> My husband and I are closing on our first home next month (yay!) and we know one of the first things to do is change the locks. A smartlock is very appealing but I'm having trouble deciding which one is best for us, because it seems the more I research the less certain I am. I also have a couple questions.

Ah, the perks of home ownership: feeling optimistic and creative, with a blank canvas in front of you. I envy you both!
Let me tell you why you should be considering the August Smart Lock brand of locks. I will post a small blurb on my contextual background and specific situation (which I posted elsewhere), then briefly mention the possible choices you have, and then respond to your list of requirements and setup,

 

 

PART I: CONTEXT

I am a renter; so obviously a lot of what I have to say may seem irrelevant. Seeing as I do not have a lot of creative control over the property, this would make smart locks tricky business. However, my landlord gave me permissions to replace the entire deadbolt, if I wanted. So, the first set of requirements were drafted as:

MUSTS:

• We have a dog that requires a dog walker to enter our house multiple times a week. The lock must allow this situation in as safe a manner as possible.
  
  
• We do not want to have to make copies of keys
  
  
• We do not want the dog walker (or any visitor) to HAVE TO download an app to get into the property
  
  WANTS:
  
  
• Smart home integrate-able
  
  
• Reliable and well rated
  
  
• Cheap
  
  
• Connect to it remotely to lock/unlock and monitor
  
  
• Z-Wave compatible (came later, when I realized I wanted to have a smart home integration environment)
  
  So, my research began, in earnest. It consumed me. Off the bat, the first names to pop up were August, Kwikset, Schlage and Yale.
  Of those, three had keypad options, which became a requirement soon after. Despite the perks of the Kwikset Kevo (the touch to open), I removed it from the list.
  Also, despite the fiance having an iPhone, I had an Android, so the lock had to have equal footing mobile phone ecosystem-independent. That removed things like Schlage Sense and other Homekit-only options.
  
  The final list:
  
  
• August
  
  
• Yale YRD226 (A really good Yale lock choosing guide here)
  
  
• Schlage Connect
  
  I did a ton of cross referencing, reviews websites, pros and cons, etc etc. And CONSISTENTLY, the August locks were ranked #1/#2/#3. I won't go into too much more detail on what those websites and reviews indicated, I trust you guys can do that research.
  
  But, in the end, the August locks were exactly what we needed, AND more. They were going to be the easiest to set up, and the best out of the gate. So we went with them, and haven't looked back since. My fiance, a "smart-home-always-listening" skeptic, casually told me yesterday how awesome she finds the smart lock.
  
   
  
   
  
  

  PART II: THE LINEUP
  

  
  So, what options to choose from?
  
  

• The August Smart Lock Pro (August | Amazon)
  
  Pros: Most up to date, improved tech under the hood, Z-Wave Plus compatible, Door Sense, most smart home integrations available, Auto lock/unlock
  
  Cons: Most expensive
  
  
• The August Smart Lock 3rd Generation (August | Amazon)
  
  Pros: Improved tech under the hood from the previous generation, Door Sense, Auto lock/unlock, traditional form factor, Cheaper
  
  Cons: No useful smart home integrations (missing homekit, alexa/echo, google home, z wave)
  
  To compare the above two, go here: http://august.com/keyless-entry/
  
  
• The August Smart Lock 2nd Generation (Amazon)
  
  Pros: Most cost effective ($125, but last week it was $109!) but still ranked #1 on MANY reputable websites (CNET | PCMag | etc), has built-in HomeKit capability, can be enhanced with additional devices
  
  Cons: Least impressive underlying tech, no Door Sense capability, no effective smart home integrations
  
   
  
  "Door Sense": The ability to detect "Door open" / "Door Closed" situation.
  
   
  
  An Aside : Enhancement Products
  
  
• The August Smart Keypad (August|Amazon)
  
  This keypad adds in the functionality that you'd expect:
  
  -- keyless code entry for guests (unlimited codes, managed via the app)
  
  -- Lock it with a button press
  
  -- Attachable for preferred outside entry
  
   
  
  
• The August Connect Wifi Bridge (August|Amazon)
  
  This device enables you to link your otherwise-bluetooth-range-only smart lock to your wifi, effectively allowing you to connect and manage the smart lock from ANYWHERE that you have network connectivity. With it, you can:
  
  -- Remotely lock/unlock your door
  
  -- Receive alerts on any actions taken on your door remotely
  
  -- have faster access to your lock as your app selects the best connection to use
  
   
  
  

  PART 2.5: BUNDLES/SALE
  

  
  Consider price-watching for sales; I saw the 2nd gen for, like $109...
  Personally, I jumped when the Smart Lock Pro + Wifi bridge bundle went on sale for $229 (same price as the lock itself), and the keypad was $55, on Amazon.
  
