Head-to-head · Best Smart Locks

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) vs Level Lock+

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Apple HomeKit users prioritizing easy installation over keypad access — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smart Locks

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)

4.4

4 sources$230as of Aug 1

Installation is where the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) shines, and its smart home integration is reliable enough to trust with door security. The limits: no 5GHz Wi-Fi support and no built-in keypad, which becomes a problem the day you are locked out without your phone. Auto-lock works well. The standard retail price is high and the design bulky, so many buyers will want to wait for a sale.

Strengths

— Super-simple setup that can be completed in minutes using a screwdriver
— Seamless integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
— Reliable Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features triggered by phone proximity

Watch-outs

— Does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
— Lacks an alternate unlock method if both keys and phone are left inside
— Physical unit is described as bulky or 'chonky' despite size reductions

$230 · Buy at lowes.com Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Smart Locks

Level Lock+

4.3

2 sources$345.99as of Aug 1

Apple users widely consider the Level Lock+ the best smart lock available, thanks to tight HomeKit integration, Home Key support, and a discreet design that hides the motor inside the door. Remote control requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge, and compatibility with non-Apple ecosystems like Google Assistant is limited for now. Installation is straightforward, but the included security cylinder is a weak point that may need a locksmith to upgrade for maximum protection.

Strengths

— Understated industrial design that hides the smart mechanism inside the door frame
— Supremely easy to install and set up using only a Phillips screwdriver
— Supports Apple Home Key for instant NFC unlock via iPhone or Apple Watch

Watch-outs

— Limited to local operation without purchasing a separate Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge for remote access
— Essentially incompatible with Google Assistant until the Thread radio is activated
— Security cylinder lacks security pins and can be picked with a simple bump key

$345.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)

While the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) offers a simpler setup than the Schlage Encode Plus and a more compact footprint than the bulky Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, it falls short by lacking a built-in keypad, a feature the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Ultraloq provide for keyless entry without a phone. Its reliance on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi mirrors the Ultraloq's limitation, but unlike the Yale, it does not support the newer Thread protocol for future-proofing.

Level Lock+

The Level Lock+ offers a uniquely discreet design that hides the motor inside the door, a feature absent in the bulky Schlage Encode Plus and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, and provides superior Apple Home Key integration. However, it is significantly less versatile than the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, which supports six unlock methods including fingerprint, whereas the Level Lock+ requires a separate bridge for remote access and has limited Google Assistant compatibility.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)	Level Lock+
Connectivity	Wi-Fi	Bluetooth, Thread, Wi-Fi (via bridge)
Smart Home Support	Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit	HomeKit, Home Key, Siri support
Unlock Methods	App, Auto-unlock, Key	NFC (iPhone/Watch), App, Physical Key, Keypad (optional)
Power Source	Two 3V CR123 lithium batteries	4 AA batteries
Fingerprint Capacity	None	None
Door Compatibility	Standard deadbolts	Standard deadbolts
Material	—	Stainless Steel

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