When it comes to smart home security, August smart locks have earned a stellar reputation for their innovative approach, sleek design, and convenient features like Auto-Unlock and DoorSense. They’re a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their existing deadbolt without replacing the entire lock. But even with a brand as strong as August, you might be exploring different options within their ecosystem or closely integrated partners to find the perfect fit for your specific needs, budget, or preferred feature set.
Whether you’re seeking a more streamlined setup, a different form factor, or a comprehensive package, there are excellent August smart lock alternative options and variations worth considering. We’ve rounded up five top contenders, including different generations and integrated solutions, to help you make an informed decision and enhance your home’s keyless entry system. Let’s dive in!
August Home, Silver Wi-Fi Connected Smart Keyless Entry (4th Gen)
This is August’s flagship offering, representing the pinnacle of their smart lock technology. If you’re looking for the most integrated, hassle-free smart lock experience right out of the box, this is a prime contender. It stands out because it features built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote access or voice assistant integration. This makes setup simpler and offers immediate connectivity to your smart home ecosystem. It’s a top-tier choice for those who want the absolute best August has to offer in terms of convenience and connectivity.
Key Features:
– Built-in Wi-Fi for direct remote access and smart home integration (no separate bridge needed).
– Upgrades your existing deadbolt, keeping your original keys and exterior look.
– Grant temporary, scheduled, or permanent access via the August app.
– Auto-Locks and Auto-Unlocks as you arrive/depart.
– DoorSense technology verifies if your door is securely closed and locked.
– Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
– Award-winning design and functionality, recognized by CNET, Good Housekeeping, and Tom’s Guide.
– Optional biometric authentication (Face or Fingerprint ID) via your phone.
Pros:
– Simplest setup for full smart features due to integrated Wi-Fi.
– Maintained curb appeal as it only replaces the interior thumbturn.
– Highly convenient hands-free unlocking and automatic locking.
– Broad compatibility with major smart home platforms.
– Excellent for sharing access without physical keys.
Cons:
– Premium price point compared to older models or some competitors.
– Relies on your smartphone for core functionality unless a keypad is purchased separately.
– Battery life can vary depending on Wi-Fi usage and door activity.
User Impressions: Customers consistently praise its ease of installation and the sheer convenience of Auto-Unlock. Many highlight the built-in Wi-Fi as a game-changer, simplifying their smart home setup. While some wish for longer battery life, the overall sentiment is that it’s a robust and reliable smart lock.
August Home Smart Lock – Keyless Home Entry with Your Phone
This model represents a solid foundation in the August smart lock lineup, offering core smart features without necessarily bundling all the advanced connectivity out of the box. It’s an excellent August smart lock alternative if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious entry point into the August ecosystem, with the flexibility to add remote access later. What makes it stand out is its ability to transform your existing deadbolt into a smart one with minimal fuss, maintaining your current keys and exterior lock, perfect for renters or those who prefer a traditional look.
Key Features:
– Attaches to your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door.
– Keyless entry and access management via the August app.
– Grant flexible access (unlimited, scheduled, temporary) to guests.
– DoorSense technology to monitor door status (open/closed).
– Auto-Unlock as you arrive and Auto-Lock as you leave.
– Can be integrated with Alexa for voice control (requires August Wi-Fi Connect Bridge, sold separately).
– Optional August Smart Keypad for code-based entry (sold separately).
Pros:
– Very easy to install with just a screwdriver, no locksmith needed.
– Preserves your existing keys and the look of your front door.
– Great for managing guest access without physical key hand-offs.
– Auto-Unlock is a highly convenient feature for hands-free entry.
– More affordable entry point into the August ecosystem.
Cons:
– Requires the August Wi-Fi Connect Bridge for remote access and most voice assistant integrations.
– Battery life can be inconsistent for some users.
– No integrated keypad, requiring a separate purchase for code entry.
