The Yale Smart Safe was introduced at this year’s CES as an innovative solution for protecting valuables in homes, offices and vacation rentals.
After testing it for several weeks, here is the review with its features, functions, security and ease of use, as well as its possible applications in different contexts.
Video with the main features
Before continuing, I invite you to watch the video that we have made with the characteristics of the safe and the management from the Yale app:
Features and functions
Connectivity and control
As you have seen in the video, the Yale smart safe connects to the Yale Access app, allowing users to control and monitor their devices from the palm of their hand. Through this application, it is possible:
- Lock and unlock the safe
- Sharing access codes with other people
- Remotely monitor each input
Integration with voice assistants
The safe is also compatible with voice assistants such as Google Assistant, HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, allowing users to open the safe hands-free and control it with simple voice commands.
Security and smart alerts
The safe has several security features, including:
- DoorSense: a sensor that indicates if the door is closed properly
- Smart Alerts – Allows permanent or temporary safe access to be shared with trusted individuals via the Yale Access app
- Activity history: 24/7 activity log to check who accessed the safe and when
- Encryption: uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, AES and TLS encryption, ensuring bank-grade security for data
- Authentication: tracking connections to the vault
- Lost mobile: possibility of deactivating the Yale Access application and all virtual accesses in case of loss of the phone
The smart safe’s alarm will go off after 5 incorrect entry attempts and lock for 5 minutes to prevent unwanted visitors.
design and construction
The Yale smart safe has an elegant and modern design in black, with a weight of 12.10 kg. It is built with high-quality materials and has a secure door that prevents the use of tools to open it. The locking mechanism includes two anti-saw locking bolts for added security, also shown in the video.
Installation and configuration
The safe comes with plugs and screws to facilitate its mounting on the wall or the floor, depending on the user’s needs. Setup is easy, just download the Yale Access app and follow the steps provided. It connects via Bluetooth and is added as a new device within the app.
Access and unlock options
The Yale smart safe allows various access and unlocking options:
- built-in keyboard
- physical key
- Yale Access app on smartphones or Apple Watch
- voice assistants
Should the internal batteries run out, a 9V battery can be used for quick keyboard access.
lighting and storage
The safe has an interior light and a removable shelf, facilitating the visibility and organization of the contents.
Applications and uses
home and office
The Yale Smart Safe is ideal for home and office use, allowing you to store and protect valuables such as jewelry, important documents, and electronic devices. Connectivity with the Yale Access app and integration with voice assistants provide an additional level of convenience and security. By being able to manage the opening in various ways, being able to change access codes and verify the history of openings, we can quickly identify access to its interior.
vacation rentals
For vacation rental owners, the Yale Smart Safe is a perfect choice. It allows guests to provide a secure place to store travel documents, passports, money, jewelry or expensive electronics while on vacation. The function of sharing temporary access codes makes it easier to manage access to the safe, and as you have seen in the video, we can do it in various ways, including an expiration date or recurring access.
Personal opinion
The cost of 289 euros on the yalehome.es website is perfectly justified, since there are many functions offered in a very high quality material. I recommend, yes, always embed it in the wall, since it is easy to lift. A thief could easily carry the box in his arms, and have time to open it far from the scene of the crime.
