August Home vs. Level Home Smart Locks: Which Reigns Supreme for Your Smart Home?

In the evolving landscape of smart home technology, smart locks stand out as essential tools for convenience and enhanced security. They offer a transformative upgrade from traditional deadbolts, providing keyless entry, remote access, and integrated home automation capabilities. Among the top contenders vying for a spot on your front door are August Home and Level Home, each approaching smart lock design with distinct philosophies. This comparison will delve into their unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you decide which innovative solution best fits your lifestyle and home security needs.

What is a Smart Lock, and Why Consider August or Level?

A smart lock is an electromechanical lock designed to perform locking and unlocking operations on a door when it receives authenticated instructions from an authorized device using a wireless protocol and cryptographic key. These advanced devices offer a myriad of benefits over conventional locks, including keyless convenience, remote control, activity logs, temporary access for guests, and seamless integration with broader smart home ecosystems. Both August and Level represent the pinnacle of smart lock innovation, but they cater to slightly different preferences regarding aesthetics, installation, and ecosystem compatibility.

August Smart Locks: A Closer Look

August Home has established itself as a prominent name in the smart lock market, primarily known for its retrofitting design that upgrades your existing deadbolt without altering your exterior door hardware. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, their most popular model, exemplifies this approach.

Design & Installation

August smart locks are designed to replace only the interior thumb turn of your existing deadbolt. This means your exterior lock, including the keyhole and the key you use, remains completely unchanged. This design choice is particularly appealing for renters or those who prefer to maintain their home’s traditional facade. Installation is generally straightforward, often taking less than 15 minutes with just a screwdriver, as it primarily involves removing the interior portion of your deadbolt and attaching the August module.
August smart lock interior module on door, exterior traditional keyhole, showing retrofit design.

Connectivity & Features

The latest generation August Wi-Fi Smart Lock boasts built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate Connect bridge for remote access. This directly connects the lock to your home network. August offers broad compatibility with popular smart home platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. Key features include Auto-Lock, which automatically secures your door after a set period, and Auto-Unlock, which senses your arrival via geofencing and unlocks the door as you approach. The integrated DoorSense™ sensor is a significant advantage, providing real-time alerts if your door is left ajar or forced open, even when the deadbolt is locked. You can also grant temporary or permanent virtual keys to guests and monitor entry and exit activity through the August app.

Pros:

• Easy Installation: Replaces only the interior thumb turn, making it simple to install without a locksmith.
• Maintains Exterior Aesthetic: Your outside lock and keys remain unchanged, preserving your home’s curb appeal.
• Broad Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly with a wide range of smart home ecosystems.
• DoorSense™: Provides valuable real-time door open/closed status, enhancing security awareness.
• Physical Key Backup: Always allows entry with your traditional key.

Cons:

• Visible Interior Module: The smart lock unit is visible on the inside of your door, which some users find less aesthetically pleasing.
• Shorter Battery Life: Many users report relatively frequent battery changes, especially when Wi-Fi is constantly active. The lock typically uses CR123 batteries.
• App Interface: While functional, some users find the August app’s interface slightly dated compared to more modern alternatives.

Ideal User

August smart locks are an excellent choice for users who want to easily upgrade their existing deadbolt without replacing the entire lock. They are particularly well-suited for Android users due to robust Google Assistant support and homeowners seeking broad smart home compatibility and the practical DoorSense feature.

Level Smart Locks: The Invisible Innovator

Level Home takes a fundamentally different approach, focusing on integrating smart technology invisibly into your door. Their products, such as the Level Bolt, Level Lock Touch, and Level Lock+, are designed to blend seamlessly, looking exactly like a traditional deadbolt from both the interior and exterior.