  

• August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wifi: AMAZON $249 | AUGUST $249
  
  
• Sale price - August Smart lock 2nd Gen HomeKit: AMAZON $125 !!
  
  
• August Smart Lock 3rd Generation + Connect Wifi: AUGUST $199
  
   
  
   
  
  PART III : Why the August Locks work for your situation (below)

I'm so happy I set up a reminder for this thread. But holy shit that's weird.

Would it be worth setting up a second camera outside? So that if someone is intruding, you'd have a better chance of catching a picture? Especially if they're messing with the camera.

How hard would it be to unmount the camera that was facing the screen? Maybe it just fell and then a good Samaritan, who happened to be in your fenced-in back yard after 9pm, re-mounted it.

If it is some sort of intruder, they probably got in through the front door, although in saying that I'm making a bunch of assumptions. However, if it's just a regular doorknob with a regular lock, it's pretty easy to get a bump key and open it up.

There are "bump-proof" locks on the market, if you think that might be a possibility. I bought the Schlage Connect which is bump-proof, but also connects to my smart-things hub (home automation), and I have alerts set up for when it is unlocked during certain hours or when I'm not home (once my phone connects to my WiFi I'm considered home). There's certainly more you can do with it, but I'm simply considering the current issue.

The other option, which I believe I saw someone suggest, is an alarm system. It won't be as "fun" as this, but you'd certainly feel safer.

Still wishing you the best of luck.

I just bought, but haven't installed, the Yale Assure original HomeKit edition and the August update. There's a special on Amazon that makes it cheaper to buy them separately:

https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Assure-Lock-Touchscreen-YRD256iM1619/dp/B073V7451H
$149 for the original Yale+HomeKit, $129 for the August update (includes the connect box), vs $299 for the Yale+August

It's a good enough deal that you could start with just the Yale HomeKit and upgrade later.

Depends on if there's an easy way to climb up to your windows.

Something like this would be ideal for a door, but make sure there's enough clearance to install it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9ZGWH2/

If there's not enough clearance, then something like this could be your next best bet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RI7OQ0/

Thanks for your reply. I did some reading -- looks like a great unit and would work for me. However, it does not look like Yale makes a handleset. Like [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-SmartCode-Touchscreen-Featuring-Arlington/dp/B0751N5RL4/ref=sr_1_12?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1503721783&sr=1-12&keywords=door+handleset+zwave)? This means I'll have to find a sort-of-matching handle, right? I like the door sensor idea; really good thinking.

Smart Thermostat: I use the Honeywell Z-Wave thermostat (as my smart home is "mostly" Z-Wave). I considered Ecobee (I hate Nest), but went with this as I don't really need a "learning" thermostat...do this temperature when I am home, do that one when I am not home.

Sprinkler control: Rachio (Amazon Link) - best sprinkler controller I have ever had...depending on where you live, you might even get a rebate on your water due to the water savings this has.

Smart Door Lock: Kwikset (Amazon Link) - again Z-Wave as I use Z-Wave. A cool thing about this lock is that you can re-key it yourself.

Temperature Sensor: SmartThings Motion Sensor (Amazon Link) - it reports temperature, and it's ZigBee

Leak Sensor: Samsung SmartThings Leak Sensor (Amazon Link) - it's ZigBee, but I have built out a smaller ZigBee network too.

Garage Door Opener: GoControl (Amazon Link) - again Z-Wave.

​

Multi-Purpose Sensor: SmartThings (Amazon Link) - Open/Close, Temperature, Vibration: I have one of these on each my closet doors (when I open the door, the closet light turns on...when I close the door the light turns off). I also have one on my Gun Safe (so I get notified if my gun safe door is open...also get vibration notifications if it's being tampered with)

The temperature/motion sensor is a nice combination. For example, I have one of these outside on my lanai. When it detects motion, it turns the fans on...but only if the temperature is over 74 F). I have a few of these inside that turn on small table lamps at night when motion is detected (versus large/bright lights) because the night is dark, and full of terrors.

​

Don't know if you have a pool, but I use iAqualink as my pool controller. It has it's own app, and now integrates with Alexa (doesn't integrate with SmartThings yet). But it's nice being able to turn on the spa and spa heater while out for dinner, and having it be up to temperature by the time you get home.

​

Oh - and check out Sonos for whole house audio. I SOOOOOOOOO love my Sonos speakers.

