August vs. Schlage Smart Lock (2026): Retrofit vs. Full Replacement
- Nest Alpha
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
You’ve upgraded your thermostat, automated your sprinklers, and bought a robot vacuum.
But if you are still fumbling in the dark for house keys, your smart home isn't finished.
In 2026, the smart lock market is a two-horse race: August and Schlage.
But these two companies take completely different approaches to front-door security. One wants you to keep your existing deadbolt (great for renters); the other wants you to rip it out and install a high-tech keypad.
We tested the flagship August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Gen 4) against the heavy-duty Schlage Encode Plus to help you decide which one should guard your home.
The Cheat Sheet: Quick Comparison Table
In a rush? Here is the breakdown of the top two contenders.
Feature | ||
Best For... | Renters / Easy Install | Homeowners / Apple Users |
Install Type | Retrofit (Inside door only) | Full Replacement (Inside & Out) |
Outside Look | Your existing normal keyhole | Touchscreen Keypad |
Apple Home Key? | No | Yes (Tap to Unlock) |
Auto-Unlock | Yes (Via Bluetooth proximity) | No (Requires Code or Tap) |
Battery Life | ~3 to 5 Months (CR123A) | ~6 to 12 Months (AA) |
Price Est. | ~$109 | ~$274 |
1. The Renter's Dream: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Gen 4)
If you rent an apartment, or if you have a beautiful custom front door and don't want an ugly keypad ruining the outside aesthetic, August is your only choice.
The "Retrofit" Design: The August lock only replaces the thumb-turn on the inside of your door. From the outside, it looks exactly like a normal deadbolt. You can still use your original metal key.
Auto-Unlock Magic: This is August's superpower. As you walk up to your door with groceries in your hands, the lock senses your phone's Bluetooth and automatically unlocks the door before you even reach the handle.
Built-in Wi-Fi: Older models required a clunky bridge plugged into a wall outlet. The Gen 4 has Wi-Fi built directly into the lock, so you can check if your door is locked from across the world right out of the box.
The Catch: Because it has built-in Wi-Fi and uses smaller batteries, the battery life is notoriously short (you will be replacing batteries every 3-4 months).
Both locks require basic installation. Make sure you have the Multi-Bit Screwdriver from our Essential Tools for New Homeowners checklist ready to go.
2. The Heavy-Duty King: Schlage Encode Plus
If you own your home and want maximum security, Schlage is a 100-year-old lock company that finally perfected smart tech.
The Apple Home Key: This is the greatest feature in smart locks today. If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch, you don't even need to open an app. You just tap your watch against the lock (like using Apple Pay at a grocery store), and the door unlocks. It even works if your phone battery is dead!
The Keypad: Sometimes you just want to go for a run without your phone. The built-in keypad lets you punch in a code. You can also generate temporary codes for dog walkers or Airbnb guests and delete them later.
Grade 1 Security: Schlage makes real, heavy-duty locks. The Encode Plus carries the highest commercial security rating against lock-picking and kick-ins.
The Catch: It requires you to completely remove your old deadbolt. You will get a new set of physical backup keys.
Critical Guide: Which Tech Do You Need?
If you have kids or guests:
Get the Schlage Encode Plus. Kids lose keys and phones die. Memorizing a 4-digit code is the safest way to ensure your family can always get inside.
If your HOA/Landlord is strict: Get the August Wi-Fi Lock. Many apartment buildings and HOAs forbid you from changing the exterior hardware of your door. Because August only changes the inside, your landlord’s master key will still work perfectly.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Schlage Encode Plus If:
You own your home and can change the locks.
You use an iPhone or Apple Watch (Home Key is life-changing).
You want a physical keypad for guests/kids.
Buy the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock If:
You rent your home or have strict HOA rules.
You love the "Auto-Unlock" feature when your hands are full.
You want to keep your existing exterior hardware/keys.
Once your front door is secured, secure the perimeter. Check out our guide to the Best Solar Pathway Lights to deter intruders before they even reach the porch.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can smart locks be hacked?
A: While anything connected to the internet has a theoretical risk, premium brands like August and Schlage use AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryption (the same standard used by online banks). The reality is, a burglar is much more likely to throw a rock through your window than attempt a complex cyber-attack on your front door.
Q: What happens if the smart lock battery dies?
A: Both the August and Schlage locks will warn you via their smartphone apps weeks before the batteries die. However, if they do completely die, both locks retain a traditional physical keyhole on the outside so you can always use a standard metal key to get in.
Q: Does the Schlage Encode Plus work with Android / Google? A: Yes. While the "Tap to Unlock" Home Key feature is exclusive to Apple devices, the Schlage Encode Plus still works perfectly with Android phones, the Schlage App, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
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