So you want a smart lock but you’re not sure which one to buy. That’s where I come in. Today I’m reviewing the third generation August Smart Lock, an earlier iteration of the August Smart Lock Pro. Available for $129, it’s one of the less expensive smart locks out there, so I’m ready to find out how its quality matches up with its affordability.
In this review, I’ll discuss the August Smart Lock’s design and features, how well it works, how easy it was to set up and finally, the August Home app. Let’s jump in!
August Smart Lock Design
The August Smart Lock is battery-operated with 4AA batteries, which last about six months. Your app will let you know when the battery is low, but I would always keep some handy- different users can have varying battery lengths, based on your existing lock and door.
Unfortunately, the August Smart Lock is not weatherproof and is not intended for outdoor use. It only works in temperatures from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which does not cover many areas. I’m disappointed that the lock isn’t weatherproof, as this seems like an obvious prerequisite for a lock. Perhaps the August Smart Lock would be a better fit for an indoor lock, like the door that connects your garage and house.
Another feature I wish the August Smart Lock had is a tamper alarm. That means that if anyone tries to remove the lock, you’d be notified via your mobile app. To my disappointment, if someone tries to tamper with your August Smart Lock, they just might bet away with it- let’s just pray they can’t tamper with your deadbolt!
August Smart Lock Features
The August Smart Lock uses Bluetooth to connect to your mobile app, which allows you to lock or unlock your door. For your home’s more old-fashioned members, the lock’s original key will still work. Plus, the lock integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can verbally command it to lock or unlock.
The easiest way to lock or unlock your door, however, is through geofencing. Geofencing means connecting your lock to you phone so that it will automatically lock or unlock based on your location. Of course, geofencing depends on the fact that you always have your phone with you, which is probably the case for 99% of our readers. Even if you don’t use geofencing (maybe convenience isn’t your thing), the door will automatically lock on your way out.
With all these different ways of controlling your lock, you can rest assured that you’re not going to get locked out anytime soon…and neither are your guests. In the August Home app, which I’ll talk about in more detail later, you can create guest access for your family, friends, or any hired help. You can even create a time period for their access, ensuring that no one can come inside when they’re not wanted. This is particularly helpful if you’re an Airbnb host, automating the check in/ out process.
Want to relieve the magic? You can check out your lock’s event history on the August Home app. But hold your horses- we’ll get there soon.
How Easy is it to Install the August Smart Lock?
Stop in the name of locks! To install the August Smart Lock, you’ll need a single-cylinder deadbolt.
The August Home App
A smart lock and its coordinating app go together like peanut butter and jelly. I want to talk to you about what you can do on the August Home app, and what customers think of it.
Features
On the August Home app, you can lock and unlock your door, create guest access, set up geofencing, and review your event history.
Reviews
If you’re an iPhone user, you’re in luck: the August Home app has a 4.8 out of five star rating on the Apple Store! Clearly, this is almost perfect, which means that customers loved using the app. Unfortunately, the app fared a lot worse on the Google Play store, with a 3.5 overall rating. Many users claimed that they had trouble connecting the app to the lock, clearly a huge issue. August needs to seriously look into its mobile app on Android.
Is the August Smart Lock Worth It?
Whenever I have to come to a hard decision (what job I’m going to take, who I’m going to marry, what I’m naming my yet-to-be-born child), I always do the same thing: make a list of pros and cons. Deciding whether or not to buy the August Smart Lock is no different.
Let’s start with the good!
- Integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Geofencing
- Automatic locking
- Guest access
- Event history
- Good app reviews
And end with the not so good…
- Not weatherproof/ designed for outdoor use
- No tamper alarm
If you’re interested in the August Smart Lock, you’ll probably also want to read our review of the August Smart Lock Pro. Until next time!
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