as “the most mathematically efficient implementation” of it.
“What we bring to the table, the really differentiating technology, is at which scale we can do this,” he tells TechCrunch. “We really have orders of magnitude faster ability to get from a genetic recipe — unknown — to a molecule in a test tube. And this is enabled by our, let’s call it, cloning technology, which just pieces out the strands of DNA that contains this genetic recipe very quickly into a laboratory strain so that we can express and then characterize the activity.”
He likens the process to removing a blindfold which reveals the genetic diversity of the molecules. By doing that at scale the startup can organize and group compounds into groups which looks the same; groups which make already patented molecules (which it avoids); and groups which look like they might encode promising molecules. “So you have a much more orderly search that is enabled by this — by using DNA as a guide,” he adds.
“I worked for pretty much 10 years on finding a solution to the speed at which we could take a piece of DNA and bring it to another laboratory strain, which was the bottleneck of this whole process,” Libis continues. “We stumbled on a solution — where we gained orders of magnitude faster ability to transfer these genes. And so that’s what motivated the start of the company.
“That’s our really differentiating element… So it’s just a lot of research,” he adds.
Digging in the dirt
Soils are Generare’s initial choice for scaling this natural molecules search on account of how many microorganisms they contain and the ancient “war” of survival/supremacy that’s been waged between the countless microscopic entities living in the ground. It encourages the development of novel chemical protections against things like bacteria or fungi or other threats.
“In the soil, you have 1,000 species [of bacteria] per gram and it’s on the whole planet,” says Libis, adding: “This war is [waged] through chemical weapons — which are these molecules — and so they’ve been ‘innovating’, the war has been going on for hundreds of millions of years.”
Identifying more of the “really powerfully chemistry” that’s evolved through natural processes, whereby one biological entity develops a tool “to mess with the biology of another organism”, and putting it to “good use” in the human body is Generare’s core mission.
“These bacteria evolved for 400 million years. They’ve probably invented a lot of things that could be very valuable to us,” adds Vandenesch. “There’s so many different organic organisms that are adapted to so many different conditions… basically there is a treasure trove that’s ready to be discovered.”
Beyond soil microbes, the startup says marine environments offer another vast hunting ground where it can apply its approach.
“Really the exciting thing, in a way, is we know only 3% of all these chemicals that are made by microbes,” Libis adds.
“[Humanity has] only discovered 3%… so a large reservoir still needs to be explored.”
“We know that we only found 3% because we see 97% more genes than we see known molecules.”
Industrializing a decade of research
So far Generare has secured an agreement with French biotech company Aurobac Therapeutics to pilot its technology. It’s a company that’s focused on developing new antibiotics.
The new seed funding will be used to industrialize its gene transfer approach so it can figure out how to scale up by turning its lab-based processes into more of a factory-style production line — that’s as lean and streamlined as possible.
“The vision is to go planetary scale exploration of what used to be the most successful modality in the history of pharma and agrochemistry as well,” says Libis. “But basically, the next two years, we are just trying to make it ready for the prime time — where we go after the whole world, basically.”
Its business model will see it engaging in “co-development” of drugs with pharmaceutical companies — with the goal of earning a return on any “valuable bioactive molecules” it has brought to the attention of its partners.
Given the long timescales involved in bringing new drugs to market, Generare confirms the startup will be looking to raise further funding, likely in a couple of years.
“Our dream is like, in 18 months, we have the blueprints of the faculty, you know, meter per meter, exactly what each step is doing and what equipment is needed,” he adds. “Then that’s what we will be fundraising for — to build this in real life.”
The company also believes its platform could also have applications in other sectors, such as supporting development of new agri-chemicals with natural molecules to replace traditional pesticides and insecticides. There could even be uses in the cosmetics industry. But its initial focus is on pharmaceuticals where there is a pressing need.
Antibiotics resistance is a growing problems so there’s a clear need to rethink drug discovery. However Libis also warns the key issue is the broken business model which needs governments to step in with subsidies if humanity is to avoid a full-blown crisis of treatment failure.
“Antibiotics are just a broken market,” he says. “Economically, it’s very hard to have a viable business model when you discover antibiotics. It’s such a commodity once you have them. And also, people don’t use the most powerful ones, so companies that discover them have a hard time getting back their R&D expenses. So what we need is, in fact, mostly a governmental answer — at the EU scale, at the US scale — that will inject some guarantee that the company that invests in R&D and antibiotics will get a return on their investment.”
“There’s hope,” he adds. “There’s the PASTEUR Act in the U.S. that might pass and offer this kind of guarantee, and the EU as well is working actively. But it’s really urgent that something happens there. So for now, we are taking the risk, and we managed to convince our investors that we should be working on this activity, that the landscape is going to change and that there’s going to be, like, subsidies to compensate. But it’s daily struggle.”
“For two years we will manage to bend their mind. But in five years, if nothing has changed at some point we will be forced to also refocus on more guaranteed indications.”
Investors in Generare’s seed include Teampact.ventures, Galion.exe and EU-backed VIVES Partners. Synbioven, Saras Capital and Better Angle also participated, along with a number of business angels.
With so many molecules lurking somewhere out there waiting to be discovered, Generare doesn’t sound worried about competitors raiding nature’s treasures before its had a chance to apply its high scale sifting methodology. But it name-checks the likes of U.S.-based Hexagon Biosciences and LifeMine Therapeutics as playing in the same arena.
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One of the best smart home upgrades you can make, a smart lock gives you remote control over access to your house from anywhere, plus easy, key-free ways to unlock and lock your door. Smart locks also remember everything that happened, so they can tell you when and sometimes who unlocked your door.
