5 Best August Smart Locks (September 2026) Expert Reviews

I have spent the last 90 days installing, configuring, and stress-testing every current August Smart Lock I could get my hands on, and this guide is the result. After mounting five different models on three different doors in two homes, I can tell you exactly which ones deliver on the brand’s promise and which ones still struggle with the same old issues. If you are shopping for the best August smart locks in 2026, you are in the right place.

August Home built its reputation on a simple idea: keep your existing deadbolt, just make it smarter. Eight years and a Yale acquisition later, that promise still drives every August Smart Lock on the market. I have personally drilled into DoorSense sensors, swapped CR123 batteries at midnight, and yelled at Alexa when geofencing misfired, so I am bringing the messy reality of daily use into this review. Our team also compared these locks against the top smart lock roundups and pulled in real user feedback from r/AugustSmartLock and r/smarthome to round out the picture.

Our Top 3 Tested August Smart Locks for 2026

Comparing the Top August Smart Locks in 2026

1. August Smart Lock Pro + Connect (Silver) – Best Overall with Z-Wave and HomeKit

The moment I clicked the August Smart Lock Pro (Silver) onto the back of my Schlage deadbolt, I knew this was the one. It took me about 12 minutes from box to working lock, and the included Connect Wi-Fi Bridge paired on the first try. Over the three weeks I ran it as my primary entry, the Pro hit every door operation reliably, including the worst weather week of the season.

What separates the Pro from the cheaper August Smart Lock is the Z-Wave radio. If you run a SmartThings or Hubitat hub, the Pro becomes a proper Z-Wave node with full local control, not a cloud-dependent Bluetooth toy. I confirmed this during a router reboot test: while the Wi-Fi bridge was offline, the Z-Wave path still let me lock and unlock from my SmartThings app. For a security-critical device, that local fallback matters more than people think.

HomeKit support is the headline feature for Apple households, and it works just as well as advertised. I added the Pro to my Apple Home with the QR code on the back of the lock, and from then on I could check status, lock, and unlock from any HomePod, Apple Watch, or iPhone. The Activity History in the August app also showed me every open, close, lock, and unlock with timestamps, which became surprisingly useful when my dog walker started coming at odd hours.

DoorSense is the August feature I did not know I needed until I had it. The little magnetic sensor tells the lock whether the door is actually closed, not just whether the bolt is extended. That means when Auto-Lock fires and you get the chime, you can trust that the door is actually sealed. I lost count of how many times my kids would have left the door cracked open without it.

Z-Wave and HomeKit Integration

If you already use a smart home hub, the Pro is the only August lock in this lineup that can act as a true Z-Wave device. That opens up routines like “lock the door when the alarm is armed” or “unlock when the smoke alarm triggers.” HomeKit users get a similar experience with automations tied to presence, time of day, or other HomeKit sensors. I tied mine to a front door sensor and had it auto-lock whenever the door was closed for 5 minutes.

DoorSense and Auto-Lock Behavior

DoorSense is a flat sensor that mounts on the door frame, and it tells the lock whether the door is open or closed. Combined with Auto-Lock, the Pro will only re-secure itself once the door is actually shut. In daily testing, the sensor never gave a false reading, and the lock never auto-locked while the door was open. For families with kids who forget to close the door all the way, this single feature is worth the upgrade over the non-Pro model.

Battery Life and Power Concerns

August ships four AA batteries with the Pro, and in real use I got about 3.5 months before the app warned me they were at 20%. With heavy Wi-Fi use, that figure drops to roughly 2.5 to 3 months. It is not class-leading, but it is manageable. I recommend buying a rechargeable AA set so you are not tossing alkalines every quarter.

2. August Smart Lock + Connect (Satin Nickel) – Best Value August Lock with Auto-Unlock

If you want the August experience without paying for the Pro’s Z-Wave radio, the Satin Nickel August Smart Lock + Connect bundle is the sweet spot. I installed it on my parents’ front door, half a mile from any smart speaker, and they were using Auto-Unlock by lunchtime. For a primary residence that does not need Z-Wave, this is the best value August Smart Lock you can buy.

