SMART LOCKS

AUGUST WI-FI SMART LOCK

What Reviewers Like

• Quick, easy installation, often taking under 10 minutes, with no need to replace the exterior deadbolt.
• Keeps your existing house keys, which users love for convenience and family/guest flexibility.
• Reliable auto-lock and generally smooth auto-unlock, offering hands-free entry for many reviewers.
• Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required, giving simple remote access straight from the app.
• Strong smart-home compatibility, working well with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and automation routines.
• User-friendly August app, praised for clear activity logs, guest code management, and intuitive controls.
• Compact, modern indoor design, with some reviewers calling it sleek and less bulky than previous models.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Battery life is a major complaint, with many reporting the lock burns through AA batteries every 3–4 weeks.
• Auto-unlock performance can be inconsistent, working perfectly for some but failing to detect arrival for others.
• Connectivity transitions may lag, especially when switching between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Some users do not like the design, calling it unattractive despite others finding it stylish.
• Occasional calibration issues, especially on doors that aren’t perfectly aligned.
• Functionality varies, with a number of reviewers reporting the lock stops working unexpectedly or becomes unresponsive.
• Value for money is mixed, with some feeling the convenience is worth it and others saying the performance doesn’t justify the price.

Final Thought

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is one of those devices that instantly modernizes your front door without making your home feel complicated. Many reviewers appreciate how simple it is to install—just a few minutes, no special tools, and your existing keys still work, which is a big relief for families or households with guests. The app experience is another highlight, giving you an easy way to check who’s coming and going, share access, or lock the door from anywhere. And with built-in Wi-Fi and strong compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, it fits naturally into most smart-home setups without requiring extra hubs or accessories.

That said, reviewers do point out a few things worth knowing. Battery life tends to be shorter than expected, especially for users who rely heavily on Wi-Fi remote control. Auto-unlock is wonderfully convenient when it works, but results can vary depending on phone settings and signal behavior. Some users also wish the design were more attractive or experienced occasional calibration hiccups, especially with older or misaligned doors.

Even with those mixed notes, many people feel the overall experience is genuinely helpful—bringing real convenience to daily life and eliminating the “Did I lock the door?” worries that come up at the worst possible moments. If you want a smart lock that keeps your existing keys, blends easily into your routine, and gives you reliable remote access without adding extra hardware, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains a popular choice that earns a lot of appreciation from homeowners.

SCHLAGE ENCODE PLUS

What Reviewers Like

• Easy, straightforward installation, with many saying setup is quick even for first-time smart-lock users.
• High-quality construction, with reviewers noting the lock feels sturdy, secure, and premium.
• Convenient everyday use, with a responsive keypad, smooth operation, and reliable unlocking.
• Excellent Apple HomeKit integration, with many loving the convenience of Apple Home Key support using an iPhone or Apple Watch.
• Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control, allowing seamless access without needing an additional hub.
• Strong overall smart-home compatibility, working with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and smart routines.
• Easy guest access management, with simple code creation for family, visitors, renters, or service providers.
• Good battery performance for some, with users reporting decent life under normal use.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Connectivity can be inconsistent, with some users experiencing recurring Wi-Fi or smart-home pairing drops.
• Battery life varies widely, lasting months for some but draining within weeks for others, especially with frequent Wi-Fi and Home Key usage.
• Locking mechanism can be loud, with several reviewers noting the motor noise—especially during auto-lock at night.
• App experience isn’t always intuitive, with some customers finding Schlage’s setup flow or third-party integrations confusing.
• Interior unit feels bulky, making the design look less streamlined compared to more compact competitors.
• Home Key setup can have occasional glitches, sometimes requiring resets or repeated pairing attempts.
• Value for money is mixed, as some feel the build quality justifies the price while others find it too expensive for the performance.

Final Thought

The Schlage Encode Plus stands out as a smart lock that brings together solid construction, easy setup, and everyday convenience. Reviewers love how quickly it installs and how secure it feels once in place, with smooth operation and a keypad that’s responsive and reliable. For Apple users, the Home Key feature is a major highlight—unlocking the door with an iPhone or Apple Watch makes coming home feel effortlessly modern.

Many users find the Wi-Fi connection and HomeKit integration dependable once everything is configured, and the ability to manage guest codes adds a nice layer of flexibility for families, friends, or service providers.

There are a few mixed points—battery life can vary, some experience occasional connectivity hiccups, and the interior unit feels a bit bulky to certain buyers. A handful of reviewers also report long-term reliability concerns.

Even so, the Encode Plus delivers a strong blend of security and smart-home ease, especially for those who want deep Apple ecosystem support. For many homeowners, it becomes a convenient and reassuring upgrade that fits naturally into daily routines.

