Yale vs August Smart Lock: A Canadian Integrator's Spec Guide
Before comparing Yale and August, establish the smart home protocol in use. The lock needs to match the system, not the other way around. Yale and August both offer Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi variants. Control4 integrators should specify Z-Wave or Zigbee (not Wi-Fi). Crestron and Savant integrators: verify your driver supports the specific lock model, not just the brand.
Yale: The Integrator's Default Choice
Yale's Assure Lock 2 series is the current flagship for integrators. Key specs:
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified (residential-commercial)
- Available with Z-Wave Plus v2 (700-series chip) or Zigbee 3.0
- Touchscreen and touchpad variants
- 6 AA battery life: ~12 months typical
- Built-in tamper alarm
- Auto-lock 30 seconds to 4 minutes (configurable)
The Yale Assure Lock SL (no exterior keyway) is preferred for condos and suites where key management is an operational problem. The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus adds a built-in Wi-Fi module for direct cloud control without a separate hub — useful for vacation rental properties managed remotely.
August: The Right Call When Hardware Can't Change
August's locks retrofit over the existing deadbolt interior, preserving the exterior hardware. For heritage properties, strata buildings, or rentals where exterior hardware can't be replaced, this is the correct specification.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) is the current residential standard. However, it does not have a Z-Wave radio — for Control4/Crestron integration you need the August Smart Lock Pro with the Z-Wave module, or the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge with a third-party driver.
ANSI/BHMA Grade Ratings for Canadian Projects
ANSI/BHMA grades are the de facto standard in Canada (CAN/CSA has no residential lock grade equivalent). Grade 1 is commercial-heavy-duty, Grade 2 is residential-commercial, Grade 3 is light residential. For condo, rental, and single-family work, Grade 2 is the minimum worth specifying — it's rated for 250,000 cycles versus Grade 3's 200,000. Neither Yale Assure Lock 2 nor August 4th gen achieves Grade 1, which is appropriate for most integrator applications.
Battery Life Reality Check
Both brands quote 6–12 months on AA batteries. Real-world performance depends on usage frequency and RF protocol. Z-Wave and Zigbee draw less power than Wi-Fi; a Wi-Fi lock in a busy vacation rental may drain batteries in 3 months. Set client expectations. For managed properties, specify Z-Wave or Zigbee variants and include battery replacement in the maintenance schedule.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Yale Assure Lock 2 | August Smart Lock Pro |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI Grade | Grade 2 | Grade 2 (uses existing deadbolt) |
| Z-Wave | Built-in (700-series) | Separate module required |
| Exterior hardware | Replaces existing | Preserves existing |
| Keypad | Yes (touchscreen or touchpad) | No |
| Best for | New construction, full installs | Retrofit, heritage, strata |
Canadian Availability
Yale Assure Lock 2 (Z-Wave) and August Smart Lock Pro are both stocked by Simply Controlled for trade accounts. Dealer pricing and project registration available at SimplyControlled.ca.