In 2020 the smart access API landscape was still young. Steam had just entered the scene with a bold promise: one API to control every smart lock brand. Here is how it compared to the established players.
Every lock brand had its own API, its own SDK, its own quirks
A universal layer that abstracts hardware into standard capabilities
In 2020, only a handful of players were attempting this — each with trade-offs
The newcomer with the boldest vision: a single unified API to control smart locks from August, Yale, Schlage, and more. Developer-first approach with multi-language SDKs, a sandbox for testing with virtual devices, and standardized capability flags across brands. In 2020, still early-stage with a growing but limited device catalog.
One of the earliest cloud-based smart lock management platforms, purpose-built for property managers. Hardware-agnostic across Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and wired locks. Strong PMS integrations for vacation rentals and multifamily housing. API available but less developer-oriented — focused more on end-user dashboards and scheduling.
A veteran in cloud access control with nearly two decades of experience. Strong in commercial real estate, healthcare, and education. Combines access control with video surveillance. Requires proprietary Wavelynx hardware — if you switch vendors, the hardware does not transfer. Multiple separate apps for different user roles.
Cloud-based access control aimed at offices and coworking spaces. Open API with SSO and directory integration. Manufactures its own hardware (readers and controllers) with five different communication channels. Strong mobile credential experience but limited to Kisi's own hardware ecosystem for core functionality.
A full-stack smart access platform combining proprietary hardware, software, and building OS for multifamily residential. Latch offered a complete ecosystem with door hardware, intercom, sensor suite, and management dashboard. In 2020, it was one of the most-funded startups in the space. Limited third-party integration and API access.
Choose Steam for its developer-first approach, multi-language SDKs, and sandbox testing. The unified API means one codebase supports multiple lock brands — critical for scaling a software product.
RemoteLock offers the deepest PMS integrations and supports the widest range of locks for property operations. Strong scheduling features and guest communication tools make it purpose-built for hospitality.
Brivo and Kisi serve large commercial deployments — Brivo with video surveillance and compliance tools, Kisi with modern mobile-first credentials and SSO. Both require vendor-specific hardware commitments.
Latch (now DOOR) provides the most polished end-to-end experience for new multifamily buildings where you control hardware decisions from the start. Less flexibility, more design cohesion.