Quick verdict
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Review 2026
The short answer
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) is the best smart lock for renters and anyone who doesn’t want to replace their deadbolt: it mounts on the inside of the door, keeps your existing keys working, and adds built-in Wi-Fi, auto-unlock, and guest access. At $229.99 list (street prices often lower), it’s a premium retrofit. The trade-offs are real — 2 CR123 batteries that last roughly 3 months with Wi-Fi active, and it doesn’t upgrade the physical security of the door itself. If you want keyless entry without changing your lock, this is still the one.
This is a research-based review. We have not tested the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) hands-on; every fact below comes from the manufacturer’s published specs, pricing, and independent reporting. Prices and specs checked September 30, 2026.
Key specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Retrofit — mounts inside over existing single-cylinder deadbolt; exterior unchanged |
| MSRP | $229.99 (frequently discounted; deals as low as ~$150 seen) |
| Wireless | Built-in Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz); Bluetooth |
| Battery | 2 × CR123; ~3 months typical with Wi-Fi (varies with usage) |
| Size | 2.8 × 2.8 × 2.75 in; 1.45 lb |
| Features | Auto-Unlock, Auto-Lock, DoorSense open/closed detection, activity feed, virtual guest keys |
| Ecosystem | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings |
| Security | AES 128-bit + TLS encryption; two-factor authentication |
| Install | ~10 minutes with a screwdriver |
Price and availability
The 4th-gen August Wi-Fi Smart Lock lists at $229.99 (it launched at $249.99). It is frequently discounted — deal trackers have shown it around $152, and used/open-box units go lower. Note that August is now under the Yale/ASSA ABLOY umbrella, and the current retail channel still sells the 4th-gen Wi-Fi model widely. Confirm the live price before buying; sales are common.
What it’s good at
- Zero permanent changes. It replaces only the interior thumbturn, so your landlord’s key still works, the exterior looks identical, and you can remove it in minutes when you move. No smart lock is more renter-friendly.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge. Unlike older August generations that needed a Connect bridge for remote access, the 4th gen connects directly — remote lock/unlock and guest management work out of the box.
- Auto-Unlock feels like magic. Geofencing detects your arrival and unlocks as you approach; Auto-Lock plus DoorSense re-secures the door when it closes. Reviewers consistently call this the killer feature.
- Excellent guest management. Send permanent, scheduled, or temporary virtual keys from the app — ideal for dog walkers, cleaners, and Airbnb-style hosting — with a full activity feed of who came and went.
- Compact and discreet. At about the size of a doorknob, it’s far less conspicuous on the inside of the door than most retrofit locks.
- Broad ecosystem support. Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings are all covered, so it fits wherever your smart home lives.
Where it falls short
- Battery life is the weak point. Built-in Wi-Fi is power-hungry: expect roughly 3 months from the two CR123 cells (less-common and pricier than AAs), versus 6–12 months on competitors with AA batteries. Budget for spares.
- It doesn’t improve your door’s security. Your existing deadbolt stays — if it’s a cheap cylinder, it’s still a cheap cylinder. Full-replacement locks (Schlage, Yale) upgrade the hardware too.
- No keypad included. Keyless entry means phone, watch, or voice — the separate August keypad costs extra if you want code entry for guests without smartphones.
- Auto-Unlock can be finicky. Geofencing depends on phone location services; apartment dwellers and users with aggressive battery optimization sometimes report inconsistent auto-unlock behavior.
- August’s brand future is murky. Now folded into Yale under ASSA ABLOY, long-term app support is likely but the August brand’s independent roadmap is unclear — worth knowing before you invest.
Who should buy it
Renters who can’t replace their deadbolt, homeowners who love their existing exterior hardware, and anyone who wants the smoothest auto-unlock experience with minimal installation. Great for shared households that need easy guest access.
Who should skip it
Anyone wanting a keypad, fingerprint reader, or upgraded physical security in one purchase — full-replacement locks like the Schlage Encode Plus or Aqara U200 bundle more hardware for similar money. Also skip if changing batteries every ~3 months sounds annoying.
Verdict
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) remains the definitive retrofit smart lock: invisible from outside, genuinely smart inside, and renter-approved. The short battery life and unchanged door hardware keep it from a higher score, but for its niche it’s unmatched. Rating: 4.3/5.
FAQ
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock work with my existing deadbolt?
It fits most single-cylinder deadbolts — measure your door’s backset, cross bore, and thickness, and check August’s compatibility guide before buying.
Do I need a hub or bridge?
No. The 4th generation has Wi-Fi built in, so remote access and integrations work without extra hardware.
How long do the batteries last?
Roughly 3 months with typical Wi-Fi use from the two CR123 batteries; heavy auto-unlock use can shorten that. Keep spares on hand.
Does it work with Apple HomeKit?
Yes — it’s HomeKit-enabled, and also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.
Where to buy
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