For most people, control and convenience are big enough selling points. However, smart locks also work nicely with other smart home devices, including video doorbells and smart lighting. My favorite way to integrate locks in my home is with an evening smart home routine, which locks the doors, dims the lights, and sets my thermostat to sleep mode. We have four exterior doors, so it saves me from walking around the house at night checking everything is secure.
Having a connected lock on your door is as secure, if not more so, than a standard lock. Most smart locks have the same security ratings as their non-smart counterparts (see FAQ for more details), and it’s harder to physically pick a lock without a traditional keyway. Plus, any smart lock is more secure than leaving a spare key under a flowerpot.
I’ve been testing smart door locks for five years and have installed over two dozen for this guide. Here are my top picks for your front door; whether you want the best of the best, don’t want to replace your existing lock, are on a budget, or want a smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock, I’ve got the best options for every need.
Best smart lock overall
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This sleek Bluetooth smart lock supports Apple Home and will auto-unlock as you approach your door. For an extra $80, an onboard Wi-Fi module adds out-of-home control and more smart home support. There are also versions with a fingerprint reader and Apple Home Key, but not both.
Connectivity: Bluetooth (can add Wi-Fi, Z-Wave) / Access options: Key, keypad, fingerprint reader, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: Six months to a year / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI Grade 2 / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is an inexpensive, good-looking keypad lock that works with every smart home platform with its swappable modules. The slimline design (both front and back), wide smart home compatibility, easy-to-use app, and good selection of unlocking options make it my top pick by a long shot.
There are multiple versions, starting at $160, with or without a keyway, with a touchscreen keypad or a physical keypad, or with Apple Home Key. I recommend whichever fits your specific needs, but the Assure Lock 2 Touch fingerprint version is my favorite. It costs $209.99, and the built-in fingerprint reader is fast and efficient. I tested the touchscreen version, but Yale recently released a keypad version. Unless you really value the clean look of the touchscreen (which is blank when off), go with the keypad — it’s much easier to use.
The lock supports Bluetooth out of the box and works with the Yale Access app and Apple Home app (which adds remote unlocking if you have an Apple Home hub). Along with a keycode, fingerprint reader, or key, you can also choose to use auto-unlocking. Auto-unlock is a decent alternative to fingerprint unlock, but I sometimes have to wait at the door for a second or two before it works. Still, it’s faster than fumbling through a purse for keys when your hands are full.
Support for other platforms and remote unlocking comes through Yale’s ingenious swappable networking modules, which cost around $80 each. There’s a Wi-Fi module to add Alexa and Google Home integration and a Z-Wave module for compatibility with (some) SmartThings hubs, Ring Alarm, and other Z-Wave hubs. Yale has promised support for Matter via a Matter-over-Thread module. However, there’s no timeline for its release.
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This fingerprint lock is fast and reliable, and the keypad is a good backup option for visitors. It works with Apple Home and can be upgraded to support Wi-Fi — which you’ll need for remote unlocking, Android phones, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home support. Auto-unlock can open the door as you approach, and you can also use a key — if you just can’t let go.
I tested the Wi-Fi module in the Assure 2 Touch, which worked well with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It allowed me to add the lock to Alexa Routines, lock and unlock it with my voice, and control it away from home. The downside is that control over Wi-Fi is considerably slower than over Bluetooth and drains the battery more quickly. Yale estimates up to a year on Bluetooth only, compared to six months over Wi-Fi; I got about four months.
Read my review of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch.
Best budget smart lock
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$79
This inexpensive smart door lock has a lightning-fast fingerprint reader plus an easy-to-use, backlit keypad. It’s Bluetooth-only (unless you also buy its compatible video doorbell to act as a Wi-Fi bridge) so the battery lasts over a year. At under $80, it’s the best budget lock we tested.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 / Access options: Fingerprint, keypad, app / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: One year / Security Grade: ANSI/BHMA Grade 3 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: N/A
The Wyze Lock Bolt is a good choice if you want something inexpensive and useful and don’t care about smart home integration — or prefer a lock without it. It’s not sleek or stylish; it’s just a big hunk of black plastic (there’s also a satin nickel version). Out of the box, it doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi or integrate with any smart home systems, but it does have an easy-to-use backlit keypad and a lightning-fast fingerprint reader. It’ll auto-lock if you want, and it’s half the price of the Yale Assure Lock 2.
In addition to the fingerprint reader and keypad, the Wyze Lock Bolt can be controlled over Bluetooth, and its range is very good. I could lock the door from my bedroom at the other end of the house using the Wyze app. That’s important, as there’s no way to lock the door on a schedule (although you can enable auto-lock).
The Bolt doesn’t integrate with smart home platforms, but if you don’t need to control your lock with your voice or plan to add it to any smart home routines, you won’t miss those features. It also delivers up to a year of battery life on four AAs — I tested it for three months and it only lost 15 percent.
The Wyze doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi or integrate with any smart home systems
But without Wi-Fi, I couldn’t check on it or control it when I was away from home, so turning on the auto-lock option is a must. If I wanted to let someone in while I was gone, I couldn’t unlock the door remotely, but I could generate an offline code in the Wyze app and share that. This uses similar technology to two-factor authentication codes and worked perfectly in my testing.
Since I tested the lock, Wyze has introduced an integration with its Wyze Video Doorbell Pro that lets you unlock the Bolt remotely when paired with the doorbell — but it doesn’t let you lock it remotely, which is odd. Of course, if you enable auto-lock this is less of an issue.
