Honest Review: August Smart Lock 2nd Gen — Pros, Cons & Verdict
The August Smart Lock 2nd Gen offers a compelling entry into the world of smart home security, providing keyless access and remote control over your front door. This innovative device is designed to retrofit over your existing deadbolt, transforming a traditional lock into a smart one without replacing your entire lock hardware.
Quick Summary: August Smart Lock 2nd Gen
Rating: 3.7/5 stars (from 2329 reviews)
Price: $199.99 USD
Key Pros:
- Easy installation over existing deadbolt.
- Seamless HomeKit integration for Apple users.
- Auto-unlock and auto-lock features for convenience.
- Robust guest access management and activity log.
Key Cons:
- Requires August Connect for remote Wi-Fi access.
- Battery life can be inconsistent for some users.
Table of Contents
August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Overview
The August Smart Lock 2nd Gen positions itself as a sophisticated solution for modern home access, blending convenience with enhanced security features. It’s designed specifically to upgrade existing deadbolts, allowing users to retain their original keys while adding smart capabilities.
This model, notably HomeKit enabled, integrates seamlessly into Apple’s smart home ecosystem, offering voice control via Siri and automation through the Home app. Users can lock and unlock their door, check its status, and manage access from anywhere, provided they have the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge.
One of its standout features is the Auto-Unlock function, which detects your arrival and unlocks the door as you approach. Conversely, Auto-Lock secures your home after a set period, ensuring you never leave your door unlocked by mistake. This level of automation significantly boosts daily convenience.
The design of the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen is sleek and unobtrusive, meant to blend with various home aesthetics. Its silver finish provides a contemporary look, making it an appealing addition to many modern doorways. The installation process is generally straightforward, requiring only a screwdriver.
Beyond basic locking and unlocking, the August app provides a comprehensive activity log, detailing who entered and exited and when. This feature is invaluable for homeowners who want to monitor their property, track service providers, or keep an eye on family members’ comings and goings.
Guest access management is another powerful aspect of this smart lock. Homeowners can issue temporary or permanent virtual keys to friends, family, or service personnel. These keys can be revoked at any time, offering granular control over who has access to your home.
The August Smart Lock 2nd Gen operates on four AA batteries, which are typically easy to replace. While some users report varying battery life, it generally offers several months of use before needing replacement. The app provides low battery alerts to prevent unexpected lockouts.
While the core functionality of the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen is robust, it’s important to note its reliance on the August Connect for full remote access. Without this optional accessory, the lock’s smart features are limited to Bluetooth range, meaning you must be near the door to control it.
Its HomeKit compatibility is a major draw for Apple users, enabling integration with a broader smart home ecosystem. This allows for complex automations, such as turning on lights when the door unlocks or disarming security systems. The lock acts as a crucial component in a connected home strategy.
The device’s internal mechanism is designed for durability and security, maintaining the integrity of your existing deadbolt. This retrofit approach means you don’t have to worry about rekeying your entire house or dealing with complex hardware replacements. It simply enhances what you already have.
Despite its impressive feature set, the 3.7-star rating suggests some users encounter challenges. Common concerns often revolve around connectivity stability, battery performance, and the necessity of additional accessories like the August Connect for complete functionality. Understanding these nuances is key to a satisfying ownership experience.
Overall, the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen provides a solid foundation for smart home access, particularly for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. Its blend of convenience, security monitoring, and flexible access management makes it a strong contender in the smart lock market, offering significant value to the right user.
August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Key Features & Specs
The August Smart Lock 2nd Gen comes packed with a variety of features designed to enhance home security and convenience. Understanding these core functionalities is crucial for appreciating its value and suitability for your needs. Let’s delve into the specifics that make this smart lock stand out.
HomeKit Compatibility
One of the most significant features of this 2nd generation lock is its native integration with Apple HomeKit. This means Apple users can seamlessly incorporate the lock into their existing smart home setup, controlling it via the Home app or using Siri voice commands.
HomeKit enables advanced automation scenarios, linking your lock with other HomeKit-enabled devices. For example, you could set up a scene where unlocking the door also turns on your entryway lights and adjusts your thermostat.
Auto-Unlock and Auto-Lock
The Auto-Unlock feature uses your smartphone’s location services to detect when you are approaching your home. As you get close, the lock automatically unlocks, providing truly hands-free entry. This is incredibly convenient when your hands are full with groceries or children.
Conversely, Auto-Lock ensures your home is always secure. You can set a timer for the lock to automatically engage after a specified duration (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes) once the door is closed. This eliminates the worry of forgetting to lock your door.
Guest Access Management
The August app allows you to grant virtual keys to family, friends, or service providers. These keys can be set as permanent, temporary, or recurring, offering precise control over who can enter your home and when. You can revoke access instantly from anywhere.
This feature is particularly useful for Airbnb hosts, pet sitters, or when you need to allow contractors temporary access. It eliminates the need for physical key exchanges, adding a layer of security and convenience.
Activity Feed
Every interaction with your door is recorded in a detailed activity log within the August app. This includes who unlocked or locked the door, whether it was done manually or via the app, and the exact time of the event.
