August
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
$199.99
Released 2021
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Aqara Smart Lock U100 is cheaper at $169.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Aqara
Aqara Smart Lock U100
$169.99Cheaper
Released 2022
Which is better: the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) or Aqara Smart Lock U100?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the cheaper at $169.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $199.99 | $169.99 |
| Brand | August | Aqara |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Unlock methods | smartphone app, Apple Watch, voice assistant (Alexa/Google/Siri), auto-unlock, physical key (existing deadbolt retained) | fingerprint (98.6% accuracy, <0.5s recognition, 50 prints), keypad PIN (permanent/periodic/one-time), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), NFC tag (2 included), smartphone app, physical key backup |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz/5GHz built-in, Bluetooth LE | Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup |
| Matter | No | Yes |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | 2× CR123 | 4× AA |
| Finish options | Silver, Matte Black | Shadow Gray, Silver |
| Install type | Retrofit interior — mounts over existing single-cylinder deadbolt, no drilling | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors |
| Release | 2021 | 2022 |
Sources — August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen): august.com (verified 2026-06-15). Aqara Smart Lock U100: aqara.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) and Aqara Smart Lock U100?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Unlock methods: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) smartphone app, Apple Watch, voice assistant (Alexa/Google/Siri), auto-unlock, physical key (existing deadbolt retained) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 fingerprint (98.6% accuracy, <0.5s recognition, 50 prints), keypad PIN (permanent/periodic/one-time), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), NFC tag (2 included), smartphone app, physical key backup
- Connectivity: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz/5GHz built-in, Bluetooth LE vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup
- Matter: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) false vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 true
- Battery type: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) 2× CR123 vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 4× AA
- Finish options: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Silver, Matte Black vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Shadow Gray, Silver
- Install type: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Retrofit interior — mounts over existing single-cylinder deadbolt, no drilling vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Two whitelisted hands-on reviews (Engadget, Tom's Guide) cover this exact 4th-gen August Wi-Fi Smart Lock; both recommend it for an easy, tool-light install, a smaller hidden design, built-in Wi-Fi and broad smart-home support. Neither published lab benchmarks, so there are no measured numbers. Main gripes: unreliable Android auto-unlock (Engadget) and a keypad sold separately for $59.99 (Tom's Guide). (2 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Fast, tool-light install that keeps the original keyway and physical keys; Smaller, discreet design that hides on the inside of the door; Wi-Fi built in, so no separate bridge is needed for remote lock/unlock.
Flagged: Auto-unlock is finicky and unreliable, especially on Android; Keypad is not included and costs extra ($59.99); Dropped Z-Wave, so power users lose offline local control.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
No sourced tester review yet.