Stepping into the world of smart home security can feel a bit overwhelming, but when it comes to smart locks, August has truly carved out a name for itself. Known for their user-friendly design and robust features, August smart locks offer a fantastic blend of convenience and peace of mind. If you’re diving into smart home security, an August smart lock comparison is likely at the top of your list.
What makes August stand out? They often allow you to keep your existing deadbolt and keys, making them a “renter-friendly” option or just a simpler upgrade for homeowners. You get keyless entry, remote access, guest management, and sometimes even voice control – all designed to make your daily life smoother.
But with several August models and Yale partnerships available, how do you pick the right one? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you. In this comprehensive August smart lock comparison, we’re breaking down seven top contenders, highlighting their unique features, pros, and cons, and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your home and lifestyle. Let’s unlock the possibilities!
Understanding August Smart Locks
Before we jump into the individual reviews, it’s good to know the core philosophy behind August locks. Most August models are designed to replace only the interior thumbturn of your existing deadbolt. This means the exterior of your door remains unchanged, maintaining your home’s curb appeal, and you can still use your traditional keys if you ever need to. This unique approach is a big reason why many homeowners and renters choose August for their smart access needs.
The Top 7 August Smart Locks & Accessories Reviewed
Let’s dive into our detailed August smart lock comparison and see what each product brings to the table.
August Home, Silver Wi-Fi Connected Smart Keyless Entry…
This August Smart Lock is a true game-changer for those seeking seamless smart home integration without adding extra hubs. What makes it shine is its built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for remote access and voice control right out of the box, no additional bridge required. It beautifully integrates with popular smart home ecosystems like Alexa and Google Assistant, making it incredibly convenient to manage your door from anywhere. It’s also celebrated for its auto-unlock feature, which genuinely feels like magic when your arms are full of groceries.
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Key Features:
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote access and voice control (no separate bridge needed)
- Auto-Unlock and Auto-Lock with DoorSense technology
- Grant permanent, scheduled, or temporary access via the August app
- Easy installation on the inside of your existing deadbolt
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings
- Maintains existing keys and exterior look of the door
- Optional biometric recognition for two-factor authentication
- Award-winning design and functionality (CNET Editor’s Choice, Good Housekeeping, Tom’s Guide)
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Pros:
- No separate Wi-Fi bridge needed, reducing clutter and cost
- Seamless smart home integration with major platforms
- Auto-Unlock is highly convenient for hands-free entry
- Maintains the exterior aesthetic of your door
- Reliable DoorSense for peace of mind about door status
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Cons:
- Battery life might be shorter due to constant Wi-Fi connectivity
- Requires a strong Wi-Fi signal near the door
- Premium price point compared to non-Wi-Fi models
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User Impressions: Users rave about the convenience of the built-in Wi-Fi and the reliable auto-unlock feature. Many appreciate not needing a separate bridge, simplifying setup. While some note battery drain, the overall consensus is that the smart features and ease of use are well worth it.
August Home Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
The August Smart Lock 3rd Generation offers the core August experience, making it a fantastic entry point into smart home access. It’s perfect for those who want the essential smart lock features without the bells and whistles of integrated Wi-Fi (though it can be added with a separate bridge). Its standout feature is its simplicity and “renter-friendly” design, allowing easy installation and removal without altering your door’s exterior or existing deadbolt, making it ideal for apartments or temporary living situations.
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Key Features:
- Replaces interior thumbturn of existing deadbolt
- Lock and unlock with the August app on phone or Apple Watch
- Auto-Unlock and Auto-Lock with DoorSense (optional)
- Easy 10-minute installation with just a screwdriver
- Maintains existing keys and exterior look of the door
- Renter-friendly: easily removable when you move
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Pros:
- Affordable entry point into the August ecosystem
- Extremely easy and quick installation
- Perfect for renters as it doesn’t modify the door permanently
- Retains the ability to use your traditional keys
- Reliable core smart lock features like auto-unlock
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Cons:
- Requires an August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge (sold separately) for remote access/voice control
- No built-in Wi-Fi limits its out-of-the-box smart home integration
- Bluetooth range can be a limiting factor for app control when nearby
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User Impressions: Customers love its straightforward installation and the convenience it brings without needing to change their existing locks. Renters particularly appreciate its non-invasive nature. While many recommend adding the Wi-Fi bridge for full functionality, they find the basic features highly effective.
