August Smart Lock Review – Ditch the Keys!

The August Smart Lock is a connected door lock with a lot to offer. It is marketed as a convenient, secure lock that is particularly useful for its discrete positioning and intelligent technology. One feature that many users love about this lock is that it simply hooks into an existing lock assembly.

For those who shy away at the thought of a complicated set up, this lock’s 10 minute installation and minimal tool requirements makes it a top choice. Let’s take a closer look at the lock’s main features as well as its pros and cons.

First Things First – Set Up

For many potential buyers, the setup can be one of the main deciding factors. All you need to do to set up this smart lock is to start by unscrewing the two screws that hold the thumb-turn (the part that is situated on the inside of your door when the lever is flipped back and forth to engage the deadbolt).

Then, pull off the thumb plate then attached the included adapter plates into its stead. To finish the job, you will slide the adapter ring around the spindle of the deadbolt, then clip the entire unit onto the adapter plate.

Most people (Yours Truly included) find that a Phillips head screwdriver is all that they need to complete the installation.

Key Features of the August Smart Lock

As with most smart locks, the August Smart Lock offers an abundance of features. For example, it relies on battery power to remain on even if your power goes out.

The lock also gives you complete control over who has access to your home and how long that access will last. Here is a closer look at some of the most notable features:

• Security – This lock uses an encrypted locking technology, which is safer than having traditional keys to get into the house. In fact, it’s the same technology used by many financial institutions. With this system in place, you can distribute keys only to those who need them while specifying exactly who has access to your home and how long the access will last. You can make changes at any time and have them take effect immediately.

• Guestbook – This lock lets you do much more than shared keys to your house. For example, you can write thank you notes as well as leave instructions for visitors. You can also read comments from visitors through the virtual guestbook.

• Design – If you’re going to spring for a smart lock system, you’ll want one that looks nice. The August Smart Lock features a stunning yet discreet design complete with a durable anodized aluminum coating. While there are LED lights, they are cleverly placed to boost the lock’s appearance without drawing any extra attention.

• Bluetooth – Some smart locks are dependent on your home internet service — but the August Smart Lock isn’t one of them. This lock features reliable Bluetooth technology, which quickly and directly syncs the lock with your phone. As an added bonus, the Bluetooth connection will stay on even if your power or Wi-Fi goes down, giving you full control over the lock at all times.

Pros of the August – Things I liked…

There are many positive features of this smart lock. Many buyers look for specific features when deciding on a lock for their home. Here is an overview of this doorbell’s many pros:

• Ease of use – Most homeowners would rather not deal with a complicated lock system, which is where the August Smart Lock comes in handy. It has an automatic unlock feature that conveniently unlocks the door for you when it senses that you are approaching. It’s also equipped with EverLock technology, which automatically locks the door behind you when you leave the home.

• Remote access – This lock relies on August Connect technology to give you remote access from just about anywhere. As long as you have an internet connection, you will be able to use the August app to stay in control of your home’s security. This technology offers a number of expanded features as well as connectivity with other smart home services. Remote axis gives you information about who is entering or leaving your home, and whether you left the door unlocked. It also lets you buzz people in by remotely unlocking or locking the door for your guests.

• Battery powered – The August Smart Lock runs on standard batteries. This means that there isn’t any need to wire it into your home or connected in any other way. Your battery-powered lock will remain on even if the power in your house goes out. There are also low battery sensors that alert you via indicators and email that the batteries need to be replaced soon.

Cons of the August – Things That Need Improvement…

As with any other smart lock, this one has a number of drawbacks to consider. Some consumers may not find them to be that big of a deal, while others might think of them as deal breakers. From connectivity lag to lack of options for android users, here are some of the smart lock’s cons.

• Requires separate control hub – As with other Bluetooth-only devices, there will be times when you find yourself out of range of your Smart lock. To remedy the situation, you will need to spend an extra $50 or so for the August Connect accessory. This adds an extra cost onto the already steep price tag. You will need to buy this accessory separately. You can also search for a compatible third-party hub, but results may not be as consistent or reliable. Another issue that several customers gripe about is a lag when you first open up the app to connect with the Smart Lock.

• Only controls one lock – This lock only controls the deadbolt on a door. While this is fine if you only use one deadbolt, it is a serious problem in households where the doorknob is also locked. What this means is that the deadbolt may be locked or unlocked at any time, but visitors won’t actually be able to enter your house if another lock is also engaged. For some people, this limitation is enough to overlook the August Smart Lock altogether.

• Inconsistent results – Many people buy a lock for their house with the expectation that it will lock and unlock when needed. Unfortunately, the auto lock and unlock technology on the August Smart Lock still needs work. Several users complain that these features are inconsistent, and that they found the door locked or unlocked without any command from the user. Other times, users note that the app indicated that the door was locked or unlocked when the opposite was true. For some people, this lack of connectivity was serious enough to convince him or her to manually lock or unlock the door when leaving the house.

Features – Quick Look

Here’s a brief overview of the features you will get with the August Smart Lock, check its current price on Amazon.

Setup/Operation	Connectivity	Network	Additional Features
Runs on batteries	Remote logs of who has entered and left the house	Instantly invites guests	Virtual guestbook makes it easy to leave notes and comments
Low battery warning	Works with any Wi-Fi network	Sends out party invitations with door access included	Durable anodized aluminum cover
No wires required	Bluetooth-only operation	Complete control over how long guests have access	Auto unlock and lock features

Should I Buy It Now or Wait?

In many ways, the Smart lock network is an up-and-coming one. There aren’t many options currently available. This August lock can help fill an essential security and home access void. It’s battery-powered, and will remain on even if your home or Wi-Fi power goes out.

The lock is also Bluetooth ready, which means that you will have remote access even if you are not at home.

The product stands out for its ability to give access for any amount of time only to the people you trust. In addition, it also keeps a remote log of exactly who has entered and left the house, and at what time.

While this lock shows a lot of promise, it’s just not quite there yet. There are way too many glitches and potential problem areas. The auto-unlock and lock features are great when they are working, but numerous customers report inconsistencies in these systems.

While a manual lock is less convenient, it will always lock or unlock when expected. The August also lacks an auto-unlock feature for android users.

However, the company is reportedly working on fixing this problem in a future update. In short, iPhone users will probably have a better experience (as it stands now). You can check out the latest pricing discounts here.