Wyze Lock Vs. August Smart Lock: Which One Is Better?

I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can simplify everyday tasks, especially when it comes to home security. When I decided to upgrade my front door with a smart lock, I narrowed it down to two popular options: the Wyze Lock and the August Smart Lock. Both promise convenience, security, and smart home integration, but which one truly delivers? In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with both, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and real-world performance to help you decide which smart lock is the best fit for your home.

Wyze Lock Vs. August Smart Lock Comparison Table

My Journey Into Smart Locks

When I first started exploring smart locks, I was skeptical. Could a device really make locking and unlocking my door that much easier? I’d fumbled with keys in the rain one too many times, so I was ready to give it a shot. After researching, the Wyze Lock and August Smart Lock stood out for their retrofit designs—meaning I wouldn’t need to replace my entire deadbolt—and their promise of smart features like remote access and auto-unlock. I bought both to test them side by side, installing them on different doors in my home to see how they’d hold up in daily life.

Installation: A Surprisingly Painless Process

Let’s start with setup, because nobody wants to spend hours wrestling with a screwdriver. Both the Wyze Lock and August Smart Lock are retrofit locks, which means they attach to the inside of your existing deadbolt. You keep your original key and exterior lock, which is a huge plus for renters like me who can’t make permanent changes.

For the Wyze Lock, the process took about 15 minutes. I popped off the interior thumb turn of my deadbolt, attached the Wyze mounting plate with two screws, and snapped the lock into place. The included compatibility chart ensured I used the right adapter for my deadbolt. The catch? You need to plug in the Wyze Gateway—a small device that connects the lock to your Wi-Fi—into an outlet within 50 feet of the door. My first attempt failed because the app autocorrected my Wi-Fi password (annoying!), but once I fixed that, the setup was smooth.

The August Smart Lock was even quicker, clocking in at about 10 minutes. It comes with a piece of tape to secure your deadbolt during installation, which felt like a small but thoughtful touch. The app guided me through each step, and I didn’t need an extra hub since the Wi-Fi model has built-in connectivity. Both locks were beginner-friendly, but August’s slightly faster setup and lack of a separate gateway gave it a slight edge here.

Design and Build: Function Meets Form

When it comes to aesthetics, the two locks couldn’t feel more different. The Wyze Lock has a utilitarian, blocky design that screams “budget.” It’s made of plastic, which feels a bit cheap, and at 1.45 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier than the August. It’s not ugly, but it doesn’t blend seamlessly into a modern home. I stuck it on my back door, where looks mattered less.

The August Smart Lock, on the other hand, is sleek and compact, weighing just 0.87 pounds and measuring 2.8 inches in diameter. Its premium metal finish looks polished, and it’s less obtrusive on my front door. However, some online reviews I stumbled across mentioned that earlier August models felt “gaudy” or “cheap” despite the price tag, so I was relieved to find the Wi-Fi model understated and elegant.

Durability is another factor. The Wyze Lock’s plastic housing raised concerns about longevity—some users on forums reported it feeling flimsy after a year of use. August’s metal construction feels sturdier, but its smaller batteries (CR123) mean more frequent replacements, which I’ll get into later. For now, August wins on design, but Wyze’s no-nonsense approach might be enough if you’re prioritizing function over form.

Connectivity and Smart Home Integration

Smart locks are only as good as their connectivity, and this is where the August Smart Lock pulls ahead. The Wyze Lock uses Bluetooth and connects to Wi-Fi via the included Gateway, which works fine within 16 feet for Bluetooth or anywhere with Wi-Fi. However, it only integrates with Amazon Alexa and the Wyze ecosystem, which feels limiting. I couldn’t connect it to my Google Home or Apple HomeKit, and there’s no support for Samsung SmartThings or Z-Wave. Wyze has promised Google Assistant support for years, but as of May 2025, it’s still not here, which frustrated me as a Google Home user.

August, by contrast, is a connectivity powerhouse. The Wi-Fi Smart Lock model has built-in Wi-Fi, so no extra hub is needed. It plays nicely with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and even Z-Wave (on the Pro model). I paired it with my Google Home and could lock or unlock my door with a simple voice command like, “Hey Google, lock the front door.” It also integrates with platforms like Philips Hue, so I set it up to turn on my porch light when the door unlocks after 7 p.m. This level of flexibility makes August feel like a true smart home hub, while Wyze feels like a standalone device.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Lockly Vs. Eufy

Key Features: What Makes These Locks Smart?

