Software · head to head
SmartThings vs August Smart Lock
SmartThings
Software
Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
August Smart Lock
Software
Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only SmartThings has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control; 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: SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SmartThings and August Smart Lock actually diverge.
| Attribute | SmartThings | August Smart Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | one-time |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub | IOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 1938 | 2012 |
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 SmartThings
- Multi-Brand Support
- Device Control
- Automations
- Cloud Backup
- 500+ device types
- Voice Control
- Routines
- IFTTT integration
Only in August Smart Lock
- Retrofit Design
- Auto-Unlock
- Guest Access
- Activity Log
- Alexa
- Google Home
- HomeKit
- SmartThings
Both cover
- IOS support
- Android support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SmartThings
- Smart home controlnot August Smart Lock
- Automation routinesnot August Smart Lock
- Device integrationnot August Smart Lock
- Remote monitoringnot August Smart Lock
August Smart Lock
- Keyless entrynot SmartThings
- Guest accessnot SmartThings
- Remote unlocknot SmartThings
- Activity monitoringnot SmartThings
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
SmartThings
- Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
- Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
- Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
- API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant
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
SmartThings
Free- Basic (SmartThings app)Free
- Device control and automation
- Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter
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 SmartThings if
- You need multi-brand support.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
- You also want device control.
Choose August Smart Lock if
- You need retrofit design.
- You work on IOS, Android, Web.
- You also want auto-unlock.
Questions people ask
- Is SmartThings or August Smart Lock better?
- Neither clearly leads. SmartThings starts at Free 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, SmartThings or August Smart Lock?
- SmartThings has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SmartThings and On request for August Smart Lock.
- Does SmartThings or August Smart Lock run on more platforms?
- SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub. August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web.
- Can I use SmartThings for free?
- Yes. SmartThings has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. August Smart Lock starts at On request.
- What is SmartThings best used for?
- SmartThings is most often used for smart home control, automation routines, device integration, remote monitoring. Of those, smart home control and automation routines are not what August Smart Lock is typically brought in for.
- What can SmartThings do that August Smart Lock cannot?
- SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log. Both handle IOS support, Android support, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?
No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.
SourceSmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?
SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.
SourceSmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?
Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.
SourceSmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?
Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Source