Assa August Smartlock Pro Tested
Failures and set backs in the smartlock business have been commonplace (e.g., Lockitron Admits Failure and issues from our 2017 Kevo test).
But $20 billion publicly traded company Assa Abloy just acquired smartlock maker August, so the biggest access control maker sees some future for this space.
Did Assa make a good purchase? How well does August's product work?
We bought the newest August Smartlock Pro, including a keypad and WiFi Connect Hub to see just how different it performs compared to competitors.
In this report, we reveal key test findings:
- How Well The Lock Works
- The Basic Device Operation
- If Bad Doors Cause Lock Malfunction
- Overview of App Controls and Alerts
- Examine Operation Of Lock Keypad
- A Key Atypical Advantage
- Compare August To Kwikset Kevo
Read the full findings and more inside.
Key Findings: August Smartlock Is Solid
August Smartlock is a rare consumer IoT product that does everything it claims to do, and works well in doing them. Among the key advantages:
- Reliable, Powerful Action: The physical design of the device is strong enough to throw or retract the latch even when doors are slightly worn or warped.
- No App Bugs: The software/app side of August works well too, with no malfunctions, crashes, or missed actions even when the app was connected remotely.
- External Keypad Reliable: The optional wireless keypad was reliable and operated the lock and registered logged events in the app, allowing for both locking and unlocking without keys or smartphone.
- Real Door Position Sensor: Unlike many residential smartlocks that use software or phone based door position, August uses a physical contact switch that increases accuracy of the app and allows for a door held open alarm, a power feature usually reserved for commercial access control.
However, August does have some issues:
- Optional Extender Is Needed: When the Connect hub was not installed, the lock lacked both remote (non Z-Wave) control and had diminished range within our test house. Users will likely need the additional range to have full control of the lock more than 35' away from the device.
- Touchy Door Sensor: The included door sensor works great when installed within 1.5" of the latch. This location may be aesthetically unpleasing, and the sensor accuracy takes a big hit if mounted even 2.5" away.
- Status Message Mistakes: Not all popup alerts were accurate everytime, and while uncommon they happened enough to cause doubt and doublechecking during regular use.
- Vulnerable Mounting: Finally, the retrofit device cannot be casually knocked loose off the door, but if vandals smack or manhandle the device on purpose, jamming or binding the action would not be difficult. The device would register errors, but the device is quite vulnerable and cannot be enclosed or protected on the door.
Despite this, August is a dependable lock and of the various smartlock products we have tested, it performs near the top in most categories.
Product Overview
One of the strongest features of August is that it works with existing keys, locks, and latches, unlike other products like Kevo that replace all those components. Instead, August replaces existing thumb turns and is surface mounted on the secured or inside side of the opening. From the outside, there is no visible indication an August is fitted, and no additional rekeying or cutting new matching keys is needed for use.
Overall, the size of the unit is much larger and thicker than the thumb turn it replaces, and while the device will fit on most deadbolt locks, it may not be aesthetically pleasing to all. Also, while the unit fits the majority of door locks, if a door uses a lever and latch mechanism without a traditional thumb turn, similar to a mortise set, the unit is not compatible.
Strong Operation Action
One of the Smartlock Pro's distinctive features is the mechanical design of the motorized thumb-turn knob. The entire outside housing rotates to operate the latch, imparting significant torque to the latch. The animation below details the action:
The overall design of the action is powerful enough to work through slight binds of the latch or even warping in the door, a common issue with older and thinner residential grade doors. This is a big advantage for August, because the retrofit application of the product typically is mounted on existing doors, and alignment problems often stop or cause malfunction with other smartlocks like Lockitron.
Good Remote App Controls
In terms of app controls, August is quite good. Most users will understand the controls with no training, and essentially most controls use one large 'button'. Additional details like door or lock status are shown on the same screen and appear by default with no configuration needed.
The image below shows the lock and door in the most common states; Unlocked/locked and Open/Closed, with one large button image updating to reflect it. 'Green' equals unlocked, 'Yellow' equals open, and 'Red' means locked and closed:
Deeper configuration is done via the app, and the lock offers no web portal for status or changes. For remote (non Z-Wave or local WiFi) operation, the Connect hub must be used. Users click the gray 'Remote Control' button in the top right of the app screen, and then are able to connect to a local lock via cell or internet. There is no service fee for the Connect hub, but is a one-time $50 hub purchase.
Not-So-Reliable Pop Up Alerts
In general, August's notifications of door activity reliably popped up, but the messages they displayed were not always correct.
