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PROVIDER FIT REVIEW/

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) Review for Keyless Entry

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a good fit for Keyless Entry smart lock replacement when the buyer wants to keep an existing single-cylinder deadbolt, exterior keys, and door hardware while adding app-based entry, auto-unlock, and remote access.

Multiple AI perspectivesEvidence-led comparisonsOur editorial independence

RECOMMENDATION COVERAGE

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen)

Recommended by 4 of 7 AI platforms in this study.

57.1%Consensus coverage · not a customer rating

Inline “Evidence ID” labels identify records within an AI platform’s response. They are not links to independently verified sources.

The research in brief

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a good fit for Keyless Entry smart lock replacement when the buyer wants to keep an existing single-cylinder deadbolt, exterior keys, and door hardware while adding app-based entry, auto-unlock, and remote access. Four of seven platforms named it during the ranking stage, with an average listed rank of 4.75 and a best rank of 2. The strongest reason to consider it is the retrofit design plus built-in Wi-Fi, which avoids replacing the exterior lock and avoids the older August Connect bridge. The main limitation is that the base lock has no built-in keypad, so phone-free guest codes require a separate August Keypad or Keypad Touch purchase.

Research Snapshot

FieldFinding
Platform mentions in ranking stage4 of 7 platforms (Claude, DeepSeek, Gemini, Kimi)
Share of included platform responses57.1%
Average listed rank4.75
Best listed rank2 (DeepSeek)
Relevant service or productAugust Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation), optionally paired with August Keypad or Keypad Touch
Overall use-case fitGood overall; mixed for short-term rental hosts who need included phone-free guest codes
Research date2026-09-30

Why August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) Qualified for This Study

Questions explored

  • Why did August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) qualify for a keyless entry smart lock replacement study?
  • How many AI platforms named August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) during the ranking stage?

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) qualified because four of the seven included platforms named it during ranking discovery for keyless entry smart lock replacement, giving it a 57.1% platform share [5]. Its listed ranks ranged from 2 to 7, producing an average listed rank of 4.75 and a final rank of 5. The platforms that named it were Claude, DeepSeek, Gemini, and Kimi.

Qualification does not mean the platforms agreed on fit. Fit ratings ranged from "strong" (Grok) to "mixed" (Kimi), with the remaining five platforms rating it "good." That spread is itself a finding: the lock's suitability depends heavily on whether the buyer needs an integrated keypad, longer battery life, or a documented security grade.

The product also qualified because it directly addresses the study's core scenario. The research prompt asked about replacing a traditional deadbolt for keyless entry, and August's 4th-generation lock is explicitly a retrofit that installs on the interior side of an existing single-cylinder deadbolt, preserving the exterior keyed cylinder and existing keys [5]. For buyers who cannot or do not want to change exterior hardware, that is a distinct approach from full deadbolt replacement.

The service or product in focus

Questions explored

  • Which August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) model should a buyer choose for keyless entry smart lock replacement?
  • Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) include a keypad for guest codes?

The relevant product is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation), which has built-in Wi-Fi and does not require the older August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge for remote access [5]. Buyers should confirm they are purchasing the Wi-Fi model rather than an earlier August Smart Lock (4th Gen) that needs the separate bridge, because August's own listings distinguish the two [5].

For code-based or fingerprint entry, the relevant add-on is the August Keypad or Keypad Touch, sold separately or as a bundle. August's own site lists a Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Smart Keypad bundle at $210.99 and a Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad Touch bundle at $249.99, with the standalone Yale Keypad Touch listed at $119.99 (official:C1). The base lock supports smartphone control through the August app, remote access, auto-lock, auto-unlock, and Apple Watch access, but dedicated entry codes require the separate keypad [5].

Naming is inconsistent across sources. Platforms referred to the same product as "August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)," "August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)," and "August Smart Lock (4th Gen) with Wi-Fi Bridge," and one platform noted August uses multiple generational naming conventions without version-suffix clarity [34]. Buyers should verify the exact model number and Wi-Fi configuration before ordering.

What the AI Platforms Agreed About

Questions explored

  • What do AI platforms agree the August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) does well for keyless entry replacement?
  • Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) a retrofit or a full deadbolt replacement?

