ConsFirst / Smart locks / Compare
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on reliable locking, app & smart home, easy install. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt wins on battery life.
The biggest complaint about the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is short battery life; for the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt it's homekit setup trade-offs and connection issues. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart locks | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Retrofit | Keypad deadbolt |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 17% | 25% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Reliable locking | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Battery life | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| App & smart home | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Easy install | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Durability | — | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
- Short battery life
PCMag says its two CR123 batteries are expected to last up to three months, so keep spares, and lists short battery life as a con. Amazon's summary says owners report replacing them about every six weeks.
- Auto-unlock and Wi-Fi misfires
Amazon's summary says feedback on auto-unlock and Wi-Fi is mixed, with some owners reporting random unlocking at night and frequent disconnections. Wirecutter warns that geofenced auto-unlock risks accidental unlocking on any lock.
- Bulky and pricey
Tom's Guide calls it 'quite bulky' and prefers the slimmer Yale Approach. CNET says it is still bulky and lacks full Matter support. PCMag lists it as pricey, and some Amazon owners say it isn't worth the price.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- HomeKit setup trade-offs and connection issues
Tom's Guide says that if you set it up through HomeKit first, you can't use the Schlage app's features afterward, such as scheduled guest codes, Wi-Fi, the alarm and history. Amazon's summary says some owners report persistent Wi-Fi problems and trouble with HomeKit.
- Mixed reliability reports
Amazon's summary says reliability and quality get mixed feedback, with some owners finding it unreliable or of poor quality. A quarter of its Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
- Pricey, and no emergency power
Tom's Guide reviewed it at $299, and PCWorld lists it at $329. Tom's Guide notes there's no way to power it from outside if the batteries die, unlike Yale's 9V contacts. Amazon owners are split on whether it's worth the extra cost.
Who should pick which
Pick the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) if
Renters or anyone keeping their keys
Alexa, Google, Apple Home and IFTTT users
The easiest install
Skip it if: You hate changing batteries; You want a slim lock on the door; You want a keypad without buying an add-on
Pick the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
iPhone and Apple Watch owners (Home Key)
A lock with a built-in alarm
Alexa, Google and Apple Home in one lock
Skip it if: You don't use Apple devices; You want a budget lock; You want a backup power terminal for dead batteries
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