August Keyless Door Lock Review

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is the most refined model in the lineup. It replaces only the interior thumb turn, leaving your existing keyed deadbolt intact. This makes it ideal for renters or anyone who wants to keep their current keys as a backup. The built-in Wi-Fi connects directly to your home network, so you do not need the August Connect bridge. Owners on Amazon report consistent performance with HomeKit, though some note occasional Bluetooth delays when using the app from outside the home.

Battery life averages 6-8 months with typical use. The lock uses four AA batteries, and the app sends low-battery alerts. The motor is quiet and responsive, though not as fast as some keypad-based smart locks. The Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features work reliably for most users, but require your phone to be nearby with Bluetooth enabled. Overall, it is a solid choice for those wanting a simple, keyless upgrade without replacing their entire lock.

The August Smart Lock (3rd Gen) offers the same retrofit design as the 4th Gen but uses Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi. This means you need the August Connect bridge (sold separately) to control the lock remotely or use voice assistants. For users who only need keyless entry within Bluetooth range, this is a more affordable option. Owner reviews on Amazon note that the app is straightforward and the lock responds quickly when nearby.

Battery life is similar to the 4th Gen, averaging 8-10 months. The lock itself is identical in size and finish to the newer model. The main trade-off is the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, which adds an extra cost if you want remote access. However, for those on a budget or with a small apartment, the 3rd Gen provides reliable core smart lock functionality.

The August View combines a smart lock with a doorbell camera in a single unit. It replaces your entire deadbolt and adds a 1080p camera with a wide-angle lens, night vision, and two-way audio. The lock itself is the same retrofit mechanism as other August models, but the exterior is larger to house the camera. Owner reviews on Amazon highlight the convenience of having both functions in one device, though some note the camera field of view could be wider.

The camera runs on a separate rechargeable battery that lasts 2-4 months, while the lock uses four AA batteries. The August app handles both functions, and you get motion alerts and live video streaming. The main downside is the bulk: the exterior plate is noticeably larger than a standard deadbolt. It also requires a wired doorbell chime or a digital chime kit for the doorbell function to work properly.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a keypad-based smart lock that can be upgraded with an August module to add Wi-Fi and app control. This gives you the convenience of a touchscreen keypad for guests or family members who do not have smartphones, plus the remote access and voice assistant features of the August platform. Owner reviews on Amazon praise the lock's solid build and responsive keypad, though some note the keypad can be hard to read in direct sunlight.

Installation is straightforward if you have a standard deadbolt hole, and the lock fits most doors without modification. The August module is sold separately or as part of a bundle. The lock uses four AA batteries, and the app provides low-battery alerts. The main advantage over a pure August lock is the built-in keypad, which eliminates the need for the optional August Keypad accessory.

The Ring Smart Lock is designed to work exclusively with the Ring Alarm security system. It uses Z-Wave to connect to the Ring Alarm base station, giving you control through the Ring app and Alexa. Like August, it retrofits over your existing deadbolt, so you keep your keys. Owner reviews on Amazon note that the lock is easy to install and the integration with Ring Alarm is smooth, but it is less useful if you do not already have a Ring system.

The lock does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so it relies entirely on the Ring Alarm hub for connectivity. This means you cannot use it as a standalone smart lock. Battery life is similar to August models, and the app sends low-battery alerts. The main advantage is the tight integration with Ring's ecosystem, including the ability to arm/disarm your alarm and lock/unlock your door with a single routine.