August vs Schlage Video Doorbell
Choosing between an August and a Schlage video doorbell comes down to your existing smart home ecosystem and whether you prioritize sleek design with premium integrations or robust security with a proven lock brand. Both offer solid video quality, but their approaches to connectivity, power, and ecosystem lock-in differ significantly.
Quick answer
If you already use Apple HomeKit or want a doorbell that works with August smart locks, choose the August View. If you prefer a hardwired, security-first doorbell with a built-in alarm and a trusted lock brand name, the Schlage Encode Video Doorbell is the better pick. For most users, the Schlage offers more traditional reliability.
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Research updated June 2026.
| Specification | August View | Schlage Encode Video Doorbell |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Apple HomeKit & August lock users | Hardwired reliability & alarm integration |
| Video Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Field of View | 140° diagonal | 180° diagonal |
| Power Source | Battery (rechargeable) | Hardwired (existing doorbell wiring) |
| Smart Platform | Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Schlage Home app |
| Night Vision | Infrared (color with spotlight) | Infrared (black & white) |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Chime | No (uses HomePod or Echo) | Yes (mechanical chime included) |
| Subscription Required | No (basic features free) | No (basic features free) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 3 years |
| Owner Rating (aggregated) | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
August View vs Schlage Encode Video Doorbell: Key Differences
The August View is a battery-powered video doorbell that focuses on sleek design and deep integration with Apple HomeKit and August smart locks. It is a great choice for renters or those who cannot hardwire a doorbell. The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell is a hardwired unit that prioritizes security features, including a built-in alarm and a wider field of view, and it benefits from Schlage's reputation for durable locks.
Design and Build Quality
The August View has a modern, minimalist design with a sleek, rounded face and a satin nickel or dark bronze finish. It is designed to look unobtrusive next to an August smart lock. The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell is more traditional and robust, with a larger footprint and a classic rectangular shape. It feels more industrial and secure, matching Schlage's lock aesthetic. Owner reviews on Amazon and Home Depot note that the August View feels lighter and more plastic-like, while the Schlage has a heavier, more premium feel.
Video and Audio Performance
Both doorbells offer 1080p HD video, but the Schlage provides a wider 180° field of view compared to August's 140°. This means the Schlage captures more of your porch and packages. The August View has a slight edge in night vision with color via a built-in spotlight, while the Schlage uses standard black-and-white infrared. Two-way audio is clear on both, though some August View reviews mention a slight delay in audio transmission.
Smart Home Integration
This is the biggest differentiator. The August View is one of the few video doorbells with native Apple HomeKit Secure Video support, allowing for end-to-end encrypted recording and facial recognition via HomeKit. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell works with Alexa and Google Assistant but does not support HomeKit. However, it integrates seamlessly with the Schlage Home app and can trigger the doorbell's built-in alarm.
Power and Installation
The August View is battery-powered, making it easy to install without existing doorbell wiring. The battery lasts 3-6 months depending on usage. The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell requires hardwiring to your existing doorbell system, which provides constant power and avoids battery changes. This makes the Schlage a more permanent, set-and-forget solution. For renters, the August View is the clear winner.
What to Check Before Buying
Before choosing, check your existing smart home ecosystem. If you use Apple HomeKit or have an August smart lock, the August View is the natural choice. If you have a Schlage lock or prefer a hardwired doorbell with a wider field of view, go with the Schlage. Also, verify your doorbell wiring voltage (16-24V AC is required for Schlage) and whether you have a mechanical chime you want to keep.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume both doorbells work with all smart platforms. The Schlage does not support HomeKit. Also, do not buy the August View if you want a built-in chime; it relies on smart speakers or your phone. Finally, avoid choosing based solely on price; consider the long-term cost of batteries for the August View versus the installation complexity of the hardwired Schlage.
Ecosystem and Lock Integration
If you own an August smart lock, the August View can unlock your door when it recognizes a familiar face via HomeKit Secure Video. This is a powerful convenience feature. Schlage does not offer this level of integration with its video doorbell and locks, though both can be controlled within the Schlage Home app. The August ecosystem is more cohesive for automation, while Schlage focuses on individual product reliability.
Security Features
The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell has a built-in alarm that can be triggered by motion or a press of the doorbell button. This is a unique security feature not found on the August View. The Schlage also supports package detection and alerts. The August View relies on HomeKit Secure Video for advanced detection, which requires an iCloud+ subscription. For out-of-the-box security, the Schlage is stronger.
FAQs
Does the August View work with Schlage locks?
No, the August View only integrates with August smart locks. It does not work with Schlage locks.
Does the Schlage Encode Video Doorbell support HomeKit?
No, the Schlage Encode Video Doorbell does not support Apple HomeKit. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Which doorbell has a better field of view?
The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell has a wider 180° field of view compared to the August View's 140°.
Do I need a subscription for either doorbell?
No, both doorbells offer basic features like live view and motion alerts without a subscription. Advanced recording requires a subscription.
Which doorbell is better for renters?
The August View is better for renters because it is battery-powered and does not require hardwiring.
Does the August View have a built-in chime?
No, the August View does not have a built-in chime. It rings through smart speakers or your phone.
Does the Schlage doorbell have a built-in alarm?
Yes, the Schlage Encode Video Doorbell has a built-in alarm that can be triggered by motion or a doorbell press.
Which doorbell has a longer warranty?
The Schlage Encode Video Doorbell has a 3-year warranty, while the August View has a 1-year warranty.
Can I use the August View without an August lock?
Yes, the August View works as a standalone video doorbell, but its best features are unlocked when paired with an August lock.
Which doorbell has better night vision?
The August View has color night vision with a built-in spotlight, while the Schlage uses standard black-and-white infrared.
Our verdict
For most users, the Schlage Encode Video Doorbell is the better choice due to its wider field of view, built-in alarm, longer warranty, and hardwired reliability. However, if you are an Apple HomeKit user or own an August smart lock, the August View offers superior ecosystem integration and easier battery-powered installation. Choose based on your smart home platform.