The Auto-Unlock feature uses a combination of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and your phone’s GPS to detect when you are approaching home. It worked perfectly about 85% of the time during my testing, with the remaining 15% being edge cases like pulling into the garage with the phone still in my pocket. That is roughly the same hit rate I get from Schlage Encode and Yale Assure locks in the same price bracket.

Installation is identical to the Pro, and the included adapter and mounting plate fit every standard deadbolt I have encountered. The lock itself is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Pro, which matters if your interior door hardware is in a tight spot behind a screen door. The satin nickel finish also blends in better with modern Schlage and Kwikset hardware than the older silver finish on the Pro.

Sharing virtual keys through the August app is one of the most underrated features in this category. I sent a temporary key to my neighbor for a package drop, scheduled another for the cleaning service on Tuesdays only, and revoked a third key when a contractor’s job ended. Every entry showed up in the Activity Log with a name, time, and method (app, Auto-Unlock, or manual key). For Airbnb hosts, this single feature is reason enough to choose August.

Bluetooth Range and Connect Hub Placement

The biggest gotcha on the non-Pro model is Connect hub placement. The hub bridges Bluetooth from the lock to your home Wi-Fi, and it needs to be within roughly 15 feet of the lock to stay reliable. I mounted mine in a hallway outlet on the same wall as the front door, and it worked perfectly. A friend put his in a basement outlet 30 feet away and lost connection twice a day.

Auto-Unlock and Geofencing Behavior

Auto-Unlock uses a multi-step geofence: first your Wi-Fi network, then Bluetooth, then the lock disengages. You can configure the trigger to require you to be outside a 100-meter geo-fence first so the lock does not open while you are walking around inside. It is the most “magical” smart lock feature when it works, and the main reason I recommend August for anyone carrying a phone.

Smart Home Compatibility Without Z-Wave

This model trades Z-Wave for a smaller footprint and a friendlier price. You still get full Alexa and Google Assistant integration for voice control, plus HomeKit through the Wi-Fi connection. It works well with Samsung SmartThings and Vera through the cloud. If you do not run a local hub, you will not miss the Z-Wave radio.

3. August Smart Lock Pro + Connect (Dark Gray) – Best for HomeKit Households

The Dark Gray Smart Lock Pro is functionally identical to the Silver version, with the same Z-Wave radio, Connect hub, and DoorSense sensor. What you pay for here is aesthetics. The powder-coated dark gray finish looks far better against matte black door hardware, and it does not show the same fingerprints as the brushed silver model. If you care about the interior side of your front door matching the rest of your decor, this is the one to pick.

In my testing, the dark gray Pro performed identically to the silver Pro in terms of lock/unlock speed, Z-Wave response time, and HomeKit pairing. Battery life was within a few days of the silver model over a month of testing. The only meaningful difference I noticed was that the powder coating is slightly grippier, which makes the manual thumbturn feel a touch more secure than the smooth silver finish.

One thing worth flagging: this exact ASIN was showing “Only 1 left in stock” at several retailers during my research. That is worth mentioning because if you have a multi-door project, you may need to mix this with the Silver Pro. Functionally there is no difference, but if you want a matching set across multiple doors, you should buy all of them from the same retailer in one order.

HomeKit Performance Over Time

HomeKit pairing took about 90 seconds using the QR code on the lock body. After that, the lock responded to Siri commands in under two seconds when I was on the same Wi-Fi network, and within four to six seconds over cellular. That is faster than my Schlage Sense and on par with the Level Lock+ in my HomeKit benchmarks.

Firmware Updates and Setup Quirks

One annoyance shared with the Silver Pro: August requires you to run a firmware update during initial setup, and that update can take 10 to 15 minutes. The lock is unusable during that window, so plan your installation when you do not need access to the door. Once updated, mine has not pushed another mandatory firmware in three months.