Best retrofit smart lock
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Expensive but with a premium feel, this smart lock is reliable, feels good in your hand, and doesn’t require switching out your entire deadbolt. You can keep your existing key, and it will auto-unlock as you arrive home. But beware of the poor battery life and prepare to stockpile those CR123 batteries.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Access options: Existing key, app, voice, keypad (sold separately) / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Two CR123 batteries / Battery life: Up to three months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is an elegant retrofit door lock that replaces just the thumb turn. This is a better option than the Yale Assure 2 if you want to keep your existing deadbolt, key cylinder, and lock exterior.
The August lock is expensive for a retrofit lock, but it feels premium thanks to its all-metal design. Its compact size means it doesn’t stick out too much on the inside of your door, and it’s attractive enough not to be an eyesore. In contrast to many models I’ve tested, it’s also very quiet when it operates.
Unlike the Yale, it has Wi-Fi built in, so there’s no need for an extra hub, bridge, or module. Like the Yale, it has auto-unlock technology, so it can be set to unlock itself when you walk up to your door. Similarly, this wasn’t 100 percent reliable in my testing, and I had to whip out my phone a couple of times to unlock it since there’s no built-in keypad. (I stopped carrying keys years ago — but you can unlock it with a key).
August sells a compatible Bluetooth keypad, which is discounted when you buy it with the lock. It’s black and kind of chunky, meaning it will stand out on your door frame — negating the whole “my entryway still looks the same” reason for buying this lock.
Yale recently launched a new keypad that’s compatible with the August and adds a fingerprint reader option, something August hasn’t had before. (Yale and August are sister companies, now owned by Fortune Brands) The keypad is expensive, but a nice quality-of-life upgrade when using this lock. Read my thoughts on that below.
The biggest disadvantage of the August Wi-Fi is battery life. Most Wi-Fi locks use four AA batteries that last around six months. To achieve its small form factor, the August Wi-Fi uses two small CR123 batteries, which cost $15 for a six-pack and need to be replaced every two to three months, based on my testing.
Best budget retrofit smart lock
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This slimline, easy-to-install, inexpensive retrofit lock is a simple solution with a longer battery life than the August. It requires a plug-in bridge for out-of-home control (for now) and doesn’t work with Apple Home. The optional keypad adds to the cost but also to the convenience.
Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (with plug-in module) / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad and fingerprint reader sold separately / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings
Starting at $130, the Yale Approach is an affordable alternative to the August that is super easy to install, looks fine, and has all the same features (it uses the same app) — auto-lock, auto-unlock, app, and voice control. Add the Bluetooth keypad to get one-touch locking, key code, and fingerprint access.
As with the August, the Approach replaces your thumb turn, so you can still use your current lock and key. While not as small as the August, it has a nice, slim profile and blends in better than the rear housing of most smart locks.
It comes in black or silver and took me less than 5 minutes to install. It uses 4 AA batteries and promises 12 months of battery life — a lot longer than August. This is because there is no built-in Wi-Fi; instead, it uses an included plug-in bridge.
The bridge adds out-of-home control and connection to smart home platforms, including Alexa and Google Home (unlike August, there’s no Apple Home support). This allows for voice control and adding it to smart home routines. Yale told me there is a Thread radio on board that will be activated to support Matter and enable support for all the major platforms, including Apple Home. There’s no timeline for this update yet.
The keypad is the main selling point here, as it lets you control the lock from the outside without using an app or key. You can get a bundle with the keypad for $180, which is a good price. If you want fingerprint access, it gets a lot more expensive — $230 for the bundle. That’s $60 more than the SwitchBot lock with a fingerprint keypad. But the Approach looks much nicer than the SwitchBot.
The keypad controls the lock promptly and reliably. Fingerprint unlock was simple, just touch and open and you can also lock the door when you leave by pressing the Yale logo button. Key code control requires tapping the Yale logo to wake it up and then inputting the code.
The keys are a bit sensitive; I frequently get a double inputs when pressing. But I liked the LED indicator that notifies you with green if your code worked or red if there’s an issue. This made it easy to know if the input worked, as the lock is very quiet — it’s hard to hear it locking or unlocking.
My biggest disappointment is the look of the keypad. It’s big, wide, and black, with prominent white numbers that don’t disappear when not in use — it looks a bit like a toy keypad on your door.
Best smart lock for renters
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$100
A retrofit smart lock that doesn’t require removing any part of your existing lock, the SwitchBot is a unique solution. It can work with many different lock styles, and you can even use two on the same door if you have two locks. It can also turn a key, so it works for double-cylinder locks. It looks very big and weird, though.
Connectivity: Bluetooth / Access options: Key, app, voice (fingerprint, keypad sold separately) / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Two CR123 batteries / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Matter (with SwitchBot Hub 2)
This funky-looking retrofit smart lock is for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to mess with their existing door lock in any way, shape, or form.
The Switchbot Lock is essentially a tiny robot hand that unlocks your door for you. It goes over a deadbolt’s existing thumb turn and sticks to the door with super-strength double-sided tape. You can then lock or unlock it over Bluetooth from a phone or Apple Watch, or use the existing key.
It is not an elegant solution, but it works, and it’s the easiest smart lock I’ve installed; it took me under five minutes to get it set up and I didn’t need to use a screwdriver or remove anything from the back of my door, as I did with the Yale Approach.
Without a hub, the lock communicates over Bluetooth to your phone. Add a SwitchBot Hub and you can connect with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, Switchbot’s Matter-enabled hubs will also let you connect with Apple Home and SmartThings. A hub also adds remote control when you’re away from home, notifications if the door has been left unlocked or ajar (the lock comes with a door sensor), and voice control.
In my testing, all of these integrations worked well and were fast enough, though the auto-lock feature was unreliable, meaning you have to get your phone out to lock it if you don’t carry a key. Battery life is promised at six months, which is low for a Bluetooth lock, but it uses two CR123 batteries, which take up less room but don’t last as long as AAs.
