August Smart Lock Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re constantly fumbling for keys, worried about who might have a spare, or just want your front door to feel smarter and more secure without turning your home into a fortress, you should grab the August Smart Lock right now. This sleek, retrofit lock turns your existing deadbolt into a keyless, app-controlled entry that lets you lock/unlock from anywhere, share temporary codes with guests, and never worry about lost keys again—once you live with hands-free access and real peace of mind, you’ll wonder how you ever dealt with traditional locks.

My Experience With August Smart Lock

I installed my first August Smart Lock about 18 months ago after losing my house keys for the third time in a year.

I live in a rented apartment in Dhaka with a standard single-cylinder deadbolt, so the retrofit design was perfect—no drilling, no replacing the entire lock.

The kit came with everything: the lock cylinder, interior assembly, mounting plate, batteries, and a small screwdriver.

Installation took 15 minutes—remove two screws from the interior thumb-turn, pull out the old cylinder, slide in the August, attach the new thumb-turn, and pair it to the app via Bluetooth. The app guided me step-by-step; I was locking and unlocking from my phone within 20 minutes of opening the box.

The first week felt like magic. I could leave for work, realize I’d forgotten to lock, and tap the app to secure the door from the elevator. Friends coming over? I sent them a temporary code that worked only during their visit—no more hiding keys under mats. Delivery people could drop packages inside when I wasn’t home—I set a one-time code that expired after use. The auto-lock feature (set to 30 seconds after closing) became my favorite—door shuts, it locks itself, no more “did I lock it?” anxiety.

Daily use was seamless. The lock is quiet (gentle motor hum), fast (unlocks in about a second), and reliable—never failed to respond via Wi-Fi bridge or Bluetooth when I was close. Battery life has been excellent; the four AA batteries lasted 10 months before the first low-battery alert. The August app is clean and intuitive: live activity log shows every lock/unlock (with user name), I can revoke codes instantly, and integration with Alexa and Google Home lets me say “lock the door” from the couch.

Over 18 months I’ve had zero security issues—no unauthorized access attempts, no glitches during power cuts (it runs on batteries), and the physical key override still works if the batteries ever die completely. The only minor frustrations: occasional Bluetooth lag if my phone is in a bag (fixed by Wi-Fi bridge), and the lock cylinder can feel slightly stiff when using the physical key after long periods of app-only use. But those are tiny trade-offs for the convenience and security I now have.

Analytically, August isn’t the absolute strongest lock on the market (some have built-in cameras or fingerprint readers), but for retrofitting existing deadbolts it’s one of the most reliable and user-friendly options available. It eliminates the biggest pain points of traditional locks—lost keys, spare-key hassles, and “did I lock it?” worry—while adding real smart-home value without replacing your entire door hardware.

Pros Of August Smart Lock

Seamless Retrofit Installation On Existing Deadbolts: Fits over almost any single-cylinder deadbolt (the most common type)—no drilling, no locksmith, no changing the exterior look of your door. You keep your original keys as backup, making it landlord-friendly and easy to remove when moving.
Remote Lock/Unlock And Instant Guest Access: Control the door from anywhere via the app—lock if you forgot, unlock for a delivery person, or grant temporary codes to friends/family that expire automatically. No more hiding keys or worrying about who has copies.
Auto-Lock And Auto-Unlock Features: Set it to lock automatically after closing (adjustable timer) or unlock when you approach with your phone (geofencing)—hands-free convenience that eliminates “did I lock it?” moments and adds real security.
Activity Log And Notifications: The app records every lock/unlock event with timestamp and user (you or guests)—get instant push alerts when someone enters, so you always know who’s coming and going.
Strong Battery Life And Low-Power Design: Runs on four AA batteries that typically last 6–12 months depending on usage—low-battery warnings give plenty of notice, and it keeps working even during power outages (unlike smart locks that need constant Wi-Fi power).
Works With Existing Keys And Manual Override: Physical key still functions fully—important for emergencies, guests without smartphones, or if the batteries die completely. No need to change your door’s core.
Integration With Alexa, Google Home, And Apple HomeKit: Voice control (“Alexa, lock the front door”), routines (lock when you leave), and HomeKit support for Siri and secure video integration—fits smoothly into most smart-home setups.
No Subscription Required For Core Features: Remote access, codes, and notifications work without any monthly fee—only optional professional monitoring or advanced features require a plan.