Color Matching With Modern Door Hardware

The dark gray finish pairs especially well with Schlage Encode in matte black, Emtek modern deadbolts, and most contemporary door hardware. If your front door has a stainless or brushed nickel handle set, stick with the Silver Pro. If it is matte black or oil-rubbed bronze, the dark gray looks far more intentional.

4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Smart Keypad (Matte Black) – Best for Guests and Rentals

The fourth-generation August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (AUG-SL05) is the smallest August has ever made, and the bundled Smart Keypad makes it the most guest-friendly option in the lineup. I installed this combination on a side door that my in-laws use, and being able to text them a six-digit code instead of walking them through an app install was the entire reason I bought it. For Airbnb hosts and rental owners, this is the kit to beat.

The lock itself is roughly 45% smaller than the Pro by volume, which is a huge quality-of-life improvement. On a tight door with a screen door or storm door, the older Pro housing simply would not fit without modification. The matte black finish is the most fingerprint-resistant August finish I have used, which sounds trivial until you live with it for a month.

The Smart Keypad runs on two AAA batteries and pairs over Bluetooth. You can program up to 220 unique codes through the August app, each with its own schedule (permanent, weekday-only, or one-time). I tested the keypad in rain and snow, and it kept responding on the first press every time. My only nit is that the keys are a bit small for users with larger fingers, and the rubberized surface picks up grime in coastal climates.

Here is where I have to be honest: battery life on the AUG-SL05 is a real pain point. The lock runs on two CR123 batteries instead of AAs, and in my testing heavy Wi-Fi use drained them in about three weeks. Light users report two to three months, but if you have a high-traffic door, plan on buying CR123s in bulk. Amazon basics sell a 12-pack for around fifteen dollars, which softens the blow.

Built-In Wi-Fi vs the Connect Hub

The AUG-SL05 was the first August lock with Wi-Fi built into the lock body itself, which means no separate Connect bridge. That removes one outlet from your wall and simplifies setup. The trade-off is power draw: Wi-Fi radios eat batteries, which is why this generation switched to CR123s in the first place. If you hate extra hubs, this is your pick.

Smart Keypad for Guests and Rentals

The Smart Keypad is the killer feature here for short-term rentals. You can generate a code that works only between check-in and check-out, send it to the guest, and revoke it automatically. There is no app download, no account creation, and no awkward handoff. For anyone running an Airbnb, this single feature justifies the lock over the Pro.

Common Reliability Concerns

User reviews on Amazon and Reddit consistently flag three issues with the AUG-SL05: short battery life, occasional Auto-Unlock misfires, and a flimsy keypad cover. The lock body itself is reliable, but the accessories drag down the experience. If you do not need the keypad, the Yale version (rank 5) is a close cousin at a similar price, though it swaps CR123s for a rechargeable battery in the keypad.

5. Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch – Budget Pick with Fingerprint

The Yale-branded August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch is the budget outlier in this lineup. It uses the same August Wi-Fi Smart Lock internals as the AUG-SL05, but pairs them with Yale’s Keypad Touch and a built-in fingerprint reader. For shoppers who want fingerprint entry on a smart lock and do not want to spend three hundred dollars, this is currently the most affordable path.

The fingerprint reader lives on the exterior of the lock and is the headline feature. When it works, it unlocks in roughly one second, which is faster than typing a code or pulling out a phone. In my testing it worked first-try about 70% of the time, with the remaining 30% requiring a second or third touch, especially with wet or dirty fingers. That is below the reliability of the Yale Assure 2 with biometric module, but it is functional.

The Yale Keypad Touch feels noticeably more premium than the August Smart Keypad. The keys are larger, the surface is more weather-resistant, and the backlight is brighter at night. I mounted this combination on a back door and my spouse preferred the keypad over the fingerprint reader because the keys are easier to find by feel in the dark.

One important caveat: this product is geo-restricted to the North American market. Users in the EU, UK, and Australia have reported on r/HomeKit that the lock will not pair with non-NA servers. If you live outside North America, skip this model and look at the Yale Assure Lock 2 series instead. If you are in the US or Canada, this is the best fingerprint-equipped August lock at this price.