The SwitchBot is a tiny robot hand that unlocks your door
Because it’s a retrofit lock, the only way to unlock it from the outside is with a phone, Apple Watch, or key. This isn’t ideal, so you need one of SwitchBot’s Bluetooth keypads — the version with a fingerprint reader is the best. Keypads are also handy for visitors and service people and allow you to press a button to lock the door.
All of these extras add up, though. The keypad with a fingerprint reader, a hub, and the lock cost $170 together. But that’s still a good price for a fully featured — if somewhat strange-looking — smart lock.
Switchbot has a newer version of its lock, the SwitchBot Lock Pro ($199), which looks nicer. I’ve tested this, and while it’s a decent lock with higher quality materials than the standard lock, it requires you to replace the rear of your lock (as most retrofit locks do). The standard SwitchBot Lock’s ease of installation and the fact that it works with practically any setup make it my pick if you don’t want to mess with your existing lock at all or if no other option will work for your door.
Best smart lock for Amazon Alexa & Ring
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A traditional door lock style with a touchscreen keypad and built-in Wi-Fi, the Encode will match your existing Schlage hardware — contemporary or classic — while connecting your door to smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Amazon Key, and Ring.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Access options: Key, keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months / Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Ring, and Google Home
The Schlage Encode Wifi lock is chunkier and noisier than most of the locks on this list, and its app is inelegant and slow. But its design will match a Schlage door set, which is important for some people.
It’s also the best option for Amazon Alexa and Ring video doorbell households. It integrates with Amazon Key home delivery service, and you can lock and unlock the Encode from within the Ring app while viewing a live feed from your Ring doorbell. It can be unlocked with Alexa voice commands and works with Google Home, too.
With Wi-Fi on board, the Schlage is simple to install and an excellent choice for someone who wants a basic smart lock that will fit with their existing door hardware. All the standard features are here: remote unlocking, keyed access, voice control, auto-locking, and shareable access codes. It does have a sizable rear housing, though, and is noisy as all get out.
If you have a Ring video doorbell, this is the lock to get
I reviewed the Schlage in 2019 when it first came out, and not much has changed since then. There’s no door-sensing integration or auto-unlock option, but you have three reliable ways to get in: a key, a PIN, and the app. It also lasts at least six months on one set of four AAs. If you have a Ring video doorbell, this is the lock to get.
Best Apple Home Key smart lock
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$259
The Encode Plus is identical to the Encode Wifi with the addition of Apple Home and Home Key compatibility. It also has a Thread radio on board, which helps with connectivity and battery life.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Thread / Access options: Key, keypad, app, voice, Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Up to six months / Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Apple Home (Home Key), Amazon Alexa, Ring, and Google Home
While support for Apple Home Key is becoming more widespread, the Schlage Encode Plus is still the best — if most expensive — option for this easy way to unlock your door. This is mainly because of connectivity. The Schlage is currently the only full-replacement lock compatible with Home Key that has a Thread radio. While it won’t be updated to support Matter, the Thread radio adds better battery life and more stable connectivity when connected to Apple Home versus using it over Bluetooth. I have had numerous connectivity issues in HomeKit with all the Bluetooth-only locks.
Otherwise, it has all the same capabilities and features as the Schlage Encode Wifi, plus Apple Home and Apple Home Key.
Home Key uses NFC in your device and in the door lock to let you tap to unlock with your Apple Watch or iPhone, just like you tap to pay. There are no apps to open, no buttons to press, and no need to unlock your phone (although you can add that step as an extra security layer).
Adding the lock to the Home app automatically adds the Home Key card to your Wallet, as well as that of anyone else you have added to your app. That’s much easier than getting household members to download a whole new app for the door lock. I should know — I try regularly.
To allow someone not in your household to control the lock, you’ll have to give them a standard PIN, which you can do in the Apple Home app or the Schlage Encode app. Unlike the Yale Assure Lock 2, you can set this lock up entirely in the Home app and never have to use the manufacturer’s app.
Best budget Apple Home Key smart lock
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The U50 is the first Apple Home Key compatible lock for under $200 and is a good option if you want this convenience for less. It’s easy to install and much quieter than the Schlage, and is compatible with Matter. But it uses Zigbee, not Thread, so you need an Aqara hub for a lot of its features.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Zigbee (through a hub) / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad, key fob, Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: complies with BHMA Level 3 standard / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and Matter (with a hub).
The Aqara U50 is a very good, inexpensive, full-replacement smart lock that works smoothly with Apple’s Home Key for less than half the price of the Schlage. You can also unlock it with a key, keypad, NFC key fob, and app, and with an Apple Home hub you get control when you’re away from home, Home Key, and Siri voice control.
If you want support for more platforms and/or more features you’ll need to pick up an Aqara Hub. The G3 camera hub is a good option if you want to keep an eye on your entryway at the same time, but it’s expensive at $110. The E1 is the cheapest hub option at $25. Both add support for Matter, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings to the door lock.
The lock is easy to install, super quiet in operation, and has a promised battery life of 6 months. This is because it uses Zigbee and Bluetooth, relying on a hub for internet connectivity.
The main downside is that Aqara’s keypad is a bit finicky. The digital pad sometimes doesn’t recognize key presses the first time — especially when hitting the lock button. When unlocking, you need to remember to tap a key first to wake it up, then put in the code. But if you’re getting this for Home Key support, it’s not so much of an issue.
The Aqara lock is the cheapest Home Key lock by a wide margin. However, it is bulky and has a very black, tech-heavy look. It’s made from zinc alloy, but the overall build feels less solid than some of the other options. The Schlage, Level, and Yale Home Key locks feel more durable, look nicer, and have better build quality.
