August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock vs August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock (2026): Key Differences
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When comparing the august home smart lock vs 1st generation smart lock, you see two retrofit options that attach to your existing deadbolt. Both rely on smartphone apps for keyless entry and allow you to manage access for guests. The main difference lies in connectivity and features. The newer Retrofit model supports Bluetooth and integrates with Alexa, while the 1st Gen is an older, discontinued unit with basic app control. You must check your door dimensions carefully for either option.
Key differences
| Aspect | August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock | August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Not listed |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa | Not listed |
| Color | Dark Gray | Silver |
| Weight | 13.9 ounces | 1 pounds |
| Status | Active | Discontinued by manufacturer |
Which one should you choose?
Choose August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock if
- You want Bluetooth connectivity for local control
- You need Alexa integration for voice commands
- You prefer a Dark Gray finish
Choose August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock if
- You are looking for the original Silver model
- You do not need smart home voice assistant support
- You are okay with a discontinued product
Verdict: The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock is the practical choice for modern homes due to its Bluetooth connectivity and Alexa support. The 1st Gen Smart Lock is only suitable if you specifically want the older Silver design and do not mind that it is discontinued. Both units require you to keep your existing exterior hardware.
August Retrofit vs 1st Gen Lock
Connectivity and Remote Access
The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock uses Bluetooth to connect with your phone. This means you need to be near the door to control it directly. To get remote access from anywhere, you must purchase the August Wi-Fi Connect Bridge separately. In contrast, the August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock does not list any specific Wi-Fi bridge requirement in its data. It relies on the August app for access management. However, the Retrofit model offers a clearer path to remote control through its dedicated bridge accessory. If you want to lock the door while you are away from home, the Retrofit setup with the bridge is the more complete solution provided in the specifications.
Smart Home Integration
Smart home users should look closely at compatibility. The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock explicitly lists Alexa compatibility in its key specs. You can use Alexa to lock, unlock, and check the status of the door. It also provides low battery notifications through this integration. The August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock does not mention Alexa or any other smart home platform in its provided data. While it works with the August app on iOS and Android, it lacks the stated voice assistant support. If you rely on voice commands or smart home routines, the Retrofit model has a distinct advantage due to its confirmed Alexa integration.
Door Status Monitoring
Knowing if your door is actually closed is important for security. The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock includes Door Sense. This is a sensor that tells you if the door is securely closed or left open. You get this specific monitoring feature out of the box. The August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock does not mention Door Sense or any door status sensor in its features or specs. Without this sensor, you cannot verify the physical state of the door through the lock itself. For peace of mind regarding whether the door is truly shut, the Retrofit model offers this practical security feature that the 1st Gen model does not list.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The physical size of the lock matters for your door's interior space. The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock measures 2.6 inches in width, 4.8 inches in height, and 1.63 inches in length. It weighs 13.9 ounces. The August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock is wider at 3.26 inches, but shorter at 2.21 inches in height, with a length of 3.26 inches. It weighs 1 pound. The Retrofit model is taller and thinner, while the 1st Gen is shorter and wider. The Retrofit is also lighter. You should measure your existing deadbolt area to see which form factor fits your door better without interference.
Access Methods
Both locks offer keyless entry through smartphone apps. The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock allows you to grant unlimited access to family, friends, or dog walkers. You can also limit access for specific durations like hours or minutes. The August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock also allows you to control who has access and manage how long it lasts. Both rely on the August app for creating keys and viewing activity logs. Since both products offer smartphone-based access and guest management features, there is no clear winner here. They are equal in their core access method functionality.
Installation Type
Both locks are designed for retrofit installation, meaning they attach to your existing deadbolt. The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock attaches to the inside of the door, leaving the outside unchanged. You can install it in under 10 minutes with just a screwdriver. The August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock also replaces the interior of your existing deadbolt while leaving the outside unchanged. Both require you to keep your existing keys and lock mechanism. The installation process is fundamentally the same for both. You do not need to change your door hardware, making both options easy DIY projects for existing deadbolts.
Which August Lock Fits Your Door?
Users needing remote access and auto-locking
This model supports auto-unlock as you arrive and timed auto-lock. You can add a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote control from anywhere. Door Sense alerts you if the door is open. It connects to Alexa for status checks and battery notifications, keeping you informed without being near the entry.
Buyers wanting a simpler, always-on device
This first-generation unit runs on batteries, so it stays active even if power or internet fails. It offers basic keyless entry via iOS and Android apps. The design is compact at 2.21 x 3.26 x 3.26 inches. It is a straightforward retrofit that replaces your interior deadbolt hardware without extra connectivity steps.
Those prioritizing compact size and weight
The Retrofit model is lighter at 13.9 ounces and has a slimmer profile. It measures 1.63 inches in length compared to the older model's larger footprint. If you prefer a less intrusive look on your interior door, the reduced dimensions and weight make this the more subtle choice for your home entry.