August Home Smart Lock – Keyless Home Entry with Your…
This August Smart Lock is an excellent choice for those who are already integrated into the Amazon Alexa ecosystem or plan to be. Its key differentiator lies in its strong emphasis on Alexa compatibility, enabling voice commands for locking, unlocking, and checking lock status. While it requires an August Wi-Fi Connect Bridge for remote access and Alexa features, it’s designed to seamlessly blend into a smart home focused on voice control and convenient, hands-free operation.
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Key Features:
- Alexa integration for voice control (lock, unlock, status, battery notifications)
- Attaches to existing deadbolt on the inside of the door
- Grant unlimited or time-limited access to guests via the August app
- DoorSense feature confirms if your door is securely closed or open
- Auto-unlock as you arrive and timed Auto-Lock
- Requires August Wi-Fi Connect Bridge (sold separately) for remote access/Alexa
- Compatible with August Smart Keypad (sold separately) for code entry
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Pros:
- Excellent Alexa integration for voice control convenience
- Maintains existing keys and exterior aesthetics
- DoorSense offers valuable security insight
- Flexible guest access management
- Simple installation on the inside of the door
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Cons:
- Remote access and Alexa features require a separate Wi-Fi bridge
- Not as “all-in-one” as the built-in Wi-Fi models
- Requires 4 AA batteries, which need periodic replacement
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User Impressions: Users highlight the seamless integration with Alexa as a major plus, making their daily routines much smoother. They appreciate the ability to manage access remotely once the bridge is added, calling it a reliable upgrade for home security.
Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch in Silver
This Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock combines the trusted security of Yale with the smart features of August, adding a significant layer of convenience with its integrated Keypad Touch and fingerprint recognition. What truly sets this lock apart is the ability to unlock your door with a simple fingerprint scan, providing unparalleled key-free access and making fumbling for keys or phones a thing of the past. It’s a premium offering that aims for ultimate accessibility and peace of mind, all while retaining your existing deadbolt.
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Key Features:
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote access (no additional hub needed)
- Keypad Touch with integrated fingerprint scanner for unique entry
- Unlock with fingerprint, custom entry codes, Auto-Unlock, or Yale Access app
- Installs on the inside of your door, keeping your existing deadbolt and keys
- 24/7 Activity Feed in the Yale Access app for monitoring
- Yale Access app compatible with existing August Home accounts
- Includes everything needed for phone-free, key-free entry out of the box
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Pros:
- Fingerprint unlocking is incredibly convenient and secure
- Built-in Wi-Fi simplifies remote access and smart home integration
- Multiple entry options (fingerprint, code, app, auto-unlock)
- Maintains existing keys for backup
- Comprehensive activity logging for security monitoring
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Cons:
- Higher price point due to advanced features
- Keypad requires mounting within Bluetooth range, adding another component
- Fingerprint recognition reliability can be affected by dirt/moisture
- Not suitable for doors that already have a keypad on the outside
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User Impressions: Customers are absolutely thrilled with the fingerprint unlock feature, calling it a “game-changer” for quick and secure entry. The built-in Wi-Fi is also highly praised for its simplicity. While it’s an investment, users feel the added convenience and security justify the cost.
August Home Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Remote Access, Alexa…
While not a lock itself, the August Home Connect Wi-Fi Bridge is an absolutely essential accessory for many August Smart Locks (like the 3rd Gen model) if you want to unlock their full potential. This small device plugs into a standard outlet and bridges your Bluetooth-only August lock to your home’s Wi-Fi network. It’s the key to enabling remote access, letting you lock or unlock your door from anywhere, and integrating with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Think of it as the upgrade that truly makes your smart lock smart.