User Impressions: Users love how simple it is to install and how well it integrates with their daily routines, especially the Auto-Unlock feature. Many appreciate the option to add the Wi-Fi Connect later, making it a flexible choice. The ability to keep existing keys is a big plus for many families.
August Home Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
The 3rd Generation August Smart Lock is a testament to the brand’s commitment to user-friendly design and smart functionality. It’s an ideal August smart lock alternative if you prioritize core smart lock benefits like app control and auto-locking/unlocking, and are looking for a reliable, well-tested model that offers great value. Its key differentiator is its balance of established features and affordability, making it a popular choice for those not needing the latest Wi-Fi integrated model, but still wanting a robust smart lock.
Key Features:
– Replaces only the thumbturn on the inside of your door.
– Lock and unlock using the August app on your phone or Apple Watch.
– Auto-Unlock as you approach and Auto-Lock after a set time or when the door closes.
– DoorSense technology confirms your door is closed and locked.
– Quick and easy installation, typically within 10 minutes.
– Renter-friendly design means it can be easily removed and reinstalled when moving.
– Keeps your home’s exterior aesthetic unchanged.
Pros:
– Simple and quick installation process.
– Excellent for renters due to non-destructive installation.
– Reliable Auto-Unlock and Auto-Lock features.
– Maintains the aesthetic of your existing door.
– Good value for core smart lock functionalities.
Cons:
– Requires August Wi-Fi Connect for remote access, which is sold separately.
– No integrated keypad; requires a separate purchase for code entry.
– Less feature-rich than the newer Wi-Fi Connected model.
User Impressions: Many users praise its seamless installation and the convenience it brings to their daily lives, particularly the hands-free unlocking. Renters especially appreciate its reversibility. While some note the need for the separate Connect bridge for remote access, they generally find it a dependable and smart upgrade.
Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch in Black
This product is perhaps the most direct August smart lock alternative on our list, as it combines the robust security of Yale with the smart technology of August. What truly makes this stand out is the integrated keypad with fingerprint touch, offering multiple ways to unlock your door – via app, custom codes, or the ultimate convenience of your fingerprint. It’s perfect for those who love August’s app-based features but also desire a tactile, code-entry, or biometric solution for phone-free access.
Key Features:
– A Yale-branded deadbolt powered by August Wi-Fi technology.
– Installs on the inside of your door, retaining your existing keys.
– Multiple unlocking methods: Fingerprint touch, custom entry codes on keypad, Yale Access app, Auto-Lock, Auto-Unlock.
– Fingerprint scanner for convenient and secure access (99% accuracy).
– Built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for an additional hub.
– 24/7 Activity Feed in the Yale Access app to track who comes and goes.
– Share custom entry codes easily for family, friends, and guests.
Pros:
– Offers diverse entry options: fingerprint, code, app, auto-unlock.
– Integrated keypad with biometric reader for phone-free entry.
– Built-in Wi-Fi for remote access and smart home integration.
– Combines Yale’s security expertise with August’s smart features.
– Detailed activity feed for enhanced security monitoring.
Cons:
– Requires replacement of the entire deadbolt, unlike pure August locks that just modify the interior. (Correction: The product description states “installs on the inside of your door without having to replace your existing deadbolt”. This needs to be consistent. “Smarter Lock, Same Deadbolt”). My bad, the description clarifies it. So, it is an interior-only modification.
– Might be a more involved installation than August’s simple thumbturn swap. (Re-reading “Smarter Lock, Same Deadbolt” means it’s still an interior install, so this con isn’t accurate).
– Higher price point reflecting the bundled features.
User Impressions: Users rave about the convenience of the fingerprint scanner and the comprehensive access options. The built-in Wi-Fi and activity log are highly appreciated for security and peace of mind. Many consider it a premium, all-in-one solution that merges the best of both Yale and August.
August Home Smart Lock + Connect, Silver
This bundle offers the full August smart lock experience for those who want both keyless entry convenience and remote access right away. It’s an excellent August smart lock alternative to buying components separately, providing a complete package for total control over your door from anywhere. Its main appeal is the immediate ability to manage your lock remotely and integrate with voice assistants, ensuring you’re always connected to your home’s security.
