2019 Buyers Guide
Homekit Smart Locks
In the market for a smart lock that is Apple Homekit enabled?
Below we dive into your options and what you should look out for when making a purchase.
If you are already all in on your Siri and Apple Homekit ecosystem for your home it makes sense to round it out with a Homekit enabled lock out of the box
Homekit Lock Pros
- Will work with your Apple Watch, Apple TV, etc and control it from your iPhone
- Use Siri voice controls
- If you have a HomePod or 4th Gen or up Apple TV you will be able to control your lock while you are away from your home or apartment.
Homekit Lock Cons:
- Integrations with other smart home hub devices will be limited. If this is a priority we suggest you look at either a Wi-Fi or Z-Wave enabled locks.
What is the best Homekit enabled smart lock to buy?
The smart lock market has a large range of options and configurations to choose from ranging from door fit and installation to making sure it works well with other smart home devices and your phone. But which one should you buy?
Here are the main points to consider when shopping for a new lock for your door, as well as the best smart locks we've tested.
Our Quick Picks
Short on time? Here our some of our favorite picks based on some common filters.
Things to consider
Your door Fit
One of the first things to consider before falling in love with one particular model is to make sure it fits with your door in size and lock type.
Locks typically come in a few standard configurations
- Attach on your deadbolt (only 1 model on the market is like this)
- Interior deadbolt replacement where on the outside your door looks the same but the interior deadbolt section controls the lock and is replaced
- Complete deadbolt replacement
- Handle / Lever / Knob replacement where you only have one hole on your door
- Integrated lock where your deadbolt and handle are in one mechanism where they lock but are separated on the door
- Mortise - a fully integrated system
You can click on the images below to filter down the Bluetooth door locks that fit each particular door type.
Access Codes
If you are looking for the ability to add access codes for your kids and guests or to make sure the delivery gets into your home safely there are several options these locks accomplish this.
Some have them built-in and will include either push buttons or commonly a touchscreen that will light up as you approach.
The other option is to add a keypad accessory that is installed next to your door and communications to the lock.
The third is via the locks smart phone app which can act as a key for other users.
Integration with smart home ecosystems
Do you already have a 4th Gen Apple TV or HomePod in your home?
Many of the smart locks on the market let you:
- Check status of your lock from your phone
- Lock and unlock the door using voice control
- Have your lock be a part of a "recipe" like a good night mode that turns off lights, locks door and sets security system.
Additional Smart Lock Features
Smart locks also come with a range of other features that could be the deciding factor for your purchase.
Remote Locking
Check or manage your lock while away from your home
Most of the time Bluetooth connectivity is not going to be the best option for you if you want this out of the box without having to purchase an additional bridge device or smart home hub.
At the moment only one lock has the ability to generate and manage keys remotely without an additional device.
Proximity Locking
Automatically lock behind you or unlock as you approach
With this feature you can have your door automatically lock behind you after a certain amount of time (typically 30 seconds) or have it use your phone's GPS and Bluetooth to automatically unlock the door as you approach.
Fingerprint or Touchscreen
Use your fingerprint to open your door or a touchscreen
With this feature you can either open the door using an access code and a back-lit touchscreen or your fingerprint to securely open your doors.
Homekit Lock Comparison
August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen
Finish Options: Black and Nickel
Connectivity Options: Apple Homekit, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub, and Z-Wave Plus
Google Assistant: Yes with add-on hub
Siri Support: Yes
Alexa Support: Yes
iOS App: Yes
Android App: Yes
- Seamless integration with Alexa, Google, Siri, Homekit, and Z-Wave Plus.
- Easy to create and manage digital keys, making it ideal for vacation rentals.
- Simple installation with only a screwdriver, plus instructional videos if you get stuck.
- No changes to the exterior, keeping HOAs and landlords happy
- Sturdy, high-quality build with solid metal exterior.
- The auto-unlock feature can be unreliable (especially with Android), and opening directly from the app can take longer than a key.
- The app does not always show real-time information.
- If you run into problems, it can be difficult to get in touch with customer service.
- Larger than the base model, so it can cause issues when there is a tight fit (measure first!)
The August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Generation is all about seamless integration with the rest of your smart home. If this is the only smart product you ever plan on buying, save the extra money and get the base model. Otherwise, only the pro lets you connect through Z-Wave Plus, Siri, and Homekit (both support Alexa and Google Home).
Like the base version, you can use the app to tailor how this lock functions for you. Enable and disable auto-lock or unlock features, view and control access remotely (as long as you have the Wi-Fi bridge), get low battery alerts, and know when the door is closed or locked.
Your August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen options:
Comparisons
How does the standard 3rd gen model stack up to the Pro model?
Option 1) Pick a finish
Just want the lock? Pick out the look that matches your door and house style.
Option 2) Add Remote Locking
Do you want the added convenience of remote locking options and integrations with other smart home hubs? Add either the Connect Bridge or the August Door Cam to add this feature to your lock.
Option 3) Add a Keypad & Access Codes
Need one-use and timed codes for deliveries or for guests? Add their accessory to enable this for your August lock.
Option 4) Add a compatible smart home hub
These hubs integrate with the August and help connect your door to other security or other smart devices in your home for a complete smart home system.
About Smart Lock Scout
We are here to help you keep your home and family safely connected. Whether you’re looking to pick a smart lock system, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching locks to help you find the best product to fit your specific situation.
At Postscapes we combine our years of experience following the smart home market along with user reviews to take the guesswork out of living securely connected. Learn More
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