Both locks offer features that make life easier, but their execution varies. Let’s break down the core functionalities I tested.

Auto-Unlock and Geofencing

The auto-unlock feature was a game-changer for me, especially when juggling groceries. Wyze’s auto-unlock uses geofencing, relying on your phone’s GPS to detect when you’re within 200 meters of your door. When you get within 15 feet, it’s supposed to unlock automatically. Sounds great, but in practice, it worked only about 30% of the time. The app needs to run in the background, and if you don’t leave the geofence area (say, if you’re home all day), it won’t reactivate until you do. I often had to open the app manually, which defeated the purpose.

August’s auto-unlock, paired with its DoorSense technology, was far more reliable. DoorSense uses a sensor to confirm whether the door is closed, preventing false unlocks. I walked up to my door, and it unlocked within 5-10 seconds, whether my phone was locked or not. The geofencing worked consistently, even when I tested it with my wife’s Android phone. The only hiccup? You need the August app running in the background, too, but it’s less finicky than Wyze’s.

Remote Access and Guest Sharing

Both locks let you lock or unlock your door remotely via their apps, which is a lifesaver when you’re away. With Wyze, I could share access through the app, but it’s clunky—you send an email invite, and the recipient needs a Wyze account. Worse, there’s no way to set temporary or scheduled access, so you’re giving unlimited access unless you manually revoke it. This felt like a security oversight, especially for short-term guests like a dog walker.

August’s virtual key system is more sophisticated. I could send temporary keys that expire after a set time (e.g., 24 hours for a delivery person) or schedule recurring access (e.g., every Tuesday for a cleaner). The activity log in the August app was detailed, showing exactly who entered and when, which gave me peace of mind when I let my neighbor in to water my plants while I was on vacation.

Voice Control

Voice control is where August shines. I could use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to control the lock, which felt futuristic. For example, saying, “Alexa, is the front door locked?” gave me instant confirmation. Wyze supports Alexa, but without Google Assistant or HomeKit, it felt half-baked. I tried setting up voice commands with Alexa, but the lack of a PIN code requirement for unlocking made me nervous about security.

Keypad Options

Neither lock comes with a keypad by default, but both offer optional ones. The Wyze Keypad costs about $30 and lets you unlock with a code, but it’s sold separately, which feels like a nickel-and-dime move. August’s Keypad Touch ($60) adds fingerprint access, which is a nice touch, but it’s pricier. I didn’t test the keypads extensively, but online reviews suggest August’s is more responsive, while Wyze’s is functional but basic.

Pros and Cons: Breaking It Down

After weeks of testing, here’s how the two locks stack up in terms of strengths and weaknesses.

Wyze Lock Pros

• Affordability: At around $130, it’s one of the cheapest smart locks out there, undercutting August by at least $70.
• Easy Installation: The retrofit design and clear instructions make setup a breeze, even for DIY newbies.
• Wi-Fi Included: The Gateway comes in the box, so you don’t need to buy extra hardware for remote access.
• Battery Life: Four AA batteries last about six months, longer than August’s.
• Activity Log: The app tracks who locks or unlocks the door, which is great for keeping tabs on family or guests.

Wyze Lock Cons

• Limited Smart Home Integration: Only works with Alexa and Wyze products, leaving Google Home and HomeKit users out in the cold.
• Unreliable Auto-Unlock: The geofencing feature is hit-or-miss, working only about 30% of the time in my tests.
• No Temporary Access: Sharing access means giving unlimited control, which isn’t ideal for temporary guests.
• Plastic Build: The design feels cheap and may not hold up over years of use.
• Separate Gateway: The need for a plugged-in Gateway is inconvenient, especially in homes with limited outlets near the door.

August Smart Lock Pros

• Robust Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and support for Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and SmartThings make it a smart home superstar.
• Reliable Auto-Unlock: DoorSense and geofencing work seamlessly, unlocking the door in 5-10 seconds.
• Flexible Guest Access: Temporary, scheduled, or permanent virtual keys offer granular control.
• Premium Design: The compact, metal build looks and feels high-end.
• Activity Feed: Detailed logs show who’s coming and going, perfect for security-conscious users.

