Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Best for Apple Home UsersAugust Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Best Retrofit (No Locksmith Needed)Price
$90-$140
$80-$130
Summary
Purpose-built for Apple Home with native HomeKit and Apple Home Key support at a price well under most competitors. Wirecutter picks it as a top value, and it regularly drops below $100.
Fits over your existing deadbolt so your physical key still works — ideal for renters or anyone who doesn't want to replace their entire lock. Locksmiths love it for keeping real security hardware intact.
Pros
- Apple Home Key support — unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch tap
- Listed at $140 but regularly available below $100
- Fingerprint reader, NFC, keypad, and physical key unlock methods
- Solid AES 128-bit encryption and IPX5 weather resistance
- Installs over existing deadbolt in minutes — no new drilling
- Keeps your existing exterior lock and key fully functional
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, and SmartThings
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock via geofencing
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi — requires Apple Home hub (HomePod/Apple TV) or Aqara hub for remote access
- Best experience is Apple-only; Alexa/Google require Aqara hub
- Less useful for non-Apple smart home setups
- Only controls the interior thumb turn — exterior keypad sold separately
- Bulkier interior design compared to full deadbolt replacements
- Wi-Fi Connect Bridge required for remote access (sold separately)
Our take
If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the U100 is the obvious choice — Apple Home Key is genuinely magic, and no other lock delivers it this cheaply.
The locksmith community specifically recommends August because it lets you keep a quality deadbolt underneath. That's the right instinct — don't sacrifice your physical security for smart features.
Buy