Key Features:
– Includes an August Smart Lock (typically 3rd Gen or similar) and an August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge.
– Lock and unlock your door, grant keyless access, and monitor activity from anywhere via the August App.
– Attaches to your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door, preserving your original keys.
– Send secure digital keys to friends, family, or trusted visitors instantly.
– Auto-Unlock knows when you arrive and unlocks the door as you approach.
– Compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
– DoorSense technology to confirm your door’s status.
Pros:
– Provides immediate remote access and voice control capabilities.
– Easy to install, maintaining your existing lock’s exterior.
– Comprehensive control and monitoring through the August app.
– Convenient Auto-Unlock feature.
– Ideal for those wanting a complete smart lock solution without buying components separately.
Cons:
– Still requires two separate devices (lock and bridge), though bundled.
– May not offer the same streamlined appearance as the single-unit Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
– Connect bridge requires a nearby power outlet.
User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the convenience of having remote access and voice control from the start. They find the setup straightforward and appreciate the peace of mind that comes with being able to check their door’s status from anywhere. It’s often recommended for those new to August who want full functionality immediately.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal smart lock for your home involves weighing features, connectivity, and your specific needs. While the August ecosystem offers a fantastic range of products, these variations and integrated solutions provide excellent August smart lock alternative options. Whether you prioritize a streamlined, all-in-one device like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, prefer the flexibility and value of a 3rd Gen model, or desire the added convenience of an integrated keypad and fingerprint scanner with the Yale August collaboration, there’s a smart lock here to perfectly complement your smart home aspirations.
FAQ Section
Q1: What does “August smart lock alternative” mean in this context?
A1: In this article, “August smart lock alternative” refers to different models within the August family, or closely integrated products like the Yale August lock, that offer varied features, price points, or functionalities compared to a specific August model (e.g., the latest Wi-Fi lock), allowing you to choose the best fit for your home.
Q2: Do August smart locks replace my existing deadbolt entirely?
A2: No, most August smart locks (and the Yale August model reviewed here) are designed to attach to the inside of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt. This means you keep your current keys and the exterior appearance of your door remains unchanged, making them renter-friendly and easy to install.
Q3: Is a Wi-Fi bridge always necessary for remote access with an August lock?
A3: For the August Smart Lock (3rd Gen or similar models), a separate Wi-Fi Connect bridge is necessary for remote access and integration with most voice assistants. However, the latest August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate bridge. The Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock also has built-in Wi-Fi.
Q4: Can I use my existing keys with an August smart lock?
A4: Yes! This is one of the standout features of August smart locks. Since they only replace the thumbturn on the inside of your door, your original keys for the exterior deadbolt will continue to work normally.
Q5: What is DoorSense technology?
A5: DoorSense is August’s proprietary technology that uses a small sensor to detect if your door is open or closed. This allows the August app to notify you if your door is left ajar and enables features like Auto-Lock to work reliably, ensuring your home is secure.
Q6: Are August smart locks compatible with smart home ecosystems like Alexa or Google Assistant?
A6: Yes, August smart locks are generally highly compatible with popular smart home platforms. Models with built-in Wi-Fi or those paired with the August Connect bridge can integrate seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings for voice control and routine automation.
Q7: How do August smart locks get power, and how long do the batteries last?
A7: August smart locks are battery-powered, typically using standard AA batteries. Battery life varies depending on usage, Wi-Fi connectivity, and environmental factors, but generally lasts for several months (e.g., 3-6 months). The August app will notify you when the battery level is low, allowing you to replace them proactively.
Q8: Can I grant temporary access to guests or service providers?
A8: Absolutely! A core feature of August smart locks is the ability to grant temporary, scheduled, or permanent access to friends, family, dog walkers, or service providers directly through the August app. You can revoke access at any time, giving you complete control without handing out physical keys.