BLUF: Looking for a smart lock? I recommend the August Smart Lock 4th Generation with the keypad.
Looking for a smart lock deadbolt option? Look no further. While I was conducting my search for a smart lock solution I considered these categories: assistant, price, compatibility, global reviews, and interoperability.
In my ‘smart home,’ I use the free open-source home assistant; which I self-host. I wanted a device that I would be able to integrate into Home Assistant so I could create checks, triggers, and actions. I also wanted future proof in the off chance I wanted to move to Apple’s Home kit or Google Home. Note I didn’t mention Alexa, shoot me an email if you’re interested in a blog post regarding the topic.
I’ve never had a smart lock but about 6 years ago at a different house, I installed a keypad Kwikset brand deadbolt lock. It worked well for about the first month, but then the motor began to give out, and eventually locking and unlocking became unreliable. So that brand wasn’t even considered this go-round.
Brands that were included in my decision were August, Yale, Ultraloq, and Wyze. For the record, Yale actually owns August, but the companies retain their independence in regard to functionality and style.
I read countless articles about the four mentioned above, Wyze had many pros, being very affordable, easy installation, and receiving good reviews. This lock checked a lot of boxes. But there was a key feature that cut this lockout for me, it doesn’t interact with its own ecosystem or other third parties, and thus voice assistant is out.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi topped many recommended lists or was towards the top. Pros of this lock include physical buttons to push, retaining the ability to use a key and a fingerprint reader! The lock also integrates into an existing smart home configuration supporting both Alexa and Google Assistant. There were some reports of the fingerprint reader not working the first time but I figured it a minor inconvenience if you needed to try more than once. Why I continued my search after reading about the U-Block Pro WiFi was available. I found the non-wifi version and a Z-Wave version, which did pique my interest, but ultimately I wanted a WiFi lock and didn’t want the additional Hub the Pro non-WiFi required. Very minor I know but it’s these little details that either make or break my purchase decision. If an extra hub plugged into a nearby outlet doesn’t bother you or you are looking for a Z-Wave device to expand your network then the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is an excellent choice.
The two Yale locks that I was looking at were the Google Nest x Yale and the Yale Assure SL. Yale is a trusted brand and has many pros. The Google Next x Yale would be the best choice for someone who is building their smart home within the Nest ecosystem and would have seamless integration. The Yale Assure SL works with both Alexa and Google so there’s freedom there for any smart home integration. Either of these locks would be a great choice and sure to easily pair with your existing smart home.
Now to my pick, the August smart lock 4th Gen with the exterior keypad. Between Yale and August came down to price and simplicity. I didn’t like the touch screen of the Yale locks and I liked the fact that the August lock was able to be installed with my existing hardware. Installation took the better part of 15 minutes and I could keep my key. I like the physical buttons of the accompanying keypad with the August lock and after 4 months of use have not had a failed entry; knock on wood. Another feature of the August lock that I didn’t think I would care about but actually find very useful is the door sense. It came with sensors to let you know if the door wasn’t closed all the way or left open too long (you can specify how long is too long). There are two options for the sensor, one is easy just install the sensor to the door frame and the other is to drill a hole into the door; I opted for the door frame option.
I am extremely happy with the August Smart Lock 4th Gen with a keypad and would recommend (have already actually) this lock to my family and friends. The application offers the ability to grant guest access, to which you could grant and revoke people from having a digital ‘key’. I did try this out and it was extremely easy, my sister-in-law received a text, downloaded the app, and set up an account. I then revoked access and granted it, just to test it out and all worked as advertised; very simple! This would be great for visitors when you’re not home or if this was installed at a short-term rental property. From its low profile look, ease of installation, smart home integration, additional door sense, and the fact that it’s not the most expensive on the market, the August smart lock checked all of my boxes!
