August Smart Lock 4th Gen Black
Score: 78/100
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Score: 75/100Rankings
The August Wi-Fi 4th-Gen Smart Lock (Matte Black) offers auto-lock, virtual guest keys and bank-grade encryption, making it a highly featured retrofit solution. Its Wi-Fi can be unstable and the batteries drain quickly, which may frustrate power-conscious users. Ideal for renters or homeowners who prioritize remote access and security over battery longevity.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutesbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 181 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 | CR123 | AA |
Security(1) | ||
Security Grade | Grade 1 | Level 3 |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Wi‑Fi Compatibility | true | false |
Fit & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 181 g | 1750 g |
Material | Plastic and metal | Zinc alloy |
Finish | Matte Black | Gray |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the August Wi-Fi 4th-Gen for its seamless retrofit design, built-in Wi-Fi that removes the need for a bridge, and strong HomeKit integration, calling it a convenience powerhouse with bank-grade security.
Everyday users love the quick DIY install, reliable remote lock/unlock, activity logs, and the ability to share virtual keys, often highlighting the matte black aesthetic. However, they frequently complain about Wi-Fi drops, rapid battery depletion, occasional auto-unlock failures, integration quirks with some doors, and slow customer support.
“Users love the quick install, reliable remote locking/unlocking, activity logs, and sharing access with family/guests.”
“Frequent Wi-Fi drops, fast battery use, auto-unlock failures, and integration issues with specific doors/smart homes.”
“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.
