Smart Lock Comparison: August vs Yale vs Schlage

The Core Difference: Retrofit vs Replace

August takes a unique approach: it mounts over your existing deadbolt on the interior side of your door. Your exterior hardware stays the same, your original keys still work, and installation takes about 10 minutes with no tools. Yale and Schlage both replace your entire deadbolt, requiring 15-30 minutes of installation and removal of your old lock. For renters or anyone who hates DIY projects, August's retrofit approach is significantly easier. For homeowners who want maximum security or a fresh keypad, Yale and Schlage's full replacement makes more sense.

Security Ratings Explained

ANSI/BHMA grades measure a lock's physical security. Grade 1 is the highest — used in commercial settings, it must withstand at least six forced entry attempts and 800 pounds of force. Grade 2 is standard residential quality. Schlage Encode and Encode Plus are Grade 1 (commercial-grade). The Encode Plus goes further with Grade AAA certification. Yale Assure Lock 2 is Grade 2. August's security depends on your existing deadbolt since it's a retrofit — the August hardware itself is Grade 2 equivalent. If physical security is your top priority, Schlage's Grade 1 certification is the clear winner.

Apple Home Key: Tap to Unlock

Apple Home Key lets you unlock your door by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock — no opening an app, no typing a code. The key lives in Apple Wallet and works even when your iPhone battery is dead (Power Reserve mode). Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus ($280-290 with Wi-Fi) supports Home Key. Schlage Encode Plus ($270-300) supports Home Key. August does NOT support Home Key on any model — you must use the app, voice, or a separate keypad. If you're an Apple user and the tap-to-unlock experience matters, Yale and Schlage are your only options.

Smart Home Integration

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit — the most flexible integration. Yale Assure Lock 2 works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings — its modular design lets you swap connectivity modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Matter) without replacing the lock. Schlage Encode (standard) works with Alexa and Google only — no HomeKit. Schlage Encode Plus adds HomeKit and Home Key. If you want HomeKit integration on a Schlage, you must buy the more expensive Encode Plus.

Keypad and Entry Options

August includes no keypad — if you want PIN code entry, you must buy the August Smart Keypad separately ($60-80). Yale includes a touchscreen keypad on all models, with fingerprint option on the Touch model. Schlage includes a large, ADA-compliant keypad on all Encode models. Both Yale and Schlage support up to 100 unique access codes with scheduling — perfect for rental properties or giving temporary access to cleaners, dog walkers, or guests. August can share virtual keys through the app but requires guests to download the August app unless you buy the separate keypad.

Battery Life Comparison

Schlage leads with approximately 6 months on 4 AA batteries. Yale varies significantly: Bluetooth-only models last 6-9 months on 4 AA batteries, but Wi-Fi models drain much faster (6-8 weeks). Yale offers 9V battery backup if main batteries die. August trails with approximately 3 months on 2 CR123 batteries. August's retrofit motor working with your existing deadbolt mechanism uses more power than purpose-built motors. All three locks provide low-battery warnings through their apps, and all still work manually (with your key) if batteries die completely.

Geofencing and Auto-Unlock

August's Auto-Unlock is its standout feature: when your phone's GPS detects you arriving home, the door unlocks automatically — no tap, no code, no fumbling with keys while carrying groceries. It's not perfect (GPS can be inconsistent), but when it works, it's magical. Yale offers Auto-Unlock through the Yale Access app with similar functionality. Schlage notably lacks geofencing — you must manually unlock via app, keypad, or Home Key. If hands-free arrival unlocking matters, August is the most refined implementation; Schlage doesn't offer it at all.

DoorSense Technology

Both August and Yale include DoorSense — a magnetic sensor that detects whether your door is actually closed, not just whether the deadbolt is extended. This prevents the lock from throwing the bolt when the door is ajar (which would damage your doorframe) and lets you know if someone left the door open. Schlage includes door position sensing on the Encode Plus but implementation varies. This seems like a small feature until you realize most 'smart' locks only know if they're locked — not if the door itself is shut.

Built-in Alarm (Schlage Only)

Schlage includes a built-in alarm (~85 dB) that detects forced entry attempts and tampering. Neither August nor Yale offers this. For security-conscious users, this is a significant advantage — you get audible deterrence without a separate security system. The alarm is customizable through the Schlage app and can alert you to both tampering and forced entry attempts.

Price Comparison

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen runs $180-200. Add the optional keypad ($60-80) and you're at $240-280 total. Yale Assure Lock 2 starts at $150-180 for Bluetooth-only; add Wi-Fi ($50-80) for remote access. The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus with Wi-Fi and Home Key costs $280-290. Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi (fingerprint) costs $280. Schlage Encode costs $230-250. Schlage Encode Plus (with Home Key) costs $270-300. For the most comparable feature sets (Wi-Fi, keypad, Home Key), Yale and Schlage are similarly priced at $270-300.

For Rental Properties and Airbnb

Yale and Schlage are better for rental properties. Both support up to 100 unique access codes that can be scheduled (only valid during certain hours/days) and time-limited (automatically expire). You can text codes directly to guests without them downloading an app. Activity logs show exactly who accessed the door and when. August can share virtual keys but requires guests to download the app — less convenient for short-term rentals. Schlage even integrates directly with Airbnb for automatic code management.

For Renters

August is the clear winner for renters. It installs over your existing deadbolt without replacing anything — when you move out, remove the August and your door is exactly as it was. Yale and Schlage both require replacing the entire deadbolt, which may violate your lease and definitely requires more effort to reverse when you leave. Yale does offer the Yale Approach ($200), a retrofit model similar to August that supports Home Key, but the standard Yale Assure Lock 2 is a full replacement.

Which One Should YOU Choose?

Choose August if you're renting, want the easiest installation, want to keep your existing keys, or prioritize geofencing auto-unlock. Choose Yale if you want Apple Home Key, modular connectivity for future upgrades, fingerprint unlock option, or built-in touchscreen keypad. Choose Schlage if security is your top priority (ANSI Grade 1), you want a built-in alarm, you need ADA-compliant large buttons, or you trust 100+ years of lock-making expertise. There's no universal best — the right lock depends on your specific priorities.