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Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on reliable locking. Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad 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 Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad it's needs a plug-in wi-fi bridge. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart locks | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $ |
| Type | Keypad deadbolt | Retrofit |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | 24% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Reliable locking | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Battery life | 3.0 | — |
| App & smart home | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Easy install | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Durability | 5.0 | — |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $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.
Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad
- Needs a plug-in Wi-Fi bridge
Without the included Yale Connect bridge it works only over Bluetooth. The bridge takes up an outlet and is larger than most smart plugs (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide). Tom's Guide says Wi-Fi would be better built into the lock, as on the August.
- No Apple Home
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide both note it doesn't support Apple Home. Tom's Guide says Matter support was promised by software update.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Tom's Guide review - Noisy motor
Tom's Guide lists a noisy motor as a reason to avoid it, in both its review and its buying guide.
Source: Tom's Guide review, Tom's Guide
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 Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad if
Keeping your existing deadbolt and keys
A slim retrofit on a budget
Alexa, Google Home or SmartThings users
Skip it if: You use Apple Home; You have no free outlet near the door for the bridge; You want a quiet motor
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