# August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) vs Schlage Encode Plus: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) (August) and Schlage Encode Plus (Schlage) among smart locks. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is the cheaper of the two at $199.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Schlage Encode Plus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $199.99 | $329 |
| Brand | August | Schlage |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Unlock methods | smartphone app, Apple Watch, voice assistant (Alexa/Google/Siri), auto-unlock, physical key (existing deadbolt retained) | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz/5GHz built-in, Bluetooth LE | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth |
| Matter | No | No |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | 2× CR123 | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) |
| Finish options | Silver, Matte Black | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze |
| Install type | Retrofit interior — mounts over existing single-cylinder deadbolt, no drilling | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required |

## Key differences

- Unlock methods: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) smartphone app, Apple Watch, voice assistant (Alexa/Google/Siri), auto-unlock, physical key (existing deadbolt retained) vs Schlage Encode Plus Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key
- Connectivity: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz/5GHz built-in, Bluetooth LE vs Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth
- Battery type: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) 2× CR123 vs Schlage Encode Plus AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage)
- Finish options: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Silver, Matte Black vs Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze
- Install type: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) Retrofit interior — mounts over existing single-cylinder deadbolt, no drilling vs Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required

## What reviewers say

**August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)** — Two whitelisted hands-on reviews (Engadget, Tom's Guide) cover this exact 4th-gen August Wi-Fi Smart Lock; both recommend it for an easy, tool-light install, a smaller hidden design, built-in Wi-Fi and broad smart-home support. Neither published lab benchmarks, so there are no measured numbers. Main gripes: unreliable Android auto-unlock (Engadget) and a keypad sold separately for $59.99 (Tom's Guide). (2 sourced reviews.)

**Schlage Encode Plus** — Four whitelisted outlets (Tom's Guide, PCWorld, Reviewed/USA Today, TechRadar) reviewed this exact deadbolt hands-on. The only quantified hands-on metric was Reviewed's roughly 10-minute DIY install; no instrument benchmarks were run. All four praise the Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock and the easy, standard installation. Recurring gripes across the set: no backup power plus a single included key, a bulkier-than-average body, missing fingerprint/geofencing/door sensor, only 100 codes, and HomeKit Wi-Fi/remote access needing an Apple hub. Best suited to Apple households. (4 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen): https://august.com/products/august-wifi-smart-lock (august.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Schlage Encode Plus: https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode-plus.html (schlage.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/august-wifi-smart-lock-4th-gen-vs-schlage-encode-plus/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) ($199.99) vs Schlage Encode Plus ($329) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/august-wifi-smart-lock-4th-gen-vs-schlage-encode-plus/
License: CC BY 4.0.