The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
Controlling it remotely through Matter takes a compatible Matter controller and a Thread border router.
Side by side
Aqara U200 vs August Wi-Fi: August keeps the exterior lock-only, while U200 includes guest-entry hardware
Quick verdict
Fingerprint and code entry with Home Key come with U200. In its lock-only package, August leaves the exterior unchanged and provides direct Wi-Fi remote control.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Comparing lock-only prices leaves the keypad out
August sells the exterior credential hardware separately, but U200 includes it.
Where this comes from
Set the U200 lock-plus-keypad contents against the August lock, DoorSense and mounting parts. The selected August package includes no keypad.
The catch
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
You add a keypad as a separate accessory.
Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
- Why pick it
- The included fingerprint keypad and Home Key appeal to you.
- The Matter and Thread home equipment it requires is already in place.
- The catch
- Controlling it remotely through Matter takes a compatible Matter controller and a Thread border router.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Why pick it
- You would rather not add a separate exterior keypad at the start.
- Direct Wi-Fi remote control via August is what you are after.
- The catch
- You add a keypad as a separate accessory.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Aqara U200 and fourth-generation August Wi-Fi are compared on retained keys, included entry hardware, Apple Home Key and the network that remote access needs.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Want fingerprint entry built in
The keypad comes with U200.
- Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
- Better fit
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Caution
Want no exterior add-on
August lock-only keeps the hardware it supplies indoors. U200 comes with a separate exterior keypad, so check whether installing it without the keypad satisfies its setup and operating requirements.
- Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
- Depends
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
Wanting Apple Home Key
The U200 supports it.
- Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
- Better fit
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Caution
Want remote access straight over Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is built into August.
- Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
- Caution
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Comparing lock-only prices leaves the keypad out
August sells the exterior credential hardware separately, but U200 includes it.
How we worked this out
Set the U200 lock-plus-keypad contents against the August lock, DoorSense and mounting parts. The selected August package includes no keypad.
Only one accepts Home Key, though both preserve the key
Keeping the mechanical key and tapping in with Apple are separate properties.
How we worked this out
Each is an interior retrofit that keeps a compatible exterior key. U200 also lists Apple Home Key.
Existing equipment requirements for remote access differ
U200 can win on Thread hardware, and August on ordinary Wi-Fi.
How we worked this out
For networked remote access, U200 requires a compatible Matter controller and Thread border router. On August, Wi-Fi is built into the lock.
Option A
Aqara, EL-D02E
Smart Lock U200, Silver
It lists apple, google, alexa, matter among its documented platforms, with fingerprint, home-key, keypad and phone as entry options.
- Best for
- unlock with a fingerprint while leaving the outside of the lock as it is
Facts we checked
- Entry options include fingerprint, home-key, keypad, phone.
- The documented platform list includes apple, google, alexa, matter.
- Installation is documented as interior retrofit with a separate exterior keypad.
Option B
August, AUG-SL05-M01-S01
Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Phone is among its entry options, and the documented door range is 1.375 to 2 inches thick.
- Best for
- leave the outside of the lock alone and still have a physical key as backup
Facts we checked
- Documented to fit doors 1.375 to 2 inches thick.
- Phone is listed as an entry option.
- Platforms documented include alexa, apple, google.
- The documented installation is an interior retrofit.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included exterior input | Fingerprint and code keypad | No keypad in lock-only package | Keypad access on August takes an extra accessory. |
| Apple Home Key | Supported | Not supported | Home Key is a different thing from Apple Home integration on August. |
| Remote network | Matter controller and Thread border router | Built-in Wi-Fi for August app | Your current home network can decide which setup is easier. |
| Lock power | Rechargeable battery pack | Two CR123 batteries | Upkeep differs between charging and replacing cells. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
- Whether it fits depends on the shape of your current cylinder or thumbturn, so run Aqara's compatibility check before you order.
With August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- CR123 cells are less common, and on top of that Wi-Fi use can mean changing them more often.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Swapping the whole deadbolt is fine, and you want fingerprints plus direct Wi-Fi
Neither model fits. C220 needs neither the retrofit adapter nor the separate Thread hub path.
Decision guide
How to decide
U200 comes with fingerprint and code entry plus Home Key. August leaves the exterior unchanged in the lock-only package and gives you direct Wi-Fi remote control.
If a rental requires an unchanged exterior
With the lock-only August, all the hardware stays on the inside. U200 keeps the mechanical exterior lock, but if you want its fingerprint and Home Key entry, you add a separate exterior keypad. Even though the original key still works, check that you have permission to place that keypad.
If some family members do not use the app
Phone-free access is part of the U200 base package, since it includes code and fingerprint entry. August works with a separate keypad accessory, so compare the full installation you have in mind and not just the contents of the lock box. Whichever retrofit you pick, the existing deadbolt still has to move smoothly.
In a home built around Apple
U200 slots into an existing setup more easily when you have a compatible Thread-capable home hub. August gives direct app access over Wi-Fi, but it has no Home Key. Before treating them as equivalent for Apple Home, decide whether tapping the watch matters to you.
What this page can’t tell you
- The information here comes from manufacturer feature documentation, and no burglary, battery-life or recognition-speed test was performed.
- Whether a retrofit fits depends on the existing deadbolt and the adapter. Matching door thickness by itself does not settle the question.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the smart locks we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
None of the 25 models checked meets all of “Leave the outside of the lock as is”, “Upgrade a rental in a way you can undo”, “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”, and “Run it remotely without needing a hub”, so the pick goes to the closest practical compromise.
0 models fit, out of 25 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Leave the outside of the lock as is”, “Upgrade a rental in a way you can undo”, “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”, and “Run it remotely without needing a hub”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver |
|
| |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation |
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Aqara Smart Lock U200, Silver
The included fingerprint keypad and Home Key appeal to you.
See price & reviews on AmazonAugust Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
You would rather not add a separate exterior keypad at the start.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money