Compare Yale August Smart Lock vs Lockly Secure Plus Smart Lock

Activity and access logs are generally presented as a clear timeline of lock events and users, but one negative review claims a late-night unlock incident did not appear in the log, raising consistency concerns in edge cases.

Reviews highlight detailed event history in the app, with lock/unlock entries tied to user and method; one reviewer notes being able to review long windows of history for shared spaces.

The app is generally described as intuitive and full-featured (status view, settings, guest management, alerts, and timelines), though one highly negative review reports freezing, connectivity frustration, and inconsistent state reporting.

The Lockly app is generally described as clean and responsive for basic lock/unlock, logs, and settings, but some reviewers found PIN and guest workflows overly complicated compared with rivals.

Auto-lock is consistently praised for flexibility (from very short delays up to about 30 minutes) and for preventing accidentally-unlocked doors, but some users disable it to avoid being locked out when they step outside without phone or keys. Auto-unlock is a high-convenience feature when it behaves, but experiences vary: some reviews say it works well most of the time, while long-term users report it can be slow, inconsistent, or unreliable enough to fall back to physical keys.

Auto-locking is widely praised and configurable (often cited in the 5–300 second range), helping the door re-secure itself without relying on habits.

A lockout style safeguard is described that disables keypad input after too many failed attempts, reducing brute-force code guessing.

Battery life is the most common tradeoff: the lock uses two CR123 batteries, and while some sources cite multi-month expectations, at least one long-term review reports significantly shorter life (weeks) and others note higher replacement cost and limited in-app visibility.

Battery life is described as strong on four AA cells, and the external 9V jump option reduces the risk of lockouts when batteries die.

Bluetooth is used for close-range control and proximity-based features (including aspects of auto-unlock), and while it works well for many, some users describe occasional slow or inconsistent proximity behavior.

Bluetooth performance is usually fast and stable for in-range control, though at least one review reports occasional trouble discovering the lock on some phones during setup.

Build quality impressions are strong: the compact puck design is described as well-made with a good feel and improved aesthetics compared with older, bulkier generations.

Multiple reviews describe the hardware as sturdy and premium, but also noticeably large and heavy compared with sleeker competitors.

DoorSense/door-position sensing is often cited as useful and accurate for door-ajar alerts when installed and calibrated, but at least one reviewer reports persistent calibration problems and unreliable open/closed status detection.

A door sensor is mentioned as an optional add-on to report open/closed state, but it is not consistently tested across reviews.

Most reviewers report compatibility with standard doors, but at least one install required extra door prep (strike/side bracket work) and the weight can make alignment more sensitive.

Across reviews, the retrofit design is a standout: it replaces only the interior thumb-turn so you can keep your existing deadbolt, exterior look, and physical keys, which is especially appealing for renters and shared access situations.

The 3D fingerprint reader is repeatedly called fast and accurate; enrollment takes multiple scans but day-to-day unlocking is a standout convenience.

One review cites strong finish coverage, including a lifetime warranty on exterior finishes, supporting long-term cosmetic durability expectations.

Geofencing underpins the arrival/leave automation and is viewed as helpful by some, but its success depends on the approach path, phone behavior, and Bluetooth handoff, leading to mixed real-world consistency.

Guest access features are a strong point: reviews describe virtual keys, guest lists, temporary or scheduled access windows, and easy sharing (often via text/email), with keypad entry available as an add-on.

Access sharing is a strength: reviews mention temporary, scheduled, one-time, offline codes, and app-based sharing options; however, some find the onboarding and messaging flow confusing for casual guests.

Because Wi-Fi is integrated, reviews emphasize there is no separate hub or bridge required for remote access, simplifying deployment compared with older generations that needed a plug-in module.

Out of the box the lock is Bluetooth-first, and multiple reviews note that a separate Wi-Fi hub is needed for remote control and voice assistants.

Most reviewers describe a fast install (around 10 minutes) with clear in-app guidance and straightforward calibration, but a minority report setup friction such as app freezes, verification hassles, or door-trim/fitment tweaks that required rework.

Installation experiences vary from quick (around 15 minutes) to frustrating; the app guidance helps, but the heavy hardware and documentation can make assembly and alignment harder than average.

Physical key override remains an important safety net: reviews repeatedly note you can still unlock with a normal key if batteries die or smart features misbehave.