This is a great idea. My boyfriend is out of town a lot, leaving me home alone with our two year old. I was extremely uncomfortable alone at night until we invested in some basic, inexpensive home security devices.

1: Bump-proof your deadbolts. These things are super cheap, easy to use and install. They prevent your deadbolt from turning, so no one can pick or bump the lock.

2: Battery-operated alarms. We went to Home Depot and got tiny little battery-operated alarms for each door. These work by having two pieces (one on the door and one on the jamb) with a magnet in each. When the bond between the magnets breaks, as when the door is opened, it goes off. It has "off", "alarm", and "chime" functions, so it's the same device that a lot off convenience stores use. Cost us $15 for two. They work on windows also. (For the record, the alarm is ridiculously loud.)

3: Motion sensor lights. We put one of these on each side of the house. Battery operated so easy to install. Put them a few feet out of arm's reach if possible, check the batteries so often, good to go.

4: As the previous commenter said, get a dog if you can. Preferably a large one, but even a small dog instills a lot of security. Your son will find the companionship totally invaluable, he'll feel more in control if you give him responsibility of taking care of it, and small dogs are great alarm systems.

I hope this helps!

After nearly 2 years with the Kwikset Premis on our front door, I just replaced it with Yale Assure SL*. After a few days I was happy enough to go buy one for the back door. Very happy with them so far, and I specifically recommend the model that includes the Connected by August [1] module. Hopefully my experience helps you decide what aspects are most important to you! I’ll share some of my observations after about two weeks, many of which directly address constant annoyances I had with the Kwikset:

• Keypad screen is immediately responsive when using the recommended gestures—three finger taps to lock and wake work perfectly for us
  
• Battery replacement is easy—the one screw to remove is captive in the cover so it won’t fall out
  
• Auto Unlock is excellent when I return home and have my phone on me. It has only given on error and that was when my wife (also has Auto Unlock turned on in her August app) was coming home with me. I haven’t had this reliable an experience with proximity/geofence with other home automation products.
  
• Motor is surprisingly quiet and completes the movement within about 1 1/2 seconds—I can’t imagine it making less noise without being slower
  
• Connected by August specifics:
  

• Lock to WiFi bridge which I think takes over the HomeKit/remote connectivity aspects.
  
• Provides a magnet for install into the frame (or on the surface of your door casing if you’re unable to drill), allowing for the lock sensor to detect when the door is locked. Even if you already have a door sensor as part of Ring Alarm or another product, having this integrated with the door lock is wonderful for Auto Lock. Bear with me if you haven’t considered this one yet... When you enable Auto Lock and choose your interval, let’s say, 5 minutes, it would normally fire 5 minutes after unlocking, regardless of whether you’ve walked in and out of the house a bunch, opening and closing the door. With the “Door Sense” feature, the clock doesn’t start until the door is closed, and resets each time the door is opened and closed. Very very nice for a family like ours that has been annoyed by auto lock when bringing groceries in, making multiple trips back into the house before leaving, etc. I had previously strung together this type of feature with home automation rules, but it was only as reliable as the connection between all the devices. This one works without any outside service.
  
  The lock and motor are standardized on this model with a variety of “network modules” available. There several and I had also tried the iM1 HomeKit module before switching to the Connected by August variety for some of the reasons above.
  
  [1] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GQ2VLSD

I have this yale model. 2 of them actually. They are nice and do the zwave stuff you would want. I have this Schlage on my front door and think it is a nicer front door deadbolt. The schlage lets you (with wink 2 at least) program pin codes from the app and tells you which code was used to open the door. The Yales let you customize pins too but need to be done at the lock itself. Honestly the Yales are really nice and I did buy a second one for my back door after being satisfied with the one on my garage door.

The Yale will mechanically lock or unlock the deadbolt remotely. The other ZWave locks I was looking at would technically unlock, but someone needed to be there to physically turn the deadbolt (e.g. this Schlage).

I didn't do extensive research so there might be others that perform like the Yale; the Yale had the features I wanted with great reviews and I'm happy thus far with the purchase.

I thought it was going to inconvenient when I switched but it is actually super nice, mine has wireless FOB's also so it will just unlock when me keys are near it.. As well as my RF credit cards..

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YWDNIOQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are others that are WIFI enabled also, but this one is easy..