This comprehensive history provides peace of mind and an audit trail, allowing you to monitor activity at your front door. It’s an essential security feature for tracking authorized entries and exits.
Easy DIY Installation
The August Smart Lock 2nd Gen is designed for a simple DIY installation that typically takes less than 15 minutes. It retrofits over the interior side of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt, meaning your exterior hardware and keys remain unchanged.
This non-invasive installation is a major advantage, especially for renters who may not be able to modify their exterior lock. A screwdriver is usually the only tool required, making it accessible for most homeowners.
DoorSense Technology (with August Connect)
While the 2nd Gen predates the integrated DoorSense of later models, when paired with an August Connect, it can provide an indication of whether your door is open or closed. This adds another layer of security, preventing the lock from engaging if the door is ajar.
Understanding the door’s physical state adds critical context to the lock’s status, ensuring the door is not only locked but also properly closed. This feature is crucial for preventing false alarms and ensuring true security.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth: The primary connection method for local control and initial setup.
- Wi-Fi (via August Connect): Enables remote access, allowing you to control and monitor your lock from anywhere in the world. The Connect is sold separately.
Bluetooth provides a reliable connection when you are within range, but the August Connect is essential for unlocking the full potential of remote management and smart home integration beyond local proximity. This distinction is important for user expectations.
Power Source
The lock is powered by four standard AA batteries. The August app provides notifications when battery levels are low, giving you ample time to replace them before they run out completely. This ensures continuous operation without unexpected interruptions.
Design and Dimensions
The lock features a sleek, circular design with a silver finish, making it aesthetically pleasing and suitable for modern homes. Its compact form factor ensures it doesn’t protrude excessively from the door, maintaining a clean look.
The overall construction is robust, designed to withstand daily use. The interior thumb turn allows for manual operation, ensuring you can always lock or unlock your door even without your phone or power.
Understanding these features and specifications helps potential buyers assess if the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen aligns with their smart home goals and security needs. Its blend of convenience, control, and compatibility makes it a strong contender for those looking to upgrade their home access.
Pros & Cons
Every smart home device comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen is no exception. A balanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses is essential for making an informed purchasing decision.
Pros:
- Easy Installation: The retrofit design means you keep your existing deadbolt and keys, making installation quick and straightforward. You only replace the interior thumb turn, which takes minutes with just a screwdriver. This is a huge plus for renters or those hesitant about complex DIY projects.
- HomeKit Compatibility: For Apple users, this is a major advantage. Integration with HomeKit allows for seamless control via the Home app, Siri voice commands, and inclusion in complex automations with other HomeKit devices. This enhances the overall smart home experience significantly.
- Auto-Unlock/Auto-Lock: The convenience of hands-free entry and automatic locking cannot be overstated. Auto-Unlock detects your approach and opens the door, while Auto-Lock secures it after a set time, providing peace of mind and effortless security.
- Robust Guest Access: The ability to grant and revoke virtual keys for specific periods is incredibly powerful. This feature is perfect for managing access for family, friends, dog walkers, cleaners, or Airbnb guests without ever needing to cut or retrieve physical keys.
- Activity Log: The detailed activity feed in the August app provides a complete history of who entered and exited your home, and when. This audit trail is invaluable for security monitoring, knowing when kids arrive home from school, or tracking service personnel.
- Sleek Design: The lock’s minimalist, circular design in silver is modern and unobtrusive, blending well with most home decor. It’s designed to be functional yet aesthetically pleasing, without drawing undue attention to itself.
- Retains Existing Keys: Since only the interior portion of your deadbolt is replaced, your original physical keys continue to work. This provides a crucial backup method of entry, ensuring you’re never fully locked out due to tech issues or dead batteries.
Cons:
- August Connect Required for Remote Access: While the lock itself is HomeKit compatible, true remote Wi-Fi access (controlling the lock from outside Bluetooth range) requires the separate purchase of the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge. This adds to the overall cost and setup complexity.
- Inconsistent Battery Life: Some users report that the four AA batteries drain faster than expected, particularly with frequent use of Auto-Unlock or if the Wi-Fi bridge is constantly communicating. While the app warns of low battery, frequent replacements can be an inconvenience.
- Connectivity Issues: Occasional reports of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity drops can lead to delays in locking/unlocking or temporary loss of remote control. While often resolvable, these intermittent issues can be frustrating and undermine the reliability of a smart lock.
- DoorSense Reliability: The 2nd Gen lock, when paired with Connect, can indicate if the door is open or closed. However, the accuracy and reliability of this sensor can sometimes be affected by door alignment or installation, leading to false readings or missed detections.
- Learning Curve for HomeKit/App: While HomeKit integration is a pro, setting up complex automations or troubleshooting connectivity within the Home app or August app can have a slight learning curve for less tech-savvy users. The initial setup might require some patience.
- Price Point: At its price, especially considering the potential need for an August Connect, the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen represents a significant investment. While competitive, it might be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers looking for basic smart lock functionality.
- Dependence on Smartphone: While a core feature, relying solely on a smartphone for primary entry means you must always have your phone charged and with you. If your phone battery dies or you lose it, you’re reliant on your physical keys, which negates some of the