Design & Installation

Level locks are renowned for their “invisible” design, where all the smart components are housed within the deadbolt mechanism itself. Once installed, your door maintains its classic look, as there are no visible smart lock components, keypads, or bulky interior modules. This minimalist aesthetic is a significant draw for design-conscious homeowners. Installation involves replacing your entire deadbolt mechanism, which is comparable to installing a standard deadbolt. While generally straightforward, proper door alignment is crucial for optimal performance and battery life.
Level smart lock integrated seamlessly into a door, appearing as a standard deadbolt from both sides.

Connectivity & Features

Older Level Lock models primarily rely on Bluetooth, requiring an Apple HomeKit hub (like an Apple TV or HomePod) for remote access and full smart home integration. However, newer versions like the Level Lock+ and Level Lock Pro enhance connectivity with features like Apple Home Key (allowing tap-to-unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch via NFC) and the inclusion of Thread/Matter protocols for improved speed and reliability, often still leveraging a compatible hub. Some Level models, like the Level Lock+ Connect, offer built-in Wi-Fi. Features typically include auto-lock/unlock via geofencing, guest access management through the Level app, and on models like the Level Lock Touch and Lock+, a “Touch to Lock” feature for convenient locking by simply touching the exterior of the lock. The Level Lock Pro even integrates a door sensor within its design.

Pros:

• Invisible Design: The most discreet smart lock on the market, maintaining the aesthetic of a traditional deadbolt.
• Apple Home Key Integration: For Apple users, this offers unparalleled convenience, allowing unlocking with a simple tap of an iPhone or Apple Watch.
• Modern App Experience: The Level app is often praised for its sleek, user-friendly interface.
• Generally Longer Battery Life: When properly installed and calibrated, Level locks typically offer a good battery life, using CR2 batteries.
• Physical Key Backup: Retains the ability to use a traditional key.

Cons:

• Ecosystem Specificity: Strong bias towards Apple HomeKit and Home Key, which may be less appealing for Android users.
• Connectivity Dependent: Older Bluetooth models require a HomeKit hub for remote functionality, while newer Wi-Fi/Thread models offer more direct connectivity but might still benefit from a robust mesh network.
• Door Alignment Sensitivity: Performance and battery life can be significantly impacted by even minor door alignment issues.
• Keypad Optionality: Keypads are typically sold separately or not available for all models, which can be a dealbreaker for families or rental properties needing code-based entry.
• Battery Type: CR2 batteries can be pricier and less common than AA or CR123.

Ideal User

Level smart locks are perfect for Apple ecosystem users who highly value design aesthetics and desire a completely hidden smart lock solution. They appeal to homeowners who prioritize the “smart, not seen” philosophy and appreciate the seamless convenience of Apple Home Key.

Head-to-Head Comparison: August vs. Level

When pitting August against Level, several key distinctions emerge, guiding users toward the best choice for their specific needs.

Aesthetics & Discretion

• August: The interior module is visible, sitting over your existing thumb turn. While the latest Wi-Fi Smart Lock is significantly smaller, it’s still an observable piece of technology.
• Level: This is Level’s undisputed winning feature. The lock is entirely hidden within your door, making it look like a standard deadbolt from both sides. For those who prioritize a seamless, traditional look, Level is the clear winner.

Installation Ease

• August: Generally considered very easy, as it’s a retrofit that only requires removing the interior part of your deadbolt. No complex wiring or major hardware changes.
• Level: Installation involves replacing the entire deadbolt mechanism. While many find it as straightforward as installing a regular deadbolt, precise door alignment is critical for optimal function. Minor misalignments can lead to increased battery drain or slower operation.

Keyless Access Methods

• August: Offers keyless entry via its mobile app, voice commands (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri), and an optional keypad. Geofencing-based auto-unlock is a staple.
• Level: Provides keyless entry via its mobile app, voice commands (primarily Siri for HomeKit models), and most notably, Apple Home Key for compatible models, allowing a tap-to-unlock experience with an iPhone or Apple Watch. Some models also feature “Touch to Lock.” External keypads are often separate accessories or not available for all models.

