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The short answer: For most homeowners, the August Smart Lock is the better choice if you want to keep your existing deadbolt and add smart features with easy installation. The Yale Assure Lock SL is better if you prefer a sleek keypad-only design and don’t mind replacing your entire lock. But your decision should also consider compatibility with your smart home system, battery life, and whether you want a key option.
The August Smart Lock is designed to retrofit over your existing deadbolt. It doesn’t replace the entire lock, just the interior side of it. Installation typically takes about 15 minutes with just a screwdriver. You keep your existing keys and exterior look. The August is compact and sits over the thumb turn, with a clean, modern look inside.
The Yale Assure Lock SL is a complete lockset replacement. You remove your old deadbolt and install the new one. The SL has a touchscreen keypad on the outside and a battery pack on the inside. Installation is a bit more involved, around 20-30 minutes, but still doable for most DIYers. The SL has no keyhole, which some find sleek and secure, but others see as a drawback if the keypad fails or batteries die.
Verdict: August is easier to install and preserves your existing hardware. Yale requires more work but gives you a new, modern look.
Both locks are secure, but they offer different approaches. The August Smart Lock uses your existing deadbolt, which is typically a Grade 2 or Grade 3 lock from your original door. If your deadbolt is older or lower quality, you might want to upgrade it separately. The August also has a built-in sensor that detects when the door is open or closed, and it can auto-lock after a set time.
The Yale Assure Lock SL is a full lock with a touchscreen keypad. It uses a Grade 2 deadbolt, which is solid. The keypad is backlit and has a ‘privacy mode’ that prevents the keypad from working temporarily. One downside of the SL is that it has no keyhole, so if the keypad or electronics fail, you’ll need to use the 9V battery jumper on the outside to power it up temporarily.
Both locks have tamper alarms. The August can sound an alarm if someone tries to force the lock open, and the Yale has a built-in alarm that beeps if someone attempts to tamper with the keypad.
Verdict: Both are secure, but August relies on your existing deadbolt quality. Yale offers a complete, modern lock with a keypad. If you want a physical key backup, August is better because you keep your key.
The August Smart Lock supports Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings (with a separate hub for some). It also has its own app with geofencing, remote access, and activity feed. You can set up temporary virtual keys for guests or service providers.
The Yale Assure Lock SL also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit (the HomeKit version is available, but not all models are HomeKit-compatible; check the specific model). It works with the Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge or Zigbee/ZWave depending on the version. The app allows you to create PIN codes for up to 250 users, and you can schedule access. However, remote access requires the Connect bridge, which is an extra purchase.
One major difference is that the August works with your existing smart doorbell or camera ecosystem more seamlessly, and it can be integrated with Airbnb or other rental platforms if you use those.
Verdict: August is more flexible with smart home ecosystems and offers more features out of the box. Yale is solid but may need extra hardware for full functionality.
August Smart Lock uses 4 AA batteries, which last about 3-6 months depending on usage. It sends low-battery alerts to your phone. If the batteries die, you can still use your key to unlock from the outside, and from the inside you can use the manual thumb turn.
Yale Assure Lock SL uses 4 AA batteries as well, but they last up to 6-12 months because the lock doesn’t have to power a motor to turn a deadbolt (it uses a motorized latch that is smaller). The Yale also has a low-battery indicator light on the keypad and sends alerts via the app if connected. If the batteries die, you can use the external 9V battery contact on the bottom of the lock to power it up temporarily, but there is no key backup.
Verdict: Yale generally has longer battery life, but August offers a key backup which is a big safety net.
Pricing varies by model and where you buy, but generally the August Smart Lock (Wi-Fi built-in) is a premium option, while the Yale Assure Lock SL (with keypad) is more mid-range, but you may need to buy the Connect bridge for remote access. So if you factor in the bridge, the Yale can be comparable in price.
For the money, August gives you more smart features without extra hardware. Yale gives you a simpler keypad experience but may cost more if you need full smart functionality.
Always check current prices online, as they fluctuate. Also, consider installation costs if you’re not handy, but both are DIY-friendly.
Choose the August Smart Lock if:
Choose the Yale Assure Lock SL if:
For a comprehensive look at other door lock options, check out our best door locks guide.
Yes, because August replaces the inside thumb turn only, you keep your original key and exterior deadbolt. So you can still use your key if the smart features fail or if you want to unlock from outside without a phone.
Yes, it’s a Grade 2 deadbolt, and the lack of a keyhole prevents lock picking. However, if the keypad fails, you might be locked out unless you use the 9V battery jumper and the app. That’s a tradeoff to consider.
Yes, the August Smart Lock supports Apple HomeKit, so you can control it with Siri and the Home app. The Yale Assure Lock SL also has HomeKit versions, but not all models, so verify before buying.
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