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August Smart Lock vs Tasmota

August Smart Lock logo

August Smart Lock

Software

Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
T

Tasmota

Software

Open-source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 based devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tasmota 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; Tasmota tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • They diverge on capability: August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Tasmota covers Local Control.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where August Smart Lock and Tasmota differ
AttributeAugust Smart LockTasmota
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, WebESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices
Founded20122017

Identical on both: 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 Tasmota

  • Local Control
  • MQTT Support
  • Web Interface
  • OTA Updates
  • Home Assistant
  • Domoticz
  • OpenHAB
  • Node-RED

What people use each for

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

August Smart Lock

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

Tasmota

  • Replacing vendor cloud firmware on ESP based smart plugs and switchesnot August Smart Lock
  • Controlling smart home devices locally over MQTT or HTTPnot August Smart Lock
  • Integrating off the shelf Wi-Fi devices with Home Assistant without a cloud accountnot 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

Tasmota

  • Tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it
  • Initial installation requires opening the device, bridging GPIO0 to ground during boot and using a 3.3V serial programmer; a 5V programmer damages the chip
  • The ESP chip needs at least 150mA at 3.3V, so an underpowered supply causes flashing and stability failures
  • The Wi-Fi setup access point stays active for only 3 minutes, after which the device must be power cycled to try again
  • The Power Cycle Recovery feature can reset a device to firmware defaults where mains power fluctuates, and the docs advise disabling it in that case

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

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

Which should you pick?

Choose August Smart Lock if

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

Choose Tasmota if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
  • You also want mqtt support.
Tasmota review

Questions people ask

Is August Smart Lock or Tasmota better?
Neither clearly leads. August Smart Lock starts at On request and Tasmota at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, August Smart Lock or Tasmota?
Tasmota has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for August Smart Lock and Free for Tasmota.
Does August Smart Lock or Tasmota run on more platforms?
August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web. Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices.
Can I use Tasmota for free?
Yes. Tasmota 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 Tasmota is typically brought in for.
What can August Smart Lock do that Tasmota cannot?
August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Tasmota covers Local Control, MQTT Support, Web Interface, OTA Updates.
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