WI
“The best smart lock for renters — installs without replacing hardware and removes cleanly when you leave.”
The August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen ($109) is recommended with a 8.7/10 consensus score across 12 expert reviews. Experts highlight installs on existing deadbolt in 10 minutes — no locksmith needed and removes cleanly at move-out — renter-friendly by design. Wirecutter says: "The best smart lock for renters — installs without replacing hardware and remove..." Best for: Renters, Apartment dwellers, No-drill smart home.
Recommended12 Expert Reviews
August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen
Smart Locks
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.5/10
12 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease6.1/10
Reliability7.4/10
Value Rating9.2/10
Future-Proofing5/10
The August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen earns a SHE Score of 6.5/10, driven by strong value (9.2/10) with room to improve in future-proofing (5/10). Based on 12 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 8.7/10 across 12 sources
Last verified:“The best smart lock for renters — installs without replacing hardware and removes cleanly when you leave.”
Key Features
- ✓ No hub needed
- ✓ Renter-safe install
- ✓ Auto-lock/unlock
- ✓ Multi-platform
Best For
RentersApartment dwellersNo-drill smart home
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Installs on existing deadbolt in 10 minutes — no locksmith needed
- ✓ Removes cleanly at move-out — renter-friendly by design
- ✓ Built-in WiFi — no hub required for remote access
- ✓ Auto-lock and auto-unlock based on location
- ✓ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Interior-only installation — exterior keypad sold separately
- ✗ Battery-powered — requires AA batteries (6-12 month life)
- ✗ Door must have existing deadbolt
- ✗ App setup can be finicky on first install
What The Experts Say
TO
“August remains the gold standard for apartment-friendly smart locks — simple, reliable, and genuinely renter-safe.”
CN
“The August WiFi Lock 4th Gen delivers the convenience of keyless entry without sacrificing your security deposit.”
Ready to buy the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen?
Check Price on Amazon$109 · 12 expert sources · 8.7/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen worth it?
August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen earns a 8.7/10 consensus score across our 12 expert sources. It is rated "Recommended" — Renters. At $109, The best smart lock for renters — installs without replacing hardware and removes cleanly when you leave.
Who is the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen best for?
August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen is best for: Renters, Apartment dwellers, No-drill smart home. Experts rate it "Recommended" overall.
How does the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen compare to other Security options?
Among the Security products we have reviewed, August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen ranks above average with a 8.7/10 score. August remains the gold standard for apartment-friendly smart locks — simple, reliable, and genuinely renter-safe.
What smart home systems does the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen work with?
August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa. Check our compatibility notes on the product page for any setup requirements or hub dependencies.
What are the pros and cons of the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen?
The main pros of the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen are installs on existing deadbolt in 10 minutes — no locksmith needed and removes cleanly at move-out — renter-friendly by design. The main downside is interior-only installation — exterior keypad sold separately. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.7/10 consensus score.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 12 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.