I used to lose keys constantly. Spare under the mat? Forgotten where I hid it. Kids coming home from school? Wait for me or hide a key. Guests staying over? Hand over my only spare and pray. Then I bought the current #1 best-selling smart lock on Amazon that everyone said “installs in 15 minutes and works with Alexa.” Nine months later I haven’t used a physical key once, guests get temporary codes, and I can lock/unlock from my phone anywhere.
The Lock That Made Keys Obsolete: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Current Amazon price (Dec 20, 2025 – Midwest Prime): $144.99 (coupon usually drops to $139.99) → Find here on Amazon
Bought it after it took the #1 spot in Smart Locks with 95,000+ reviews averaging 4.7 stars. It is now on my front door, retrofitted over my existing deadbolt.
Real features that actually replace keys:
- Retrofit design – installs over existing deadbolt (keeps your keys if you want)
- WiFi built-in – no hub needed
- Auto-lock + auto-unlock (geofencing)
- Temporary codes for guests/cleaners
- Activity log + remote lock/unlock
- Works with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit
My 9-month key-free log:
- Day 1: First install – 15 minutes, no drilling. Phone unlocked door as I walked up.
- Week 2: Gave kids their own codes – no more “Mom, I’m locked out!”
- Month 2: Dog walker code – valid only weekdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Month 4: Vacation – locked from airport when I realized I forgot.
- Month 6: Lost phone once – used Apple Watch to unlock.
- Month 9 (now): Just gave holiday guests a code valid only their stay dates. Still perfect.
Cons:
- Needs existing deadbolt (single-cylinder)
- Battery lasts 3–6 months (4 AA)
The Smart Locks That Failed Me
- #1: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – $145 – Retrofit – Built-in WiFi – 4.7★ / 95k+ → Find here on Amazon
- #2: Schlage Encode – $249 – Built-in keypad – No retrofit – 4.6★ / 70k → Find here on Amazon
- #3: Yale Assure Lock 2 – $199 – Touchscreen – Needs hub – 4.6★ / 60k → Find here on Amazon
- #4: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro – $179 – Fingerprint – Battery died fast – 4.5★ / 50k → Find here on Amazon
- #5: Some $99 generic – $99 – App crashed – 3.8★ / 40k → Avoid
Final Verdict
If you’re tired of keys and want guests to let themselves in securely: Buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock right now → Find here on Amazon
$145. 15-minute install. Keys obsolete. Best door upgrade ever.
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