Softwr

Software · head to head

Tasmota vs August Smart Lock

T

Tasmota

Software

Open-source firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 based devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
August Smart Lock logo

August Smart Lock

Software

Smart locks that work with your existing deadbolt

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Tasmota has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Tasmota tasmota only runs on Espressif ESP8266, ESP8285, ESP32, ESP32-S and ESP32-C3 chipsets, so devices built on other silicon cannot use it; 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: Tasmota covers Local Control, August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Tasmota and August Smart Lock differ
AttributeTasmotaAugust Smart Lock
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devicesIOS, Android, Web
Founded20172012

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 Tasmota

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

Only in August Smart Lock

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

What people use each for

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

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

August Smart Lock

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

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

Tasmota

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Full firmware
    • MQTT
    • Web UI

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 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

Choose August Smart Lock if

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

Questions people ask

Is Tasmota or August Smart Lock better?
Neither clearly leads. Tasmota 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, Tasmota or August Smart Lock?
Tasmota has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Tasmota and On request for August Smart Lock.
Does Tasmota or August Smart Lock run on more platforms?
Tasmota runs on ESP8266, ESP32, Compatible devices. August Smart Lock runs on IOS, Android, Web.
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 Tasmota best used for?
Tasmota is most often used for replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based smart plugs and switches, controlling smart home devices locally over mqtt or http, integrating off the shelf wi-fi devices with home assistant without a cloud account. Of those, replacing vendor cloud firmware on esp based smart plugs and switches and controlling smart home devices locally over mqtt or http are not what August Smart Lock is typically brought in for.
What can Tasmota do that August Smart Lock cannot?
Tasmota covers Local Control, MQTT Support, Web Interface, OTA Updates. August Smart Lock covers Retrofit Design, Auto-Unlock, Guest Access, Activity Log.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Tasmota

More on August Smart Lock

Keep looking

Other head to heads