If you’re still getting locked out of your house in 2018, you should seriously consider investing in a smart lock. They make keys a thing of the past so you’ll always have access to your home. In this review, I’ll discuss the August Smart Lock Pro, a smart lock that works so well that you won’t even need a passcode- but I’ll explain how it works later.
I’ll go over the Smart Lock Pro’s design, how well it works, how easy installation was, and finally, the August Home app. Then I’ll help you answer the age-old question: is the August Smart Lock Pro worth buying? Security Baron’s review of the August Smart Lock Pro starts now!
August Smart Lock Pro Design
Right off the bat, let me just say that I’m disappointed that the lock is not weatherproof or intended for outdoor use. Instead, it works only in temperatures from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, locks are used on doors to the outside, so this seems very limiting. I also wish the lock had longer battery life- it uses four AA batteries which last about six months. While using batteries certainly makes installation easier, having to replace the batteries twice a year sounds annoying.
In addition, the lock has no tamper alarm, so I’m concerned that a criminal could simply remove it to disconnect the lock from your mobile app. Obviously he’d still need to get past your existing deadbolt, but you wouldn’t necessarily be aware that an intrusion, or attempted intrusion, was happening.
August Smart Lock Pro Features
The August Smart Lock Pro uses Z-wave technology to communicate with your phone. As your phone is connected with the lock, the door will automatically unlock as you approach it (given that you have your phone with you, which 99% of the time is the case). This process is called geofencing, and it makes locking or unlocking your door completely effortless. If you’re old school, you can still use keys or control the lock through your mobile app. The one thing you can be sure of- so long as you have your phone with you, you won’t be locked out.
August’s Smart Lock Pro also integrates with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant so you can vocally command your lock, yet another backup system to ensure you’ll never be locked out. You can even grant access to guests for specific or indefinite time periods, which makes letting the dog sitter in a breeze. And if you want to see who’s coming in and out of your house, just check out the event history in the August Home app- but we’ll get to that later.
The August Home App
August Home App Features
To remotely control your August Smart Lock Pro, you’ll use the August Home App. In addition to unlocking and locking your door, you can create virtual keys for guests with specific time periods. An example would be automatically unlocking the door at the exact time your kids get home from school. The app is also where you’ll set up geofencing and view your lock’s event history– who used it and when.
August Home App Reviews
Apple users absolutely loved the August Home app- they gave it a 4.8 out of five star rating, nearly perfect. People particularly loved the geofencing feature.
Unfortunately, the app wasn’t as well-regarded on the Google Play Store, with a 3.5 out of five star rating. Users complained that the app was buggy, and had trouble connecting with the Smart Lock Pro, especially during geofencing.
If you’re an iPhone user, it’s safe to say you’ll probably like the August Home app more than if you’re an Android user.
Is the August Smart Lock Pro Worth It?
Let’s talk about the August Smart Lock Pro’s best and worst features. Among its pros include:
- Geofencing
- Integration with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Event history
- Guest access
- Good app ratings from iPhone users
And its negatives:
- Not weatherproof
- Short battery life of six months
- No tamper alarm
- Poor app ratings from Android users
- Connectivity issues from Android users
For a costly $229, I would recommend this lock to iPhone users, anyone with smart home platforms from Apple, Amazon, or Google, or someone that wants geofencing and guest access. If you’re an Android user, this might not be the best choice for you.
Got any more questions? Leave them below- we look forward to hearing from you.
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