Smart Home Ecosystem Integration

• August: Offers broader out-of-the-box compatibility with major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings. This makes it a versatile choice for mixed-ecosystem homes.
• Level: While newer models support Thread/Matter, Level’s ecosystem strength lies firmly within Apple HomeKit, especially with Apple Home Key integration. Its support for Alexa and Google Assistant has been more limited in earlier models, though newer “Connect” and “Pro” versions are improving this.

Battery Life & Type

• August: Uses CR123 batteries (or AAs in older models). Battery life can be a common complaint, particularly with Wi-Fi features enabled, often requiring replacement every few months.
• Level: Uses CR2 batteries. Generally, Level locks offer better battery longevity than August, though this can be significantly reduced if the door is misaligned, causing the motor to work harder. CR2 batteries can be less readily available and more expensive than CR123s.

Security & Door Monitoring

Both brands offer robust security measures, including encrypted communications.

• August: Features DoorSense™, a magnetic sensor that detects if your door is open or closed, adding an extra layer of security awareness.
• Level: Maintains a traditional keyed cylinder, offering physical key backup. The Level Lock Pro includes an integrated door sensor, providing similar functionality to August’s DoorSense. The hidden nature of Level also means no visible sign of smart technology to potential intruders.

App Experience

• August: The app is functional, providing all necessary controls and activity logs. Some users, however, find its design and responsiveness to be less refined than competitors.
• Level: Often praised for its sleek, modern interface and intuitive user experience, especially within the Apple Home app.

Feature / Model	August Wi-Fi Smart Lock	Level Lock+ (or similar Level models)
Design	Retrofits over interior thumb turn; exterior unchanged.	Entirely hidden inside the deadbolt; looks like a traditional lock.
Aesthetics	Interior module visible.	Completely invisible.
Installation	Easy, 10-15 minutes; interior retrofit.	Replaces entire deadbolt; easy but requires good door alignment.
Key Access	Uses existing keys.	Uses existing keys (after rekeying if desired).
Primary Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi.	Bluetooth, Thread/Matter (newer models), some with built-in Wi-Fi.
Remote Access	Yes (built-in Wi-Fi).	Yes (via HomeKit hub for Bluetooth, or built-in Wi-Fi for some models).
Ecosystems	Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT.	Primarily Apple HomeKit & Home Key; some Alexa/Google support.
Keyless Entry Methods	App, voice, optional keypad, auto-unlock (geofencing).	App, Home Key (NFC), Touch to Lock (some models), voice, auto-unlock.
Door Sensor	DoorSense™ (magnetic sensor).	Integrated (Level Lock Pro).
Battery Type & Life	CR123 batteries; typically 3-6 months.	CR2 battery; typically 6-12 months (dependent on alignment).
App Experience	Functional, but some find it less modern.	Modern, intuitive, integrates well with Apple Home app.
Target User	Broad compatibility, Android users, renters.	Apple users, design-conscious, desire for hidden tech.

Choosing the Right Smart Lock for Your Home

Selecting between August and Level ultimately boils down to your personal priorities and existing smart home ecosystem.

• Consider Your Ecosystem: If you are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize seamless integration with HomeKit and the convenience of Apple Home Key, Level is a compelling choice. For homes with a mix of Android and iOS devices, or reliance on Alexa and Google Assistant, August’s broader compatibility might be more suitable.
• Prioritize Aesthetics: Do you prefer your smart lock to be entirely discreet and blend into your door’s existing hardware, making it indistinguishable from a traditional lock? Then Level is your answer. If a visible interior module is not a concern, and you value retaining your exterior hardware and key, August is a practical option.
• Ease of Installation & Maintenance: Both offer relatively easy DIY installation, but August’s retrofit design is arguably simpler for those hesitant to tamper with their deadbolt’s core mechanism. Consider battery type and replacement frequency; August’s CR123s are common but drain faster, while Level’s CR2s last longer but are less common.
• Desired Features: Evaluate if features like August’s explicit DoorSense™ are crucial, or if Level’s Home Key functionality for Apple devices is a must-have. Think about whether a physical keypad for code entry is essential for your family or guests; August offers a robust optional keypad, while Level’s options are more limited.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Smart Locks

Proper installation and ongoing maintenance are crucial for the reliable performance of any smart lock.