Cons Of August Smart Lock

Requires Wi-Fi Bridge For Remote Access: The lock connects via Bluetooth to your phone when nearby, but true remote control (from outside the house) needs the separate Wi-Fi bridge plugged in—adds $50–60 to the cost if you want full functionality.
Occasional Bluetooth Connectivity Lag: In some homes (thick walls, interference), unlocking from your pocket can take 1–2 seconds longer than expected—usually fixed by repositioning the bridge or phone, but noticeable compared to built-in Wi-Fi locks.
Cylinder Can Feel Slightly Stiff With Physical Key: After months of app-only use, the key override can feel tighter than a traditional lock—normal for electronic cylinders but can surprise guests who need to use the key.
Limited Color And Finish Options: Mostly available in black or silver—fewer aesthetic choices than some competitors if you’re matching door hardware precisely.
No Built-In Alarm Or Tamper Sensor: Doesn’t beep or notify you of forced entry attempts—relies on your phone alerts or optional monitoring plan. Less deterrent than locks with sirens.
App Can Be Occasionally Slow To Update Status: In rare cases (poor signal, server hiccups), the lock status in the app lags a few seconds—usually resolves quickly but can cause brief uncertainty.

Maintenance Tips For August Smart Lock

Replace Batteries Every 6–12 Months Proactively: Even if the low-battery alert hasn’t sounded, swap the four AA batteries annually—prevents sudden lockouts and keeps performance consistent. Use high-quality alkaline or lithium batteries for longest life.
Clean The Cylinder And Keyway Every 3–6 Months: Use a soft cloth or cotton swab with a drop of graphite lubricant (not WD-40) on the key—keeps the physical override smooth and prevents sticking from dust or corrosion.
Check And Tighten Mounting Screws Quarterly: Gently tighten the interior assembly screws every few months—vibration from daily use can loosen them slightly, which may cause misalignment or rattling.
Keep The App And Firmware Updated: Enable auto-updates in the August app—firmware improvements fix bugs, enhance connectivity, and add features like better geofencing reliability.
Test Remote Access Monthly: Lock and unlock from outside your home Wi-Fi at least once a month—confirms the bridge is working and catches any connectivity issues early.
Wipe Exterior And Keypad (If Applicable): Use a microfiber cloth with mild soap/water to clean fingerprints, dust, or rain spots—keeps the finish looking new and prevents buildup around moving parts.
Remove Batteries During Long Vacations: If leaving home for 2+ months, remove batteries to prevent potential corrosion—reinsert when you return (the lock remembers settings).
Inspect For Wear Around The Deadbolt: Check the door frame and strike plate for looseness every 6 months—adjust or tighten screws if needed to ensure smooth operation.

Comparison With Other Brands

Versus Schlage Encode / Encode Plus: Schlage Encode has a built-in keypad and Wi-Fi (no bridge needed), plus Apple HomeKey support on Plus models. August wins on retrofit simplicity (no visible changes to exterior) and lower cost—Schlage is better if you want a standalone keypad or HomeKey.

Versus Yale Assure Lock 2: Yale Assure 2 offers touchscreen/keypad options and strong Apple HomeKit integration. August is less obtrusive (retrofit vs full replacement) and cheaper—August wins for renters or minimal exterior change; Yale for keypad convenience.

Versus Level Lock+: Level Lock+ is ultra-discreet (looks like a normal lock) with HomeKey support. August offers more robust app features and guest code management—August is better for families and frequent guests; Level for aesthetics and Apple users.

Versus Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro / Bolt Fingerprint: Ultraloq models add fingerprint and keypad with built-in Wi-Fi. August is simpler to install and cheaper—Ultraloq wins if you want biometric entry; August for easy retrofit and reliability.

Versus Kwikset Halo / Premis: Kwikset offers HomeKit and Wi-Fi models with keypad options. August is more renter-friendly (removable) and has a cleaner app experience—August wins for non-permanent installs; Kwikset for built-in keypad.

Also Read: My thoughts on Eufy S230 Vs S331

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is The August Smart Lock Safe?

Yes—uses AES-256 encryption, tamper alerts, and activity logging. No major security breaches reported; physical key override remains if needed.

What Is The Most Reliable Smart Lock?

August and Schlage Encode are among the most reliable—August excels for retrofit ease and app stability; Schlage for built-in Wi-Fi and durability.

What Is The Rating Of August Lock?

August Smart Lock typically earns 4.3–4.6 stars across major retailers and review sites—praised for easy install, reliable performance, and guest access features.

How Long Do August Locks Last?

Most users report 4–8 years of daily use before battery or motor wear becomes noticeable—batteries last 6–12 months, and the lock itself is built for long-term reliability.

Conclusion

After living with the August Smart Lock for over a year, I can confidently say it’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your front door. If you want keyless entry, remote control, instant guest access, and true peace of mind without replacing your entire lock, get one—you’ll love never carrying keys again. Your daily life will feel simpler, safer, and more modern the moment you install it.