Kwikset is a leading brand when it comes to keyless entry and electronic door locks. Two of their most popular smart lock models are the 955 and 917.
Both offer keyless entry via a keypad or smartphone app, but they have some key differences. This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and FAQs to help you decide which Kwikset smart lock is best suited for your home.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Kwikset 955 | Kwikset 917 |
| Installation | Exterior only | Interior or exterior |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth only | WiFi/Bluetooth combo |
| Smart home integration | Basic Alexa/Google support | Advanced integration options |
| User codes | 30 codes | 100+ codes |
| Alerts | Tamper alerts | Activity alerts and notifications |
| Battery type | 4 AA batteries | Rechargeable battery pack |
| Battery life | Around 1 year | 6-12 months per charge |
| Finish options | Venetian bronze, satin nickel | Satin nickel, polished brass |
| Warranty | Lifetime mechanical & finish | Lifetime mechanical & finish |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Overview of the Kwikset 955
The Kwikset 955 is a versatile and affordable Bluetooth-enabled smart lock. Key features include:
- Exterior mount installation
- Uses 4 AA batteries
- 30 user code capacity
- Auto-lock and tamper alert
- Basic app functions like monitoring and eKeys
- Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
- Available finishes: Venetian Bronze, Satin Nickel
- Lifetime warranty on mechanical parts and finish
This model has a simple keypad and lever handle design. It is fairly easy to install, program, and use even without relying heavily on the app features.
The batteries tend to last around 1 year before needing replacement. Overall, the 955 hits a nice balance between smart convenience and basic keyless entry at an affordable price point.
Overview of the Kwikset 917
The Kwikset 917 is a more advanced WiFi-enabled smart lock. Key features include:
- Interior or exterior mounting
- Uses a rechargeable battery pack
- 100+ user code capacity
- Activity alerts and notifications
- Advanced app controls and automation
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Ring, IFTTT
- Available finishes: Satin Nickel, Polished Brass
- Lifetime mechanical and finish warranty
This model has a sleeker touchscreen keypad and lever/knob options. It connects directly to your home WiFi network for more robust app features and integration. The lock provides real-time activity tracking and customizable alerts.
Installation is easy but optimizing performance takes more tweaking of settings. Overall, the 917 is ideal if you want expanded smart home capabilities beyond basic keyless entry.
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Key Differences Between Kwikset 955 and 917
While both locks offer convenient keypad and app access, there are some notable differences:
- Installation
Let’s begin with installation. The 955 is designed for exterior-mount use, which means it’s primarily intended for securing the entry doors of your home. On the other hand, the 917 offers more versatility as it can be installed indoors or outdoors.
This flexibility can be a significant advantage if you’re replacing an existing deadbolt or if you want to secure an interior door, such as a home office or a room with valuable belongings.
- Connectivity
Connectivity is a critical aspect of smart locks, determining how you can interact with your lock remotely.
The 955 relies solely on Bluetooth for connectivity, allowing you to connect directly to the lock from your smartphone when you’re within Bluetooth range. In contrast, the 917 goes a step further by offering both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity options.
With WiFi capability, the 917 can communicate over your home network, enabling more advanced features.
This means you can control and monitor your lock even when you’re away from home, providing added convenience and security. The WiFi connectivity also facilitates firmware updates and remote troubleshooting, ensuring your lock stays up-to-date and functional.
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- Smart Home Integration
The ability to integrate your smart lock with other smart home devices can enhance your overall home automation experience. Both the 955 and 917 support integration with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for basic voice commands such as locking and unlocking the door.
However, the 917 takes smart home integration to the next level. In addition to Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, it also works natively with Ring and IFTTT (If This Then That).
This expanded compatibility opens up a world of possibilities, enabling you to create custom automation routines and trigger actions based on lock events.
For example, you can set up IFTTT applets to have your smart lights turn on when the 917 lock is unlocked, further enhancing your home security and convenience.
- User Codes
The number of user codes a smart lock can support is a crucial consideration, especially if you have a large household or frequently need to grant access to guests or service providers. The 955 offers support for up to 30 user codes, which should suffice for most households.
In contrast, the 917 shines in this department. It can conveniently store 100 or more user codes directly within the accompanying mobile app.
This extensive capacity makes it easier to assign unique access codes to family members, friends, dog walkers, house cleaners, and anyone else who requires entry.
The ability to manage a larger number of user codes without hassle can be a significant advantage, particularly for households with multiple occupants or frequent visitors.
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- Alerts & Notifications
Knowing what’s happening with your smart lock in real-time is a key element of home security. The 955 provides basic security alerts, primarily focused on potential tampering. While this can be helpful, it offers limited activity tracking and notification capabilities.
The 917 takes a proactive approach to keep you informed about your lock’s status. It sends real-time alerts for various events, including lock/unlock activities, low battery warnings, and access attempts.
This comprehensive notification system ensures that you’re always in the know about who is entering or exiting your home and when, enhancing your sense of security and control.
- Battery
Battery life is a crucial aspect of smart locks, as you want a lock that won’t leave you locked out unexpectedly. The 955 operates on four replaceable AA batteries, providing a battery life of approximately one year or more, depending on usage.
In contrast, the 917 boasts a built-in rechargeable battery pack. This battery can last between six to twelve months on a single full charge, depending on your usage patterns. The advantage here is twofold.
First, you won’t need to regularly purchase and replace disposable batteries, reducing long-term costs and environmental impact. Second, the convenience of a rechargeable battery ensures that your lock remains operational without interruption, provided you periodically recharge it.
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- Finishes
Aesthetics matter when it comes to door hardware. Both the 955 and 917 smart locks offer finishes that can complement your home’s decor. The 955 comes in a stylish Satin Nickel finish, and it also offers a Venetian Bronze option for those looking to match their door hardware to a specific style.
The 917, meanwhile, provides even more finish options. In addition to Satin Nickel, it offers a Polished Brass finish, giving you greater flexibility to choose a finish that seamlessly blends with your door and surroundings. This broader range of finishes ensures that you can achieve the desired look and feel for your home’s entryway.
- Price
Finally, let’s talk about pricing. The cost of a smart lock is a significant factor for many consumers. The 955 typically falls in the range of $50 to $100 cheaper than the 917.
While the 917 may have a higher upfront cost, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits it offers, such as the rechargeable battery and advanced features.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For most homeowners, the Kwikset 955 hits the sweet spot between affordability, convenience, and simplicity. But those wanting robust smart home integration, flexible installation, and battery convenience should consider the 917 despite the higher price.
The Kwikset 917 uses secure SmartCode technology for its keypad programing and wireless encryption. This prevents hacking of the user codes and ensures the 917 remains secure.
The 955 runs on 4 AA batteries, so high-quality lithium or alkaline batteries are recommended for longest life. The 917 has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that charges via Micro USB.
Use the Kwikset app and follow the on-screen prompts: Create a master user code. Register each additional user code with a name. Set Auto-Lock timing and alerts/notifications. Add the lock to Alexa, Google Home, etc. if desired.
Also Read: Choose Between Schlage Camelot And Century Smart Locks.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Kwikset 955 and 917 both provide convenient, keyless entry. The 955 is simple and budget-friendly while the 917 offers advanced smart home integration.
When choosing, consider your budget, desired features, installation location, and aesthetic preferences. Both locks deliver secure, keypad-enabled access but the 917 takes it to the next level for whole-home automation.