August Smart Lock Pro
Z-Wave Deadbolt Lock, 3rd Generation
Description
The 3rd Generation August Smart Lock Pro features the latest technology for Z-Wave locks. The device can connect with a compatible alarm system to integrate into the Z-Wave network. The security system will then operate as a hub so that the lock can be used with voice assistants.
The ability to control the lock through smart assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home offers great convenience for the end user. This makes it perfect for virtually any home automation setup. And with the August Connect Bridge (purchased separately) a user will be able to control their door lock remotely across a WIFI network. This will provide more streamlined responses when used with smart assistants, and it will allow the lock to integrate with services and platforms like Nest, AirBnB and HomeAway. The lock itself is compatible with any single-cylinder deadbolt.
As a Z-Wave Plus device, the 3rd Gen August Smart Lock Pro offers a superior range and more reliable connectivity than traditional Z-Wave devices. The device is easy to install in place of an existing deadbolt lock, and it will keep the home safe and secure when locked. By accessing an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0, a user can lock or unlock the August Smart Lock Pro remotely. This is great for letting guests in while you're away, or for locking your door if you forgot to do so before leaving. Bluetooth connectivity with the user's smartphone will even allow the device to unlock automatically when they arrive home.
Please note that the August Connect WIFI Bridge does not facilitate communication between the August Smart Lock Pro and Apple HomeKit. For HomeKit connectivity, the August Smart Lock uses Bluetooth to communicate with a compatible HomeKit Hub. Examples of a HomeKit Hub include an iPad, AppleTV (Gen 4 or higher), or an Apple HomePod. The HomeKit Hub should be kept within Bluetooth range of the lock at all times. This is about 10 to 15 feet. You will then be able to control the lock remotely using an iPhone on the same iCloud network.
Note: The Honeywell Lyric Controller requires the MR7 firmware update to work with this lock via Z-Wave. This is standalone lock with integrated Z-Wave plus and Bluetooth. The August Connect allows this lock to connect to WIFI and integrate with HomeKit.
Note: We have noticed issues when using the August Smart Lock Pro with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System running a Z-Wave Firmware Version of 6.81.03. If you intend on using this product with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2, then do NOT upgrade the panel Z-Wave firmware!
Brand: August
August Smart Lock Pro Compatible Products
Reviews
Submitted on 07/15/2020 Alarm Grid
The August Smart Lock Pro is a multi-protocol smart lock that offers some great features and functions. As a Z-Wave Plus lock, it can interface with virtually any Z-Wave controller. The device is set up using the August Home App, which is available for both Android and iOS. You can use Bluetooth communication to set up the device using the app on your phone, with no additional equipment being required. But in order to get the most out of the August Smart Lock Pro, you will want to get the August Connect WIFI Bridge, which is sold separately. Otherwise, you will need to be within Bluetooth range for controlling the device, or you will need to have a remote interactive platform for operating the lock. While the August Smart Lock Pro is a robust, powerful lock in theory, we have found it to be rather wonky to set up and somewhat cumbersome. The idea of having HomeKit and Z-Wave in one smart lock device sounds tremendous on paper, we can only give this product a 4 Star rating, due to the number of issues we have experienced.
There are aspects we like about the August Smart Lock Pro. For one, it is compatible Apple HomeKit, which is fantastic for iOS users looking to build around the HomeKit network. Z-Wave Plus connectivity is also super important, as you can interface the lock with virtually any Z-Wave hub. If you successfully pair the device with a security system that features a built-in Z-Wave hub, then the system will automatically push the lock over to its associated interactive automation platform, such as Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. The lock's Z-Wave functionality and HomeKit compatibility make it possible for the lock to interface with a wide selection of voice assistants, including Google Home, Amazon, Alexa, and Apple Siri. We also like the fact that the lock has built-in Bluetooth for local wireless communication.
But there are a couple of key downsides that we must mention regarding the August Smart Lock Pro. Most notably, its connectivity is rather wonky and unreliable in our experience. We have had trouble getting it to enroll with certain Z-Wave networks, and calibrating the lock can be somewhat of a chore. All of the setup and troubleshooting for the device is done through the August Home App, which is rather cumbersome. While most Z-Wave devices have some type of button or other method for including/excluding on the device itself, the August Smart Lock Pro requires this to be done through the app. This requires creating an account and going through a long list of inconveniences. There's also the fact that the lock cannot use WIFI unless an August Connect WIFI Bridge is added.
While the August Smart Lock Pro certainly boasts some impressive features on paper, we can only give it a 4 Star rating due to its flaws.
Good: HomeKit and Z-Wave Compatibility, Use w/ TC2 and ADC, Works w/ Many Voice Assistants, Built-In Bluetooth
Bad: Wonky and Unreliable Connectivity, Difficult Enrolling and Calibrating, Requires Use of August Home App, No WIFI Unless Connect Bridge is Added
Bottom Line: 4 Stars