The platforms broadly agreed on four points: the lock is a retrofit, it preserves existing keys, it has built-in Wi-Fi on the Wi-Fi model, and it integrates with major smart-home platforms.

On retrofit design, agreement was strong. Multiple platforms described the lock as installing on the interior side of an existing single-cylinder deadbolt, leaving the exterior hardware and keyway unchanged [5]. Independent reviews echoed this, describing a simple retrofit installation and preserved physical keyway [13]. One platform reported installation in under 10 minutes [5].

On smart-home integration, agreement was also strong. August's own pages list compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit/Siri, and Samsung SmartThings [3], and independent reviews confirmed broad platform support [29]. One platform also listed IFTTT [3].

On remote access, platforms agreed the Wi-Fi model removes the need for a separate bridge, which older August setups required [28]. This is a meaningful change from prior generations and was cited as an advantage by multiple platforms.

On guest access, platforms agreed the lock supports virtual keys, scheduled access, and activity feeds through the August app, which suits hosts managing multiple check-ins [2]. One platform reported native Airbnb integration that generates and schedules guest codes during reservations and deactivates them after checkout [26].

Where the AI Platforms Disagreed or Were Uncertain

Questions explored

  • What do AI platforms disagree about regarding August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) battery life and security rating?
  • Is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) security grade documented by the manufacturer?

Platforms disagreed most on battery life, security rating, and keypad inclusion. These are the areas where buyers should verify rather than assume.

Battery life estimates varied widely. August's own FAQ states up to 3 months with Wi-Fi enabled [6], while independent reports ranged from 3 to 6 months [33], around 3 to 4 months under several daily lock cycles [18], and as short as 1 to 2 months in some user reports [7]. One platform noted the lock uses two CR123 batteries [5], while another listed AA batteries for a Pro variant [17]. Actual life depends on Wi-Fi signal strength, lock alignment, temperature, usage frequency, and firmware, so no single figure should be treated as guaranteed.

Security rating was unclear across platforms. The reviewed August product page did not state an ANSI/BHMA grade for the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock itself [5]. One platform's catalog field listed "Grade 2" without context or independent verification [34], and another noted no UL or ANSI certifications were located in available documentation [2]. Because the unit is an interior retrofit motor that operates the existing deadbolt, physical resistance depends materially on the existing deadbolt, door, strike, and frame [31].

Keypad inclusion was also inconsistent. One source stated "Keypad Touch in the box" for the fourth generation, while others reported the keypad as absent or sold separately [13]. August's own site lists keypad bundles as separate SKUs at higher prices (official:C1), which suggests the base lock does not include a keypad. Buyers should confirm the exact retail package before purchase.

HomeKit support was disputed. Some sources attributed HomeKit support to the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock generally [3], while others stated the standard 4th Gen Wi-Fi model does not support Apple HomeKit or Apple Home Key, with HomeKit available only on a Pro model [13]. This conflict is unresolved in the supplied evidence and should be verified against the specific model being purchased.

Features for this home service need

Questions explored

  • Which keyless entry methods does August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) support for guests and family?
  • Does August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings?

For keyless entry smart lock replacement, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) covers app-based entry, auto-unlock, voice control, and optional keypad codes, but not built-in keypad or biometric entry on the base model.

Keyless entry methods: The base lock supports smartphone control through the August app, remote lock and unlock, auto-lock, auto-unlock via geofencing, and Apple Watch access [5]. Voice control works through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri/HomeKit where supported [3]. Dedicated entry codes or fingerprint access require the separate August Keypad or Keypad Touch [5].

Installation compatibility: The lock is designed for a standard single-cylinder deadbolt with a suitable interior thumb turn, and it installs on the interior side, preserving the exterior lock and existing keys [5]. It is not compatible with double-cylinder, mortise, or nonstandard deadbolts [27]. Compatibility must be checked against the specific deadbolt before purchase.

Battery life: The lock uses two CR123 batteries [5]. Reported life ranges from about 1 to 6 months depending on usage, Wi-Fi signal, and firmware [6]. Because the original keyed cylinder remains, a depleted battery does not necessarily eliminate physical-key entry [5].

Smart-home integration: August lists compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri/HomeKit, and SmartThings [3]. Remote access requires Wi-Fi, and HomeKit remote access requires a home hub such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad [2]. One platform reported the lock operates only on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and does not support 5GHz [27].