AQARA SMART DOOR LOCK U100

What Reviewers Like

• Easy installation and setup, with many users saying the process is straightforward and well-guided through the app.
• Multiple access methods, including fingerprint, PIN codes, NFC, Apple Home Key, and a physical key—giving families flexible and convenient options.
• Reliable fingerprint recognition, praised for being fast and accurate for most users.
• Strong HomeKit compatibility, with reviewers appreciating seamless integration and the convenience of Apple Home Key for iPhone and Apple Watch.
• Solid, durable build quality, with a sturdy metal design that feels secure on the door.
• Good battery life for most households, lasting months under normal usage.
• User-friendly Aqara app, offering easy code management and smooth pairing with other Aqara devices.
• Great overall value, delivering premium smart-lock features at a more affordable price than many competitors.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Installation can be tricky for some, especially when doors are slightly misaligned or need additional adjustments.
• Connectivity quirks, with occasional issues reported when integrating through Matter or certain third-party platforms.
• Fingerprint performance varies for a few users, particularly with dry fingers or off-angle placements.
• Motor noise is louder than expected, which some reviewers mention during locking or unlocking.

Final Thought

The Aqara U100 has earned a lot of appreciation from homeowners who want a smart lock that feels modern, flexible, and genuinely useful in day-to-day life. Reviewers love that it’s simple to set up, offers a wide range of unlocking options, and delivers fast, reliable fingerprint recognition for most families. Its strong HomeKit integration—especially the convenience of Apple Home Key—makes it a standout choice for Apple users who want their smart home to feel seamless. And with its sturdy metal build and thoughtful app design, many feel they’re getting premium features at a price that’s easier to justify.

At the same time, some users do run into quirks. Installation can be a bit more involved for certain doors, and a few note occasional connectivity issues when using Matter or other third-party platforms. The motor is louder than some expect, and a handful of reviewers mention the lock getting stuck or struggling to unlock on rare occasions. Battery life is solid for most households, though a few users report quicker drain depending on how heavily they rely on smart-home automation.

Overall, the Aqara U100 offers an impressive balance of versatility, security, and value. If you want a smart lock that gives you multiple ways to get in, works beautifully with HomeKit, and brings a premium feel without the premium price tag, it’s a choice that fits naturally into everyday routines—and one many users say they would happily choose again.

EUFY SECURITY SMART LOCK C210

What Reviewers Like

• Easy installation and setup, with most users getting the lock mounted and connected quickly through the Eufy Security app.
• Convenient everyday use, especially for programming guest access codes—something many reviewers find simple and reliable.
• Fast, accurate fingerprint reader, often unlocking in under a second.
• Multiple access options, including fingerprint, PIN codes, app control, and a physical key backup.
• Excellent hardware quality, with many noting the lock feels sturdy and well-built for the price.
• Great value for money, delivering strong features at a lower cost than many competing smart locks.
• Reliable auto-lock, giving users peace of mind that the door secures itself consistently.
• Generally quiet operation, with smoother motor noise than expected for a budget-friendly option.

Things Reviewers Point Out

• Mixed Wi-Fi and app connectivity, with some saying the lock integrates smoothly while others report frequent disconnections or the lock stopping entirely.
• Requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge for true remote access, which some buyers didn’t realize upfront.
• Battery life concerns, as many users note that batteries drain faster than expected.
• Fingerprint reader can be inconsistent for some, especially with wet, cold, or angled finger placement.
• Auto-lock timing quirks, with a few reviewers mentioning delays or limited timing adjustments.
• Motor noise varies, with some finding it quiet while others feel it’s louder than they would like.
• Lock performance depends on door alignment, and misaligned doors can cause failed locking or unlocking attempts.

Final Thought

The Eufy Smart Lock C210 has become a pleasant surprise for many homeowners who want reliable smart access without paying premium prices. Reviewers love how easy it is to install and how quickly it becomes part of their daily routine. The fingerprint reader is fast for most users, guest codes are simple to set up, and the hardware itself feels sturdier than expected for the price. For many, it delivers that perfect blend of convenience and peace of mind—especially with the auto-lock feature quietly taking care of security in the background.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. Battery life tends to run out quicker than some would like, and Wi-Fi connectivity can be a mixed experience depending on whether you’re using a bridge and how strong your network is. A handful of reviewers also mention occasional fingerprint misreads or the lock struggling when the door isn’t perfectly aligned.

Still, for the majority of users, the C210 offers impressive value and reliable everyday performance. If you’re looking for an affordable smart lock that’s easy to use, quick to set up, and packed with practical features, this one earns a lot of appreciation from people who want simple, dependable access control without overspending.