In the world of smart locks, there’s an ongoing debate between two heavyweights: Level Lock and August. These two companies have been offering innovative solutions to homeowners and renters alike, making it increasingly difficult to choose the best one.
In this article, we will delve deep into the details of these two smart lock contenders and weigh their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Level Lock | August |
| Design | Invisible, blends with existing hardware | Visible on the interior side of the door |
| Installation | Easy, DIY installation | Easy, DIY installation |
| Auto-Lock & Auto-Unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 year | 6-9 months |
| Smart Home Integration | Limited | Extensive (Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa) |
| Security Rating | ANSI Grade 1 | ANSI Grade 1 for Smart Lock Pro, Grade 2 for Smart Lock |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Requires Level HomeKit Hub (additional purchase) | Built-in with Smart Lock Pro |
| Additional Access | Touchscreen keypad and key card (Level Touch) | Physical key, optional keypad |
| Door Status Monitoring | No | DoorSense technology (alerts for open or improperly closed door) |
The Contenders: Level Lock and August
Before we dive into the pros and cons, let’s briefly introduce these two companies and their smart lock offerings.
Level Lock
Level Lock is a relatively new entrant in the smart lock market, offering sleek and invisible smart locks that blend seamlessly with your existing deadbolt hardware. The company has two main products: the Level Bolt and the Level Touch. Both offer keyless entry, remote access, and auto-locking capabilities.
August
August is a well-established name in the smart lock industry, known for its user-friendly devices and extensive integration with home automation systems. The August Smart Lock and August Smart Lock Pro are the company’s main offerings, featuring advanced security features, remote access, and voice control compatibility.
Pros and Cons: Level Lock and August
Now that we’ve introduced the contenders, let’s examine the pros and cons of each to help you decide which smart lock is best for your needs.
Level Lock: Pros
- Invisible Design
One of the most attractive features of Level Lock products is their invisible design. The smart lock components are hidden inside your door, maintaining the aesthetic of your existing hardware.
- Easy Installation
Level Locks are designed for easy installation, allowing most users to set up their smart lock without professional help.
- Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock
Both Level Bolt and Level Touch offer auto-lock and auto-unlock features, ensuring your door is always secure when you leave and welcoming when you return.
- Battery Life
Level Locks boast impressive battery life, with up to a year of usage on a single CR2 battery.
Level Lock: Cons
- Limited Integration
Compared to August, Level Lock has fewer integrations with smart home ecosystems, potentially limiting its compatibility with your existing devices.
- No Built-In Wi-Fi
Level Lock requires an additional purchase of the Level HomeKit Hub to enable remote access and voice control features, increasing the overall cost.
August: Pros
- Extensive Integration
August smart locks are compatible with a wide range of smart home systems, including Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. This allows for seamless integration with your existing devices and greater control over your home security.
- Advanced Security Features
August offers additional security features, such as DoorSense, which alerts you if your door is left open or not properly closed.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
The August Smart Lock Pro comes with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for remote access and voice control without the need for additional hardware.
August: Cons
- Aesthetic
Unlike Level Lock’s invisible design, August smart locks are visible on the interior side of your door, which may not suit everyone’s taste.
- Battery Life
August locks have a slightly shorter battery life compared to Level Lock, with the need for battery replacement every six to nine months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Level Lock has been certified as Grade 1 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the highest security rating for a residential lock.
This rating ensures that Level Lock products offer superior security and durability.
Level Bolt is an invisible smart lock that replaces your existing deadbolt’s internal components, while Level Touch is an upgrade to Level Bolt that includes a touchscreen keypad and a key card for additional access options.
Both offer keyless entry, remote access, and auto-locking capabilities, but Level Touch provides more ways to unlock your door.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best company for digital door locks depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both Level Lock and August offer impressive smart lock options with unique features.
Consider the pros and cons listed in this article and evaluate which features are most important to you before making a decision.
Yes, Level smart locks are secure. They have received a Grade 1 rating from ANSI, indicating the highest level of security for a residential lock. The smart locks use advanced encryption to protect your data and ensure that only authorized users can access your home.
Level locks are designed to be strong and durable. The company uses high-quality materials and precision engineering to create smart locks that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
With a Grade 1 rating from ANSI, Level locks have been proven to offer excellent security and strength.
Level Lock is owned by Level Home, Inc., a company founded in 2016 by John Martin and Ken Goto. The company’s mission is to create products that redefine the home access experience, and their innovative smart lock solutions have certainly made an impact in the industry.
Final Thoughts
When comparing Level Lock and August, it’s essential to consider your individual needs and preferences. Level Lock offers an invisible design and easy installation, while August provides extensive smart home integration and advanced security features. Both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for you will depend on which features matter most in your smart lock solution.
In the end, both Level Lock and August offer impressive, high-quality smart locks that can improve your home security and convenience. By carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a secure and intelligent entry system for your home.
