Smart locks divide neatly into two types: retrofit adapters that fit over your existing hardware, and full replacement locks that swap out the entire deadbolt. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the most popular retrofit — it mounts on your existing interior thumb turn and keeps your existing keys working. The Yale Assure Lock 2 replaces your entire deadbolt and adds a keypad for PIN codes. They serve genuinely different needs.
Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is more versatile for most buyers; the August is the better choice for renters or anyone who can't change their exterior hardware.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Yale Assure Lock 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Interior retrofit, ~10 min | Full deadbolt replacement, ~25 min |
| Exterior Keypad | No | Yes (backlit touchscreen) |
| PIN Access | No | Yes |
| Keeps Existing Keys | Yes | No (by design) |
| Apple HomeKit | Yes, native | Yes, native |
| Price (MSRP) | $149.99 | $259.99 |
Installation Approach
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs entirely on the interior side of your door in about 10 minutes. Your existing deadbolt, keyhole, and exterior appearance remain completely unchanged. This makes it ideal for renters, HOA restrictions, or homes where the exterior hardware is decorative.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 replaces your full deadbolt with a new touchscreen keypad exterior and interior mechanism. Installation takes 20-30 minutes with a screwdriver. Your old keys no longer work after installation.
If you rent or have any reason you can't change your exterior door hardware, August is the only option here. If you own your home and want a proper integrated solution, Yale is the cleaner install.
Access Methods
The August Smart Lock lets you unlock via the August app, auto-unlock based on phone GPS proximity, and Alexa/Google Assistant voice commands. Physical keys still work through the existing deadbolt. Guest access is managed through the app as time-based virtual keys.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 adds a backlit numeric touchscreen on the exterior for PIN code entry. You can set multiple access codes for different people — guests, dog walkers, housekeepers — each with their own schedule. The app also handles remote unlocking, and physical keys are optional depending on the model.
PIN code access is a meaningful practical advantage for Yale. It means a guest or service person can get in without a phone, without a key, and without you being home.
Smart Home Integration
August supports Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Its HomeKit integration is particularly clean — the lock appears immediately in the Home app and works with Home automations without configuration.
Yale Assure Lock 2 also supports Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings via the August app (Yale and August are the same company). Integration depth is equivalent.
Both devices effectively share the same app backend. The platform compatibility difference between them is minimal.
Security
August's approach relies entirely on your existing deadbolt's physical security. If your deadbolt is solid, August adds smart features on top. If your deadbolt is cheap, the August doesn't improve it.
The Yale Assure Lock 2's full deadbolt replacement means you control the entire physical security mechanism. Yale uses ANSI Grade 2 hardware — not the strongest available (Grade 1 is better) but adequate for residential use.
Neither lock is pick-proof or bump-proof — no consumer smart lock is. Both are significantly more secure than the average builder-grade deadbolt most homes come with.
Price
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock retails at $149.99. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is $259.99 for the touchscreen version with Wi-Fi. The price difference reflects the full lock replacement hardware.
For renters who can't replace their deadbolt, $149.99 for retrofit smart access is excellent value. For homeowners comparing total cost, the Yale's PIN code access and cleaner exterior installation are worth the premium.
Yale also offers a Zigbee version at a lower price that works with Hue bridges and SmartThings hubs, which can be a good value for smart home enthusiasts.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Strengths
- Retrofit design — keeps existing keys and exterior hardware intact
- 10-minute installation with no door modification
- Native Apple HomeKit integration
- Auto-unlock via phone proximity works reliably in daily use
Yale Assure Lock 2 Strengths
- Keypad allows PIN code access — no phone, no key required
- Full deadbolt replacement with controlled physical security
- Multiple access codes with individual schedules for guests
- Clean exterior aesthetic — no visible keyhole if desired
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Weaknesses
- No exterior keypad — guests need the app or a physical key
- Motor can drain AA batteries faster than Yale in high-traffic homes
- Relies on existing deadbolt quality for physical security
Yale Assure Lock 2 Weaknesses
- Requires full deadbolt replacement — not suitable for renters
- More complex installation — 20-30 min, exterior modification required
- $259.99 is expensive vs. August's retrofit approach
Best For
- a: Best for renters, HOA homes, or anyone who needs smart access without changing exterior hardware.
- b: Best for homeowners who want a complete, keypad-equipped smart deadbolt with individual PIN codes for guests and service people.
FAQ
Does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock work if my phone dies?
Yes — your physical key still works since August doesn't replace the deadbolt. You're never locked out due to a dead phone battery.
Can the Yale Assure Lock 2 be installed by a non-handyman?
Generally yes — the installation requires removing four screws, following the included guide, and setting access codes via the app. Most homeowners complete it in under 30 minutes.
Do both locks work with Home Assistant?
Both integrate with Home Assistant via the August cloud integration or through Apple HomeKit if you're running HomeBridge or a HomeKit hub. Neither offers a native local API.