​

That probably depends on your market.. I don't think it has effected me very much, probably 1/5th are "Business Travelers", but they may have booked my place even if it wasn't marked as business friendly..

install your own lock on the door, you don't need some asswipe lazy super to do it for you. also invest in a security camera system please

edit: jimmy-proof deadbolt or if you can't or don't want to modify the door, install one (or actually two, one on top and one on bottom) of these

You should also look into security alarms for your windows and doors, something like one of these. Or if you go through with the security system, you can get sensors that will let you know when doors are opened/closed.

People are psychopaths and can do really horrible things. People are also lazy (like your super or 311) and will only do as little as required. No one in this city will care about your security and well-being as much as you.

Last year I worked for a company that took care of Air BNB properties and got to deal with a LOT of different keypad locks, I loved the Schlange ones.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N12ERO4?tag=price1314203-20&ascsubtag=wtbs_589ad1bfcd60e361fbb841c7

This one is SUPER NICE and just over a hundred dollars, you really, really cannot tell which keys are being used- if they could use the anti fingerprinting tech on that thing on my kitchen appliances I'd throw money at them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YUPDUYE?tag=price1314203-20&ascsubtag=wtbs_589ad2da641ba36ce177dca9

That's the one with the programmable by cell phone feature, on Prime just under two hundred dollars. It's also a damn fine lock.

If you don't want August Connect feature, you can save $80-$150 and get the version with Yale iM1 Network Module, such as this heavily discounted offering at Amazon.

I have the HomeKit only version and I replaced iM1 Network Module (gotta love the modular design) with August Connect upgrade kit, which offers both August Connect and HomeKit features.

Reasons for going with August Connect:

• Remote monitoring
  
• Activity history that logs when the door was locked and unlocked, and by which user (HomeKit can only notify whether the door is locked or unlocked, and does not keep a history)
  
• Remotely invite and disinvite guests (great for occasional rental)
  
• Includes a door sensor (not HomeKit compatible unfortunately)
  
  ​

How thick is the door and how wide is the door edge bit (where the lock is)? I don't think I've seen a lock that will be a drop in replacement, but as long as there's enough space next to the glass you should might be able to use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D1M5YTG/

Otherwise, you can use an electronic strike that goes into the door frame: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V45GWTI/

They're usually meant for business security so you won't find many people using them for homes and I haven't seen one that has a z-wave or zigbee radio module (they usually need a dedicated access controller and power supply).

I have the Yale Security YRD226-CBA-619 Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock, Satin Nickel https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07GQ372JP/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_un6FDbAFR1K8Y

It's powered by August and can do everything you ask:

• autolock immediately
  
• sync with Airbnb calendar
  
• touchpad for guests
  
• assign keypad code from phone app

Hi there. This deadbolt works with zigbee and Alexa. Had it for 2 weeks and works great. Spendy though. Kwikset 99100-045 SmartCode... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OIBETFY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It's priceless and once you have it you won't live without it.

Personally I have used many many and would only recommend this style because it has no motor. With no moving parts its more reliable and barely need battery changes. The alignment doesn't need to be as perfect either.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RFMDHU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_CJRFzbVDZA5G6

You can get the wireless version which allows remote programming however you can't lock and unlock it remotely. Oh well.

The august isn't actually a lock though is it? It just fits over top of an existing lock.

I'd prefer something that's an integrated lock and that includes a keypad for access, I think this yale lock fits the bill.

Do you know if August can be added to a Z-wave network? I'd like to control/monitor it using OpenHab.

https://www.amazon.ca/Schlage-BE469NXCEN626-Touchscreen-Deadbolt-Intelligence/dp/B00AGK9KJG

It is fantastic.

Plus with my SmartThings hub and rboys code, I have burner codes and specific day codes.

I'm using a Yale YRD 256 RL (roller to keep the door shut, even without a lever) and the August kit (with the august connect and doorsense). It works very well, but the app is sometimes buggy. Right now the action log has the tendency to delete the details of who opened the door after the next action and I'm having trouble to change settings remotely (like changing autolock behavior and not changing codes)

basically it is this kit: https://www.amazon.com/Yale-Security-YRD256-CBA-619-Connected-Touchscreen/dp/B07GQ2VLSD but with the roller (cause I live outside US and the options are adapted for our kind of door)

The August software can it be integrated with Airbnb if that what you are doing.

For me it is a much better design to have the electronic lock and not use a mechanical lock and piggyback a electronic solution. the number of mechanical failures that you can read on forums about the august kinda scared me. The Yale Assure line can have the August module (or Z-wave module, or direct wifi module/apple home kit , or Zigbee module... it is your choice of automation) for a electronic lock from design and your choice of automation.

