Software · head to head
Ring vs August Smart Lock
August Smart Lock
Software
Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Ring many false motion alerts triggered by sidewalks, cars, pets, and trees reducing usability; 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
- They diverge on capability: Ring covers Video Doorbell, August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Ring and August Smart Lock actually diverge.
| Attribute | Ring | August Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $4.99/month | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | one-time |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa | IOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2013 | 2012 |
Identical on both: 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 Ring
- Video Doorbell
- Motion Detection
- Two-Way Talk
- Night Vision
- IFTTT
- Neighbors app
- Echo Show support
Only in August Smart Lock
- Retrofit Design
- Auto-Unlock
- Guest Access
- Activity Log
- Google Home
- HomeKit
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.
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
August Smart Lock
- Keyless entrynot Ring
- Guest accessnot Ring
- Remote unlocknot Ring
- Activity monitoringnot Ring
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
Ring
$4.99/month- Basic$4.99/month
- Video history up to 180 days
- Snapshot capture
- Smart alerts (people, packages, pets)
- Plus$10/month
- Video recording for all Ring devices
- Single address coverage
- All Basic features
- Pro$null/month
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Cellular backup service
- All Plus features
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
Which should you pick?
Choose Ring if
- You need video doorbell.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa.
- You also want motion detection.
Choose August Smart Lock if
- You need retrofit design.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web.
- You also want auto-unlock.
Questions people ask
- Is Ring or August Smart Lock better?
- Neither clearly leads. Ring starts at $4.99/month and August Smart Lock at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Ring or August Smart Lock?
- Ring starts at $4.99/month and August Smart Lock at On request.
- Does Ring or August Smart Lock run on more platforms?
- Ring runs on iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa. August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web.
- What is Ring best used for?
- Ring is most often used for video doorbell monitoring, security camera recording and event review, diy alarm system with optional professional monitoring, motion alerts and package-theft deterrence. Of those, video doorbell monitoring and security camera recording and event review are not what August Smart Lock is typically brought in for.
- What can Ring do that August Smart Lock cannot?
- Ring covers Video Doorbell, Motion Detection, Two-Way Talk, Night Vision. August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Both handle Alexa, SmartThings, IOS support, Android support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceRing: 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.
SourceRing: 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.
SourceRing: 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.
SourceRing: 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