August vs Schlage Home Safe

What is the August Smart Lock?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is a retrofit device that attaches to your existing deadbolt from the inside. It does not replace your exterior hardware, meaning your existing key and lock cylinder remain unchanged. This makes it an ideal solution for renters or anyone who cannot permanently alter their door hardware.

August relies on your existing deadbolt for physical security. The smart lock part simply motorizes the thumb turn. It connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave. Owner reviews on Amazon and Home Depot consistently praise its easy installation and DoorSense feature, which confirms if the door is actually closed and locked.

What is the Schlage Encode Plus?

The Schlage Encode Plus is a complete, built-in smart deadbolt replacement. It boasts an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating, the highest residential standard, meaning it has passed rigorous testing for forced entry, torque, and cycle life. It includes a built-in alarm that sounds if someone tampers with the lock or attempts forced entry.

This lock supports Apple HomeKit (with a Home Hub for remote access), Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and the new Matter smart home standard. It comes with a physical key override, so you are never locked out if the battery dies. Aggregated reviews from retailers like Lowe's and Amazon highlight its robust build quality and reliable performance, though the installation is more involved than August's.

Key Differences: August vs Schlage

Security and Durability

The most significant difference is security certification. Schlage's Encode Plus is ANSI Grade 1 certified, a standard that involves 800,000 cycle tests and 10,000 strikes from a 100-pound pendulum. August does not hold any ANSI rating because it does not replace the lock mechanism; it only motorizes the thumb turn. The actual security of an August lock depends entirely on the quality of the existing deadbolt it attaches to.

Schlage also includes a built-in alarm, which August lacks. For homeowners prioritizing peace of mind against physical attacks, Schlage is the clear winner. For renters who cannot change the lock, August is the only viable option.

Installation and Flexibility

August wins on ease of installation. It takes about 15 minutes with only a screwdriver, and you do not need to remove your existing lock. This is a major advantage for apartment dwellers or those who want a smart lock without altering their door's exterior appearance.

Schlage requires a full replacement of your deadbolt. This takes 30-60 minutes and requires removing the old lock. It is a permanent change. However, the result is a unified, integrated lock that looks like a standard deadbolt from the outside, which some users prefer for aesthetics.

Smart Home Ecosystem

Both locks offer broad smart home support, but with differences. August supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, and Z-Wave. The Z-Wave support is a big plus for users with existing Z-Wave hubs like Samsung SmartThings. However, August does not support Matter yet.

Schlage Encode Plus supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google, and Matter. Matter support ensures future compatibility with the next generation of smart home devices. For users invested in the Apple ecosystem, Schlage's HomeKey feature allows you to unlock the door with a simple tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch, a feature August does not offer.

Battery Life and Reliability

Owner reviews on Amazon and Best Buy indicate that Schlage generally achieves longer battery life, averaging 6-12 months on a set of 4 AA batteries. August users report 3-6 months, though this varies heavily with Wi-Fi usage. Both locks send low-battery alerts to your phone.

In terms of reliability, Schlage has a slight edge in aggregated reviews. Users report fewer connectivity drops and motor jams compared to August. August's reliance on the existing deadbolt can sometimes lead to issues if the deadbolt is misaligned or sticky, causing the motor to struggle.

What to Check Before Buying

Before choosing between August and Schlage, verify your door's compatibility. August requires a standard deadbolt with a thumb turn that rotates freely. It will not work with mortise locks, rim locks, or deadbolts with a push-button lock on the inside.

Schlage requires a standard door prep with a 2-1/8 inch bore hole and a 1 inch latch hole. Measure your door's thickness (standard is 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches). Also, check if your door is properly aligned; a misaligned door can cause any smart lock to fail.

Consider your smart home ecosystem. If you use Apple HomeKit and want the tap-to-unlock HomeKey feature, Schlage is the only choice. If you have a Z-Wave hub, August is the better fit. For Matter compatibility, go with Schlage.

Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is assuming August provides the same physical security as a full deadbolt. It does not. August is a convenience layer over your existing lock. If your current deadbolt is flimsy, August will not make it stronger.

Another mistake is ignoring the need for a key override. August does not include a physical key. If the battery dies and you do not have the keypad add-on, you are locked out. Schlage includes a key, which is a crucial safety net.

Finally, do not overlook the warranty. Schlage offers a 3-year warranty, while August offers only 1 year. For a device that controls access to your home, a longer warranty provides better long-term value.