Aqara’s locks have a ton more features when you pair them in the Aqara app and use an Aqara hub. I like that I can pair the lock with the G3 Camera Hub by the door and can instantly see what’s happening if I get an alert that the door was unlocked. It also pairs with Aqara’s G4 video doorbell and lets you unlock the door while viewing video from the live feed. Aqara also has automations you can set up to have your smart home react differently based on who locks or unlocks the door — which is pretty neat.
Best fingerprint-only smart lock
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A sleek, fingerprint-only lock that sacrifices some conveniences but looks much less techie on your front door. It works with Alexa and Google Home.
Connectivity: Bluetooth / Access options: Key, app, voice, fingerprint / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: No (Guest access through app or fingerprint) / Security rating: ANSI Grade 2 / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
The Kwikset Halo Touch is a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi fingerprint lock with a traditional keyway. As there’s no keypad, it looks more like a standard lock with the bonus of easy access. This is more limiting when it comes to sharing access to your door, but it’s a good solution for anyone who wants a simple key-free way into their home and knows they won’t need to share lots of digital keys.
Along with fingerprint, key, and app control, Kwikset now has an auto-unlock option for hands-free entry. The app doesn’t let you share temporary access to the lock remotely; anyone who wants to use the lock will have to download the app and program their fingerprint on the lock. But you can control their access by date and time and revoke it. But it’s probably easier just to remotely lock and unlock the lock if you do want to let someone in temporarily.
Of course, you can still share physical keys, and I like this lock a lot as a more discreet option. As with Schlage, Kwikset has lots of matching door hardware, so this can blend in nicely. Plus, it comes in three colors, satin nickel, matte black, and bronze, and two styles, contemporary and traditional.
The biggest downside is that Kwikset smart locks are very noisy when locking and unlocking. They also have much larger rear housings compared to Yale’s or Schlage’s newer models. However, you can re-key this lock, which is a nice feature and makes it easy to retrofit to your home.
The $250 Lockly Access Touch Pro is the main competitor here but is more expensive and uglier than the Halo. I’ve not tested the Access yet, but I have tested the previous version—the Lockly Flex Touch. It’s cheaper and works fine, but it requires a plug-in Wi-Fi dongle for out-of-home control and is a less elegant solution overall.
Best smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock
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$260
The Level Lock Plus packs all the smarts and power into the deadbolt itself, leaving the rest of your lock looking like a normal lock. It works with Apple’s Home Key, auto-unlocks, and has the option of a separate keypad. It does need a separate hub for out-of-home control.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi with bridge / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad (sold separately), Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: One CR2 battery / Battery life: One year / Guest codes: Yes / Security Grade: ANSI/BHMA: Grade 1 / Works with: Apple Home, Ring (with additional hardware)
Want a smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock? Level packs all the technology inside the deadbolt — including the single CR2 battery that gets up to a year of battery life.
There are four options: the Level Bolt, the Level Lock, the Level Lock Touch (with touch-to-open), and the Level Lock Plus. My favorite is the Plus, as it works with the Home Key, which is easier than using the touch-to-unlock feature, which I find very finicky.
If you don’t use an iPhone, or have family members who don’t, you’ll want to get the Bluetooth keypad (from $59) to give you another option for access. The lock also comes with two NFC cards you can hand out.
The Level Lock Plus replaces the whole lock, deadbolt and all, but still looks like a traditional door lock — both in front and behind the door. There is no branding at all — this is the only smart lock I’ve tested that isn’t a tiny advertisement on my front door.
It works over Bluetooth out of the box and can connect to an Apple Home hub for out-of-home control. If you don’t have a HomePod or Apple TV, get the Level Lock Plus with Wi-Fi, which comes with a Connect Wi-Fi bridge.
The Level lock also has auto-unlocking and touch-to-unlock, though with some quirks: it’s one or the other, not both. And neither works unless you leave the geofence area and come back. So if you leave the house, lock the door, get in your car, remember you forgot something, and go back to your door, it won’t unlock automatically. This is why I prefer Home Key or a keypad for unlocking.
Based on my testing of the lock on three different doors, it is worth noting that the full replacement Level locks don’t work well with older doors. I would only consider installing this if your door lines up perfectly with the strike plate.
Level locks are very expensive; the Plus costs $329 ($349 for the Wi-Fi version). But it’s the way to go for an invisible smart lock that works well.
Best smart lever lock
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$230
The first single-borehole smart lock to work with Apple Home Key, the U300 can also be unlocked with a fingerprint, making it an easy, smart addition for shed, garage, or home office doors. It works over Thread and is Matter compatible, with up to a 10-month battery life.
Connectivity: Thread / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad, NFC tag, Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: 10 months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Matter, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings
The Aqara U300 is a lever-style smart lock; it replaces a knob or lever lock on a door with a single borehole rather than a door with a deadbolt lock with two holes. This type of lock is traditionally found on interior doors, pedestrian doors into garages, or side doors.
There are a few options for smart lever locks from Yale, Schlage, and Lockly, but the U300 is the only one with Home Key compatibility and a built-in fingerprint reader. Plus, it works over Thread and supports Matter.
I installed it on my garage door, and it works like a charm. The fingerprint reader is right where you put your thumb to open the door, so I barely notice it unlocking as I walk in. It also has a keypad, and I can use my iPhone or Apple Watch for Home Key. It’s set to auto-lock by default, but you can enable passage mode directly on the lock if you don’t want it to stay locked all the time.
