Choosing among the best zigbee smart locks starts with one practical split: do you need a complete keypad deadbolt or an interior conversion kit? That choice matters most for homeowners balancing new keyless entry with an existing deadbolt and Zigbee hub.
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
Start With the Door Hardware
The Kwikset 914 Contemporary Keypad SmartCode is the more direct replacement. It provides an illuminated keypad, a motorized deadbolt, one-touch locking, and space for up to 30 unique user codes. Its fit range covers doors from 1-3/8 inches to 1-3/4 inches thick, and installation uses a screwdriver.
The Kwikset Convert Zigbee 3.0 Electronic Smart Lock takes a different path. It replaces the interior portion of an existing deadbolt, so the outside hardware remains part of the door setup. That can be a better match when you want smarter access without replacing the exterior lock.
Before You Mount It: Measure the door’s backset, cross bore, and thickness before choosing the conversion kit. A measurement mismatch can prevent the interior replacement from fitting correctly.
If you are unsure whether changing the complete lock or only its interior makes more sense, review how deadbolts and knob locks work together. The surrounding hardware still affects how the door closes and secures.
Match the Lock to Your Zigbee Setup
Both products require a Zigbee connection, but the Convert lists compatibility with Xfinity, SmartThings Hub v3, Amazon Echo Plus, Echo fourth generation, and Echo Show 10. Its supporting smart home system can provide remote control, lock status notifications, and alerts when the door is locked or unlocked.
The 914 is described as working with Zigbee panels and hubs for remote access and smart routines. That makes it suitable for a broader security or home-automation setup, provided the required Zigbee connection is already available.
| Lock type | Main difference | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Complete deadbolt | Keypad and motor included | New lock installation |
| Interior conversion | Existing exterior stays | Compatible deadbolt |
| Zigbee access | Hub connection required | Smart-home routines |
Pro Tip: Confirm your Zigbee hub supports the lock before removing any door hardware. A compatible hub is central to remote access and smart routines.
For terminology that often causes confusion, a smart lock bridge explanation can help separate the lock itself from the network equipment that connects it to your home system.
Expert Examined
From Ray Okafor
I keep seeing smart-lock plans fail because the door hardware is treated as an afterthought. I would first check the existing deadbolt dimensions and the available Zigbee hub, then decide whether keeping the exterior hardware is important.
Read more about Ray OkaforPlan for Entry, Locking, and Batteries
The 914 focuses on local keypad entry, with illuminated buttons and up to 30 custom codes for family, friends, or a dog walker. Its automatic locking can be set for 30 seconds after entry or exit, and four AA batteries are specified to last 12 months or longer.
The Convert emphasizes remote control and monitoring through a supporting Zigbee smart home system. Because it changes the interior portion of the lock, you should pay close attention to how your current deadbolt operates before relying on remote locking or notifications.
Automatic locking is convenient, but it deserves a routine that fits your household. Read these practical steps for resetting a smart lock before installation so you know where recovery procedures fit into your maintenance plan.
Which Kwikset Fits Your Door
I would point you to the Kwikset 914 Contemporary Keypad SmartCode if you want a complete keypad deadbolt with illuminated entry, one-touch locking, automatic locking after 30 seconds, and up to 30 user codes. It is the clearer choice for a door where replacing the existing deadbolt is acceptable and a straightforward screwdriver installation is preferred.
I would choose the Kwikset Convert Zigbee 3.0 Electronic Smart Lock for a household that wants to keep its existing exterior deadbolt hardware. It makes the most sense when your current lock is compatible after measuring the backset, cross bore, and thickness, and when your smart-home system matches one of its listed Zigbee platforms.
For either household, I would confirm the hub connection before buying. The 914 suits users prioritizing keypad codes and a complete lock replacement, while the Convert suits users prioritizing remote control, status checks, and notifications through a supporting Zigbee system.
The Bottom Line
The mistake most buyers make is treating every Zigbee lock as a drop-in replacement. The 914 replaces the deadbolt with a keypad-equipped unit, while the Convert replaces only the interior portion and depends more heavily on existing hardware measurements.
If you do one thing first, measure the door and identify the Zigbee hub you will use. Then choose the complete 914 for new keypad hardware or the Convert when preserving the exterior lock is the priority.
FAQs
Should I choose a complete deadbolt or a conversion kit?
A complete deadbolt such as the Kwikset 914 replaces the existing deadbolt and adds an illuminated keypad. The Kwikset Convert changes the interior portion, which may suit a compatible door where keeping the exterior hardware matters.
What door measurements matter for the Kwikset Convert?
Measure the backset, cross bore, and door thickness before choosing the conversion kit. These measurements help confirm that the existing deadbolt and door can accept the interior replacement.
How are the battery needs different?
The Kwikset 914 uses four AA batteries and specifies 12 months or longer of battery life. The provided product information does not state a battery format or lifespan for the Convert, so check its instructions before planning maintenance.
Is Zigbee a safety certification?
No. Zigbee is a wireless smart-home technology and connection requirement, not a safety certification. A lock still needs a compatible Zigbee hub or panel for the stated remote features and routines.
For broader home-safety information about locks and access equipment, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission provides consumer guidance and safety notices.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov
- UL Solutions www.ul.com