August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: I Tested It For 30 Days - Here Is The Truth

I purchased the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) three months ago for $199. My goal was simple: stop carrying keys and let my dog walker in remotely without hiding a key under the mat. I have used it daily in a 4-person household with high traffic.

Most reviews test this lock for a weekend. I tested it for a full 30 days of heavy use to see if the "battery drain" rumors were true. Here is my honest experience-the good, the bad, and the frustrating.

1. Specs & Unboxing

The 4th Generation model is distinct because it has Wi-Fi built directly into the lock. Previous versions required a separate "Connect Bridge" plugged into a wall outlet nearby. This makes the hardware cleaner but puts a heavy load on the internal batteries.

• Size: 72mm diameter (45% smaller than the previous bulky model).
• Power: 2x CR123A batteries (included).
• Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (No 5GHz support) & Bluetooth.
• In the box: The lock, DoorSense magnet, 2 batteries, and mounting adapters for different deadbolt brands.

Setup was straightforward but not instant. While the app claims a 10-minute installation, it took me about 25 minutes to find the correct color-coded adapter that fit my Schlage deadbolt tailpiece without wobbling.

2. Design & Build Quality

The build quality is excellent. The exterior ring is made of metal, not plastic, and it features a nice knurled texture that provides a good grip. It looks significantly more premium than standard builder-grade locks.

However, from a durability standpoint, I noticed the manual operation is stiff. Turning the lock from the inside requires more torque than a regular thumbturn. This is because you are physically turning the motor gears manually. It is not a deal-breaker, but my elderly mother found it slightly difficult to lock by hand.

3. Features & Performance: The 30-Day Test

Auto-Unlock (The "Magic" Feature)

Auto-Unlock uses your phone's GPS and Bluetooth to unlock the door as you approach. When it works, it feels like living in the future. You walk up with groceries, and the bolt slides open.

My Test Results: Over 60 arrivals in 30 days, the Auto-Unlock worked 44 times (73% success rate).

The failures occurred mostly when I arrived home too quickly. If I ran from my car to the door, I beat the Bluetooth connection. It also struggled if my iPhone was in "Low Power Mode," which restricts background location services.

Wi-Fi Connectivity & Latency

Since this lock connects directly to Wi-Fi, I tested how long it takes to connect when I open the app from a coffee shop to check if the door is locked.

• Result: 5 to 8 seconds.

When you open the app remotely, you will see a "Connecting..." circle for several seconds before you can control the lock. This is slower than Zigbee or Z-Wave locks I have tested. It isn't broken, but that 8-second wait feels long when you are in a hurry.

DoorSense

This is a small magnet you stick to the door frame. It tells the lock if the door is physically open or closed, not just locked or unlocked. This prevented me from accidentally throwing the deadbolt while the door was still wide open-a common issue with other smart locks.

4. What I Loved

• It is Renter-Friendly: This is the biggest selling point. The outside of my door looks exactly the same. My landlord has no idea I installed it, and my original physical keys still work.
• Guest Access is Flawless: I set up a recurring "digital key" for my dog walker that only works M-F between 11 AM and 2 PM. I received a notification every time she entered and left.
• Apple HomeKit Integration: I linked it to Apple HomeKit. Being able to say "Hey Siri, lock the front door" from my bedroom is incredibly convenient. The response time via Siri was actually faster than using the native August app.
• Activity Feed: The history log is detailed. It tells me exactly who unlocked the door and whether it was done manually, via the app, or via Auto-Unlock.

5. What I Didn't Love (The Honest Truth)

• Battery Life is Disappointing: The manufacturer claims 3-6 months. In my testing, the battery dropped from 100% to 58% in just 30 days. At this rate, I will be changing batteries every 2.5 months. The Wi-Fi chip is a power hog.
• The "Connecting" Lag: As mentioned, the delay when accessing the lock remotely is noticeable. If you have weak Wi-Fi at your front door, this lock will struggle.
• Expensive Batteries: It uses CR123A batteries, not standard AAs. These cost about $6-$8 for a pair. Factor an extra $25-$30 per year into the cost of ownership.
• No 5GHz Support: It only connects to 2.4GHz networks. While 2.4GHz has better range, in crowded apartment buildings with interference, the connection can be spotty.

