Best August Wi Fi Smart Lock For Keyless Entry
🏆 Top Picks at a Glance
#1
Best Overall
August Home Silver Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Smart Keypad, Keyless Door Lock for Front Entry Door, Great for Guests and Vacation Rentals, AUG-SL05-KY1-S05
$199.99
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#2
Runner Up
August Home Matte Black Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Smart Keypad, Keyless Door Lock for Front Entry Door, Great for Guests and Vacation Rentals, AUG-SL05-KY1-G05
$200.0
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#3
Best Value
Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Touch Deadbolt, Black Suede Keyed Smart Entry Door Lock with Wi-Fi Connected Keypad and Fingerprint Scanner for Code Entry and Remote Access, YRD410-F-WF1-BSP
$269.99
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Factors to Consider
Door compatibility and physical fit
⚡ Quick Answer
August smart locks replace the inside portion of a single-cylinder deadbolt, so you don’t need to rip out the whole lock—but not every deadbolt or door trim plays nice. Measure backset, thumbturn clearance, and thickness; older or reinforced deadbolts and oversized thumbturns can interfere with August’s motor. If your door has a storm door or tight trim, test the lock’s rotation path before committing. Pro tip: temporarily mount the August on the inside with the door open and run a few manual turns to check for bind or contact with the strike plate.
Table of Contents
Connectivity: built-in Wi‑Fi vs. hub-based models
August sells models with built-in Wi‑Fi and older “Pro” units that rely on an August Connect hub for remote access. Built‑in Wi‑Fi simplifies setup—no extra hub, fewer points of failure—but hub models can be cheaper if you already own a Connect or want to centralize traffic. Remember: Bluetooth handles local unlocking reliably, but remote control requires a cloud bridge (built-in Wi‑Fi or a Connect). Pro tip: if you live in a large house or have thick walls, place the Connect or your Wi‑Fi router within a couple rooms of the lock to avoid flaky remote commands.
Battery life, power alerts, and reliability
August runs on AA batteries and typically lasts months under normal use; heavy usage or frequent Wi‑Fi polling shortens that life. The app gives low‑battery alerts before the lock dies, and you can still use your physical key if the batteries fail. Firmware updates improve stability and security—install them when prompted. Pro tip: keep a spare set of AA batteries in a known spot; swap batteries at the first low‑battery notification instead of waiting for full depletion.
Security model and privacy trade-offs
August uses encrypted communications and a cloud service for remote features, which means you get convenience in exchange for some reliance on the company’s servers. For the highest privacy, use Bluetooth-only local controls and grant app permissions sparingly; if you need remote unlock reliably, accept the cloud bridge but enable two-factor auth and strong account passwords. Keep an eye on firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities the company discovers. Pro tip: link the lock to a dedicated email account and enable two‑factor authentication to reduce the blast radius if your primary account is compromised.
Features, integrations and real‑world use cases
Decide whether you need simple keyless entry, guest keys, scheduled access, or integrations like HomeKit, Alexa, or Z‑Wave for alarm systems. August supports virtual keys for guests and temporary access, and pairs with the August Smart Keypad if you want PIN codes. For rentals, temporary virtual keys are a blessing; for homeowners, consider integration with your alarm or smart home scenes to automatically lock at night. Pro tip: if delivery theft is a concern, pair auto-lock with a door‑sense sensor or a camera so you get a notification and can verify the doorstep before granting access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire a locksmith to install an August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock?
No—you can install most August locks yourself in about 10–20 minutes with a screwdriver; they mount to the inside of your existing deadbolt. Installation instructions are straightforward and the app walks you through setup. If your deadbolt is non‑standard or you’re uncomfortable disassembling hardware, a handyman or locksmith is a safe choice.
Can I keep using my physical key?
Yes. August installs behind your existing deadbolt and leaves the exterior key cylinder intact, so you retain traditional key access as a backup. That’s useful during battery failures or for guests who don’t use the app.
What's the difference between August with built‑in Wi‑Fi and the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect?
Built‑in Wi‑Fi models connect directly to your home network for remote control without extra hardware. The Pro model requires an August Connect hub to gain remote access; without the Connect it uses Bluetooth only. Choose built‑in Wi‑Fi for simplicity, or Pro+Connect if you already own a Connect or want to consolidate devices.
How reliable is auto‑unlock and geofencing?
Auto‑unlock via Bluetooth proximity is generally reliable for single‑family homes, but geofencing based on GPS can be less consistent in dense neighborhoods and apartments. Expect occasional misses—so don’t rely on auto‑unlock as your only entry method. Pro tip for reliability: enable Bluetooth auto‑unlock and keep Wi‑Fi/GPS settings optimized on your phone rather than only using GPS geofencing.
What happens if the batteries die or there's a power outage?
If the batteries die you can still unlock the door with your physical key; August sends low‑battery warnings in the app well in advance. Power outages don’t affect the battery‑powered lock itself, but built‑in Wi‑Fi remote access will fail if your router or hub loses power. Keep spare batteries in a drawer and test the physical key access once after installation.
Is August a good choice for renters?
Yes—August is non‑destructive and installs on the interior thumbturn, so you can remove it when you move without changing the exterior hardware. Use virtual keys for temporary guests or landlords, and document removal to return the lock to its original state. Check your lease for lock modifications first, but most landlords accept temporary, reversible smart locks.
Does August work with smart home systems like HomeKit, Alexa, or Z‑Wave?
August supports major ecosystems—HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and limited Z‑Wave integration depending on the model and hub setup. Built‑in Wi‑Fi models and Pro+Connect differ slightly in compatibility, so verify the model’s integrations before buying if a specific ecosystem matters. Also confirm any required hub or bridge for full functionality.
Conclusion
August makes a strong, user‑friendly smart lock with options for built‑in Wi‑Fi or hub‑based setups—both are solid if you match the model to your network layout and usage patterns. If you want the simplest remote access and minimal fuss, go with the August Wi‑Fi model; if you already use an August Connect or want to save a little up front, the Pro + Connect combo still delivers the core security features.
