IoT & Smart Home · head to head
August Smart Lock vs Apple HomeKit
August Smart Lock
IoT & Smart Home
Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Apple HomeKit
IoT & Smart Home
Apple's secure smart home platform integrated with Siri
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Apple HomeKit has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: 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; Apple HomeKit requires Apple device for setup and remote access; limited interoperability with non-Apple devices
- They diverge on capability: August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Apple HomeKit covers Siri Integration.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which August Smart Lock and Apple HomeKit actually diverge.
| Attribute | August Smart Lock | Apple HomeKit |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | Free |
| Pricing model | one-time | Unknown |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | IOS, Android, Web | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com) |
| Founded | 2012 | 2014 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (IoT & 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 August Smart Lock
- Retrofit Design
- Auto-Unlock
- Guest Access
- Activity Log
- Alexa
- Google Home
- HomeKit
- SmartThings
Only in Apple HomeKit
- Siri Integration
- End-to-End Encryption
- Automation Scenes
- Remote Access
- HomePod
- Apple TV
- Apple Watch
- Third-party accessories
Both cover
- IOS support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
August Smart Lock
- Keyless entrynot Apple HomeKit
- Guest accessnot Apple HomeKit
- Remote unlocknot Apple HomeKit
- Activity monitoringnot Apple HomeKit
Apple HomeKit
- Unified control of multi-vendor smart accessoriesnot August Smart Lock
- Time, location, and sensor-triggered automationsnot August Smart Lock
- Siri voice control of accessoriesnot August Smart Lock
- Remote access via a Home Hubnot August Smart Lock
- Grouping accessories into scenesnot August Smart Lock
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Apple HomeKit
- Requires Apple device for setup and remote access; limited interoperability with non-Apple devices
- HomeKit devices require manufacturer certification, limiting product selection compared to alternatives
- Automations are more limited compared to open platforms like Home Assistant or professional systems
Pricing, plan by plan
August Smart Lock
On request- Smart Lock$149/month
- Auto-lock
- Auto-unlock
- Guest access
- WiFi Smart Lock$249/month
- Built-in WiFi
- Remote access
- DoorSense
Apple HomeKit
Free- HomeKit (free)Free
- Local control of HomeKit devices
- Siri voice control
- Device automations
- Home hub (requires device purchase)$null/mo
- Remote access
- HomeKit Secure Video (free with iCloud+ 2TB)
- HomeKit automations
- iCloud+ 2TB (required for Secure Video)$9.99/month
- HomeKit Secure Video 4K (in iOS 27)
- 2TB iCloud storage
- Private email relay
Which should you pick?
Choose August Smart Lock if
- You need retrofit design.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web.
- You also want auto-unlock.
Choose Apple HomeKit if
- You need siri integration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com).
- You also want end-to-end encryption.
Questions people ask
- Is August Smart Lock or Apple HomeKit better?
- Neither clearly leads. August Smart Lock starts at On request and Apple HomeKit at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, August Smart Lock or Apple HomeKit?
- Apple HomeKit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for August Smart Lock and Free for Apple HomeKit.
- Does August Smart Lock or Apple HomeKit run on more platforms?
- August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web. Apple HomeKit runs on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple TV, HomePod, Web (via iCloud.com).
- Can I use Apple HomeKit for free?
- Yes. Apple HomeKit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. August Smart Lock starts at On request.
- What is August Smart Lock best used for?
- August Smart Lock is most often used for keyless entry, guest access, remote unlock, activity monitoring. Of those, keyless entry and guest access are not what Apple HomeKit is typically brought in for.
- What can August Smart Lock do that Apple HomeKit cannot?
- August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Apple HomeKit covers Siri Integration, End-to-End Encryption, Automation Scenes, Remote Access. Both handle IOS support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Apple HomeKit: Does Apple HomeKit require a home hub?
A home hub is required for remote access and automations. Apple TV 4K, HomePod (2nd gen), or HomePod mini can serve as hubs.
SourceApple HomeKit: Is HomeKit data encrypted?
Yes. HomeKit uses end-to-end encryption for all data and communications with HomeKit devices, keeping all home data secure.
SourceApple HomeKit: Does HomeKit support Thread?
Yes. Thread-enabled accessories require a Thread-enabled home hub such as Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, or iPhone running iOS 18. Thread provides improved reliability and responsiveness for HomeKit devices.
SourceApple HomeKit: What devices are compatible with HomeKit?
HomeKit supports thousands of certified devices including lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and plugs from manufacturers like Philips Hue, Yale, Ecobee, and Logitech.
SourceApple HomeKit: Does HomeKit support Matter?
Yes. HomeKit supports Matter, enabling HomeKit devices to work with other ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Home on the same Matter protocol.
Source