Shopping for the best zigbee smart door locks means deciding between a complete keypad deadbolt and an interior conversion kit. That distinction matters most for homeowners who want new exterior hardware versus renters or households that prefer to keep the existing key cylinder.
Pros
- Up to 30 programmable user codes
- Illuminated keypad for keyless entry
- 30-second automatic locking option
- DIY installation with a screwdriver
Cons
- ZigBee connection required for smart-home features
- Uses four AA batteries
Pros
- Zigbee 3.0 smart home connectivity
- Remote lock control from anywhere
- Keyless access using existing deadbolt
- Notifications for lock activity
Cons
- Requires a compatible Zigbee smart home system
- Door backset, bore, and thickness must fit
Choose the Lock Format First
A complete deadbolt replaces the visible lock hardware and gives you a keypad for keyless entry. The Kwikset 914 Contemporary Keypad SmartCode is designed for this approach, with an illuminated keypad, one-touch locking, automatic locking after 30 seconds, and support for up to 30 custom user codes.
A conversion kit takes a different path. The Kwikset Convert Zigbee 3.0 Electronic Smart Lock replaces the interior part of an existing deadbolt, so the outside hardware stays in place while the lock gains smart-home control. That can be the cleaner choice when matching your current exterior finish matters.
Pro Tip: Confirm the door thickness and existing lock measurements before choosing a conversion kit. The Convert requires you to check the backset, cross bore, and door thickness for fit.
Match Zigbee Access to Your Hub
Neither lock should be treated as a standalone Wi-Fi product. The 914 requires a Zigbee connection, while the Convert works through a supporting smart-home system with Zigbee wireless technology for remote control, notifications, and lock-status checks.
Compatibility is especially important if your home already uses a hub. The Convert specifically lists support for Xfinity, SmartThings Hub v3, Amazon Echo Plus, Echo fourth generation, and Echo Show 10. The 914 is described as working with Zigbee panels and hubs for remote access and smart routines.
For background on the hardware that can connect a smart lock to a broader system, see this explanation of what a smart lock bridge does. Zigbee is a wireless communication technology, not a guarantee that every hub will support every lock.
| Lock format | Main access method | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Complete deadbolt | Keypad and codes | New lock hardware |
| Interior conversion | Existing exterior | Keep current hardware |
Plan for Codes, Batteries, and Locking
The 914 is the more code-focused option. Its keypad supports up to 30 unique programmable codes, which is useful when family members, visitors, or a dog walker need separate access. Its motorized deadbolt is described as fast and quiet, and four AA batteries are rated to last 12 months or longer.
The Convert focuses more on remote management through a compatible Zigbee system. You can remotely control the lock, receive notifications when it locks or unlocks, and check whether it is locked. Those features depend on the supporting smart-home system rather than the conversion mechanism alone.
Before You Mount It: Do not assume a Zigbee label means the lock will pair with your existing hub. Confirm the named hub or panel compatibility and check the door measurements before installation.
For broader door hardware context, review why the strike plate matters. A smart lock still depends on a properly fitting deadbolt and door frame.
Expert Examined
From Ray Okafor
I keep an eye out for two recurring mistakes with smart locks: choosing a conversion kit without measuring the existing deadbolt, and pairing a Zigbee lock with a hub that is not listed as compatible. I would verify both before opening the package.
Read more about Ray OkaforSecurity Features Beyond Remote Control
Keyless access can reduce the need to share physical keys, but it also makes code management important. The 914 gives you separate custom codes, while the Convert provides notifications and remote status through a compatible smart-home system.
Automatic locking is another practical difference. The 914 can be set to lock after 30 seconds, which suits households that regularly leave with full hands. If you are still weighing key access against electronic access, this comparison of key lock boxes and smart locks addresses the broader trade-off.
For general information about smart-lock security concerns, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides wider consumer cybersecurity guidance. Treat hub access, user codes, and account credentials as part of the lock’s security setup.
Which Kwikset Fits Your Door
I would point you to the Kwikset 914 Contemporary Keypad SmartCode when you want a complete keypad deadbolt and do not mind replacing the existing lock hardware. It makes the access decision visible at the door: enter a code on the illuminated keypad, use one-touch locking when leaving, or assign different codes to family members and service providers. The 30-second auto-lock setting is also useful for busy entryways where remembering to lock up is easy to miss.
I would choose the Kwikset Convert Zigbee 3.0 Electronic Smart Lock for a household that wants to preserve its current exterior deadbolt appearance. It replaces the interior portion instead of requiring a complete visible-hardware change, but you must measure the existing lock first. It is also the better fit when remote control, lock notifications, and status checks through a listed Zigbee hub matter more than having a new exterior keypad.
In either case, I would select based on the door and hub first, then consider code management and automatic locking. The right format prevents installation surprises and keeps the smart features useful.
The Bottom Line
The mistake most buyers make with Zigbee smart locks is treating the wireless standard as the only compatibility requirement. The door hardware, hub or panel, and access method all matter, and the two Kwikset options solve different installation problems.
If you do only one thing first, measure your door or existing deadbolt and identify the Zigbee hub you will use. Choose the 914 for a complete keypad deadbolt with many user codes, or choose the Convert when retaining the existing exterior hardware is the priority.
FAQs
Choose a keypad deadbolt when you want new exterior hardware and code entry at the door. Choose a conversion kit when you want to keep the existing outside lock hardware and add smart control from the interior side. For the Kwikset Convert, check the door’s backset, cross bore, and thickness before buying. The Kwikset 914 fits doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick and installs with a screwdriver. The Kwikset 914 uses four AA batteries, which are rated for 12 months or longer. The Convert’s listed features focus on its interior conversion design and connection to a supporting Zigbee smart-home system, so follow its installation requirements. No. Hub support varies by product. The Convert specifically lists Xfinity, SmartThings Hub v3, Amazon Echo Plus, Echo fourth generation, and Echo Show 10, while the 914 requires a compatible Zigbee panel or hub. No. Zigbee describes the wireless technology used to connect the lock to a compatible system. It does not replace checking the lock’s fit, user-access features, hub compatibility, or the manufacturer’s warranty information.Should I choose a keypad deadbolt or a conversion kit?
What should I measure before installing a Zigbee smart lock?
How do Zigbee smart locks receive power?
Does Zigbee work with every smart-home hub?
Is Zigbee a security certification for a smart lock?
Sources
- Connectivity Standards Alliance and Zigbee technology. csa-iot.org
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency consumer cybersecurity guidance. www.cisa.gov