Yale vs August Smart Lock

Yale vs August: Which Smart Lock Brand is Better?

Yale and August are two of the most recognized names in the smart lock space, but they approach the problem from different angles. Yale, a subsidiary of the ASSA ABLOY group, has been making mechanical locks since 1840. Their smart locks are complete replacements for your existing deadbolt, often featuring a built-in keypad. August, now owned by Assa Abloy as well, pioneered the "retrofit" smart lock that attaches to the inside of your door and lets you keep your existing key and exterior hardware.

This fundamental difference in design drives most of the other distinctions between the two brands. Owner reviews aggregated from major retailers show that both brands are reliable, but they appeal to slightly different users. Yale tends to score higher with homeowners who want a clean, integrated look and a physical keypad. August scores higher with renters or those who want a simpler installation that doesn't require replacing the entire lock.

Installation: Do You Need to Replace the Whole Lock?

The biggest practical difference between Yale and August is installation. A Yale smart lock, such as the Assure Lock 2, replaces your entire deadbolt assembly. This means removing the interior and exterior escutcheons, the latch, and the strike plate. Installation takes 20-30 minutes and requires a screwdriver. The benefit is a fully integrated look with a keypad on the outside and no visible retrofit module on the inside.

An August smart lock, specifically the 4th Gen Wi-Fi model, installs in about 10 minutes. You remove only the interior thumb turn of your existing deadbolt and attach the August device over it. Your existing key and exterior hardware remain unchanged. This is ideal for renters or for anyone who wants to keep their current decorative exterior lock. The trade-off is that the August device is a visible, somewhat bulky pod on the inside of your door.

Ecosystem and Smart Home Integration

Both Yale and August support the major smart home platforms, but there are differences in how they connect. August locks connect directly to your home Wi-Fi (4th Gen model) and support Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant out of the box. They also work with the August app for remote access, guest access, and activity logs.

Yale locks are more modular. The Yale Assure Lock 2 ships as a "dumb" lock, and you add a network module to enable smart features. You can choose a Wi-Fi module (for Alexa/Google), a Z-Wave module (for Ring or SmartThings), a HomeKit module, or a Matter module. This flexibility is great for users who have a specific smart home hub, but it adds cost and complexity. Many owners report that the Yale app is less polished than the August app.

Security and Build Quality

Both Yale and August locks are built to high security standards, but Yale has the edge in traditional lock hardware. Yale uses a hardened steel deadbolt latch and a brass cylinder, which is standard for Grade 2 residential locks. The Assure Lock 2 is ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified, meaning it meets the requirements for residential security. The physical key override is a standard Schlage C keyway, which is secure and easy to re-key.

August locks do not replace the deadbolt, so the security of the lock is only as good as the existing deadbolt you already have. The August device itself is a plastic and metal housing that attaches to the back of the deadbolt. Some owners have noted that the August device can feel slightly less robust than a full Yale lock, but the locking mechanism itself is still secure. August locks are also ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified when used with a compatible deadbolt.

Battery Life and Power Management

Battery life is a common concern with smart locks. The Yale Assure Lock 2 uses 4 AA batteries and typically lasts around 6 months with normal use. The lock has a low-battery warning that alerts you via the app and also through the keypad (a flashing red light). If the batteries die completely, you can still use the physical key to unlock the door.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) also uses 4 AA batteries, but battery life is shorter at around 3-6 months because the Wi-Fi radio is always on. The August app provides a battery percentage readout. Like Yale, you can use your physical key if the batteries die. August also offers a battery extender accessory that uses 2 additional AA batteries to double the life.

Keypad and Guest Access

This is a major differentiator. The Yale Assure Lock 2 has a built-in keypad on the exterior of the lock. You can create and manage up to 250 unique entry codes through the Yale app. This means guests, dog walkers, or service providers can get in without needing a key or a smartphone. The keypad is backlit and easy to use in the dark.

August does not include a keypad with the lock. You must purchase the August Keypad separately (around $30-40). The keypad mounts to the exterior of your door and communicates wirelessly with the August lock. It supports up to 10 unique codes. Without the keypad, guests must use the August app on their smartphone to unlock the door, which requires them to download the app and have an internet connection.

What to Check Before Buying a Smart Lock

Before choosing between Yale and August, verify your door's compatibility. Both locks fit standard US doors (1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick) with a standard 2-1/8 inch bore hole. However, if you have a mortise lock, a multi-point lock, or a door with a non-standard backset, neither lock may work. Measure your door's thickness and the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole).

Also check your smart home ecosystem. If you use Apple HomeKit, both work, but August has native HomeKit support. If you use Ring Alarm or SmartThings, the Yale Z-Wave module is a better fit. If you want Matter compatibility for future-proofing, the Yale Assure Lock 2 with the Matter module is one of the few locks that supports it.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Smart Lock

One common mistake is buying a lock that requires a hub you don't have. The August Wi-Fi lock does not need a hub, but the Yale Z-Wave version does. Read the product description carefully to see if a hub is required. Another mistake is ignoring the keypad situation. If you want a keypad for guests, the Yale Assure Lock 2 includes it. With August, you need to buy the Keypad separately, which adds cost and requires an additional battery.

Finally, don't assume all smart locks work with all door types. If you have a metal door, a smart lock may require a specific mounting kit. If you have a door that is not perfectly aligned, the auto-lock feature on either brand may not work reliably. Always check the manufacturer's compatibility guide before purchasing.