Head-to-head · Best Smart Locks

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Apple HomeKit users prioritizing easy installation over keypad access — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smart Locks

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)

4.4

4 sources$230as of Aug 1

Installation is where the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) shines, and its smart home integration is reliable enough to trust with door security. The limits: no 5GHz Wi-Fi support and no built-in keypad, which becomes a problem the day you are locked out without your phone. Auto-lock works well. The standard retail price is high and the design bulky, so many buyers will want to wait for a sale.

Strengths

— Super-simple setup that can be completed in minutes using a screwdriver
— Seamless integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
— Reliable Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features triggered by phone proximity

Watch-outs

— Does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
— Lacks an alternate unlock method if both keys and phone are left inside
— Physical unit is described as bulky or 'chonky' despite size reductions

$230 · Buy at lowes.com Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Smart Locks

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

4.2

5 sources$319as of Aug 1

Broad ecosystem support is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt's advantage, Apple Home Key included, and built-in Wi-Fi means no bridge to buy. Physical installation is straightforward and there is a physical key backup, though managing it through Google or Alexa still requires the Schlage Home app, and the unit is somewhat bulky. Worth it if broad platform support and remote monitoring matter more to you than the higher price and the missing biometric sensors.

Strengths

— Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit including Apple Home Key NFC technology
— Integrated Wi-Fi eliminates the need for a separate bridge or hub
— Easy physical installation with clearly labeled parts and a straightforward manual

Watch-outs

— Google Home and Alexa apps require the Schlage Home app to function properly
— Construction is relatively bulky compared to some other smart locks
— Lacks a fingerprint reader for biometric access

$319 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)

While the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) offers a simpler setup than the Schlage Encode Plus and a more compact footprint than the bulky Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, it falls short by lacking a built-in keypad, a feature the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Ultraloq provide for keyless entry without a phone. Its reliance on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi mirrors the Ultraloq's limitation, but unlike the Yale, it does not support the newer Thread protocol for future-proofing.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The Schlage Encode Plus stands out against the Level Lock+ and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock by offering native Apple Home Key support and integrated Wi-Fi without needing a bridge, a convenience the Level Lock+ lacks without an extra purchase. Although it shares the bulky design of the August and Ultraloq, it provides a physical key backup that the August lacks entirely, ensuring access even if the app fails.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)	Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Connectivity	Wi-Fi	Integrated Wi-Fi
Smart Home Support	Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit	Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Unlock Methods	App, Auto-unlock, Key	Physical key included
Power Source	Two 3V CR123 lithium batteries	4 AA batteries
Fingerprint Capacity	None	None
Door Compatibility	Standard deadbolts	Standard deadbolt doors
Material	—	Zinc

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