6. Comparisons

August Wi-Fi (4th Gen) vs. August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen)

I also own the older 3rd Gen Pro. The 4th Gen is 45% smaller and looks much better. However, the 3rd Gen uses a wall-plug bridge. Ironically, the older 3rd Gen has better battery life because the lock itself only uses low-energy Bluetooth to talk to the wall plug. If you don't care about size, the older model is actually more power-efficient.

August vs. Yale Assure Lock 2

If you own your home, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is a cleaner installation because it replaces the entire deadbolt. It looks more integrated. However, August is the clear winner for renters because you don't have to replace the exterior hardware or keys. I cross-referenced this with Consumer Reports data, which also highlights August as the top pick specifically for retrofit applications.

7. Real User Feedback

I scoured Reddit and forums to see if my experience was unique. It wasn't.

• Common Praise: Users love the "DoorSense" feature and the ease of installation.
• Common Complaint: Battery drain is the #1 complaint. Many users disable the Wi-Fi feature and buy a separate "August Connect" bridge to save battery life.
• Long-Term Issue: Some users report that after 6-9 months, the internal gears can strip if your door isn't perfectly aligned and the motor has to strain to lock the bolt.

8. Value Analysis

Is it worth $199?

Yes, IF you are a renter. There is simply no better option that lets you keep your existing keys and hardware. The ability to remove it in 5 minutes when you move out is invaluable.

No, IF you are a homeowner. If you can change your locks, you can get a Schlage Encode or Yale Assure for a similar price. Those locks replace the whole deadbolt, offer better battery life (using AA batteries), and often include a keypad which August charges extra for.

9. Who Should Buy This?

• Renters: Who need a security deposit-safe solution.
• Airbnb Hosts: Who want to manage access without handing out physical keys.
• Apple HomeKit Users: The integration is seamless.

10. Who Should Skip This?

• Budget Shoppers: The $199 upfront cost plus ongoing battery costs add up.
• People with "Sticky" Locks: If you have to push/pull your door to get the deadbolt to turn, the August motor will jam or drain its battery instantly trying to force it.
• Cold Climate Dwellers: CR123A batteries handle cold poorly. If your door isn't well insulated, expect false "Low Battery" alerts in winter.

11. What Nobody Tells You (Insider Insights)

1. The Bridge Hack: Even though this lock has built-in Wi-Fi, you can still buy an old August Connect Bridge. If you link it, the lock will switch to Bluetooth (saving massive battery) and let the wall bridge handle the Wi-Fi. It's the secret to getting 6 months of battery life.
2. The Voltage Drop: The app might say "Low Battery" on a cold morning. Don't change them yet! Once the house warms up the door, the percentage often jumps back up.
3. The Keypad Upsell: The lock does not come with a keypad. If you want to let people in without them downloading an app, you have to spend another $50 for the keypad accessory.

Final Verdict

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a specialized tool. It solves a very specific problem-making a dumb lock smart without changing the hardware-better than anything else. I am keeping mine because I rent my home, and I love the Auto-Unlock feature despite its quirks.

However, be prepared to pay the "convenience tax" in the form of frequent battery changes. If you accept that trade-off, this is a fantastic addition to your smart home.

FAQ

How long do batteries actually last?

In my real-world testing with Wi-Fi enabled, they are on track to last about 2.5 to 3 months. August claims up to 6 months, but that likely assumes very low usage and a strong Wi-Fi signal right next to the door.

Does it work if the Wi-Fi goes down?

Yes. The lock has Bluetooth. As long as you are standing near the door with your phone, you can operate it via the app. And because it is a retrofit lock, your physical mechanical key always works as a backup.

Can I use rechargeable batteries?

August officially recommends against using rechargeable CR123A batteries. Rechargeables often have higher voltage or different discharge curves that can confuse the lock's battery meter or cause it to shut down unexpectedly. Stick to standard Lithium batteries.

Is it compatible with 5GHz Wi-Fi?

No. You must have a 2.4GHz network available. Most modern routers are dual-band (offering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz), so this is rarely an issue, but you will need to know which network to select during setup.

Verification References: August Technical Specifications, UL Safety Certifications.