August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

Should you buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the renter's pick. It mounts over the inside of your existing deadbolt, leaves the outside of the door untouched, and keeps your keys working. At $184.99 it scores 77. Nothing else in the category installs this way, which is why it is here despite a price higher than the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi (86) and the eufy Smart Lock C220 (80). If you own your home and can replace the deadbolt, buy one of those. If you cannot change the exterior hardware, this is the one that works.

Where it earns its score

• Retrofit install in about ten minutes. The lock replaces only the thumb-turn on the inside. Landlords never see a change, and your existing keys still work.
• Reliability is the top factor at 85. DoorSense tells you whether the door is actually closed, not just whether the bolt is thrown.
• Broad platform support. Built-in Wi-Fi with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings, which is the widest list in the category.
• Auto-unlock on arrival. Geofencing unlocks as you walk up and DoorSense auto-locks after the door closes.

What to know first

• Battery life is the common complaint. It runs on two CR123 batteries and Wi-Fi drains them faster than users expect. Occasional Wi-Fi drops are also reported.
• No keypad in the box. The Smart Keypad is sold separately, so out of the box the only exterior entry is your key or your phone.
• Warranty is the weakest factor. One year from August/Yale scores 55.
• Value is 74. At $184.99 it costs more than the Ultraloq and adds no fingerprint reader.

Questions buyers ask