Head-to-head · Best Smart Locks

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi

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) and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi score essentially the same (4.4 vs 4.4). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #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 #2 in Best Smart Locks

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi

4.4

3 sources$159.99as of Aug 1

Six unlock methods and built-in Wi-Fi make the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi one of the more capable keyless entry options around. Working against it: no Apple HomeKit support, a 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi radio, and mediocre battery performance. The compact design and reliable fingerprint sensor still make it a strong addition to most smart homes.

Strengths

— Supports six unlock methods including fingerprint, keypad, key, app, geofence, and Bluetooth
— Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity eliminates the need for a separate bridge or hub
— Compact design fits standard doors with universal backset adjustment (2-3/8" or 2-3/4")

Watch-outs

— Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and does not support dual-band networks
— Battery life is described as so-so, requiring 4 AA batteries
— Lacks support for Apple HomeKit and Amazon Key integration

$159.99 · 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.

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi offers the most unlock versatility with six methods, including a robust fingerprint reader that the Schlage Encode Plus and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock completely lack. While it shares the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi limitation with the August, it avoids the Level Lock+'s need for a separate bridge for remote control, though it sacrifices Apple HomeKit support which is a primary selling point for the Level Lock+ and Schlage.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)	Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
Connectivity	Wi-Fi	2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Smart Home Support	Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit	Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings
Unlock Methods	App, Auto-unlock, Key	Fingerprint, Keypad, Key, App, Geofence, Bluetooth
Power Source	Two 3V CR123 lithium batteries	4 AA batteries
Fingerprint Capacity	None	Up to 100 fingerprints (2 per user)
Door Compatibility	Standard deadbolts	2-3/8" (60mm) or 2-3/4" (70mm)
Material	—	Zinc

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