August Smart Lock Review: How Does It Work? Installation, Pricing, Discounts, And More
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Home smart locks help eliminate security woes about multiple house keys falling into the wrong hands. August Home carries some of the most popular smart locks on the market, but do they work as promised? And what added security and home automation features do they offer?
View August Smart Lock on Amazon
Article Overview
- Pros & Cons
- How Do They Work?
- Key Features
- Compare All August Smart Locks
- Customer Reviews
- How To Install (Video)
- Other Smart Locks To Consider
August Smart Lock
Pros
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Remote access with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant via Connect WiFi Bridge
- Easy DIY retrofit installation (you only replace the interior of your deadbolt)
- Easy-to-use app tells you who enters and when
- Send unlimited free e-keys to family, sitters, guests and control their access
- Keypad add-on (additional fee)
- 1-year electronics warranty
Cons
- Not compatible with some deadbolt types
- No built-in siren
- Doesn’t monitor when someone unlocks your door with a key or tampers with your lock or door
How Do August Smart Locks Work?
August Smart Locks differ from many other smart locks in that you don’t have to replace your entire deadbolt. You only have to make minor modifications to the interior of your existing deadbolt (but the caveat is that August smart locks only work with certain deadbolts).
Once you install an August Smart Lock, you don’t have to use your house keys to lock or unlock your door — the smart system uses Bluetooth technology via your smartphone to operate your door lock when you’re in close proximity to your house.
But if you want to be able to remotely lock or unlock your door from anywhere, you can sync the August Smart Lock with their Connect WiFi Bridge, which is included in some of their packages (or you can purchase it separately).
The August Home app lets you control your smart lock settings and assign digital keys for other people who need access to your home. You can see who comes in your home (and when). But if you don’t want to hand over WiFi keys to others, you have the option of installing the add-on keypad that allows you to assign temporary PINs to house keepers, pet sitters or anyone else who needs access to your home on an as-needed basis.
Deadbolt Compatibility
August Smart Locks are only compatible with single cylinder deadbolts. The image below can help you determine whether your existing lock is compatible. You can also find a list of compatible deadbolts on August’s website.
Key Features
- Customer support available 24/7 via live chat, phone and email
- Door Sense Technology checks to make sure that your door is closed securely before it locks
- Two-factor authentication and Bluetooth Energy (BLE) technology encryption for ultimate security
- Auto-Unlock sensor knows when you arrive and unlocks the door when you’re within 20-30 feet
- Lost phone feature: you can easily disable your August app and all virtual keys on any associated devices on their website
- All smart locks compatible with August Doorbell Cam Pro
Compare All August Smart Locks
All models connect locally via Bluetooth and come with a 1-year warranty.
| August Smart Lock Pro + Connect | August Smart Lock Pro | August Smart Lock 3rd Gen. + Connect | August Smart Lock 3rd Gen. | August Smart Lock 2nd Gen. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $264.99 | $249.99 | Check Amazon for availability | $102.00 | $239.99 |
| Remote Access via Connect WiFi Bridge* |  |
Must Purchase Connect | |
Must Purchase Connect | Must Purchase Connect |
| Unlimited Virtual Keys | |
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| Auto-Lock/Unlock | |
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| Door Sense Technology | |
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| Compatible With Apple HomeKit & Siri | |
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| Compatible With Z-Wave & Z-Wave Plus** | |
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| Compatible With Frontpoint | |
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| Compatible With ADT | |
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| Compatible With IFTTT | |
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| Compatible With Nest | |
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| Compatible With Honeywell | |
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| Compatible With SimpliSafe | |
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| Compatible With Wink | |
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| Compatible With XFINITY Home App | |
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| Compatible With SmartThings | |
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| Compatible With Apple Watch | |
*Connect WiFi Bridge is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
**Z-Wave Plus vs Z-Wave: Z-Wave Plus is the latest generation (Gen 5) of Z-Wave. This new generation enhances the user experience with an easier installation, a longer range (up to 200 feet), 50% more battery life, more bandwidth and other enhanced features.
Accessories & Related Products
- August Home AC-R1 August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge: $73.06
- August Home AK-R1 August Smart Keypad: $54.91
- August Home AUG-AB02-M02-S02 Silver August Doorbell Cam Pro: Check Amazon for availability
What Do People Think Of August Smart Lock?
Here’s a sampling of some customer reviews we found online about the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect model.
Positive Reviews
It’s cool that I can unlock my door from anywhere In the world with WiFi. Works well with Alexa and getting alerts when my wife and kid get home is awesome. Locks automatically when you leave and unlocks on its own when you arrive. Go Keyless! – Luis, Best Buy 10/2019
The new 3rd Gen lock is a nice leap forward. It allows for Zigbee control, giving access to a Smartthings Hub. I really the fact, that you cannot see that I have a smart lock from the outside. The door sense, at first, I didnt think it added much to the Smart Lock, but I have since changed my mind. I have a door that can be a bit stubborn in the winter to stay closed, and this allow me to know when it is fully closed, or the screen door pushed it open, when I closed it. – theduck71, The Home Depot 2/26/2019
Negative Reviews
It serves it purpose for unlocking the door when I arrive but doesn’t auto lock unless you set the timer instead of locking when you leave, also the bridge keeps disconnecting so you can’t check to see if it’s locked from anywhere and you can’t let people in when your not around. – Xavire, The Home Depot 10/8/2019
A smart lock that out of the box only really works with 4 different (obscure) lock manufacturers. All of the national (US) brands will require adapters (ordered separately) and technical support as the diagrams that come with the unit leave a lot to be desired. All in all, I had it for one day. After realizing it wasn’t ready for prime time, and dealing with their tech (Language barriers the size of Montana, & that’s when you’re not cycled through the call queue several times requiring multiple call backs) the entire experience left me more than comfortable with a regular “old” lock and key. – PerseveringParent, Best Buy 9/2019
August Smart Lock Installation
Check out this 3-minute video for a brief tutorial on how to install the August Smart Lock and keypad.
Alternatives To The August Smart Lock
View August Smart Lock on Amazon
August smart locks are well-constructed, durable, secure and easy to install (if your deadbolt is compatible). The Bluetooth connectivity makes it a breeze to lock and unlock your door via your smartphone. And while a majority of customer reviews say remote access via the Connect WiFi bridge works well, there are some reports about connectivity issues.
See how August smart locks compare to other top brands in our reviews of the best smart locks. Competition is fierce with this technology, so you may find a smart lock that works better, especially if you want the utmost security and compatibility with your door.