Backup entry options are well covered, with a traditional key cylinder and an exterior 9V jump-power method noted for dead batteries.

A keypad is available but typically not included; reviewers say it works and is useful for kids or key-free entry, yet it adds cost and some find it small or slightly laggy compared with locks with built-in keypads.

The PIN Genie keypad that shuffles digit positions is consistently praised for improving code privacy, though a reviewer notes it can feel disorienting for people who remember codes by shape.

Most reviews describe fast, smooth, and quiet lock/unlock action via app or manual turn, though keypad entry can have a small delay and one reviewer reports freezes that interrupt responsiveness.

Lock/unlock actions are commonly described as quick, including near-instant app commands within Bluetooth range and a few-second mechanical cycle.

Motor operation is described as relatively quiet compared with typical smart deadbolts.

Locking reliability is rated highly in most tests after calibration, but a minority report the lock getting confused about state, inconsistent auto-unlock, or requiring occasional troubleshooting to restore dependable operation.

Most reviews describe solid day-to-day operation, but one outlet reports calibration/status mismatches that made locked vs unlocked reporting unreliable in their testing.

Notifications and smart alerts are frequently described as timely and customizable (lock/unlock events, auto-lock events, door-ajar alerts, and user-specific actions), though one account complains about missed logging for a concerning event.

Push notifications are specifically called out as missing versus competing smart locks.

One review cites top-tier physical strength (ANSI Grade 1) for the lock/bolt, framing it as unusually strong among smart locks tested.

Remote lock/unlock from anywhere is widely reported to be responsive once connected, and even the most critical reviewer notes unlocking via the app itself generally worked; issues center more on setup/state tracking than basic remote commands.

Remote locking/unlocking is not available without the optional Wi-Fi hub; with the hub, reviews describe convenient anywhere access through the app.

Security features discussed include encrypted connections (Bluetooth and app traffic) and safeguards like voice PIN requirements, contributing to reviewer confidence for typical smart-lock use.

Security is a core theme: reviewers cite AES256/BLE security claims, the PIN-shuffling keypad, biometric anti-spoofing, lockout behavior, and privacy mode style controls.

Smart-home integration is a core strength with support for Alexa, Google, and HomeKit (plus other ecosystems noted in reviews), though HomeKit stability and device state accuracy are not perfect for every user over time.

Smart-home integration is limited without accessories; Alexa and Google support is tied to the Wi-Fi hub, while HomeKit, Matter, Thread, and IFTTT-style automation are repeatedly noted as absent or limited.

The touchscreen is generally responsive and easy to read, but its glossy surface can show fingerprints; its main value is supporting the dynamic PIN layout.

Two-factor authentication is explicitly mentioned as available for account access, adding protection for cloud-connected control and sharing features.

At least one review describes multi-step account or device activation verification (codes via SMS and email), indicating stronger account protection than many simple Bluetooth locks.

User access management is robust, supporting multiple users (and often multiple homes/locks), with options to tailor alerts and track who used the lock and when.

User and guest management is feature-rich, offering multiple access types and schedules, but the depth can feel like overkill and harder to administer for short-term visitors.

Pricing is often called high but competitive for built-in Wi-Fi smart locks; many justify it for the retrofit convenience, while critics point to CR123 upkeep and occasional reliability hiccups as value detractors.

Value is the most common knock: reviewers call it expensive for a Bluetooth-first lock, especially once the Wi-Fi hub accessory is added.

Voice control works with major assistants and typically requires a PIN/password for unlocking; several reviews report good results, while others mention occasional failures, slowness, or discomfort with speaking a password aloud.

Voice control is not native; Alexa and Google voice commands are described as available only when paired with the Wi-Fi hub.

Warranty coverage is described as strong (including finish and electronics coverage), but reviewers also flag usability and setup complexity as an area needing improvement.

One review explicitly praises weather toughness across extreme temperatures, suggesting good outdoor suitability when installed correctly.

Built-in Wi-Fi is repeatedly highlighted as the key upgrade for true remote control without an add-on bridge, but it can increase battery drain and, in one account, made setup more finicky with certain Wi-Fi environments.

There is no built-in Wi-Fi in the base lock; Wi-Fi connectivity is achieved through an add-on hub or bundled variant, which affects total cost and complexity.