August currently sells two retrofit smart locks in the U.S., and the right one depends on your Wi-Fi and whether you mind a plug-in bridge. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has Wi-Fi built in, runs on two CR123 batteries and connects over 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi with no extra hardware. The August Smart Lock + Connect bundle pairs the larger third-generation lock (four AA batteries) with a separate Connect Wi-Fi Bridge that needs a 2.4 GHz network. Both mount over the inside of a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt, so your existing exterior key keeps working.
This comparison uses August’s current U.S. product pages. Nobody tested radio range, battery life or long-term reliability for it.
The two models side by side
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | August Smart Lock + Connect | |
|---|---|---|
| Lock generation | Current compact Wi-Fi model | Third generation |
| Batteries | 2 × CR123 (included) | 4 × AA (included) |
| How it reaches Wi-Fi | Built in; 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz | Connect bridge plugged into an outlet near the door; 2.4 GHz only |
| DoorSense | Included | Included |
| Keypad | Not part of the base lock; buy a keypad bundle if you want codes | Not included; August lists the Yale Keypad Touch as an optional add-on |
Pick the Wi-Fi Smart Lock if the door gets a usable Wi-Fi signal and you don’t want a bridge taking up an outlet. Pick Lock + Connect if you’re fine with the bulkier lock body and AA batteries and have an outlet close enough for the bridge. Order by the exact product name. “August smart lock” alone could mean either one, or an older model with different hardware.
Check the deadbolt and door first
Run your deadbolt through August’s compatibility checker before buying. August lists both locks for existing single-cylinder deadbolts; the lock turns the inside thumbturn, so it can’t fix a door that binds. With the door both open and closed, the bolt should slide fully by hand. If it drags, realign the strike plate first, because the motor won’t reliably push through frame pressure.
DoorSense tells the app whether the door is closed as well as locked, but only if the sensor is mounted and calibrated correctly. Remote access needs an internet connection and an August account, through either the built-in Wi-Fi or the Connect bridge.
Entry options and ownership
Phone entry works out of the box. Code or fingerprint entry needs a keypad, which isn’t in the base lock carton. Decide who will manage guest access, keep a physical key somewhere you can reach it, and work out what you’ll do if you’re locked out. Before relying on auto-lock, check that low-battery alerts arrive and that the thumbturn still works by hand.
Verdict
August is a good fit if you want to keep your current exterior hardware and keys. The Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the simpler setup, with fewer parts and support for 5 GHz. Lock + Connect makes sense only if you accept the larger lock and the 2.4 GHz bridge. Skip both if the deadbolt isn’t on August’s compatibility list or the door needs repair first.