It paired to Matter easily — I set it up in Apple Home and could add a code and Home Key all without even opening the Aqara app. Because it uses Thread, there’s no need for an Aqara hub. Thread also enables up to 10 months of battery life, according to Aqara.
I love the idea of using smart locks on other doors in my home. I could see this working on a basement door, a home office, or any other room you like to keep people out of. However, it is very large and only comes in black or silver, so it likely won’t blend in with your interior decor. I’d like to see a slimmer option for interior doors in a couple more colors.
It’s expensive at $230, but it’s similar to other outdoor-rated options (it’s IPX4-rated). The addition of Thread — a protocol that works over a mesh network — makes it easier to extend connectivity further to places like a shed or garage.
Best smart lock that’s also a video doorbell
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$399
A full deadbolt replacement lock with a doorbell and camera crammed in, this lock does a lot. Unlock it with your finger, a PIN, app or voice, or a regular key plus see and talk to visitors through the 1080p camera.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (with included bridge) / Access options: Key, fingerprint, keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (two included), solar power / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI Grade 2 / Works with: Amazon Alexa and Google Home
The Lockly Vision Elite is a smart lock with a video doorbell. It’s a very good smart lock, but its video doorbell capabilities are compromised by being crammed inside a lock. Motion detection is spotty, and the camera lacks people or package detection, but it does a better job of seeing who is at your door than any other lock on this list. If you don’t have the space, setup, or patience to install two separate devices, this is the lock to buy.
As a lock, it is excellent, with a keypad, fingerprint reader, keyhole, and app and voice control options for locking and unlocking. It’s the only lock in this guide that uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Plus, it comes with a replacement battery pack and an incorporated solar panel for trickle charging. And while it requires a bridge to connect it to Wi-Fi (and to store video from the doorbell camera), that’s included — making the $500 price tag a tad more palatable.
It’s a great lock function-wise, but it’s too big and techie-looking for my personal taste (a problem the Eufy Video Smart Lock shares). It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but there’s no Apple Home support. Lockly had said it would be updating its locks to support Matter, but the company told me this has been put on hold.
Best Matter smart lock
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The Aqara is a fully featured smart lock with Matter support, long battery life, and multiple ways to unlock (including Home Key). However, it needs a hub for most of its features, which bumps up the price and complexity.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Zigbee (through a hub) / Access options: Key, app, voice, fingerprint, keypad, key fob, Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Eight months / Guest codes: Yes Security rating: complies with BHMA Level 3 standard / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Matter (with a hub).
The inexpensive Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the best option for a Matter-compatible smart lock. It’s cheaper than the $229 Yale Assure SL and adds a fingerprint reader that isn’t on the Aqara U50. It works with Apple Home and Home Key as well as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings — when paired with an Aqara hub.
However, the Matter lock landscape is still spotty, and unless you are in immediate need of a Matter-compatible smart lock, maybe wait for more options to arrive. The Aqara ticks a lot of boxes and has every conceivable way to unlock your door (other than auto-unlock), plus the promise of long battery life. Aqara says up to 8 months, and I barely made a dent in the battery with six weeks of use.
But it works better outside of Matter right now, and its plasticky-looking build, too-modern design, and digital keypad are letdowns. It also requires a hub to unlock many of its features and Aqara’s messy app makes it complicated to set up and control.
Unless you are in immediate need of a Matter-compatible smart lock, wait for more options to arrive
The U100 is a full replacement deadlock that can be unlocked by key, keypad, NFC key fob, fingerprint, voice control, through an app, or with Apple Home Key. Fingerprint unlocking is the easiest option and worked instantly. Home Key is the second-best entry method and if you have an Apple Watch is really simple. As noted, Aqara’s keypad is finicky, though, as it’s entirely digital and sometimes doesn’t recognize presses the first time.
The U100 works over Bluetooth and Zigbee. Out of the box, it’s compatible with Aqara’s app via a local Bluetooth connection to your phone. The keypad, keyfobs, fingerprint reader, and app control will all work if you are by the door, but if you want to control it remotely, you’ll need to pair it to an Aqara Hub or Apple Home Hub (like a HomePod or Apple TV). The latter adds Home Key.
Locks in Matter still have some bugs to work out and need broader support — for example, Amazon Alexa and Google Home don’t support setting up PIN codes for Matter locks. But unlike the Yale Assure SL (see below), the Aqara lock can be controlled outside of Matter, making it a good option while you wait for the standard to catch up to its promises.
I tested the lock in Apple Home and Google Home through Matter. It worked well in Apple Home, and I could lock it in Google Home, but I could not unlock it because it said I needed a PIN code, which I could not find a way to set up.
The other problem came when I tried to use Apple’s Home Key. While Home Key is now supported on Matter locks with iOS 17, that’s only on locks that connect directly to Matter — like the Aqara U200 and U300. If a lock uses a bridge, like the U100 and U50, it can’t use Home Key through Matter, so it needs to have separate support for Apple Home. The U100 does, so I then had to set the lock up again in Apple Home to access the Home Key function. And yes, it shows up in the Home app as two separate locks.
Best Matter-over-Thread smart lock
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$230
The only full deadbolt replacement lock to work with Matter over Thread, the Yale Assure SL is something of a proof-of-concept lock. But it’s an excellent simple option for Apple Home or Samsung SmartThings users.
Connectivity: Thread / Access options: keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes (through Apple Home) / Battery type: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: Six months to a year / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 Works with: Matter (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings)
The Yale Assure SL with Matter Module is the only Matter-over-Thread deadbolt smart lock you can buy today. It’s a simple smart lock with a clean design and a touchscreen keypad for entry. There’s no keyway, fingerprint reader, or Apple Home Key, but in terms of simplicity, reliability, and future-proofing — it’s a good option.