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Key Features:
- Enables remote access to your August Smart Lock (Bluetooth models)
- Connects your lock to Wi-Fi for control from anywhere
- Facilitates voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri
- Provides instant alerts for door entry/exit
- Requires a North American outlet (110-240 volt)
- Compatible with iOS (9.0+) or Android (5.0+) smartphones
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Pros:
- Unlocks full smart features for Bluetooth-only August locks
- Allows true remote management of your door
- Enables voice control for added convenience
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Provides peace of mind with instant activity alerts
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Cons:
- An additional purchase for non-Wi-Fi enabled August locks
- Requires a free electrical outlet near the door
- Can sometimes lose connection if Wi-Fi is unstable
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User Impressions: Users confirm that this bridge is a must-have for anyone with a Bluetooth-only August lock, transforming it from a “local” smart lock to a truly “connected” one. They appreciate the added convenience of remote control and voice commands, feeling it completes their smart home setup.
August Home Smart Lock + Connect, Silver
The August Home Smart Lock + Connect bundle offers the best of both worlds right out of the box: a classic August Smart Lock coupled with the essential Connect Wi-Fi Bridge. This means you get total control and all the smart features, including remote access and voice assistant compatibility, from day one. It’s perfect for those who want the full August smart lock experience without having to purchase the bridge separately, ensuring seamless home entry and monitoring from anywhere.
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Key Features:
- Includes August Smart Lock (3rd Gen) and August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
- Total control: lock/unlock, grant keyless access, track activity via August App
- Upgrades existing deadbolt on the inside, keeping original keys
- Auto-Unlock feature as you approach the door
- Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant enabled by Connect Bridge
- Send secure digital keys to friends and family
- Simple installation of the lock on the inside of the door
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Pros:
- Complete smart lock solution right out of the box
- Full remote access and voice control capabilities
- Retains existing keys and exterior look of the door
- Convenient Auto-Unlock for hands-free entry
- Ideal for managing guest access remotely
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Cons:
- Still requires an outlet for the Connect Bridge
- Not as streamlined as models with built-in Wi-Fi
- Price point is higher than the standalone lock, but typically less than buying separately
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User Impressions: Customers love the convenience of getting both the lock and the bridge together, making setup straightforward and immediate. They frequently praise the combined functionality for remote access and peace of mind, especially for letting in visitors or checking on their home while away.
Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Deadbolt, Black Suede Keyed…
The Yale Security Assure Lock 2 takes a different approach, offering a full deadbolt replacement that prioritizes key-free access and robust smart home integration. What makes this stand out is its comprehensive key-free experience – you get a keypad, app control, voice assistant integration, and auto-unlock. Unlike August’s internal-only upgrade, this is a full deadbolt swap, offering a sleek, modern exterior keypad while still integrating seamlessly with the Yale Access App (powered by August technology) for remote control and monitoring.
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Key Features:
- Full deadbolt replacement with a sleek exterior keypad
- Key-free access via keypad, voice assistant, Auto-Unlock, or Yale Access App
- No locksmith needed; installs with a screwdriver on most standard US doors
- Auto-Lock feature with DoorSense ensures the door is locked when closed
- Remote lock/unlock, notifications, and access sharing via Yale Access App
- Auto-unlocks as you approach for hands-free entry
- Works with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (US and Canada only)
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Pros:
- True key-free experience with a physical keypad on the exterior
- Simple DIY installation, replaces entire deadbolt
- Robust Auto-Lock with DoorSense provides excellent security
- Full remote control and monitoring via the Yale Access App
- Sleek and modern design elevates curb appeal
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Cons:
- Replaces your entire deadbolt, so no traditional key backup for everyday use (though it usually comes with keys for emergencies/initial setup)
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, potentially limiting compatibility for some networks
- Not as “invisible” from the outside as internal-only August locks
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed with the ease of installation and the seamless key-free entry provided by the keypad and auto-unlock. The Yale Access App integration is intuitive, and many appreciate the modern aesthetic it adds to their door. It’s seen as a reliable and secure smart lock solution.
