August vs Schlage Smart Lock: Which One Should You Buy?

August vs Schlage smart lock is one of the most common matchups shoppers land on once they realize just how different these two brands’ approaches really are. Both make well-reviewed Wi-Fi deadbolts, but they solve the “smart lock” problem in almost opposite ways.

August built its reputation on retrofitting existing hardware, letting you keep your current deadbolt and exterior keyhole while adding smart features on the inside. Schlage went the other direction, building the Encode Plus as a full deadbolt replacement engineered from scratch for high-security certification.

We compared the current flagship from each brand, the Schlage Encode Plus and the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen), on installation, security ratings, and smart home support to help you figure out which fits your door and your living situation.

Both brands have been in the smart lock space for close to a decade, and that track record shows up in different ways. Schlage leans on its long history as a traditional lock manufacturer, while August built its name specifically around making existing doors smarter without a full hardware swap. Neither approach is objectively better, they’re built for different doors and different households.

How We Picked

We reviewed official spec sheets and certification details from Schlage and August, cross-checked installation and security claims against independent smart lock reviews, and looked at patterns in verified owner feedback for both locks. We focused on each brand’s current flagship Wi-Fi model, since that’s the fairest apples-to-apples comparison.

August vs Schlage Smart Lock, At a Glance

Both locks fall into the mid-to-upper range for Wi-Fi smart deadbolts, with August typically landing as the more affordable of the two once you factor in that Schlage’s install may also require buying new exterior hardware if your existing deadbolt is worn.

1. Schlage Encode Plus, Best for Maximum Security

The Schlage Encode Plus is built for buyers who want the strongest possible lock first and smart features second. It carries an ANSI Grade 1 rating with BHMA AAA certification, the toughest published tier for resisting lock-picking, drilling, and kick-in attempts, a level most retrofit-style smart locks simply don’t chase.

Because it’s a full deadbolt replacement, Schlage controls the entire mechanism, not just an add-on motor. That means the touchscreen keypad, the Wi-Fi radio, and the bolt itself are all engineered together, which reviewers and owners consistently point to as part of why it feels sturdier in daily use than lighter retrofit locks.

Setup does require removing your current deadbolt entirely and installing Schlage’s own hardware in its place, a bigger job than a retrofit lock but still doable in under an hour for most standard doors. The touchscreen keypad supports up to 100 unique codes with a logged entry history, useful for tracking who came and went and when.

Apple Home Key support means you can tap a paired iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock instead of pulling out the Schlage app, and it also works natively with Alexa, Google Home, and Ring for voice control and camera-triggered automations. Built-in Wi-Fi means none of this requires a separate hub.

If your exterior deadbolt is old, worn, or doesn’t match Schlage’s available finishes, budget extra time for the install and possibly a matching handle set, since the Encode Plus replaces the full assembly rather than working around it. Owners who’ve made that swap generally describe the payoff as a lock that feels closer to a standard high-security deadbolt than a bolted-on accessory.

2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen), Best for Renters & Easy Installs

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock takes the opposite approach: it retrofits over your existing deadbolt rather than replacing it, so the outside of your door, including your current keyhole and keys, stays exactly the same. That makes it the go-to pick for renters, since most leases allow a retrofit lock that can be removed at move-out without a trace.

Installation is famously simple. August’s design clips onto your existing interior thumb-turn, and most owners report finishing the swap in 10 to 15 minutes with just a screwdriver, no drilling or hardware replacement required.

August’s signature feature is auto-unlock, which uses your phone’s Bluetooth signal to detect when you’re approaching the door and unlocks it automatically before you reach the handle. Combined with auto-lock when you leave, it’s a genuinely convenient hands-free experience that Schlage’s keypad-first design doesn’t try to replicate.

The lock has built-in Wi-Fi for remote access and works with Apple Home Key, Alexa, and Google Assistant. An optional Smart Keypad accessory adds PIN code entry to the outside of the door for locks that don’t already have one, closing much of the gap with Schlage’s built-in keypad.

Because the motor housing sits on the inside of your door, it does add some bulk compared to a bare thumb-turn, and a few owners note it can interfere with certain interior door trim or nearby handles on narrow doors. It’s worth measuring your interior clearance before buying if your entryway is tight.

Battery Life and Backup Access

Both locks run on standard AA batteries and typically last several months to about a year under normal daily use, though heavy Wi-Fi and app activity can shorten that somewhat on either lock. Both apps send a low-battery push notification well before you’re at risk of getting locked out.

For backup access, August keeps your original exterior key working at all times since it never touches your outside cylinder, a real advantage if batteries die unexpectedly. Schlage’s Encode Plus includes its own physical key override on the exterior, so you’re never fully locked out on either lock, but replacing August’s batteries is arguably lower-stakes since your existing key path never changes.

How to Choose Between August and Schlage

Check your lease or homeowner status first. If you rent and can’t replace exterior hardware, August’s retrofit design is close to the only option between these two. Homeowners have the freedom to pick either.

Decide how much security certification matters to you. If you want the highest published pick and kick-in resistance rating, Schlage’s Grade 1 / AAA-certified Encode Plus is the stronger choice on paper.

Think about how you want to unlock the door. If hands-free entry matters most, August’s Bluetooth auto-unlock is built for exactly that. If you’d rather punch in a code or tap a badge-style entry, Schlage’s touchscreen keypad is the more mature interface.

Factor in installation effort. August is a 15-minute retrofit job. Schlage’s full deadbolt swap takes longer and may require buying matching exterior trim if your current hardware doesn’t line up with Schlage’s finish options.

Our Verdict

There’s no universal winner in the August vs Schlage smart lock debate, the right pick depends on what you’re allowed to install and what you value more. The Schlage Encode Plus is the stronger buy if you own your home and want the highest available security certification along with a keypad-first design.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is the better call if you rent, want to preserve your existing exterior hardware, or just want the fastest possible install with hands-free Bluetooth unlocking thrown in.

Check the latest price on Amazon before you decide, since bundle deals with keypads or extra key fobs shift the value equation on both locks. If you’re building out more of your entry setup, pair either lock with a video doorbell for your front door or a few smart plugs for Alexa to round out the basics.