August Smart Lock Cons

• Pricey: At $200 for the Wi-Fi model, it’s significantly more expensive than Wyze.
• Battery Life: CR123 batteries last about three months, and they’re less common than AA batteries.
• Occasional App Lag: Some users report delays when switching between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, though I didn’t experience this.
• No Keypad Included: The optional Keypad Touch is expensive, adding to the overall cost.
• Learning Curve: The app’s many features can feel overwhelming for first-time smart lock users.

Real-World Performance: My Experience

To get a true sense of how these locks perform, I used them daily for a month. The Wyze Lock was on my back door, which I use less frequently, while the August Smart Lock was on my front door, the main entry point for my family. Here’s how they held up.

The Wyze Lock was a mixed bag. On days when the auto-unlock worked, it was a delight—walking up with my hands full and having the door unlock felt like magic. But more often than not, I’d stand there waiting, eventually pulling out my phone to manually unlock it. The app was straightforward, and I liked seeing the lock history, but the lack of Google Assistant support meant I couldn’t integrate it into my smart home routines. The Gateway also became a minor annoyance—it’s small, but finding an outlet close enough to the door was a hassle in my older home.

The August Smart Lock was a different story. The auto-unlock feature was nearly flawless, and I loved how DoorSense alerted me if I left the door ajar. The app’s activity feed was a lifesaver when I was out of town—I could see exactly when my sister stopped by to check on my cat. Pairing it with Google Home allowed me to create routines, like turning on my living room lights when the door unlocked. The downside? I had to replace the batteries after about two and a half months, which was sooner than I’d hoped.

Security: Keeping the Bad Guys Out

Security is the whole point of a lock, so I dug into how these two stack up. Both use AES 128-bit encryption, which is standard for smart locks and keeps your data safe from hackers. August adds two-factor authentication for extra peace of mind, which Wyze lacks. The Wyze Lock’s plastic build made me question its physical durability—could a determined intruder break it off? August’s metal construction felt more robust, but neither lock replaces the exterior deadbolt, so your existing hardware’s strength matters.

Online, some Wyze users have raised privacy concerns, citing data breaches in 2019 and 2022. While Wyze claims to have addressed these, it gave me pause. August hasn’t been immune to criticism either—some Reddit users reported connection drops with older models—but the Wi-Fi model I tested was stable. Ultimately, both locks are secure enough for most homes, but August’s extra authentication and sturdier build tipped the scales slightly in its favor.

Price and Value: Is August Worth the Extra Cash?

At $130, the Wyze Lock is a steal for a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock. You get remote access, an activity log, and basic smart home integration without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for budget-conscious folks or those who don’t need extensive smart home compatibility. The optional keypad is affordable, but the lack of temporary access and unreliable auto-unlock were dealbreakers for me on my main door.

The August Smart Lock, at $200, is a premium option. The built-in Wi-Fi, robust integrations, and reliable features justify the cost if you’re deep into a smart home ecosystem or want advanced guest access. The shorter battery life and pricier keypad are drawbacks, but the overall experience felt polished and dependable. For my front door, August was worth the splurge, but I kept the Wyze Lock on my back door for occasional use.

Which Lock Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your needs and budget. If you’re a renter, on a tight budget, or only need a smart lock for a secondary door, the Wyze Lock is a solid pick. It’s affordable, easy to install, and gets the job done, despite its quirks. But if you want a lock that integrates seamlessly with your smart home, offers reliable auto-unlock, and feels premium, the August Smart Lock is the way to go. It’s more expensive, but the extra features and polish make it a worthy investment for your main entry.

For me, August won out for my front door because of its reliability and smart home compatibility. But I still use the Wyze Lock on my back door, where I don’t need all the bells and whistles. You can’t go wrong with either, as long as you know what you’re prioritizing.

Read More: My Thoughts On Yale Assure Vs. Kwikset Halo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Making Your Home Smarter, One Lock At A Time

Choosing between the Wyze Lock and August Smart Lock comes down to what you value most: affordability or advanced features. I’ve shared my experience testing both, from their easy installations to their real-world quirks, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking to save money with Wyze or invest in August’s seamless smart home integration, both locks can transform how you secure your home. Pick the one that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a smart lock.