Main trade-off
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Keypad and fingerprint entry require additional compatible hardware
Head-to-head
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs Aqara U100: August keeps outside keys, U100 replaces the deadbolt for fingerprint entry
The short answer
Choose August Wi-Fi fourth generation when a compatible existing exterior key cylinder must stay and native August app remote access is enough. Choose Aqara U100 when replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and the supplied fingerprint reader, keypad or Apple home key is central to daily use.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Keeping the existing cylinder can rule out a replacement lock
August retrofits a compatible deadbolt from inside. U100 replaces the keyed assembly.
What this is based on
August replaces the compatible interior thumbturn while retaining the existing exterior keyed cylinder. U100 includes replacement deadbolt hardware, so the same cylinder-retention condition is not met.
Main trade-off
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Replaces the existing keyed assembly
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Choose it for
- Keep a compatible existing exterior key and cylinder
- Use built-in Wi-Fi for the August app without an extra bridge
- Main trade-off
- Keypad and fingerprint entry require additional compatible hardware
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Choose it for
- Get an integrated keypad and fingerprint reader
- Use Apple home key on supported Apple devices
- Main trade-off
- Replaces the existing keyed assembly
About this comparison
Compare August Wi-Fi fourth generation and Aqara U100 for keeping the existing key cylinder, remote access hardware and fingerprint entry.
Choose August Wi-Fi fourth generation when a compatible existing exterior key cylinder must stay and native August app remote access is enough. Choose Aqara U100 when replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and the supplied fingerprint reader, keypad or Apple home key is central to daily use.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
All existing exterior keys must continue using the same cylinder
A compatible August retrofit preserves that cylinder, while U100 replaces it.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
A child needs fingerprint entry from the supplied hardware
U100 includes a reader, whereas August requires a separate compatible accessory.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Caution
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
Native August app remote access is needed without a new bridge
August has built-in Wi-Fi, while U100 uses a different remote-access path.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
A supported Apple Watch must unlock by tapping a home key
U100 supports NFC home key, while August's documented Watch route is app based.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Keeping the existing cylinder can rule out a replacement lock
August retrofits a compatible deadbolt from inside. U100 replaces the keyed assembly.
How we reached this conclusion
August replaces the compatible interior thumbturn while retaining the existing exterior keyed cylinder. U100 includes replacement deadbolt hardware, so the same cylinder-retention condition is not met.
A fingerprint requirement changes the accessory basket
U100 includes the keypad and fingerprint reader. The selected August base lock includes neither.
How we reached this conclusion
The selected August ASIN is the standalone lock without a keypad. U100 contains both a keypad and a fingerprint reader, making the complete accessory lists different.
Remote app control and watch tapping favor different hardware
August provides native Wi-Fi remote control without a bridge. U100 supplies Apple home key but requires the appropriate hub for remote platform access.
How we reached this conclusion
August's built-in Wi-Fi supports its own remote app path. U100's NFC home key and hub-dependent remote platform access are separate capabilities, and an August Watch app is not a home key.
Choice A
August, AUG-SL05-M01-S01
Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
The documented door range is 1.375 to 2 inches thick. Entry options include phone.
- Best matched use
- Keep a compatible existing exterior key and cylinder
Checked facts
- Installation: Interior retrofit for compatible deadbolts
- Keypad in selected package: Separate accessory
- Fingerprint entry in selected package: Not included
- Native app remote access: Built-in Wi-Fi, no additional August bridge
Choice B
Aqara, DL-D01D
Smart Lock U100
The documented door range is 1.375 to 2.17 inches thick. Entry options include fingerprint, home-key, keypad, phone.
- Best matched use
- Get an integrated keypad and fingerprint reader
Checked facts
- Installation: Replacement deadbolt
- Keypad in selected package: Integrated
- Fingerprint entry in selected package: Integrated
- Native app remote access: Compatible Aqara hub required for Aqara Home remote access
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Interior retrofit for compatible deadbolts | Replacement deadbolt | Cylinder retention is an installation requirement rather than an app preference. |
| Keypad in selected package | Separate accessory | Integrated | August code entry adds hardware to the base-lock purchase. |
| Fingerprint entry in selected package | Not included | Integrated | August requires a separate compatible fingerprint accessory for that entry method. |
| Native app remote access | Built-in Wi-Fi, no additional August bridge | Compatible Aqara hub required for Aqara Home remote access | The August Wi-Fi path and U100 Zigbee path create different accessory lists. |
| Apple wrist entry | August Apple Watch app | Apple home key on supported Apple Watch | Opening an app is different from tapping an NFC home key. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Existing deadbolt compatibility must be checked
If you choose Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Remote access needs the appropriate Aqara or Apple home hardware
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Retaining the compatible original keyed cylinder is mandatory
Choose August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation. August is the retrofit option.
The package must include fingerprint entry and a keypad
Choose Aqara Smart Lock U100. U100 integrates both interfaces.
The door does not meet either manufacturer's compatibility requirements
Choose neither. Resolve door hardware compatibility before buying either lock.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Keeping the existing cylinder can rule out a replacement lock
This matters when the household has several doors keyed alike or permission to replace the exterior hardware is limited. Check August's exact compatibility list and obtain any required property approval. U100 is not a way to preserve the existing exterior cylinder unchanged.
A fingerprint requirement changes the accessory basket
Compare the complete entry setup rather than the lock body alone. August offers separate keypad accessories, including a fingerprint option, so add the exact compatible accessory if that routine is required. U100 already supplies those two physical interfaces.
Remote app control and watch tapping favor different hardware
For an August-app household with suitable Wi-Fi, the lock does not require an extra August bridge. U100 remote use follows its Aqara or Apple Home requirements. Apple Watch support also differs: the August app is not an NFC home key. Decide which actual interaction the household expects.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No matched battery-life or wireless-reliability testing is available
- A retrofit still requires appropriate property permission
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current smart locks comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation |
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| Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Keep a compatible existing exterior key and cylinder
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock U100
Get an integrated keypad and fingerprint reader
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.