Smart Home · head to head
Arlo vs August Smart Lock

Arlo
Smart Home
Wire-free security cameras with cloud intelligence
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -

August Smart Lock
Smart Home
Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt
- From
- $29.99/mo
- 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 one-time purchase model with no recurring subscription fees
- They diverge on capability: Arlo covers Wire-Free, 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 Arlo and August Smart Lock actually diverge.
| Attribute | Arlo | August Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | $29.99/mo |
| Pricing model | subscription | one-time |
| Platforms | IOS, Android, Web, Smart Displays | IOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2018 | 2012 |
Identical on both: 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 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
- 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
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
$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 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 $29.99/mo, 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 $29.99/mo.
- 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.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Arlo: What are typical hardware prices for Arlo cameras?
Hardware prices vary: Pro 6th Gen Camera starts at $159.99, Essential Indoor 3rd Gen at $29.99, and home security systems from $149.99. These are discounted prices from regular retail.
SourceAugust 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.
SourceArlo: Does Arlo offer subscription services?
Yes, Arlo offers Arlo Secure and Arlo Secure Plus subscription plans, though specific pricing and details for these subscriptions are not disclosed on the homepage.
SourceAugust 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.
SourceArlo: Can I save money by bundling cameras?
Yes, the Build My System option offers up to 15% off when you create your home's ideal security setup through bundled purchases.
SourceRelated pages
More on August Smart Lock
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