Door-status awareness: The package includes a DoorSense sensor that reports whether the door is closed in addition to lock state, supporting auto-lock and remote-use confidence [5].

Guest access: The August app supports permanent, scheduled, and temporary virtual keys, plus an activity feed showing who locked or unlocked the door and when [2]. One platform reported native Airbnb integration for automatic guest-code generation and deactivation [26], though another noted Airbnb integration disables if Wi-Fi is unavailable [15].

Pricing, contracts, and ongoing costs

Questions explored

  • How much does August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) cost, and are there monthly fees?
  • What ongoing costs should a buyer expect after installing August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen)?

Pricing varies by source and configuration, and no mandatory recurring subscription was identified in the cited materials. Buyers should treat all figures as subject to change.

August's own product page listed the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock at $199.99 at the time checked, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and free U.S. shipping [5]. August's site also listed a Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Smart Keypad bundle at $210.99, a Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad Touch bundle at $249.99, and a standalone Yale Keypad Touch at $119.99 (official:C1). One platform cited a $129 base price for the 4th Gen Wi-Fi model and $229.99 for a Pro model with HomeKit support [13]. Another cited a $249 price point in a 2026 review [36]. Street pricing was reported as low as $140 to $180 during sales [27].

Ongoing costs include replacement CR123 batteries, which August lists at $9.99 for a battery pack [5]. Independent estimates put battery replacement at two to four times annually at roughly $5 to $15 per pair [27]. Optional keypad hardware adds to the base price if code or fingerprint entry is required [5]. Professional installation is optional for most buyers given the DIY retrofit design [13].

No required recurring August subscription fee was identified in the cited product information for basic lock operation, remote access, or guest keys [5]. August's terms of service state that the company may change or remove features at any time and that services are subject to interruptions (official:C2). Buyers should verify current app, remote-access, and host-management terms before purchase.

Return and warranty terms: August lists a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty [5]. Eligibility, return shipping, condition requirements, and warranty exclusions should be verified before ordering.

Best Suited For

Questions explored

  • Who is August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) best suited for in a keyless entry smart lock replacement?
  • Is August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) a good choice for renters who cannot change exterior door hardware?

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) is best suited to buyers who want to keep their existing deadbolt, keys, and exterior hardware while adding app-based keyless entry.

The strongest fits are homeowners replacing a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt without changing exterior hardware or existing keys [5]; renters or HOA-restricted households who cannot modify exterior doors [13]; households wanting phone-based entry plus auto-unlock and DoorSense door-status monitoring [2]; buyers already using Alexa, Google, or SmartThings ecosystems [3]; and short-term rental hosts willing to purchase and manage a separate keypad for guest codes [5].

For hosts, the lock's virtual keys, scheduled access, activity feed, and reported Airbnb integration make it workable for guest management, provided the buyer budgets for the keypad and confirms guest-code workflows [2]. The retrofit design is also reversible, which one platform noted as useful for lease compliance [13].

Probably Not Best Suited For

Questions explored

  • Who should not choose August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) for keyless entry smart lock replacement?
  • Is August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) a poor fit for buyers who need long battery life or a documented security grade?

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) is probably not the best fit for buyers who need included phone-free guest codes, long battery life, a documented security grade, or a full deadbolt replacement.

Specific poor fits include hosts requiring included exterior phone-free guest codes, since the base product has no dedicated exterior keypad and guest codes require an additional keypad [5]; buyers prioritizing multi-month battery life with frequent daily use, given reports of 1 to 6 months depending on conditions [6]; buyers wanting a full deadbolt replacement with a clearly published ANSI/BHMA rating for the installed exterior lock [5]; homes with nonstandard, double-cylinder, mortise, or otherwise incompatible deadbolts [27]; and buyers in 5GHz-only or heavily congested 2.4GHz Wi-Fi environments [27].

Buyers who require Apple HomeKit or Apple Home Key should also verify carefully, because sources conflict on whether the standard 4th Gen Wi-Fi model supports HomeKit or whether that requires a Pro model [13]. Buyers who need independent security certification for insurance or compliance should confirm whether any grade applies to the exact model, since the reviewed product page did not state one [5].

When Another Option May Be Better

Questions explored

  • What is a better alternative to August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) for a buyer who needs an integrated keypad?
  • When should a buyer choose a full deadbolt replacement instead of August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen)?

Another option may be better when the buyer's priorities differ from August's retrofit strengths. The platforms identified several specific scenarios.

Choose a keypad-equipped replacement deadbolt when short-term-rental guests need simple phone-free codes without buying a separate accessory [5]. Choose a product with a clearly published ANSI/BHMA grade when independently documented physical lock grading is a primary requirement [5]. Choose a lower-power Bluetooth or other design when minimizing battery changes matters more than built-in Wi-Fi convenience [5]. Choose a Matter-compatible model when broad, future-oriented cross-platform interoperability is more important than August's retrofit design [5]. Choose a full replacement lock when the existing deadbolt is incompatible, worn, poorly aligned, or not sufficiently secure [5].

Platforms named specific alternatives for these scenarios, including Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2, and Level Lock+ [13]. One platform noted that purpose-built deadbolts with graded security ratings would require full replacement rather than retrofit [13]. These alternatives were named by platforms as comparison points, not tested in this study.

Questions to ask before choosing a provider

Questions explored

  • What should a buyer confirm about deadbolt compatibility before buying August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen)?
  • What should a buyer verify about keypad inclusion and subscription terms before purchasing August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen)?

Before buying August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) for keyless entry smart lock replacement, verify the following:

  • Is the existing deadbolt a standard single-cylinder type with a suitable interior thumb turn, and is it on August's compatibility list? [5]
  • What ANSI/BHMA grade does the existing deadbolt have, and are the door, frame, strike, and alignment in good condition? [5]
  • Is the package the Wi-Fi Smart Lock with built-in Wi-Fi, or an older August model requiring a Connect Wi-Fi Bridge? [5]
  • What is the current price and availability of the August Keypad or Keypad Touch, and are guest codes included without a subscription? (Evidence ID openai:c1, official:C1)
  • Does the buyer's preferred Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or rental-management integration support all required functions, including remote unlock and guest access? [3]
  • What battery life should be expected at the property's actual usage level and Wi-Fi signal strength? [6]
  • What are the precise 30-day return requirements, warranty exclusions, and support process? [5]
  • Will the lock's interior size and appearance interfere with the door, trim, storm door, or household use? [27]
  • For HomeKit users, is a home hub such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad available for remote access? [2]

The consensus assessment

August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a good overall fit for keyless entry smart lock replacement when the buyer wants a compatible retrofit that preserves existing keys and adds app-based remote entry. It becomes a mixed fit for short-term rental hosts unless the buyer budgets for the separate keypad and confirms guest-code workflows. Buyers should not treat the August unit as independently establishing the security grade of the complete door lock.

The consensus is not unanimous. Fit ratings ranged from "strong" (Grok) to "mixed" (Kimi), with five platforms rating it "good." The strongest reason to consider it is the retrofit design plus built-in Wi-Fi, which avoids replacing the exterior lock and avoids the older August Connect bridge. The main limitations are the absence of a built-in keypad on the base model, battery life that varies widely by usage and signal, and the lack of a stated ANSI/BHMA grade on the reviewed product page.

Buyers should verify deadbolt compatibility, Wi-Fi coverage, keypad inclusion, battery expectations, and HomeKit support for the exact model before purchase. The keyless entry smart lock replacement consensus index compares this entity against other options in the same study, and the broader home security and smart home systems directory covers related categories.

How This Review Was Produced

This review was produced from platform-reported research collected on 2026-09-30. Seven platforms evaluated fit for the keyless entry smart lock replacement use case: ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Gemini, Grok, Kimi, and Perplexity. Four of those platforms named August Home Smart Lock (4th Gen) during the ranking stage. Platform fit ratings were aggregated, and platform-reported citations were preserved as the evidence base.

All included platforms evaluated fit, but platform_mentions counts only platforms that named the entity during ranking discovery. Citations are platform-reported evidence, not independently verified facts. No-search model claims require explicit verification before being described as current facts. The supplied URLs were collected from platform responses and were not independently validated by the writer stage.