The products compared
August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock
Best for: Existing deadbolt upgrades with Door Sense
- Access Methods
- Smartphone app, auto-unlock
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Alexa
- Installation Type
- Attaches to existing deadbolt
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Application
- Home
- Dimensions
- 1.63 × 2.6 × 4.8 inches
View on Amazon: August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock Affiliate link
The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock attaches to your existing deadbolt without replacing the hardware. It uses Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app access for entry. The device includes Door Sense to verify if the door is closed. It supports Alexa integration for voice control and status checks. This unit measures 2.6 by 4.8 inches and weighs 13.9 ounces. It suits users who want to keep their current keys and lock mechanism.
Pros
- Attaches to existing deadbolt for installation in under 10 minutes
- Includes Door Sense sensor to detect if door is closed
- Supports Alexa integration for voice commands and notifications
- Allows unlimited access grants for family or friends
Cons
- Requires August Wi-Fi Connect Bridge for remote access
- Requires August Smart Keypad for key-code entry
- Limited to Bluetooth connectivity without additional hardware
Good fit if
- You want to keep your existing deadbolt and keys
- You need to verify door closure with Door Sense
- You primarily unlock the door while inside the home
Skip if
- You need remote access without buying a separate bridge
- You prefer entering a code without a separate keypad
- You want a lock that replaces the entire deadbolt assembly
Verdict: August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock is a practical option for renters or homeowners who want to modernize entry without replacing hardware. It fits those who value Door Sense and local Bluetooth control over remote features.
August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock
Best for: Retrofitting existing deadbolts with app control
- Access Methods
- Smartphone app
- Installation Type
- Interior retrofit
- Color
- Silver
- Application
- Home
- Dimensions
- 3.26 × 3.26 × 2.21 inches
- Weight
- 1 pounds
View on Amazon: August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock Affiliate link
This August Home 1st Generation Smart Lock offers keyless entry via smartphone app. It features an interior retrofit design that replaces your existing deadbolt's inside mechanism while leaving the exterior unchanged. Powered by batteries, it remains operational during power outages. The silver unit weighs 1 pound and measures 2.21 x 3.26 x 3.26 inches. It suits homeowners seeking basic digital access control without complex wiring.
Pros
- Interior retrofit installation keeps exterior deadbolt unchanged
- Battery-powered operation ensures access during power loss
- Compatible with iOS and Android smartphones
Cons
- Discontinued by manufacturer
- Requires smartphone app for access control
- No built-in Wi-Fi or hub mentioned
Good fit if
- You want to keep your existing exterior deadbolt
- You prefer battery-powered reliability over wired systems
- You manage access via a smartphone app
Skip if
- You need a currently manufactured model
- You require a keypad or physical key override
- You want a lock with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
Verdict: August Home 1st Gen Silver Smart Lock is a solid choice for users who want to retrofit their current deadbolt with smartphone control. It fits those who value battery backup and simple installation over modern connectivity features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock | August Home 1st Gen Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Access Methods | Smartphone app, auto-unlock | Smartphone app |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa | not stated |
| Installation Type | Attaches to existing deadbolt | Interior retrofit |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | not stated |
| Color | Dark Gray | Silver |
| Application | Home | Home |
| Dimensions | 1.63 × 2.6 × 4.8 inches | 3.26 × 3.26 × 2.21 inches |
| Weight | 13.9 ounces | 1 pounds |
| Size | 100 | 2.21 x 3.26 x 3.26 inches |
| Model | AUG-SL04-M01-G04 | ASL-1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which August lock is better for renters?
The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock is ideal for renters. It upgrades your existing deadbolt without requiring hardware replacement. This preserves your original door setup. The included Door Sense feature alerts you if the door is left open. You get modern keyless entry while keeping your current lock hardware intact.
Do I need a Wi-Fi bridge for remote access?
Yes, you need a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote control. The Retrofit model uses Bluetooth by default, limiting range to your immediate vicinity. The 1st Gen lock also requires additional hardware for off-site management. Without a bridge, you can only operate the lock when near the door via Bluetooth.
How do the sizes compare between the two models?
The Retrofit Bluetooth lock is taller and narrower. It measures 4.8 inches in height and 2.6 inches in width. The 1st Gen lock is more compact with a square footprint. It measures 3.26 inches by 3.26 inches and stands 2.21 inches tall. Choose based on your door space and aesthetic preference.
Which model supports auto-unlock when I arrive home?
The August Home Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock supports auto-unlock. It detects your arrival and opens the door automatically. This feature requires the lock to be paired with your phone. The 1st Gen model focuses on manual app control and does not highlight this specific proximity-based entry feature in its specifications.
What colors are available for these smart locks?
The Retrofit Bluetooth Smart Lock comes in Dark Gray. The 1st Gen Smart Lock is available in Silver. Both colors are designed to blend with standard residential door hardware. Select the finish that matches your existing deadbolt or door trim for a cohesive look.
Are these locks suitable for residential use only?
Yes, both models are designed for home applications. They attach to standard residential deadbolts. The specifications list their application as Home. They are not rated for commercial or heavy-duty industrial doors. Use them for standard entry doors in houses or apartments.