​

Some other options and reading material:

https://www.kwikset.com/innovation/life-experiences/short-term-rental

https://www.remotelock.com/smart-locks

https://www.guesty.com/blog/electronic-smart-locks-for-your-airbnb/

https://nuki.io/en/smart-lock/

The Nuki is basically a August clone (IDK if it is licensed or just a plain clone) for the european/global market. Even living in Brazil (where Nuki has a seller) I preferred a august lock

​

EDIT: For some reason the integration of August and other hubs like Samsung Smartthings, Google and Apple homekit seem to be US Only. The Apple Homekit was the one that I tested and couldn't make it work.

I recently got a Schlage connect. Opens with a key, code on the touchpad, it's Z wave compatible. Set up was easy and took about 15 minutes to complete. Do you have any sort of hub or just working with the Nest ecosystem?

I have a ring and a Kwikset 910 ZigBee (ZigBee works faster and better than Z-Wave for this lock). You can get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-SmartCode-Traditional-Deadbolt-99100-045/dp/B00OIBETFY/

I have that paired with my Iris system, which I can buzz in the kids or anyone else I see on the Ring.

I've been using the Schalge Connect (Z-Wave) with SmartThings for almost a year and really like it.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with Century Trim in Satin Nickel (BE479 CEN 619) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YUPDUYE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8HLNDb8ZWGJSK

Schlage Z-Wave Connect Century https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MMM8TB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iG9jDb50JE1GP

I use smart things for my hub mostly because I have tablets mounted at each entrance that uses action tiles.

FYI, Amazon has price matched.

I ended up grabbing this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MMM8TB6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But it looks like the price has jumped up $30 since I ordered an hour ago.

It's so hard to find a relatively modern looking lock set, much less one that's connected.

Now I'll have to buy the door handle set, door knocker, door kick panel, door numbers and others to match (though I may just paint my door numbers and this cool modern door knocker I found on craigslist).

I have about 5 of these. They are the most reliable since it doesn't use a motor. you manually turn the knob to engage the striker.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001RFMDHU?ref_=pe_1822470_153573050_E_Asin_Img

there's many different colours.

https://www.amazon.com/August-Smart-Lock-3rd-technology/dp/B0752XNC8M/

Post the direct link in comments so they dont get free money from referrals. It's that easy.

Here is the deadbolt I have on both of my exterior door amazon. I really like it because it not only is connected into the system but I also have the touchscreen for those times when I don't have a device on me to unlock it. I got the lock before I got ST and after about 6 months it has dropped 1%

Where are you seeing $750? Right now on Amazon the third gen is available for $141 each

Edit: I just saw you want the pro + connect. I use camelcamelcamel for price tracking and alerts for items sold on Amazon. According to the price history, the pro + connect dropped, briefly to $220. Sometimes camelcamelcamel doesn't do a good job notifying you of these quick drops. I'm guessing they only scrape the data once a day or possibly even less.

Is it this one? I'm kinda leaning towards that myself.

The handles are mirrored.

https://www.amazon.com/Schlage-FE469NX-ACC-716-CAM/dp/B00D1M5YTG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1484775621&sr=8-4&keywords=schlage+connect

Price History

BE469 CEN 626

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AGK9KJG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ordering this

Vera + Schlage

Close as you're going to get. Everything but bluetooth unlock.

One of the kind of pricier items we added was a front door lock that works with our phones.

Samsung makes one.

There are also cheap striker kits if you can modify the door frame.

I'm using the BE469.

I believe it's the Yale Real Living model:
Yale Real Living Electronic Push Button Deadbolt Fully Motorized with Zwave Technology https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NLKUR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8OUZCb4DJDGH1

Your local big box store may have one of these, or something similar:

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-2461-Deadbolt-Security/dp/B008RI7OQ0

this is the exact one I got, but it was $100 cheaper. HD puts them in their "deal of the day" pretty regularly.:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D1M5YTG

everything is being done through Smartthings. The lock does not communicate with Schlage and their iPhone app does not work with this version. The app is meant to work with Apple Home which as many here will attest is a failed gated community for overpriced proprietary home automation.

I got this one and have loved not having to have my key/phone or anything except my code. One negative, which I'm not sure is the same on Android but their iOS app is worthless so all of my code additions are being done from the lock. Not the end of the world but has definitely been a negative on it. Otherwise though, I have loved it from day one. It just replaces the deadbolt and the only other downside during installation was that the strike plate was a bit small, which made it a little more difficult installing it and getting a tight fit. Ended up using the strike plate from the deadbolt/knob set I bought to accompany it and get rid of the brass fixtures.