Why you should trust this review
I installed the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 3rd Gen Pro at retail in late November 2025 on a 2018 Schlage B60N deadbolt. August did not provide a sample. The lock saw daily use for 6 months across two adults and a teenager, paired to both Apple Home and a SmartThings hub.
This review reflects August’s published specifications, Amazon’s aggregate of 21,500 owner reviews (averaging 4.4 of 5), and our daily use.
How we tested
See /methodology for the standardized smart lock evaluation protocol.
- Z-Wave Plus: Paired to SmartThings and verified range and automation latency.
- DoorSense: Tracked open and closed alerts across 30 days.
- Auto-unlock: Tested geofence in suburban and urban settings.
- Battery: Logged first AA replacement timing.
Who should buy it
Buy this if:
- You have a SmartThings, Ring Alarm, or Hubitat Z-Wave hub.
- You want a renter-friendly retrofit lock that keeps your keys.
- You want DoorSense to confirm the door is actually closed.
Skip this if:
- You want the slimmest interior puck (get the 4th Gen).
- You do not want a separate Connect bridge plugged in.
- You want a built-in keypad on the exterior.
Z-Wave Plus and DoorSense
Z-Wave Plus pairs cleanly with SmartThings and Ring Alarm. DoorSense is the underrated feature: a tiny magnetic sensor on the door frame tells the app whether the door is actually closed, not just whether the bolt is thrown. This catches the common case of locking an open door.
Battery and reliability
About 4 to 5 months on a set of 4 AAs with both Z-Wave and Bluetooth active. Lithium AAs add roughly 30 percent.
Value
At $189 the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 3rd Gen Pro is the right Smart Home pick in 2026.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 3rd Generation Pro vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Connectivity | DoorSense | Retrofit | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 3rd Gen Pro | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Wi-Fi + Z-Wave Plus | Yes | Yes | $189 | Best Z-Wave Retrofit Lock |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Wi-Fi built-in | Yes | Yes | $229 | Best Renter Retrofit |
| Aqara Smart Lock U200 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Matter over Thread | No | Yes | $279 | Best Retrofit with Home Key |
| Generic puck-style retrofit lock | ★★★☆☆ 3.4 | Bluetooth | No | Yes | $89 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi via Connect bridge, Z-Wave Plus, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Compatibility | Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, SmartThings, Ring |
| Sensors | DoorSense open and closed detection |
| Battery | 4 AA alkaline |
| Auto-unlock | Geofence based |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Should you buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 3rd Generation Pro?
August's 3rd Gen Pro is the older sibling of our 4th Gen pick, but it is still the right buy for users with a SmartThings, Ring, or Hubitat hub because it ships with both Wi-Fi (via Connect bridge) and Z-Wave Plus. After 6 months on a Schlage B60N our pick handled mixed-hub setups cleanly, DoorSense told us when the door was actually closed (not just locked), and HomeKit, Alexa, and Google all worked. The trade is the older puck design is bulkier than the 4th Gen.
Frequently asked questions
Is the August 3rd Gen Pro worth $189 in 2026?+
Yes for users with a Z-Wave hub like SmartThings or Ring Alarm. The 3rd Gen Pro is the only retrofit lock we found with Z-Wave Plus, which is more efficient and longer-range than Wi-Fi alone.
How is it different from the 4th Gen?+
The 4th Gen drops Z-Wave but adds built-in Wi-Fi (no Connect bridge). The 3rd Gen Pro keeps the Connect bridge but adds Z-Wave Plus, which is the right pick for hub-based smart homes.
Do I need the Connect bridge?+
Yes for Wi-Fi remote unlock and voice control. No if you only need Z-Wave hub integration. The Connect bridge is included in the Pro bundle.
Will it fit a renter's apartment?+
Yes. The retrofit puck installs on the interior side only. You keep the original cylinder and exterior, so the apartment looks unchanged from the hallway.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Added 6-month notes including DoorSense reliability and Z-Wave Plus range testing.
- Feb 10, 2026Updated comparison after testing August 4th Gen.
- Nov 25, 2025Initial review published.
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Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.