Our Review
The August Smart Lock Pro is the best high-tech smart lock on the market and its perfect for hosts since it integrates directly with the Airbnb mobile app. If you want to give your guests an innovative experience with fancy gadgets, then the August Smart Lock is right for you. This lock, with its futuristic, streamlined look, will give a whole new flair to your Airbnb and improve your guests’ stays. Setting up is quick and easy — all you need is a screwdriver. If you install this lock, your guests will be automatically notified to download the August Home app and be ready to receive their virtual key. This key will only work for the length of their stay, expiring on the date of check-out.
It also allows for 24/7 self-check-in, since all the guest needs are their smartphone or a unique code. With one tap in the August Home app (available on iTunes and Google Play) or from the August Smart Keypad, guests can lock the door as they leave. Hosts even get an instant notification every time a guest locks or unlock the door with the August Home app. Additionally, the app logs who locks and unlocks your door, while the August Doorbell Cam records each interaction in case you need to replay audio and video. The camera can be used to greet your guests as well, letting you see and speak to guests at the door, right from your smartphone.
In general, the August Smart Lock is a real time-saver. It completely automates the check-in and check-out process; you’ll never have to worry about hiding keys or changing codes because the integrated software will take care of everything. However, there are some downsides to this seemingly gimmicky product. We had our doubts when researching the illustrious August Smart Lock, considering its high price and add-on devices.
When dealing with something that runs solely on Bluetooth or Wifi, you’re going to encounter some connectivity issues. On this lock, the door sense can be kind of buggy. You will probably have to recalibrate your lock and door sense multiple times. Also, if you want to control the lock remotely, you’re going to need an August Connect Wifi Bridge. A lot of the online descriptions for the August Lock make it seem like you can control the lock without it, but many of the features are unavailable on the base model, which is Bluetooth-only. The battery also only lasts for about 3 months.
If you want to make the most of your lock, you are going to need to purchase an August Connect or Amazon Echo. Bluetooth will still need to be enabled when using these devices, though. Not only that, but you are also going to need to purchase a separate keypad because there is the possibility that your guest doesn’t know how to operate it or doesn’t have a smartphone. So, even though you’re trying to go completely hands-free, that’s not really an option. A physical key will also be needed, and many users complain of lockouts due to a bug in the auto-unlock feature. However, when the August Smart Lock runs smoothly and your guests connect too, everything runs smoothly and the lock acts as an all-in-one solution that integrates seamlessly with your Airbnb experience.