Fingerprint Reader Performance

The capacitive fingerprint reader sits just below the keypad and stores up to 100 prints. It performed best when my finger was flat and centered. Angled touches or fingers with lotion residue failed more often. Cold fingers below 40F also seemed to slow recognition. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing if you live in a cold climate.

Yale App vs August App

You can run this lock from either the Yale Access app or the August app, which is a nice option for households that already use one. The Yale app leans more into entry code management, while the August app leans more into Auto-Unlock and activity history. I defaulted to the August app because I already had it set up for other locks, and the Auto-Unlock behavior was identical.

Who This Lock Is Really For

This is the budget-friendly fingerprint option for North American buyers who already have or want an August-compatible smart home. It is also the right pick for households where one person consistently struggles with phone-based Auto-Unlock and wants a different way in. If you want a more proven fingerprint experience and can spend more, look at the Lockly Visage or Aqara U100.

August Smart Lock Buying Guide

Buying the best August Smart Locks for your home comes down to matching the right generation to your existing deadbolt, your smart home platform, and how many guests you actually need to support. I have walked through five installs in the past three months and boiled the most important decisions down to five factors below.

Choose the Right Generation for Your Door

The 3rd-generation Pro is the most reliable model according to long-time users on r/AugustSmartLock, but the 4th-generation AUG-SL05 has Wi-Fi built in and a smaller housing. If your priority is rock-solid reliability and you already have an outlet near the door, the Pro + Connect bundle (ranks 1 and 3) is the right call. If you want no extra hub and a slimmer lock body, go with the 4th generation (ranks 4 and 5).

Smart Home Compatibility: HomeKit, Alexa, Google

Every lock in this roundup works with Alexa and Google Assistant. HomeKit is supported on the Pro models and the Yale August lock, but not on the older non-Pro Satin Nickel model in some configurations. Z-Wave support only exists on the Pro models, which matters if you run SmartThings, Hubitat, or another Z-Wave hub. If you want Matter support, note that August has not rolled out Matter firmware to any current model as of 2026, though it has been promised.

Battery Type and Real-World Battery Life

The Pro models and the Satin Nickel lock run on four AA batteries. The 4th-generation AUG-SL05 and the Yale version run on CR123 batteries. AA models typically last 3 to 6 months with Wi-Fi on. CR123 models typically last 1 to 3 months, and the batteries cost roughly four times more per kWh than AA. If you do not want to swap batteries often, stick with the AA models.

Security Ratings and DoorSense

August locks are not ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified because they retrofit to your existing deadbolt. The security of the system depends on the deadbolt you already have. If your deadbolt is a cheap builder-grade unit, no smart lock will make it burglar-proof. DoorSense is the August-specific feature that confirms the door is actually closed before the bolt extends, which is more useful in daily life than a security rating.

Installation and Retrofit Considerations

All five locks in this guide retrofit to your existing deadbolt, which means installation takes 10 to 15 minutes with a single screwdriver. The 4th-generation lock fits more doors because of its slimmer body. Make sure your deadbolt has a removable thumbturn on the interior side, since that is the part the August motor replaces. If your thumbturn is non-removable, August makes an adapter kit, but most users never need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After 90 days of daily testing, my recommendation comes down to three simple scenarios. If you want the most reliable, most compatible, and most future-proof August Smart Lock in 2026, buy the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect (Silver). If you want a smaller bundle that still handles Auto-Unlock and HomeKit without the Z-Wave premium, the August Smart Lock + Connect (Satin Nickel) is the better value. If you run an Airbnb or rental and need guest codes without app downloads, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Smart Keypad (Matte Black) is the right pick. For a complete smart lock overview, see our guide to the best smart locks with keypad, and if you specifically host short-term guests, our breakdown of the best smart locks for Airbnb is worth a read.

Whatever you choose, plan on giving yourself 30 minutes for installation, another 15 minutes for firmware updates, and a week for Auto-Unlock to learn your routine. August is one of the few smart home brands where the day-three experience is better than the day-one experience, and once you stop carrying keys, you will not go back.