August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
VERDICT
This is the easiest upgrade for any front door. Because it fits over your existing deadbolt, you don't need to change your keys or mess with complex hardware. It is sleek, powerful, and now has Wi-Fi built-in, eliminating the need for an extra bridge.
The Big Picture
Most smart locks require you to replace the entire lock mechanism. August is different. It is a "Retrofit" lock. You only replace the thumb-turn on the inside of your door.
The Benefit: From the outside, your door looks exactly the same. Your landlord won't even know. Your old physical keys still work perfectly. It blends tradition with technology.
🔓 Auto-Unlock
This is August's superpower.
How it works: Using your phone's GPS and Bluetooth, the lock detects when you are arriving home. As you walk up to the door, it unlocks automatically.
Real World: Carrying groceries? You don't need to fumble for keys or your phone. The door just opens for you. It feels like magic.
📶 Built-In Wi-Fi
Older August locks needed a separate "Connect Bridge" plugged into a wall outlet nearby.
The Upgrade: The 4th Gen has Wi-Fi chips inside the lock itself. It connects directly to your router. This makes installation much cleaner and simpler, though it does consume battery life faster.
✅ The Pros
- Keep Your Keys: No need to re-key or cut new keys.
- Renters Friendly: Easy to remove when you move out.
- "DoorSense" tells you if the door is left ajar, not just locked.
- Compact design (45% smaller than previous models).
❌ The Cons
- Battery Life: Wi-Fi drains the CR123 batteries quickly (3-5 months).
- The motor noise is audible when unlocking.
- Still looks a bit bulky on the inside of the door.
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you rent an apartment or live in a complex where you cannot change the outside lock.
NO if you are building a new home and want a completely keyless look (get the Schlage Encode Plus).
See the showdown: August Wi-Fi Lock vs. Schlage Encode Plus Comparison