Introduction

In the era of smart homes, security has become one of the top priorities for homeowners. With an array of smart locks flooding the market, it is essential to choose the right one that meets your needs. In this article, we will compare two popular smart locks – the August Smart Lock Pro and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Design

The August Smart Lock Pro features a round design with a size of 3.4 x 2.2 inches and is available in silver and bronze colors. On the other hand, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock sports a more compact design measuring 2.83 x 2.83 inches and is almost 45% smaller than the Pro version. It is available in matte black and silver finishes.

Installation

Both August smart locks are easy to install with a simple three-step process: Attach the mounting plate to your existing deadbolt, place the correct adapter on your deadbolt’s tailpiece, and finally, put on the lock itself. Both locks come with video tutorials within their respective apps to guide you through the processes.

Connectivity

The key difference between these two smart locks lies in their connectivity. The August Smart Lock Pro supports Z-Wave Plus technology, making it compatible with various smart home systems like Samsung SmartThings, Wink Hub, and others. It requires an additional Wi-Fi bridge called “August Connect” to establish a connection to your home network.

On the other hand, as its name suggests, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock comes with built-in Wi-Fi support, eliminating any need for additional equipment to connect with your home network.

Features

Both smart locks offer similar features like remote access through their mobile apps (iOS/Android), door status monitoring (open/closed), auto-lock/unlock based on your location using geofencing technology, guest access management, and compatibility with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Additionally, the August Smart Lock Pro offers Z-Wave compatibility, making it a better choice for users with Z-Wave based smart home systems.

Battery Life

The August Smart Lock Pro is powered by 4 AA batteries that can last up to 6 months depending on usage. The Wi-Fi Smart Lock uses CR123 batteries, which can last up to 5 months, though battery life may vary based on usage and Wi-Fi signal strength.

Pricing

The August Smart Lock Pro has an MSRP of $229.99 (including the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge), while the newer August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is priced slightly higher at $249.99.

Conclusion

Choosing between the August Smart Lock Pro and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock largely depends on your smart home ecosystem, design preferences, and budget. If you have a Z-Wave-based smart home system and don’t mind a larger lock, the August Smart Lock Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more compact design with built-in Wi-Fi support and no additional equipment required for connectivity, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock would be ideal.