Smart locks make it easier and safer to protect your home. No keys to lose. No need to hide spares under a mat. You can lock or unlock your door from anywhere. Three top brands lead the market: August, Yale, and Schlage. Each offers strong features, but which one fits your needs? This guide compares them side by side. We’ll look at design, features, ease of use, security, and price.
1. Design and Build
All three locks are built to last. But they look and feel different.
August Smart Lock (4th Gen)
- Sleek and small
- Mounts inside the door
- Keeps your old key outside
- No keypad included (sold separately)
Yale Assure Lock 2
- Modern and clean
- Touchscreen or keypad option
- Replaces full deadbolt
- Many color choices
Schlage Encode
- Bold and solid look
- Built-in keypad
- Replaces entire deadbolt
- Strong metal body
Winner for Design:
If you want to keep your existing key and lock, go with August.
If you want a full new lock with a keypad, Yale or Schlage work better.
2. Setup and Installation of Smart Locks
Installing a smart lock sounds hard—but it isn’t. Most take under 30 minutes with simple tools.
August:
- Installs over your current deadbolt
- No drilling needed
- Great for renters
Yale:
- Requires removing old deadbolt
- Needs accurate alignment
- Clear app setup
Schlage:
- Replaces full deadbolt
- Good instructions
- Heavier and a bit trickier
Winner for Ease of Setup:
August is best if you don’t want to change your door hardware.
Yale and Schlage take more time but aren’t hard for most people.
3. Smart Features
Smart locks do more than just lock and unlock.
August:
- Auto-lock and unlock with phone location
- Unlock with app or Apple Watch
- Share guest access
- Activity log
- Works with Wi-Fi (built-in)
Yale:
- Touchscreen keypad
- App control and guest access
- Auto-lock options
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi models
- Compatible with smart assistants
Schlage:
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Keypad and app access
- Auto-lock feature
- Works with Amazon Alexa
- Strong encryption
Winner for Features:
August wins on smart control and geofencing.
Yale and Schlage give you more access options, like keypads.
4. Smart Home Integration
Connecting your lock to your smart home helps control everything from one app.
August:
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa
- Integrates with Ring and other smart tools
- Great iOS features
Yale:
- Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa
- Can link with smart home hubs
- Z-Wave options available
Schlage:
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- No Apple HomeKit (yet)
- No hub needed
Winner for Integration:
August and Yale support the widest range of platforms.
If you’re an iPhone user, August works great with HomeKit.
5. Access Control
You want to give access to family, friends, or service workers—without handing out keys.
August:
- Share access with the app
- Set time windows
- Unlimited users
- Great for Airbnbs
Yale:
- Set PIN codes
- Add or delete from app
- Up to 250 users (with Wi-Fi module)
Schlage:
- Up to 100 user codes
- Works well with Amazon Key
- Schedule or delete access via app
Winner for Access Control:
August gives the most flexible app-based sharing.
Yale is better if you prefer keypads for guests or kids.
6. Security
Smart locks need strong physical and digital protection.
August:
- AES-128 bit encryption
- Two-factor login
- Works with your existing deadbolt, so quality depends on that
Yale:
- ANSI Grade 2 deadbolt
- Strong encryption
- Tamper alerts
Schlage:
- ANSI Grade 1 (highest rating)
- Built-in alarm
- Strong digital protection
Winner for Security:
Schlage is best for high-security needs.
Yale is also strong.
August depends on your current lock strength.
7. App and User Experience
The app is where you’ll do most things: unlock, share access, and see history.
August App:
- Clean and simple
- Location-based auto-unlock
- History of entries
- No clutter
Yale App (Yale Access or Smart Living):
- Easy to manage users
- Responsive
- Good mobile alerts
- Syncs with Yale safe and alarms
Schlage App:
- Slightly dated look
- Reliable and fast
- Easy setup and management
Winner for App:
August has the smoothest app.
Yale also performs well.
Schlage works fine but could use a refresh.
8. Battery Life
Smart locks need power. Most use AA batteries or built-in rechargeable ones.
August:
- Uses 2 CR123 batteries
- Lasts about 3–6 months
- App gives low-battery alerts
Yale:
- Uses 4 AA batteries
- Lasts 6–9 months
- Some models support 9V emergency power
Schlage:
- Uses 4 AA batteries
- Around 6 months of use
- Alerts you when low
Winner for Battery Life:
Yale gets the edge for longer life and 9V backup.
August runs out faster, but warns you in time.
9. Price and Value
Here’s a general range (as of 2025):
- August Smart Lock (4th Gen): Around $180
- Yale Assure Lock 2 (with Wi-Fi): Around $230
- Schlage Encode: Around $250
Prices may vary by store and model features.
Winner for Price:
August is best for budget buyers who want top features.
Yale is a strong balance of price and options.
Schlage is more expensive but worth it for extra security.
Final Verdict
Here’s a quick summary:
| Feature | Winner |
| Design | August |
| Easy Setup | August |
| Smart Features | August |
| Integration | August/Yale |
| Access Control | August |
| Security | Schlage |
| App Experience | August |
| Battery Life | Yale |
| Price | August |
Pick August if:
You want smart control, easy install, and sleek design.
Pick Yale if:
You like keypad access, good battery life, and strong smart features.
Pick Schlage if:
You want top-level security and a built-in alarm. Choose based on your needs, not just the brand. Any of these three can protect your home well.
