Table of Contents
Meet the Brands
August and Schlage approach smart locks from completely different angles. August built its name on retrofit locks that sit on the inside of your door and preserve your existing exterior hardware. Schlage, by contrast, makes full replacement deadbolts and lever locks that lean into durability, keypad convenience, and a more traditional security-hardware feel.
That means the question is not just “which lock is better?” It is also “what kind of lock do you want to live with?” If you are renting or want to keep your existing keys and exterior appearance, August makes a strong case. If you want a built-in keypad and a sturdier all-in-one solution, Schlage is usually the better fit.
Design Philosophy
August locks, especially the Wi-Fi Smart Lock and older Pro models, are designed to retrofit the interior side of an existing deadbolt. From outside, your door can look exactly the same. That is brilliant for renters and for anyone who does not want to advertise “smart lock here.” It also means installation is usually easier.
Schlage locks like the Encode and Encode Plus replace the deadbolt entirely. They look more substantial and more obviously “smart,” but they also tend to feel more robust. The built-in keypad on Schlage models is one of their biggest practical advantages. There is no accessory to buy and no need for every user to have a phone.
Features & Smart Home Support
August shines in app polish and retrofit convenience. The app is mature, remote access is easy, and integrations with platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit are well established. Auto-unlock based on your phone's location can work wonderfully when it is dialled in, though some users find geofencing a little inconsistent depending on phone settings.
Schlage's best locks focus on dependable keypad access and stronger hardware. The Encode Plus, in particular, is one of the most appealing all-round smart locks because it adds Apple Home Key while keeping the excellent Schlage keypad and sturdy deadbolt feel. Schlage products also tend to inspire a bit more confidence physically. They feel like security hardware first and smart gadgets second.
On the downside, Schlage usually costs more for the better models, while August sometimes has shorter battery life because of compact designs and Wi-Fi radio demands. Neither brand is perfect. One prioritises flexibility and subtlety; the other prioritises sturdiness and convenience at the door.
Comparison Table
| Category | August | Schlage |
|---|---|---|
| Best-known style | Interior retrofit lock | Full deadbolt replacement |
| Exterior appearance | Keeps existing hardware | Visible smart lock |
| Built-in keypad | Usually accessory or separate model | Yes on key models |
| Installation ease | Usually easier | Moderate |
| Physical hardware feel | Good | Excellent |
| App experience | Polished | Good |
| Battery life | Can be average | Often better |
| Apple Home Key | Not core focus | Encode Plus supports it |
| Renter friendliness | Excellent | Lower |
| Best for families/guests | Good | Great keypad access |
Who Should Buy August?
Buy August if you want an easy retrofit, if you rent, or if preserving your front door's existing appearance matters. It is also a smart pick if you like phone-based access and want to keep using your current key cylinder. August is less about “door lock gadgetry” and more about quietly adding remote control to what you already have.
August also works well for apartment dwellers. Because it is typically installed on the inside only, you are less likely to upset building rules or visually alter the exterior side of the door. That alone keeps August in the conversation even as the market becomes more crowded.
Who Should Buy Schlage?
Buy Schlage if you want the most broadly useful everyday experience. A built-in keypad is simply practical. Kids, guests, dog walkers, and relatives can all get in without apps or Bluetooth weirdness. Schlage also feels more physically substantial, and the Encode Plus is one of the best premium smart locks on the market right now.
If your smart lock is going on a busy family front door rather than a minimalist apartment setup, Schlage often makes more sense. It asks less of everyone else in your house.
Overall Winner
In pure all-around terms, Schlage wins in 2025. The combination of strong hardware, dependable keypad access, and excellent premium options like the Encode Plus makes it the better fit for most homeowners. That said, August remains the better answer for renters, retrofit simplicity, and people who actively do not want a visible smart lock.
Bottom line
Choose August for subtle retrofit convenience. Choose Schlage for the strongest all-round smart lock experience, especially for family homes and keypad-first living.
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