Schlage vs August Smart Lock: Which Is Right for You?

The Core Difference: Retrofit vs Full Replacement

This is THE deciding factor between these two smart locks. Understanding the installation approach determines everything else about your experience.

August's Retrofit Approach: August replaces ONLY the interior thumb turn (the part you twist with your thumb). Your exterior hardware—keyhole, faceplate, everything—stays 100% identical. Your original keys still work perfectly. Installation takes 10 minutes with zero tools—tape the outside in place, unscrew old thumb turn, screw on August mounting plate. When you move out, remove August and screw back your old thumb turn. Perfect for renters, HOAs with appearance restrictions, or anyone who doesn't want visible changes. Limitation: you're dependent on your existing deadbolt's security quality.

Schlage's Full Replacement: You physically remove your entire old deadbolt mechanism and install Schlage's purpose-built smart lock hardware. Exterior gets new touchscreen keypad plus keyhole assembly. Interior gets new battery housing with motor. Your original keys no longer work (new lock, new keys). Installation takes 30-45 minutes and requires screwdriver, possibly chiseling. Permanent modification—can't easily reverse when moving. Not suitable for renters unless landlord approves. Advantage: you get commercial-grade ANSI Grade 1 certified hardware designed specifically for smart operation, not retrofitting over whatever deadbolt came with your house.

Bottom Line: If you can't modify your door (renter, HOA, historic home), August is your ONLY option. If you own your home and want maximum security, Schlage's purpose-built hardware is superior to retrofitting over whatever deadbolt came with your house.

Security: Grade 1 vs Grade 2

ANSI/BHMA security grades measure a lock's physical resistance to forced entry. Grade 1 is the highest—used in commercial buildings, banks, and high-security residential applications. It must withstand at least six forced entry attempts and 800 pounds of vertical force. Grade 2 is standard residential quality.

Schlage Encode and Encode Plus are certified Grade 1. The Encode Plus goes even further with Grade AAA certification, meaning it can withstand 800 lbs vertical force and 450 lbs lateral force—far exceeding what a burglar could realistically apply. Schlage also includes a built-in 85dB alarm that detects tampering and forced entry attempts.

August's security is Grade 2 equivalent, BUT here's the catch: August retrofits over your existing deadbolt. So your actual security depends entirely on what deadbolt you already have installed. If you have a cheap, builder-grade deadbolt, August won't improve your physical security. If you have a high-quality deadbolt, August maintains that security while adding smart features.

Winner: Schlage for maximum physical security. August maintains your existing security level.

Auto-Unlock: August's Killer Feature

This is August's most distinctive feature and Schlage's most glaring omission. August's Auto-Unlock uses your phone's GPS to detect when you're approaching your door. As you walk up (typically within 200 feet), the lock automatically unlocks—no app, no voice command, no fumbling for keys while carrying groceries. You can set safety parameters like requiring you to be within 50 feet and stationary for 5 seconds before unlock.

In real-world testing, Auto-Unlock works about 85% of the time reliably. Occasional failures happen due to GPS lag (especially in urban areas with tall buildings), phone battery saver mode interfering with location services, or WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity issues. When it works, it feels like magic. When it doesn't, you pull out your phone and unlock manually—exactly like Schlage requires every time.

Schlage has NO geofencing capability whatsoever. Every single time you arrive home, you must pull out your phone and open the app, use voice command, enter your PIN code on the keypad, or use your physical key. For some users, this is a security feature—no risk of accidental unlocks. For others (especially parents with arms full of kids and groceries), it's a dealbreaker.

Winner: August. If hands-free arrival is important, August is your only option between these two.

Battery Life: 3 Months vs 6+ Months

August uses 2 CR123 batteries and lasts approximately 3 months with normal use (10-15 unlocks per day). The short battery life comes from built-in WiFi constantly maintaining connection, the retrofit motor working harder against existing deadbolt mechanism, and smaller battery compartment. CR123 batteries cost $8-12 per pair.

Schlage uses 4 standard AA batteries and lasts 6+ months, often stretching to 9-12 months with light use. AA batteries cost $4-6 for a 4-pack, and the purpose-built motor is more power-efficient. Over 5 years, August costs $160-240 more just in batteries.

Winner: Schlage. Battery life is twice as long with cheaper batteries.

Keypad: Separate Purchase vs Built-In

August does NOT include a keypad. If you want PIN code entry, you must buy the August Smart Keypad separately for $60-80. The keypad mounts near your door with adhesive and communicates via Bluetooth. Downsides: extra cost, separate device to maintain, can be stolen (not physically secured to door), and mixed reliability reviews.

Schlage includes a built-in touchscreen keypad on all Encode models. The keypad is part of the lock itself (can't be separated or stolen), fingerprint-resistant matte finish, backlit for nighttime use, and ADA-compliant large buttons. Supports up to 100 unique access codes with scheduling.

Total cost comparison: August with keypad costs $240-280. Schlage Encode costs $230-250 with keypad included. Schlage Encode Plus costs $270-300.

Winner: Schlage. Built-in keypad is more convenient, secure, and potentially cheaper.

Installation Time and Difficulty

August installation takes 10 minutes: tape exterior in place, unscrew old thumb turn, screw on August mounting plate, attach lock, calibrate in app. No tools required. 100% reversible. When you move out, remove August and screw back your old thumb turn.

Schlage installation takes 30-45 minutes: remove entire old deadbolt, verify door prep matches requirements, install latch mechanism, install exterior keypad assembly, install interior battery housing, connect wires, test. Requires screwdriver and possibly chiseling. Permanent modification—can't easily reverse.

Winner: August by a landslide. If you're a renter or hate DIY, this alone makes August the clear choice.

Smart Home Integration

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) works with Apple HomeKit (all models), Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and supports Z-Wave with August Connect bridge. Most flexible—one lock, all platforms.

Schlage segments by price: Encode (standard) works with Alexa and Google ONLY—no HomeKit. Encode Plus adds HomeKit and Apple Home Key but costs $40-50 more. For Apple users, August offers HomeKit on any model ($180-200), while Schlage requires Encode Plus ($270-300).

Winner: August for broader compatibility. Schlage Plus wins if you want Apple Home Key.

App Experience

The August app is consistently rated as the best smart lock app across all brands. Intuitive modern interface, guest access is incredibly easy (send virtual keys via text/email), detailed activity log, simple geofencing setup, timely notifications. August feels like a modern tech company built the app.

Schlage app is functional but dated UI design (feels 5 years old). Guest code management works but isn't as intuitive. Settings can be hard to find. Occasional connectivity issues reported. Schlage feels like a traditional lock company added an app as an afterthought.

Winner: August. App quality matters since you'll interact with it daily.

Which One Should YOU Choose?

Choose August if you're renting and can't modify door hardware permanently, want auto-unlock geofencing, need 10-minute reversible installation, want to keep your existing keys working, value the best app experience, or have HOA restrictions on door appearance.

Choose Schlage if you own your home and can modify the door, physical security (Grade 1) is your top priority, you want a built-in keypad without extra purchase, built-in tamper alarm is important, you need 6+ month battery life, or you're managing an Airbnb/rental property.

There's no universal best — the right lock depends on whether you can permanently modify your door and whether you prioritize convenience (August) or security (Schlage).