Making Your Decision: Which August Smart Lock is Right for You?
Now that you’ve seen our detailed August smart lock comparison, let’s sum it up to help you make the best choice:
- For ultimate convenience and a truly “smart” experience out of the box: Go for the August Home, Silver Wi-Fi Connected Smart Keyless Entry… or the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch. They offer built-in Wi-Fi and advanced features like fingerprint unlock.
- For renters or those on a budget who want basic smart lock features: The August Home Smart Lock, 3rd Generation is a great starting point, with the option to add the Connect Bridge later.
- If you want the full August experience and remote access immediately: The August Home Smart Lock + Connect bundle is your best bet, offering both components together.
- If you’re deeply invested in Alexa or Google Assistant and want voice control: Any Wi-Fi enabled August lock or a Bluetooth model paired with the August Home Connect Wi-Fi Bridge will serve you well.
- If you prefer a full deadbolt replacement with a keypad and modern aesthetic: The Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Deadbolt is a strong contender, offering robust key-free access and smart integration.
No matter which August or Yale smart lock you choose, you’re investing in a system that aims to bring convenience, security, and peace of mind to your home. Happy locking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do August smart locks replace my entire deadbolt?
A1: Most August smart locks (like the Wi-Fi Connected and 3rd Generation models) only replace the interior thumbturn of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt. This means your existing keys and the exterior of your door remain unchanged. However, some partnered products like the Yale Security Assure Lock 2 are full deadbolt replacements.
Q2: What’s the difference between August locks with “built-in Wi-Fi” and those that need an “August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge”?
A2: Locks with “built-in Wi-Fi” can connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network for remote access and voice control without any additional hardware. Locks that don’t have built-in Wi-Fi (like the 3rd Gen August Smart Lock) rely on Bluetooth for local control. To get remote access and voice control with these models, you need to purchase and set up an August Home Connect Wi-Fi Bridge separately.
Q3: Can I still use my traditional keys with an August smart lock?
A3: Yes, for most August Smart Locks that attach to your existing deadbolt, you can absolutely continue to use your original physical keys. This offers a great backup option and ensures anyone without a smartphone can still get in. Full deadbolt replacements like the Yale Assure Lock 2 might have different keying options.
Q4: How does the “Auto-Unlock” feature work, and is it reliable?
A4: Auto-Unlock uses your phone’s location services to detect when you’re approaching your home. As you get within a certain range, the August app triggers the lock to unlock automatically. It’s generally very reliable, especially for hands-free entry when carrying groceries or kids, but performance can sometimes vary based on phone settings and GPS accuracy.
Q5: Are August smart locks compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant?
A5: Yes, many August smart locks offer broad compatibility. Locks with built-in Wi-Fi or those paired with an August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge typically work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Some models, especially those with built-in Wi-Fi, also support Apple HomeKit. Always check the specific product’s features list for exact compatibility.
Q6: What is DoorSense, and why is it important?
A6: DoorSense is a small sensor that August includes with its smart locks. It detects whether your door is open or closed, not just locked or unlocked. This is crucial for security and peace of mind because you’ll know if your door is ajar, even if the deadbolt is technically “locked.” It also enables features like Auto-Lock when the door closes.
Q7: How long do the batteries last in an August smart lock, and how do I know when to replace them?
A7: Battery life varies by model and usage, but typically August smart locks use AA batteries and can last for several months (3-6 months is common, but built-in Wi-Fi models might drain faster). The August app provides battery level notifications, and some models can even trigger smart reorders for replacement batteries through services like Amazon Dash Replenishment.