Software · head to head
August Smart Lock vs Aqara
August Smart Lock
Software
Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- 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; 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
- They diverge on capability: August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Aqara covers Zigbee protocol.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which August Smart Lock and Aqara actually diverge.
| Attribute | August Smart Lock | Aqara |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | IOS, Android, Web | IOS, Android |
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (one-time), 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 August Smart Lock
- Retrofit Design
- Auto-Unlock
- Guest Access
- Activity Log
- Alexa
- Google Home
- HomeKit
- SmartThings
Only in Aqara
- Zigbee protocol
- Sensor ecosystem
- Automation scenes
- Long battery life
- Local processing
- Apple HomeKit
- Apple HomeKit
- Google Assistant
Both cover
- IOS support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
August Smart Lock
- Keyless entrynot Aqara
- Guest accessnot Aqara
- Remote unlocknot Aqara
- Activity monitoringnot Aqara
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
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
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
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
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
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 Aqara if
- You need zigbee protocol.
- You work on IOS, Android.
- You also want sensor ecosystem.
Questions people ask
- Is August Smart Lock or Aqara better?
- Neither clearly leads. August Smart Lock starts at On request and Aqara at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, August Smart Lock or Aqara?
- August Smart Lock starts at On request and Aqara at On request.
- Does August Smart Lock or Aqara run on more platforms?
- August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web. Aqara runs on IOS, Android.
- 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 Aqara is typically brought in for.
- What can August Smart Lock do that Aqara cannot?
- August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Both handle IOS support, Android support.