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Aqara vs August Smart Lock

Aqara logo

Aqara

Smart Home

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
August Smart Lock logo

August Smart Lock

Smart Home

Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt

From
$29.99/mo
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Aqara a hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first; August Smart Lock one-time purchase model with no recurring subscription fees
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and August Smart Lock actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and August Smart Lock differ
AttributeAqaraAugust Smart Lock
Starting priceOn request$29.99/mo
PlatformsIOS, AndroidIOS, Android, Web
Founded20162012

Identical on both: pricing model (one-time), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Aqara

  • Zigbee protocol
  • Sensor ecosystem
  • Automation scenes
  • Long battery life
  • Local processing
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant

Only in August Smart Lock

  • Retrofit Design
  • Auto-Unlock
  • Guest Access
  • Activity Log
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • HomeKit
  • SmartThings

Both cover

  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Aqara

  • Smart home sensors, switches and cameras on Zigbeenot August Smart Lock
  • Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot August Smart Lock
  • Matter-based smart home setupsnot August Smart Lock
  • Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot August Smart Lock

August Smart Lock

  • Keyless entrynot Aqara
  • Guest accessnot Aqara
  • Remote unlocknot Aqara
  • Activity monitoringnot Aqara

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Aqara

  • A hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first
  • Primarily a hardware company, so the app exists to run devices you have bought
  • Zigbee devices depend on the hub remaining supported

August Smart Lock

  • One-time purchase model with no recurring subscription fees
  • Smart locks range from $129.99 to $229.99 depending on model and features

Pricing, plan by plan

Aqara

On request
  • Door Sensor$15/month
    • Zigbee
    • Long battery
    • Instant alerts
  • Motion Sensor$20/month
    • Light sensor
    • Adjustable sensitivity
    • Pet immune
  • Hub M2$60/month
    • Zigbee hub
    • IR control
    • HomeKit support

August Smart Lock

$29.99/mo
  • Smart Lock$149.99/mo
    • Standard smart lock
  • Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi$129.99/mo
    • Wi-Fi enabled
  • Wi-Fi Smart Lock$229.99/mo
    • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Smart Lock + Connect$210.99/mo
    • Lock plus connectivity module

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

  • You need zigbee protocol.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want sensor ecosystem.
Aqara review

Choose August Smart Lock if

  • You need retrofit design.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want auto-unlock.
August Smart Lock review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or August Smart Lock better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and August Smart Lock at $29.99/mo, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or August Smart Lock?
Aqara starts at On request and August Smart Lock at $29.99/mo.
Does Aqara or August Smart Lock run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web.
What is Aqara best used for?
Aqara is most often used for smart home sensors, switches and cameras on zigbee, automations across homekit, google home, alexa and smartthings, matter-based smart home setups, door locks and curtain controllers tied to routines. Of those, smart home sensors, switches and cameras on zigbee and automations across homekit, google home, alexa and smartthings are not what August Smart Lock is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that August Smart Lock cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Both handle IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Aqara: Is Aqara a software service or a device company?

Aqara is primarily a smart home device manufacturer, not a SaaS platform. They sell hardware including hubs, sensors, cameras, door locks, lighting, and controls that integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Matter.

Source
August Smart Lock: How much do August smart locks cost?

August smart locks are one-time purchases. Prices range from $129.99 for the Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi to $229.99 for the Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Standard Smart Lock is $149.99. Bundles like Wi-Fi Smart Lock + Keypad Touch are $249.99.

Source
Aqara: Where can I find pricing for Aqara products?

Aqara does not publish pricing details on their main website. You must visit their regional stores (us.aqara.com, eu.aqara.com) or visit the 'Where to Buy' section to see current pricing for individual devices.

Source
August Smart Lock: Does August offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes. August offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on purchases. Additionally, shipping is free in the United States.

Source
Aqara: Does Aqara offer software pricing or subscriptions?

Aqara primarily sells hardware, but they do offer Aqara Studio and Aqara Builder software for business customers to design and manage smart home solutions. Pricing for these software products is not published and requires contacting Aqara directly.

Source
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