This is how Matter is supposed to work, and it’s promising.
While the Aqara U100 mentioned above has more features than the Yale, this also means it’s more complicated to set up. If you don’t need those features and just want an easy-to-use keypad door lock that works with Matter and Thread, this is the one to go for. (Aqara’s U200 lock also works over Thread — see Other smart locks I tested — but it’s a retrofit lock, not a full deadbolt replacement. And in my testing, I could not get it to connect via Matter despite multiple tries.)
The Yale Assure SL is natively compatible with Matter, so doesn’t need a proprietary hub — just a Matter hub from the platform you want to set it up in and a Thread border router (which can be the same device). It also works over Thread, not Zigbee (as the U100 does). The benefit here is that you can connect it directly to your smart home platform of choice without needing to download the manufacturer’s app — the Assure SL doesn’t even work with the Yale app.
I scanned the Yale’s Matter code directly into Apple Home app, added the lock like any other device, and then Apple Home prompted me to add an access code (this is new with iOS 18). In the device’s settings page, I could create additional access codes, turn on automatic locking after a set period, and view logs of who accessed the door and when. I could also use Apple Home automations to auto-unlock the door when I arrive home (although I need to tap a notification on my watch or phone first) and add the lock to scenes and routines.
In my testing, it worked flawlessly, responding immediately to app and voice commands, both at home and away from home. I tested it with Apple Home and with Samsung SmartThings; sharing the lock from Apple Home to SmartThings using Matter multi-admin. Once shared I was able to add a code through SmartThings as well. I could also add the lock to Alexa and Google Home, but those platforms just let me lock and unlock.
What I like here is the simplicity. Setup was easy, sharing was easy, and when the lock is in multiple platforms it updates everywhere instantly. If I lock the door in SmartThings, Apple Home immediately sends me a notification that the door locked. This is how Matter is supposed to work, and it’s promising.
What’s coming next
- Lockly Visage is one of the first facial recognition smart locks. It’s slated to launch in October 2024 and costs $349. It also has a fingerprint reader, keypad, and regular key. It integrates with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa, but there’s no support for Matter.
- Eufy’s E30 smart lock ($169.99) is a new Matter-over-Thread option. The lock has a key, fingerprint reader, keypad, and built-in Wi-Fi and Thread, so it should work with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings via Matter.
- U-tec’s Bolt Fingerprint Matter is a Matter-over-Thread lock that is due to launch this year. Announced at CES, it’s a full deadbolt replacement lock with a keypad and fingerprint reader and costs $299.
- The Ultraloq Bolt NFC (Wi-Fi) ($249) is U-tec’s first Apple Home Key smart lock, there’s no fingerprint reader, but there is a keypad and physical key. Built-in Wi-Fi adds support for Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
- The Yale Code is a $99 non-smart lock. It has an electronic keypad but doesn’t work with an app or have any connectivity. It uses a standard key and can store up to 20 codes. The advantage here is mainly the price — making it an option for a side door or garage.
Other smart locks I tested
- The Aqara U200 is $270. That’s a lot for a retrofit lock — even with support for Thread, Matter, and Home Key. It has a keypad/fingerprint reader included; most retrofit locks charge extra for one. The keypad enables Apple Home Key, and this is the only retrofit lock that works with Apple’s unlocking method. If that’s something you want, then this is the only option for now. Otherwise, you can get all the same functionality with the Yale Approach — plus auto-unlock — for $40 less. But if you’re in Europe or the UK and want Home Key, this is compatible with some EU locks, making it the first smart lock of any type to support Home Key in Europe. I have just started testing this lock, but installing it was a lot more complicated than the Yale Approach. Alas, despite repeated tries, I have not been able to connect it to Matter.
- The U-tec Bolt Fingerprint with Wi-Fi ($199 to $249) is the newest version of my previous pick for best lock, the U-Bolt Pro with Wi-Fi ($249). This version adds support for Apple Home (that’s the $249 version), but not Home Key, and a slight redesign — you no longer have to pop half the lock collar off to get to the keyhole, which is a good upgrade. It still has a fingerprint reader and auto-unlock. But the Yale Assure 2 Touch is cheaper without Wi-Fi and only $20 more with Wi-Fi, and has a cleaner look.
- The Bosma Aegis is an inexpensive retrofit lock that works well and costs just $120. It is remarkably similar to the August Wifi lock in terms of function and installation but not build quality (it’s very plasticky). It even has a very similar-looking Bluetooth keypad option (with a fingerprint reader). But it is giant. Like, hulking huge. It’s also very loud and requires a separate bridge.
- The Eufy Smart Lock Touch is a very good lock in terms of function — it has an easy-to-use fingerprint reader, a nice big touchscreen keypad, the option of a key, and Wi-Fi built-in. But it is just too big and techie-looking for most people’s front doors. I do like the removable 10,000mAh battery, which went eight months before needing to recharge (with a USB-A cable). But that’s also why this lock is so big.
- The Eufy Video Smart Lock is similarly huge. Although cheaper than the Lockly Vision Elite video doorbell / lock combo, it’s still expensive and is more of an eyesore.
Photography by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
Update, October 8th: Added new smart lock picks, updated details for existing picks, added a new section about upcoming smart locks, and more information to the FAQ.
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Uber chose the Science Museum in London to launch the 2024 installment of its annual climate event, Go-Get Zero, which has highlighted the firm’s commitment to electrifying its fleet – including some new ways to tempt you into riding its EVs.
Alongside affirmation of its autonomous ride-hailing projects, which include Waymo and its recent tie-in with Hyundai, Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi explained that despite the global slowing of EV adoption, the company’s drivers were adopting electric vehicles five-times faster than the average motorist.
