ConsFirst / Smart locks / Compare
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on reliable locking, battery life. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) wins on app & smart home.
The biggest complaint about the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt is slow app, settings only in bluetooth range; for the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) it's short battery life. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart locks | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Keypad deadbolt | Retrofit |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | 17% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Reliable locking | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Battery life | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| App & smart home | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| Easy install | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Durability | 5.0 | — |
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
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Slow app, settings only in Bluetooth range
Wirecutter says it has never enjoyed the Schlage app: it is slower than others and still tedious after two major updates, and settings such as adding a user can be changed only within Bluetooth range. PCWorld, by contrast, found the redesigned app cleaner.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCWorld review - Wi-Fi and Google Home hiccups, no Apple Home
In Wirecutter's tests Google Home showed the lock out of sync, saying it was locked when it wasn't, and unlocking from the app then failed. Amazon's summary says Wi-Fi connectivity is mixed, with some owners reporting frequent disconnections. PCWorld notes it has no Apple Home or Matter support and uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
- Missing door sensor and alarm
Wirecutter and PCWorld note there's no door open/close sensor, so auto-lock will lock even if the door is left open. Wirecutter also notes there's no tamper or impact alarm. PCWorld says Wi-Fi shortens battery life and calls the price a bit high for the features. Amazon owners are split on battery life and value.
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.
Who should pick which
Pick the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
A simple, sturdy keypad lock for the whole household
Alexa or Google Home users
Wi-Fi without a plug-in hub
Skip it if: You use Apple Home; You want a door-open sensor or alarm; You want a polished, fast app
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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.