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Smart Home · head to head

August Smart Lock vs Ring

August Smart Lock logo

August Smart Lock

Smart Home

Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt

From
$29.99/mo
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ring logo

Ring

Smart Home

Home security with video doorbells and cameras

From
$4.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: August Smart Lock one-time purchase model with no recurring subscription fees; Ring many false motion alerts triggered by sidewalks, cars, pets, and trees reducing usability
  • They diverge on capability: August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Ring covers Video Doorbell.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where August Smart Lock and Ring differ
AttributeAugust Smart LockRing
Starting price$29.99/mo$4.99/month
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
PlatformsIOS, Android, WebiOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa
Founded20122013

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 August Smart Lock

  • Retrofit Design
  • Auto-Unlock
  • Guest Access
  • Activity Log
  • Google Home
  • HomeKit

Only in Ring

  • Video Doorbell
  • Motion Detection
  • Two-Way Talk
  • Night Vision
  • IFTTT
  • Neighbors app
  • Echo Show support

Both cover

  • Alexa
  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

August Smart Lock

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

Ring

  • Video doorbell monitoringnot August Smart Lock
  • Security camera recording and event reviewnot August Smart Lock
  • DIY alarm system with optional professional monitoringnot August Smart Lock
  • Motion alerts and package-theft deterrencenot August Smart Lock
  • Remote live view while away from homenot 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

  • One-time purchase model with no recurring subscription fees
  • Smart locks range from $129.99 to $229.99 depending on model and features

Ring

  • Many false motion alerts triggered by sidewalks, cars, pets, and trees reducing usability
  • Night vision and HDR capabilities are weaker than premium competitors
  • Limited monitoring range covers only front or back door area
  • Requires Ring Protect subscription for cloud video history, person/vehicle detection, and advanced motion zones
  • Documented security breaches with hackers remotely accessing cameras and microphones to speak to users

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Ring

$4.99/month
  • Basic$4.99/month
    • Video history up to 180 days
    • Snapshot capture
    • Smart alerts (people, packages, pets)
  • Plus$10/month
    • Video recording for all Ring devices
    • Single address coverage
    • All Basic features
  • Pro$undefined/month
    • 24/7 professional monitoring
    • Cellular backup service
    • All Plus features

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 Ring if

  • You need video doorbell.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa.
  • You also want motion detection.
Ring review

Questions people ask

Is August Smart Lock or Ring better?
Neither clearly leads. August Smart Lock starts at $29.99/mo and Ring at $4.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, August Smart Lock or Ring?
August Smart Lock starts at $29.99/mo and Ring at $4.99/month.
Does August Smart Lock or Ring run on more platforms?
August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web. Ring runs on iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa.
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 Ring is typically brought in for.
What can August Smart Lock do that Ring cannot?
August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Ring covers Video Doorbell, Motion Detection, Two-Way Talk, Night Vision. Both handle Alexa, SmartThings, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

August 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.

Source
Ring: Can I use Ring without a subscription?

Yes, Ring doorbells work without a subscription. Users can view live video, speak through the camera, and receive motion alerts for free. However, video recording storage, advanced person/package detection, and video history require a subscription.

Source
August 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.

Source
Ring: What are Ring's subscription plan options and pricing?

Ring offers Basic ($4.99/month or $49.99/year) for video history up to 180 days from one device; Plus ($10/month or $100/year) for all devices at one address; and Pro with 24/7 professional monitoring.

Source
Ring: What platforms can access Ring?

Ring is accessible via iOS and Android mobile apps, web browser at ring.com, and integrates with Amazon Alexa for voice control and display on Echo devices.

Source
Ring: What are Ring's battery life expectations?

Ring battery doorbell battery life varies by usage patterns and motion alert frequency. High-traffic areas may require recharging every few weeks.

Source
Ring: Does Ring have privacy concerns?

Ring has faced documented security breaches. In 2019, hackers remotely accessed Ring systems, watching and speaking to users. The use of cameras and microphones raises privacy concerns for some users.

Source
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