The catch
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Additional compatible hardware is required for keypad and fingerprint entry
Side by side
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs Aqara U100: U100 replaces the deadbolt for fingerprint entry, and August keeps outside keys
Quick verdict
August Wi-Fi fourth generation is the choice if a compatible existing exterior key cylinder must stay and native August app remote access is enough. Aqara U100 is the choice if replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and the supplied fingerprint reader, keypad or Apple home key is central to daily use.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A need to keep the existing cylinder can rule out replacing the lock
August works as a retrofit from inside on a compatible deadbolt. U100 replaces the keyed assembly.
Where this comes from
August swaps the compatible interior thumbturn and keeps the existing exterior keyed cylinder. U100 includes replacement deadbolt hardware, so it does not meet the same cylinder-retention condition.
The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Swaps out the existing keyed assembly
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Why pick it
- Hold on to a compatible existing exterior key and cylinder
- Run the August app over built-in Wi-Fi, with no extra bridge
- The catch
- Additional compatible hardware is required for keypad and fingerprint entry
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Why pick it
- Have a keypad and fingerprint reader built in
- Unlock with Apple home key on supported Apple devices
- The catch
- Swaps out the existing keyed assembly
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Keeping the existing key cylinder, remote access hardware and fingerprint entry are how August Wi-Fi fourth generation and Aqara U100 are compared.
August Wi-Fi fourth generation is the choice if a compatible existing exterior key cylinder must stay and native August app remote access is enough. Aqara U100 is the choice if replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and the supplied fingerprint reader, keypad or Apple home key is central to daily use.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Every existing exterior key has to keep working with the same cylinder
U100 replaces that cylinder, whereas a compatible August retrofit preserves it.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
Fingerprint entry for a child has to come from the supplied hardware
August requires a separate compatible accessory, while U100 includes a reader.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Caution
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
Remote access through the native August app is needed with no new bridge
U100 uses a different remote-access path, while August has built-in Wi-Fi.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
Unlocking has to happen by tapping a home key on a supported Apple Watch
August’s documented Watch route is app based, whereas U100 supports NFC home key.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
A need to keep the existing cylinder can rule out replacing the lock
August works as a retrofit from inside on a compatible deadbolt. U100 replaces the keyed assembly.
How we worked this out
August swaps the compatible interior thumbturn and keeps the existing exterior keyed cylinder. U100 includes replacement deadbolt hardware, so it does not meet the same cylinder-retention condition.
Needing a fingerprint changes what goes in the cart
The keypad and fingerprint reader come with U100. Neither is included with the selected August base lock.
How we worked this out
The selected August ASIN is the standalone lock with no keypad. U100 holds both a keypad and a fingerprint reader, so the complete accessory lists differ.
Different hardware suits remote app control and watch tapping
Remote control through native Wi-Fi works on August with no bridge. U100 supplies Apple home key, but remote platform access requires the appropriate hub.
How we worked this out
The built-in Wi-Fi on August supports its own remote app path. NFC home key and hub-dependent remote platform access on U100 are separate capabilities, and an August Watch app is not a home key.
Option A
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
- Hold on to a compatible existing exterior key and cylinder
Facts we checked
- Installation: Retrofit on the inside of compatible deadbolts
- Keypad with the selected package: A separate accessory
- Fingerprint entry with the selected package: Not included
- Remote access in the native app: Built-in Wi-Fi, with no additional August bridge
Option B
Aqara, DL-D01D
Smart Lock U100
Entry options listed are fingerprint, home-key, keypad and phone, and the documented door range is 1.375 to 2.17 inches thick.
- Best for
- Have a keypad and fingerprint reader built in
Facts we checked
- Installation: Replaces the deadbolt
- Keypad with the selected package: Integrated
- Fingerprint entry with the selected package: Integrated
- Remote access in the native app: A compatible Aqara hub is required for Aqara Home remote access
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Interior retrofit for compatible deadbolts | Replacement deadbolt | Retaining the cylinder is an installation requirement and has nothing to do with app preferences. |
| Keypad in selected package | Separate accessory | Integrated | Code entry on August brings extra hardware into the base-lock purchase. |
| Fingerprint entry in selected package | Not included | Integrated | That entry method needs a separate compatible fingerprint accessory on August. |
| Native app remote access | Built-in Wi-Fi, no additional August bridge | Compatible Aqara hub required for Aqara Home remote access | Different accessory lists result from the August Wi-Fi path and the U100 Zigbee path. |
| Apple wrist entry | August Apple Watch app | Apple home key on supported Apple Watch | Tapping an NFC home key isn’t the same as opening an app. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Check whether the existing deadbolt is compatible
With Aqara Smart Lock U100
- The appropriate Aqara or Apple home hardware is needed for remote access
Change of plan
When the answer changes
It is mandatory to keep the compatible original keyed cylinder
Go with August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation. For a retrofit, August is the option.
Fingerprint entry and a keypad have to be in the package
Go with Aqara Smart Lock U100. Both interfaces are integrated in U100.
Neither manufacturer’s compatibility requirements are met by the door
Neither model fits. Sort out door hardware compatibility first, then buy either lock.
Decision guide
How to decide
For a compatible existing exterior key cylinder that must stay, where native August app remote access is enough, pick August Wi-Fi fourth generation. Where replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and the supplied fingerprint reader, keypad or Apple home key is central to daily use, pick Aqara U100.
A need to keep the existing cylinder can rule out replacing the lock
It matters if the household has several doors keyed alike, or if permission to replace the exterior hardware is limited. Check August's exact compatibility list and get any property approval that is required. U100 cannot preserve the existing exterior cylinder unchanged.
Needing a fingerprint changes what goes in the cart
Look at the complete entry setup along with the lock body. August offers separate keypad accessories, including a fingerprint option, so if that routine is required, add the exact compatible accessory. U100 already supplies those two physical interfaces.
Different hardware suits remote app control and watch tapping
In a household that uses the August app and has suitable Wi-Fi, the lock needs no extra August bridge. Remote use of U100 follows its Aqara or Apple Home requirements. Apple Watch support differs as well, because the August app is not an NFC home key. Decide which interaction the household expects.
What this page can’t tell you
- A matched test of battery life or wireless reliability is not available
- A retrofit still needs the right property permission
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the smart locks we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation |
|
|
|
| Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
|
|
|
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.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Hold on to a compatible existing exterior key and cylinder
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock U100
Have a keypad and fingerprint reader built in
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money