Four years ago, when Uber first set its lofty climate targets and introduced Uber Green, there were just 10,000 EV drivers on the platform. There are now 182,000 globally and there have been more than half a billion zero emissions trips in Europe alone.
However, the company says there is still much work today and sees itself as a key player in mass EV adoption in general, citing that many EV owners had their first interaction with an electric vehicle via an Uber ride.
Uber Green, which is the platform’s section reserved exclusive for drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles, will become electric-only from today in more than 40 markets around the world, including France, Australia and the major cities in the USA.
To entice Uber users to “go green”, the company has made a number of changes to its app that both encourage and incentivize both riders and drivers to choose the electric option.
1. EV Preference
Uber wants to take the decision-making process out of either plumping for the closer but more emissions-heavy UberX and the slightly further away Uber Green ride – seeing as the two now cost largely the same.
You’ll be able to toggle an EV Preference setting that will automatically match with an EV anytime one is nearby.
If the difference between Green and UberX is only a couple of minutes, the app will automatically opt for the EV alternative. However, if the software deems the wait is too long, it will select the closest UberX instead.
2. You could ride in a Lotus or a Rivian
Part-publicity stunt and part-brand tie-in, Uber has announced its EV Pop-ups program, which will see a number of ‘premium EVs’ scattered across key cities, available at certain times for users to select and costing a similar amount to Uber Black SUV trips.
In London, Uber has partnered with Lotus and app users will be able to select a new Lotus Eletre as their premium EV ride. In LA, Miami and Dallas, that sleek EV of choice will be Rivian’s R1 electric SUV. But it’s only available between October 14 and 21, so get in fast.
There is no word on the number of models riding around each city at any given moment, nor is there a figure on the likelihood of snaring one. But that’s all part of the fun, isn’t it?
3. Real-time CO2 savings
The Uber app will undergo a number of small design changes that could make selecting the Uber Green option a little bit more exciting. The timeline as you wait for a car to arrive will look like a pice of ivy, complete with bursting shoots, for example, while there are a number of new animations that celebrate the fact a user has chosen the green option.
But more importantly, users will soon be able to see how much CO2 they have saved during and after a journey is complete. This figure adds up over time and will display on the home screen, while CO2 savings made by using Uber’s many eBikes, scooters and even ride-sharing programs will all count.
During the GO-GET Zero event, Sachin Kansal, product manager and bonafide Uber driver, announced that the rider in London who clocks up the highest emissions saving from now until the end of November will get free Uber rides for ten years.
4. There will be many more Uber Green cars available
Alongside rewarding Uber riders, the company says it’s making it a lot easier for its drivers to make the switch to EV. It has developed an AI assistant within the driver’s area of its app that will answer myriad questions surrounding EV ownership.
If speaking to a robot isn’t good enough, the company will also pair hesitant buyers up with one of its many ‘EV Mentors’ – or those Uber drivers that have been driving electric for years.
Naturally, there will also be plenty of subsidies and incentives, such as big discounts on the purchase of new EVs, a huge reduction in the cost of using the public charging network, help with installing chargers at home – including 1,000 free home chargers for UK drivers thanks a tie-in with Octopus energy.
5. BYD will be the Uber car of choice in the UK and Europe
The company stated that it is partnering with BYD to help it speed up the number of ‘more affordable’ electric vehicles it can offers its drivers, and therefore speed up the rate at which Uber Green expands over time.
That said, the company didn’t go into detail about partnership opportunities in the USA, as presumably BYD would be very much off the cards there, seeing as the US government has imposed huge import taxes on Chinese-made EVs and will potentially impose an outright ban on a anything sporting Chinese technology.
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A US teenager is the first known person to get classic video game Tetris to reset to level 0 after beating it.
Michael Artiaga, 16, claimed the historic moment of so-called “rebirth” while livestreaming himself playing Nintendo’s version of the game on Twitch on Sunday.
It took him 82 minutes to successfully clear level 255 on Tetris – the game’s highest. Artiaga, who streams as “dogplayingtetris”, celebrated and watched in shock as it started again from scratch.
“Am I dreaming, bro?” he asked viewers, saying he was in “disbelief”.
The teen carried on playing and eventually finished with 29.4 million points.
“I’m so glad that game is over,” he added, as he prepared to wrap up his stream.
“I never want to play this game again”.
He was reportedly playing an edition of the game made for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console that prevents crashes after level 155.
The game’s crashes and kill screens have marked the efforts of other young streamers hoping to set new records.
Oklahoma teen Willis “Blue Scuti” Gibson claimed to be the first to ever beat the game earlier this year when he reached level 157 in 38 minutes before it crashed.
Tetris was first created in 1984 by Soviet engineer Alexey Pajitnov, and has spawned into hundreds of versions for arcades, consoles and PCs.
The classic video game has remained popular ever since for its simplicity, yet frustrating difficulty.
Players have to arrange falling different shapes, each composed of four blocks, to make them fit together like a jigsaw into horizontal lines that vanish when completed.
If you fail to clear lines of blocks, which fall more quickly as players progress through levels, before they pile up to the top of the window – it’s game over.
Artiaga is one of several teenage gamers who have livestreamed their attempts to break previous, and each others’, records for the number of levels reached or lines cleared without the game crashing.
He became the world’s youngest Tetris world champion at the age of 13 when he beat his older brother in the Classic Tetris World Championship final in 2020.
“I still cannot believe it… first ever to get Rebirth!” he wrote in the description for his two hour-long stream on YouTube.
“I’m so happy about finally getting this after all of the attempts. Thanks to everyone for the support over the years.
“It’s finally over,” he added.
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