Compare Yale August Smart Lock vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock

Remote access was praised as convenient for controlling the lock from elsewhere in the house or anywhere with a phone connection.

Remote access was limited in Apple Home setups without a hub, which reviewers treated as an important caveat despite the lock's built-in Wi-Fi.

The activity log was useful in one review, but another reviewer reported a serious failure where an unlock event was not logged.

Access logs were praised by reviewers who liked being able to see lock history and how the lock was opened or closed.

DoorSense was praised when it worked and was considered worth installing, but one reviewer reported repeated calibration failures and incorrect open/closed status.

Door-sense capability was criticized as absent, with a reviewer saying an open/closed door sensor would still be useful despite lock/unlock notifications.

Reviewers valued the retrofit deadbolt fit for renters and existing-door setups, though one installation was complicated by tight door trim.

Door fit mattered because reviewers warned that smart locks dislike resistance and may have battery or operation issues if the deadbolt does not move smoothly.

User access management was praised for free virtual keys and scheduled access codes.

User access management was praised for admin keys and code toggles, but reviewers also reported Home app and Schlage app code-management limitations.

Geofencing and auto-unlock were the most mixed smart feature: some reviewers found it handy or excellent, while others found it slow, inconsistent, or stopped working.

Geofencing and arrival automation were weaker points because one reviewer found Apple Watch confirmation prompts frustrating instead of seamless.

Guest access was easy and useful, with virtual keys, sharing by text, and scheduled codes highlighted positively.

Guest access was praised for schedules, renter use, and easy code sharing, but one reviewer criticized the 100-code limit versus competing locks with more capacity.

Reviewers liked that built-in Wi-Fi removes the need for an add-on bridge or Connect module.

Reviewers liked that the lock can avoid a separate bridge, but Apple/HomeKit users still saw hub requirements as important for remote control, Thread performance, or battery life.

The motor was praised for quiet operation in PCMag testing.

The lock motor was repeatedly praised as smooth, fast, and quieter than prior Schlage or Nest/Yale locks, making everyday locking less disruptive.

Auto-lock was one of the strongest features, praised for flexibility and peace of mind, though one reviewer disabled it because it could lock them out.

Auto-lock received positive comments as a useful safety net, especially for users who want the door to relock after a delay or when the last person leaves.

App/manual locking was often described as instant, smooth, or quick, but one reviewer found physical keys faster than app, Siri, or watch workflows.

Locking and unlocking speed earned strong praise, with multiple reviewers describing Home Key, app, voice, or Thread responses as very quick or nearly instant.

The optional keypad works and can be useful, but reviewers noted it is not included and may disappoint buyers who want a built-in keypad experience.

Keypad feedback was split: some reviewers praised responsiveness and readability, while several complained that the numbers are hard to see or that the touch keypad feels lower quality.

Fingerprint entry was treated as a missing keyless feature rather than a strength of this lock.

Fingerprint unlocking was a notable missing feature, especially because reviewers compared it unfavorably with lower-priced competing locks that include it.

Bluetooth-range control was described as responsive in one review, with the lock reacting nearly immediately when pressed.

Bluetooth was treated as a weaker fallback than Thread because of slower response and shorter range.

The app was widely praised as intuitive, responsive, and feature-rich, though one reviewer had severe app freezing during setup.

The app experience was mixed because the Schlage app exposes useful settings, but Apple Home app limitations and sync quirks made access-code and HomeKit management confusing.

Built-in Wi-Fi was praised for freshness, range, and eliminating a bridge, but reviewers tied it to battery drain and one reported mesh/Wi-Fi frustration.

Wi-Fi performed well in the reviews that tested it, and integrated Wi-Fi was praised for reducing bridge dependence, though Apple users may still need a hub for remote features.

Voice control worked quickly in one test and was supported broadly, but other reviewers reported password recognition issues or slow/failing Siri and Google Assistant use.

Voice control was described as fast and broadly supported across platforms, with Siri confirmation treated as an appropriate security behavior when unlocking.

Notifications were a clear strength, with reviewers praising flexible smart alerts, quick push alerts, and better door-status awareness.

Notifications were praised when they identified who unlocked the door, especially through Apple devices and Home Key alerts.

Smart-home integration was broad and often praised, but Alexa/Google setup hitches, HomeKit offline issues, and one severe HomeKit complaint made reliability mixed.

The strongest praise centered on Apple Home Key and broad smart-home support, with reviewers calling Home Key fast and convenient, especially for iPhone and Apple Watch users.

The lack of a built-in outside touchpad/touchscreen was a drawback for the reviewer who preferred that style of lock.

Touchscreen opinions were mixed to negative: reviewers liked some visual and audio cues but complained about no haptics, weak feedback, and a flawed touch keypad.

Locking reliability was excellent in most formal testing and one six-month review, but one reviewer reported serious state confusion and unreliable locking status.

Reliability was a major strength in hands-on reviews, with reviewers describing the lock as dependable, fast, and easy to live with.

Support was viewed positively through a resolved battery-warning bug and confidence that August/Assa Abloy support would keep software maintained.

Warranty coverage received strong praise, with one reviewer calling the warranty superb alongside the lock's basic feature set.

Value was mixed: several reviewers called it pricey but worthwhile, while others weighed the high price against batteries, keypad add-ons, and reliability frustrations.

Value depended heavily on Apple/HomeKit use: many reviewers called it worth the high price for Home Key, while others felt it costs more while missing some rival features.

Most reviewers found setup easy, quick, and well guided by the app, with one strong dissent reporting freezes, verification issues, and calibration trouble.

Reviewers consistently found the hardware installation easy, often describing setup as quick, smooth, or straightforward, though Apple/Home app setup could add complexity for some users.

Battery life was the most consistent weakness, with repeated concern about CR123 batteries, shorter lifespan, replacement cost, and one six-to-eight-week real-world result.

Battery impressions were mixed: one long-term user reported jams near low battery, one called two-month life terrible, while another early reviewer projected strong life.

Build quality drew praise where discussed, with reviewers calling out high-quality materials and a solidly built feel.

Build quality received strong praise from reviewers who described the lock as solid, secure-feeling, and backed by Schlage's reputation for durable hardware.

The built-in alarm was criticized as too quiet, even by reviewers who liked having forced-entry detection available.

Failed-code lockout behavior was treated as a useful security deterrent because repeated wrong entries frustrate brute-force attempts.

Keeping the outside hardware and existing deadbolt was repeatedly praised, especially for renters, maintenance access, and preserving exterior appearance.

Keyway quality was supported by positive rekeying comments, especially for homes with existing Schlage five-pin keys.

Physical security received strong praise from TechGearLab, which highlighted the ANSI Grade 1 strength rating and intruder resistance.

Security software features were reassuring in the CNET review, especially authentication and encryption protections around the app and account.

Two-factor authentication was criticized as missing from the Schlage app, reducing account-security confidence compared with some rival smart-lock apps.

Weather resistance drew criticism from one reviewer who wanted stronger sealing and said the lock did not meet weather-resistant expectations.

Reviewers liked the styling and finish options when they matched existing hardware, but some noted that the interior/exterior lock body is larger and less discreet than slimmer rivals.

The retained physical key was useful as a fallback and for renters, but one long-term tester still ended up carrying keys because smart unlocking was not fast enough.