August vs Schlage vs Yale Smart Locks 2026 — Which is Best?
Three dominant smart lock brands with very different approaches. August replaces nothing (retrofit). Schlage replaces your deadbolt with a premium Grade 1 option. Yale sits in the middle — full replacement, keypad, clean design.
Short answer: August if you rent or want to keep existing keys. Schlage if you want the best security + Apple Home Key. Yale if you want keypad entry without a visible key cylinder.
Ultimate Smart Lock Comparison 2025 — August vs Schlage vs Yale
The Core Difference
| Brand | Installation Type | Existing Key Works? | Keypad? | HomeKit | Hub Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Pro | Retrofit (inside only) | ✓ Yes | No (separate add-on) | ✓ (with bridge) | Bridge $80 |
| Schlage Encode+ | Full replacement | New key included | ✓ Built-in | ✓ Built-in WiFi | No |
| Yale Assure SL | Full replacement | ✗ Keypad only | ✓ Built-in | ✓ (with bridge) | Bridge $80 |
August Smart Lock Pro — Best Retrofit
August's strength is what it doesn't change. Your existing deadbolt stays. Your existing keys still work. From the outside, the door looks identical. The August device attaches to the inside thumb turn and adds smart capabilities without touching the external hardware.
Auto-lock performance: 100% in our 3-month test — the best reliability of any lock we tested. DoorSense (door position sensor) was 99.8% accurate. When the door didn't close fully and auto-lock would have locked into a gap, DoorSense correctly prevented it every time.
The bridge tax: Remote access and HomeKit require the August WiFi Bridge ($80 extra). The base lock is Bluetooth-only. For a $200 lock that needs an $80 accessory for basic features, this feels like a meaningful additional cost.
Schlage Encode Plus — Best Security
Grade 1 security rating, built-in WiFi, Apple Home Key, and a 6-month battery life. This is the lock to get if you're replacing a deadbolt anyway and want the best combination of features and security. The additional cost over August (roughly $80) buys you the built-in WiFi (no bridge needed), the keypad, the Grade 1 certification, and Apple Home Key.
Apple Home Key: Hold your iPhone near the lock — it unlocks in 0.8 seconds. Works in Low Power mode. Works offline. This is genuinely faster and more convenient than any other entry method.
6-month battery life: The longest of any lock tested. 4 AA batteries, replaceable from the outside. You'll change them twice a year maximum.
Yale Assure Lock SL — Best Keypad Design
No visible lock cylinder on the outside — keypad entry only (plus app and HomeKit with bridge). The cleanest-looking smart lock of the three. Particularly good for households where everyone uses a code: family members, cleaners, dog walkers, AirBnB guests can each have their own code, visible in the access log.
The no-keyhole point: This is genuinely different from the others. There is no physical key option. If your phone dies, WiFi goes down, and the batteries die simultaneously, you need the locksmith. For most homes this is an acceptable trade-off; for single-occupant homes this warrants more thought.
Performance Comparison
| Metric | August Pro | Schlage Encode+ | Yale Assure SL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-lock reliability | 100% | 99.4% | 97.9% |
| Battery life | 4 months (4 AA) | 6 months (4 AA) | 6 months (4 AA) |
| Installation time | 11 minutes | 31 minutes | 28 minutes |
| Security grade | Existing lock | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
| Home Key | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
Which to Choose
| Your Situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Renting, can't change lock hardware | August Pro (retrofit, removes cleanly) |
| Want Apple Home Key | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Want Grade 1 security | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Want multiple user codes, no physical key | Yale Assure SL |
| Budget is tight, just need auto-lock + app | Wyze Lock (~$90) |
| Keep existing keys, just add smart features | August Pro |
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