For example, the message below might appear after immediately locking the door, even if an unlock event did not precede it:
In our test of ~500 logged events, we counted ~3% (about 15) errant or inaccurate messages. The pushed message error rate was high enough that users may be forced to manually check the app for door status to confirm doors are indeed locked and closed.
Battery Operated Bluetooth Keypad
The optional BLE connected external keypad claims it allows users without a phone or keys to unlock the door by entering in a 5 digit code, assignable per user.
Our test involved using the keypad outside, through a brick wall, at lengths of 5', 10', and 15'. While operations worked 100% of 10 attempts at 5', performance quickly dropped off to 45% at 10' and only 10% (1 of 10 tries) at 15' distance. Users installing the keypad should expect to mount it closely adjacent to or on the outside door frame as close as possible.
The included app indicated normal door lock/unlock events using keypad controls, and report the particular user's code being used, so sharing codes among individuals can be tracked down if being misused.
However, the Keypad is a pricey accessory at $79, roughly costing as much as 50 cut house keys at a retail kiosk machine. Unless users specifically want the flexibility of a keypad, it likely will not be an option most consider.
Included Door Position Sensor
One of the most valuable features of August is the external 'DoorSense' sensor that essentially works as a door position switch. Unlike other residential smartlocks like Kevo that use the user's smartphone position to indicate whether or not an unlocked door is opened, August's physical sensor is fixed and permanent.
The difference in design allows August to incorporate accurate door position readings and 'hold open alarms' in the product, a traditional pitfall of most residential smartlocks.
Indeed, having an app that includes door status as a fundamental condition of security draws closer comparisons to commercial access control systems rather than residential locks and provides a keen insight of how secure a door really might be.
Pro Version Is Remote Accessible & Integrates More
We tested the Pro version of the lock, which comes with $50 Connect WiFi hub, has Z-Wave support onboard, and integrates to Apple Home/Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. The 2nd generation lock feature the same lock device, but without the integration connections, does not include the Connect hub, and is $80 less.
A third option, the 'SmartLock' sans 'Pro', is altogether a different design and does not support the WiFi Connect hub or Z-Wave, essentially limiting it to local, on-premise control only, but for $130 less than the 'Pro' device.
We tested August integration via the Wink tie-in module, applied several IFTTT rules, and synced it up with Alexa, and found the basic lock/unlock and status controls were supported. Deeper configurations or adding new devices must be done via the August app.
Versus Kwikset Kevo
While the connected smartlock market is crowded, Kwikset/Unikey's Kevo lock is one of the most common options. Our test had multiple functional issues with Kevo that we did not experience with August, including basic lock connectivity and command responsiveness.
The biggest advantage Kevo has over August is price, with a full replacement lock kit, complete with lock cylinder, faceplate, keys, and deadbolts cost ~$230 versus $279 for the August 'Pro' version that does not include any mechanical lock cylinder or bolt parts. The box kit for Kevo is quite substantial and includes many mechanical parts to build the lock on the door:
August Pro essentially comes only with one device and is installed as a replacement thumb turn on the existing lock. Kevo requires complete replacement of the lock to install per instructions.
In terms of price however, August Pro comes with a remote Connect hub, while Kevo requires an additional ~$100 'Plus' hub for remote access, bringing the typical total cost lower for August for those wanting remote function.
Another benefit for August is that it can be installed without changing existing locks or keys, while Kevo requires it, potentially driving costs significantly if users wish to rekey all their existing doors alike. While Kevo is built using a user-rekeyable 'Smartkey' lock, in order to use the same key elsewhere in a home, all locks need to be pinned to match and use the same KW1 Keyway, which many homes do not.
August Purchased By Assa
As we covered in our recent Assa Abloy Acquires August post, August is no longer an upstart IoT lock company, but a division of a huge multinational conglomerate that sells multiple lines of both commercial and residential door hardware. We estimate Assa Abloy paid a few hundred million for August, factoring in SV appeal and strong capital funding raises in the $25M range indicating independent sustainability.
August is not Assa's only 'smartlock' brand, as it also owns Yale, who despite being over one hundred years old in mechanical-only locks produces a line of Z-Wave connected deadbolts [link no longer available] that occupy much of the potential market space as August.
Whether or not Assa will fold August into the Yale brand is yet unclear, but our test results illustrate that August could potentially be a fit for the light commercial access market as well as the residential market, fitting in to Assa's overarching 'standalone wireless locks' on the vast uncontrolled (no electronic access) openings for offices, closets, and other interior openings.