Research limitations

Platform-reported research dates differ from the authoritative run date. Anthropic reported a research date of 2025-01-20, and DeepSeek reported 2026-06-11, while the run research date is 2026-09-30. Platform-reported dates are provenance metadata and do not independently prove freshness.

Several material conflicts remain unresolved in the supplied evidence. Battery life estimates ranged from 1 to 6 months across sources. Pricing ranged from $129 to $249 depending on configuration and source. Keypad inclusion varied by source and retail package. HomeKit support was attributed to the standard 4th Gen model by some sources and excluded by others. The reviewed August product page did not state an ANSI/BHMA grade for the lock itself.

This review does not claim personal testing, customer experience, or independent verification. No controlled reliability studies were supplied. Independent reports of connectivity, HomeKit, auto-unlock, or battery-reporting issues may reflect older firmware or particular installations and should not be treated as systematic findings. Buyers should verify current specifications, pricing, and terms directly with August or the retailer before purchase.

Sources

Company-Owned Sources

  1. August Home - Smart Locks: https://august.com/
  2. How August Smart Locks Work | August Home: https://august.com/pages/how-it-works
  3. August Smart Lock Integrations | What Works With August?: https://august.com/pages/works-with
  4. August Smart Keypad product page: https://august.com/products/august-smart-keypad
  5. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Secure Wi-Fi Lock | August Home: https://august.com/products/august-wifi-smart-lock
  6. Official pricing and terms source: https://august.com/pages/terms-of-service

Independent Sources

  1. Nuki vs August 2026: Retrofit Smart Locks, Door Fit, Access, Outages, and Cost: https://alarm-reviews.net/nuki-vs-august-2026-head-to-head/
  2. August Smart Locks Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?: https://faster-locksmith.com/blog/august-smart-lock-review/
  3. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review (2026): The Retrofit That Keeps Your Keys: https://latchandhub.com/smart-locks/august-wifi-smart-lock-review
  4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) User Manual: https://manuals.plus/asin/B082VXRND2
  5. August Smart Lock Review (2026) - Setup, Auto-Unlock, Airbnb Integration & Battery Life: https://retrofitsmartlock.com/august-smart-lock-review
  6. Level Lock+ vs August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: https://sensorandlatch.com/comparisons/level-lock-vs-august
  7. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro Review (2026) - Best Retrofit Smart Lock: https://silentsecurity.net/review/august-wifi-smart-lock/
  8. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Still Worth It in 2025?: https://smart-wired.com/smart-locks/august-smart-lock-review/
  9. Best Smart Lock for Front Door 2026: 6 Locks Tested Over 4 Months: https://thehomepicker.com/best-smart-lock-front-door-2026/
  10. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) review: Simple, speedy security: https://www.androidpolice.com/august-wifi-smart-lock4th-gen-review/
  11. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review: Still our favorite: https://www.cnet.com/home/security/august-wi-fi-smart-lock-review/
  12. Best Smart Locks of 2026: Your Door Deserves This: https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-smart-locks/
  13. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Serious security: https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/august-wi-fi-smart-lock-review/
  14. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Review - August | SafeAtHome Guide: https://www.safeathomeguides.com/products/door-access/august-wifi-smart-lock-4th-gen
  15. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen Review - Compact Retrofit Design 2026: https://www.slockhub.com/brands/august/august-wifi-4th-gen
  16. August Smart Lock reviews coverage: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-smart-locks

Other Sources

TRANSPARENCY BY DESIGN

The evidence behind this study

Research is a dated snapshot of AI recommendations and their supporting sources. Use the original evidence and methodology to understand what these findings can and cannot tell you.

Independent source records
29
Provider-owned source records
10
Direct support records
30

AI platforms in the study

ChatGPTClaudeDeepSeekGrokPerplexityKimiGemini

Study limitations

  • The study date identifies this research snapshot; dates reported by AI platforms do not independently establish source freshness.
  • Recommendation counts measure mentions during the ranking stage. Later fit assessments do not increase those counts.
  • Product names, costs, and features can differ across sources. Confirm conflicting details directly with the provider.
  • Source URLs came from AI platform responses and were not independently validated during report preparation.
  • Some dates reported by AI platforms differ from the study date. Those dates do not independently establish that the information is current.
  • Citations are platform-reported evidence, not independently verified facts. No-search model claims require explicit verification before being described as current facts.

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