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$149.99 – $229.99
Retrofit smart lock with Z-Wave Plus, Bluetooth, and HomeKit compatibility. Works with existing deadbolt and features DoorSense, auto-lock/unlock, and guest access.
Retrofit installation needed
Keeps existing deadbolt - installs on interior side only
Prefer longer battery life than 4th Gen
6-12 months battery without built-in WiFi drain
Want DoorSense sensor included
Comes with door position sensor - knows if door is open or closed
Z-Wave smart home system
Z-Wave Plus support integrates with SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant
Live outside USA
August blocks non-US registrations - app wont work internationally
Want WiFi without extra hardware
Requires Connect bridge ($50+) for WiFi - 4th Gen has it built-in
Use Z-Wave extensively
Known firmware bug causes Z-Wave commands to fail until manual interaction
On tight budget
$199 lock + $50 bridge = $250 vs $230 for 4th Gen with WiFi included
Lock stops responding to Z-Wave commands until manually operated or Bluetooth used
GitHub Z-Wave JS DiscussionErratic behavior - lock/unlock by itself unexpectedly
MetaFilter/User ForumsNon-US users completely blocked from August app
Airbnb CommunityBattery voltage sag causes unpredictable behavior even when batteries show power
August SupportZ-Wave firmware bug - lock ignores commands
commonCause: Firmware security update introduced bug - August refuses to downgrade
Connect bridge required for WiFi - not included
commonCause: Older design before built-in WiFi era
International users blocked from using app
commonCause: August policy change limiting to US-only accounts
Lock sometimes locks/unlocks on its own
occasionalCause: Geofencing sensitivity or battery issues
Buying lock alone expecting WiFi to work
No remote access - only Bluetooth within range
Tip: Buy bundle with Connect bridge or add bridge separately
Using low-quality or old batteries
Erratic behavior, phantom lock/unlock, failed operations
Tip: Use fresh Energizer Lithium AA batteries only
Relying solely on Z-Wave for automation
Z-Wave commands fail due to firmware bug
Tip: Use Bluetooth or cloud API as fallback automation method
Remote access via app, guest access, activity history, notifications
Bluetooth lock/unlock, Z-Wave commands, auto-lock on leaving
Complete lock/unlock history with timestamps and method. Location data. Guest access logs.
All access logged to cloud. Owned by Assa Abloy (Yale parent). Z-Wave provides local alternative.
Tested with up to 4 devices
Each lock needs Connect bridge for WiFi or Z-Wave hub. Battery life 6-12 months. DoorSense sensor adds door open/close detection.
Z-Wave firmware bug. US-only accounts. Connect bridge required for WiFi. Being phased out for 4th Gen.
August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
If: Want built-in WiFi without bridge
Yale Assure Lock 2
If: Want more reliable Z-Wave
Schlage Connect
If: Need reliable Z-Wave for automation
Already have Connect bridge or Z-Wave hub
Good retrofit lock if you already have the infrastructure
Need DoorSense open/close detection
One of few locks with included door position sensor
Want simple plug-and-play setup
Requires bridge - 4th Gen has WiFi built-in for simpler setup
Heavy Z-Wave automation user
Known Z-Wave bug makes automation unreliable
Magnetic sensor that detects if door is open or closed. Prevents auto-lock when door is open.
Source: Product Features4th Gen for simplicity (built-in WiFi). 3rd Gen Pro only if you need Z-Wave or already have Connect bridge.
Source: Comparison ReviewsKnown firmware bug. Manually operate lock or connect via Bluetooth to "wake" the Z-Wave radio.
Source: GitHub Z-Wave Discussion6-12 months typically. Longer than 4th Gen because no built-in WiFi drain.
Source: User ReviewsYes for WiFi/remote access. Lock alone is Bluetooth only. Z-Wave also works without bridge if you have hub.
Source: August Support