Kwikset 910 vs 914 | The Subtle Differences

Kwikset offers a myriad of smart lock options, with each having its own unique features tailored to suit different lifestyles and preferences.

Among the pool of choices, a few locks contend against each other despite the striking similarity in their functions. Two such smart locks are the Kwikset 910 and 914, which share nearly identical features, making it difficult to choose between the two.

Moving forward, we’ll explore what makes one outshine the other. Is it the price, the battery life, or some simple design upgrades?

Let’s find out!

Table of Contents

Key Features

Kwikset 910 and 914 are traditional electronic deadbolts with a couple of similarities and only a few standout features. Let’s have a quick look at the key features before we get into the details:

Specifications	Kwikset 910	Kwikset 914
Keyless Entry	✅	✅
Door Compatibility	All standard doors (1-⅜” to 2”)	All standard doors (1-⅜” to 2”)
User Codes	Up to 30	Up to 30
Safety Certificate	ANSI/BHMA Grade 2	ANSI/BHMA Grade 2
Re-Key Technology	✅	✅

Keyless Entry

Both Kwikset 910 and 914 are smart deadbolts great for those looking to get rid of the traditional lock and key door unlocking method.

Since these locks support a keyless entry, you can use personalized codes to enter your home and forget the hassle of keeping your keys in place.

Design and Build Quality

Kwikset 910 and 914 are both electronic deadbolts with a compact and versatile construction that fits most standard doors.

You’ll find a traditional keyhole on their exterior as a backup entry method and a turn piece on the interior to support the locking mechanism.

One of the differences you will see is the number of keys on the Kwikset 910 vs 914—the 910 features 5 keys on its exterior, with each key representing two digits. The 914, on the contrary, offers a more convenient 10 digit keypad, giving it a slight edge over its counterpart.

Apart from that, there’s only a slight difference in the size of these deadbolts. Both of them have a solid metal construction otherwise and offer options in several gorgeous finishes as well.

Connectivity

These smart deadbolts support Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Z-Wave Plus technology. You can choose one depending on your preferences.

You can also connect them to popular smart home systems, including Alexa, Smartthings, and Wink, to enable wireless communication across all your smart systems.

All in all, both of them offer reliable remote access and control over your home locking system.

Automatic Door Lock

Like most smart locks, the 910 and 914 also offer the automatic door locking feature. With these locks installed, you never have to worry about locking your door because, after 30 seconds of inactivity, the door is automatically locked.

The bad news is the lack of flexibility in timer modification. The auto lock is so quick that it’ll have you running back to your front door even if you step outside for a chore as little as grabbing the mail.

The good news, however, is that you can disable the auto lock if you find it a bit too swift – which, honestly, it is.

Multiple User Codes

Both smart locks offer the flexibility of setting up 30 user codes, allowing you to assign a temporary code to anyone you want and delete it when you no longer want them to have access to your home.

These user codes can be especially helpful in granting access to your guests or service providers while you’re away.

Power Source

Kwikset 910 and 914 are powered by 4 AA batteries, making them a plug-and-play sort of system. These locks do not require additional wiring and fit into existing door preparations seamlessly.

Now given the similarity in their functions and performance, you’d expect a similar battery life from both of them. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. As per customer reviews, the 910 has several battery drainage issues and lasts around 6 to 8 weeks at best.

The Kwikset 914, in contrast, outperforms the 910, with its battery lasting well even after 6 months of use. So clearly, you know who’s the winner here!

Accessibility

With the 910 and 914, you can have remote access to the lock of your home, allowing you to easily check the status of your lock away from home.

Not only that, but you can also lock or unlock the door remotely and never worry about accidentally leaving the door unlocked behind you.

However, you’ll have to install a third-party smart home controller to enjoy these perks, which isn’t a problem, by the way, as it takes only a few minutes to set this system up.

Installation

You’ll have to replace the existing deadbolt in your door to install either of these smart locks. But don’t worry; the installation is fairly easy and a complete DIY project you can do with a tool as simple as a screwdriver.

By following the instructions in the manual, you’ll have the smart locks installed in your door in under 15 minutes.

Price Comparison

Despite sharing nearly identical features and performance, the considerable price gap is quite a surprise. The Kwikset 914 retails for around twice the price of 910 with Z-wave technology. You can check the updated price by clicking on the image below:

Except for the keypad upgrade and improvements in battery life, the 910 and 914 are pretty similar. The question is: Does the stellar battery life of the 914 make the additional 100 bucks worth it? If the answer is no, you can go ahead and buy the Kwikset 910 and it would not be a bad decision either.

To be clear, both of them advertise a 12 month battery life, but only the 914 lives up to its claim. And frankly, it seems unfair to have to pay a premium to get what the company advertises.

However, if you’re looking for a lock that doesn’t go dead after a few days or weeks then, sure, the additional hundred bucks are worth it!

Kwikset 910 vs 914: Which is the Better Option?

While there’s not much of a difference in the features of the Kwikset 910 and 914, the battery life of the 910 seems to have turned out as a deal breaker for many.

Still, it can be a reliable choice for people with limited active use of the door lock and its smart functions.

The Kwikset 914, on the contrary, boasts an impressive battery life, an upgraded keypad, and a sleek contemporary metal design, helping it emerge as a winner in this face-off. However, depending on your preferences and requirements, your choice can be different!