Basic Installation Steps

1. Remove Your Old Lock: For August, you’ll remove the interior thumb turn. For Level, you’ll remove the entire deadbolt assembly.
2. Install the Smart Lock Hardware: Follow the in-app instructions carefully. August slots over your existing deadbolt mechanism on the inside, while Level replaces the internal bolt.
3. Calibrate: Both locks require calibration through their respective apps to learn the door’s lock and unlock positions.
4. Set Up the App: Download the August or Level app, create an account, and pair your lock.

Using Smart Features

• Guest Access: Grant temporary or permanent access codes or virtual keys to family, friends, or service providers.
• Auto-Lock/Unlock: Configure geofencing to automatically lock your door when you leave and unlock it upon arrival.
• Activity Monitoring: Review logs within the app to see who entered and when.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Battery Management: Pay attention to low battery alerts and replace batteries promptly. Keep spares on hand. For August, consider rechargeable CR123s to save cost and waste. For Level, ensure proper door alignment to prevent premature battery drain.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and install firmware updates via the app to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Connectivity Issues: If experiencing delays or disconnections, check your home Wi-Fi network (for August or Wi-Fi-enabled Level models) or ensure your HomeKit hub is online and close enough (for Bluetooth Level locks).
• Door Alignment: For Level locks, ensure your door frame and strike plate are perfectly aligned for smooth operation and to maximize battery life.

Essential Smart Lock Accessories

Enhance your smart lock experience with these useful accessories:

• Keypads: For August, an optional keypad provides code-based entry, which is excellent for families, guests, or situations where you don’t have your phone. Level has limited keypad options, often as separate purchases.
• Wi-Fi Bridges/Hubs: While the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has built-in Wi-Fi, older August models and some Bluetooth-only Level locks require a Wi-Fi bridge or a smart home hub (like an Apple TV or HomePod for HomeKit) to enable remote access and full smart home integration.
• Door Sensors: August’s DoorSense™ is built-in. For Level models without an integrated sensor, an external contact sensor can provide similar door open/closed status.

Ultimately, both August Home and Level Home offer advanced, reliable smart lock solutions that can significantly enhance your home’s security and convenience. Your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize broad smart home compatibility and an existing exterior look (August) or an invisible, minimalist design with deep Apple ecosystem integration (Level).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which smart lock is better for Android users, August or Level?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock generally offers superior compatibility and integration for Android users, supporting Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings directly. While newer Level models are improving Android support, August has historically provided a more robust experience for Android users.

Can I still use my physical key with August and Level smart locks?

Yes, both August and Level smart locks are designed to work with your existing physical key. August replaces only the interior thumb turn, leaving your exterior keyhole untouched. Level replaces the entire deadbolt mechanism but maintains the exterior keyhole, allowing for traditional key entry as a reliable backup.

Does Level Lock support Apple Home Key?

Yes, newer Level Lock models, particularly the Level Lock+ and Level Lock Pro, support Apple Home Key. This feature allows you to lock or unlock your door by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock, offering a seamless and highly convenient keyless entry experience.

What is DoorSense, and do both August and Level have it?

DoorSense is August’s proprietary technology that uses a magnetic sensor to detect if your door is open or closed, even if it’s locked. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock includes this feature. The Level Lock Pro, a newer model from Level, also includes an integrated door sensor that provides similar functionality.

Is August or Level easier to install?

August smart locks are often considered slightly easier to install as they simply retrofit over the interior of your existing deadbolt. Level locks require replacing the entire deadbolt mechanism, which is still a DIY-friendly process but necessitates precise door alignment for optimal performance.