August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Simple, Serious Security
"It may look like a sweet snack, but this lock gives you real security and great features."
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No bridge required
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Easy to install
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Automatic unlock and lock function
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Robust construction
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Batteries are not rechargeable
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Stabs out the door
If you're intimidated by installing a smart lock, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock ($ 250) is a good choice. All you need is a screwdriver and five minutes. People say things are foolproof all the time, but in this case it really is. August Wi-Fi also offers many practical functions. Here you will find everything you need to know about this simple, user-friendly Smart Lock.
installation
As already mentioned, installing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is very easy. In fact, it's the easiest Smart Lock I've ever installed. There are two reasons.
First, the app gives you step-by-step instructions with short videos instead of just pictures so you really can't go wrong. Second, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock does not replace your current bar like the third generation August Smart Lock.
August
You simply remove the thumb on the inside of the door with the Smart Lock. The installation took about five minutes. The connection to the app and the calibration of the lock took a maximum of three minutes.
design
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the little brother of the August Smart Lock Pro. It's 45% smaller and 20% slimmer, making it a slim little lock the size of a snack cake. It is made of either silver or matt black plastic. The August WiFi sticks out pretty far out the door, but that really didn't bother me.
Alina Bradford / Digital Trends
What worried me a bit is that my bar is gold. That means my lock is now gold on one side and silver on the other. I can see where replacing the whole thing, including the latch, can be a good idea. These types of locks are not that easy to install, but they look more polished and coherent.
properties
The August app is very intuitive and wonderfully trouble-free. Its functions are very similar to most other intelligent locks on the market. You can unlock August from anywhere and check the activity log to monitor who's coming and going in your house. You can also give friends and family members virtual keys that can be used to unlock the door.
These virtual keys can be set to work at any time or on a set schedule. You can also issue temporary keys that expire at any time. If you want, you can get notifications on your phone when certain people access the lock in addition to the activity log. This means you have ultimate control over who has access to your home.
If it detects you, August Wi-Fi will be unlocked when you approach and lock the door when you move away.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock also has a feature called Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock. You can use the app to set the lock to recognize your phone or Apple Watch when you come and go through the door. When August Wi-Fi detects your device, it unlocks when you get close and locks the door when you get away.
Via the app you can set up the lock to wait up to 30 minutes before it is automatically locked. This is a good option if other family members leave the house at the same time. I love this feature because I hate taking out my keys or phone to mess around with locks. I usually have my hands full. However, Auto-Lock is not an exclusive feature for August. For example, the Wyze Lock and Danalock V3 have a similar function.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has a device called DoorSense. This is a small, pill-shaped sensor that you attach to the door frame. This allows the app to tell you whether your door is open or closed. If you have a child, spouse, or roommate who forgets to close the door, this can be useful.
No bridge required
Another thing I really like is that the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock needs nothing more than the tiny DoorSense sensor to work. This is not always the case with intelligent locks.
No bridge clears my sockets for other intelligent devices.
For example, for the Wyze Lock, the Wyze Lock Gateway must be plugged into a nearby outlet for it to work properly, and for the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect, the August Wi-Fi Bridge must work. No bridge clears my sockets for other intelligent devices.
safety
Automating your home is sometimes scary because getting hacked is always a problem. August has several ways to protect you. First, the app has two-step verification to prevent unauthorized users from accessing your account. Second, both encryption using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and TLS are used to ensure the security of your data.
Are you afraid that you will lose your phone and that anyone who finds it will have access to your home? August has a great feature that allows you to disable the app and virtual keys by accessing the lost phone website. These functions all indicate a higher urgency when it comes to security and data protection in the smart home.
Voice control and compatibility
Regardless of the type of voice assistant you use, you can control the August WLAN. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Voice commands can be used to unlock and check the status of your door. This is very helpful, especially when I can't find my phone to remotely unlock the door.
Are you afraid that a random person can open your door by asking your smart speaker through the window? Don't worry, a four-digit code is required to open it. Small details like this again show that the company takes security seriously. You can also connect the August WiFi to various hubs and services. It is compatible with Airbnb, Samsung SmartThings, SimpliSafe and Apple HomeKit, among others.
Battery problems
The only thing I really didn't like about the August WiFi is the power source. It is powered by two CR123 batteries. You are probably like me and have nothing else in your house that uses this type of battery. That said, you can't just get a couple of fresh batteries out of the trash when they're empty. You need to buy a special backup set to have it on hand.
Alina Bradford / Digital Trends
I assume it's a little problem, but I will surely forget to buy new batteries specifically for my lock. I really wish it had a battery like that Friday Lock from Friday Labs. In this knowledge, the battery is designed for three to six months under normal operating conditions.
Our opinion
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a great choice when it comes to automating your door locks quickly and easily. It offers all the functions you would expect from an advanced Smart Lock, such as virtual keys and input warnings. The price is in the upper price segment, but in my opinion it's worth it for the user-friendliness, the high-quality app, the robust workmanship and the mixture of great functions that you can find in first-class locks.
Is there a better alternative?
Well, it all depends on what you want. For example, if you'd rather have a smart lock with a keyboard, the Nest X Yale lock is a better choice. If you want a lock that offers all of the standard features you'll find on most other advanced smart locks without having to replace your bolt, August WiFi is a great choice. Another option is the level lock, which has a similar price but doesn't replace your existing thumb rotation. So it doesn't change the look of your door. However, there aren't as many features like this.
How long it will take?
The August Wi-Fi appears to be well built and robust. Although the housing is made of plastic, the parts that are attached to your door are made of thick metal. I think it lasts no matter how many times you bump into it. There is also a 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year limited guarantee.
Should you buy it
Yes. It's a great little castle with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
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