August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver
Score: 74/100
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 delivers high-accuracy fingerprint unlocking, Apple HomeKey compatibility, and IP65-rated weather resistance via Bluetooth, Zigbee, and NFC. It requires an Aqara hub for full smart-home functionality and is relatively heavy, which can complicate installation. Suited for users invested in the Apple ecosystem and needing strong outdoor durability.
The August Home Smart Lock 2nd Generation is a retrofit lock that adds HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant voice control while preserving the existing deadbolt key. Its main limitation is the need for an optional Wi-Fi bridge for remote access and the lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module. Best for Apple HomeKit users and renters who want smart features without replacing the whole lock.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 9 minutesbest | — |
1 yearsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 395 gbest | 1,750 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Remote Access | true | false |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Type | AAA | AA |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | unknown | 5.0 |
Fit & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 395 g | 1750 g |
Material | Metal | Zinc alloy |
Finish | Silver | Gray |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors, primarily from August's own product pages, stress the lock's easy, non-destructive installation, its retention of the original key, and its broad smart-home ecosystem support, especially HomeKit. They position it as a straightforward upgrade for users who want smart functionality without replacing their existing deadbolt.
Everyday users highlight the convenience of eliminating key fumbling, the usefulness of virtual guest keys, and the peace of mind provided by activity logs. No major recurring complaints appear in the available data, though users note the need for a separate Wi-Fi bridge and periodic battery changes.
“HomeKit News praises the U100 for its fingerprint sensor, Apple HomeKey support, auto-locking, and 8-month battery life, noting solid Zigbee 3.0 performance with an optional Aqara hub and IP65 outer panel for weather resistance.”
Professional reviewers commend the U100 for its precise fingerprint sensor, Apple HomeKey compatibility, solid auto-lock functionality, and impressive eight-month battery life. They also note the lock's robust zinc construction, IP65-rated outer panel, and reliable Zigbee performance when used with an Aqara hub, while calling out the need for a hub for full feature access and the non-weather-proof inner panel.
Everyday users generally praise the lock's versatility, long battery life, and weather-resistant outer housing, especially valuing the multiple unlock options and local data security. Recurring complaints focus on the requirement of an extra hub for advanced smart-home features, the inner panel's lack of weatherproofing, and the relatively heavy weight during installation.
