Software · head to head
Arlo vs August Smart Lock
Arlo
Software
Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
August Smart Lock
Software
Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Arlo without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history; August Smart Lock entry-level August Smart Lock ($149.99) has no built-in Wi-Fi and requires a separate Connect Wi-Fi Bridge for remote functionality
- They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Arlo and August Smart Lock actually diverge.
| Attribute | Arlo | August Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | subscription | one-time |
| Platforms | IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays | IOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2018 | 2012 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Arlo
- Wire-Free
- 4K Video
- AI Detection
- Color Night Vision
- Smart Displays support
Only in August Smart Lock
- Retrofit Design
- Auto-Unlock
- Guest Access
- Activity Log
Both cover
- Alexa
- Google Home
- HomeKit
- SmartThings
- IOS support
- Android support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Arlo
- Wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight camerasnot August Smart Lock
- Cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detectionnot August Smart Lock
- Professionally monitored home security through the Arlo appnot August Smart Lock
August Smart Lock
- Keyless entrynot Arlo
- Guest accessnot Arlo
- Remote unlocknot Arlo
- Activity monitoringnot Arlo
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Arlo
- Without an Arlo Secure subscription the cameras are limited to live streaming and two-way audio, with no cloud video history
- Video history, Activity Zones and Advanced Detection require the paid Arlo Plus plan
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring and 24/7 Emergency Response are only on the Premium plan
- 24/7 continuous recording is an add-on to Premium and covers up to three cameras only
- Unlimited camera plans apply only to Arlo cameras at a single residential location on the same account
- Cameras must be bought as hardware before any plan applies, and the included plan is a trial that ends
August Smart Lock
- Entry-level August Smart Lock ($149.99) has no built-in Wi-Fi and requires a separate Connect Wi-Fi Bridge for remote functionality
Pricing, plan by plan
Arlo
On request- Arlo Secure$2.99/month
- 30-day cloud
- AI detection
- 1 camera
- Arlo Secure Plus$14.99/month
- Unlimited cameras
- 24/7 recording
- E911
August Smart Lock
On request- Smart Lock$149/month
- Auto-lock
- Auto-unlock
- Guest access
- WiFi Smart Lock$249/month
- Built-in WiFi
- Remote access
- DoorSense
Which should you pick?
Choose Arlo if
- You need wire-free.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays.
- You also want 4k video.
Choose August Smart Lock if
- You need retrofit design.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web.
- You also want auto-unlock.
Questions people ask
- Is Arlo or August Smart Lock better?
- Neither clearly leads. Arlo starts at On request and August Smart Lock at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Arlo or August Smart Lock?
- Arlo starts at On request and August Smart Lock at On request.
- Does Arlo or August Smart Lock run on more platforms?
- Arlo runs on IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays. August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web.
- What is Arlo best used for?
- Arlo is most often used for wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras, cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detection, professionally monitored home security through the arlo app. Of those, wire-free home security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras and cloud recorded video history with person, vehicle and package detection are not what August Smart Lock is typically brought in for.
- What can Arlo do that August Smart Lock cannot?
- Arlo covers Wire-Free, 4K Video, AI Detection, Color Night Vision. August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Both handle Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings.