The catch
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
A separate keypad is needed for code entry.
Side by side
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs Schlage Encode Plus: Schlage adds a touchscreen and home keys, and August keeps the exterior
Quick verdict
If a compatible existing deadbolt and its outside appearance must stay, the fourth-generation August Wi-Fi lock is the choice. If replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and you want an integrated touchscreen and Apple home key, choose Encode Plus. Each has a built-in WiFi path for its own remote-control app, so an extra bridge is not the main difference.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Sharing a physical key can be a firm requirement
With August, the key arrangement of a compatible existing deadbolt stays. Encode Plus replaces the deadbolt.
Where this comes from
The compatible exterior cylinder stays in place when the inside actuator is retrofitted.
The catch
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Both the original deadbolt and the exterior hardware get replaced.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Why pick it
- Hold on to a compatible existing deadbolt and keys
- Preserve the original look of the outside lock
- The catch
- A separate keypad is needed for code entry.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Why pick it
- Work with the supplied built-in touchscreen
- Use Apple home key by tapping at the lock
- The catch
- Both the original deadbolt and the exterior hardware get replaced.
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What this page compares
Keeping existing keys, guest-code hardware and Apple Watch entry are the points on which August Wi-Fi and Encode Plus are compared.
If a compatible existing deadbolt and its outside appearance must stay, the fourth-generation August Wi-Fi lock is the choice. If replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and you want an integrated touchscreen and Apple home key, choose Encode Plus. Each has a built-in WiFi path for its own remote-control app, so an extra bridge is not the main difference.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Hold on to the compatible original deadbolt and keys
The inside hardware is what August retrofits.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Caution
Hand a guest a code with no keypad to buy
The touchscreen comes with Encode Plus.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Caution
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Better fit
Tap using an Apple Watch home key
Here, home key is documented only for Encode Plus.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Not suitable
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Better fit
Control the lock remotely in the native app, no separate bridge
Built-in WiFi comes with both locks.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Good
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Sharing a physical key can be a firm requirement
With August, the key arrangement of a compatible existing deadbolt stays. Encode Plus replaces the deadbolt.
How we worked this out
The compatible exterior cylinder stays in place when the inside actuator is retrofitted.
Guest codes add to the August shopping list
No keypad comes in the selected August package. Encode Plus has its touchscreen on the lock.
How we worked this out
The manufacturer August offers separate keypad and fingerprint-keypad bundles, which are not the selected standalone ASIN.
Do not read an Apple Watch icon as a home key promise
Watch control through the app is what August documents, while Encode Plus explicitly supports tapping with Apple home key.
How we worked this out
Both locks have built-in WiFi, yet the two documented Watch entry methods use different interactions.
Option A
August, AUG-SL05-M01-S01
Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Phone is among its entry options, and the documented door range is 1.375 to 2 inches thick.
- Best for
- Hold on to a compatible existing deadbolt and keys
Facts we checked
- Mechanical installation: Retrofit on the inside of a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt
- Hardware for guest codes in the selected package: The keypad is sold separately
- Entry via Apple Watch: Control from the August app
- Remote connection in the native app: Built-in WiFi through the August app
Option B
Schlage, BE499WB CAM 619
Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Documented to fit doors 1.375 to 1.75 inches thick, with home-key, keypad and phone listed as entry options.
- Best for
- Work with the supplied built-in touchscreen
Facts we checked
- Mechanical installation: Replaces the deadbolt
- Hardware for guest codes in the selected package: An integrated touchscreen
- Entry via Apple Watch: Tapping an Apple home key is supported
- Remote connection in the native app: Built-in WiFi through Schlage Home
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical installation | Interior retrofit on compatible single-cylinder deadbolt | Replacement deadbolt | A physical-key requirement in common is settled before app preferences. |
| Guest-code hardware in selected package | Keypad sold separately | Integrated touchscreen | Code entry on August means an accessory and a mounting position. |
| Apple Watch entry path | August app control | Apple home key tap supported | Watch app control isn’t the same experience as an NFC home key. |
| Native app remote connection | Built-in WiFi through August app | Built-in WiFi through Schlage Home | A separate bridge isn’t needed for either native WiFi path. |
| Outside door appearance | Existing exterior hardware retained | New exterior touchscreen and cylinder | What changes on the outside depends on the installation approach. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Check the exact compatibility of the existing deadbolt.
With Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Compatible Apple hardware and setup are needed for home key.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The existing cylinder and the outside trim have to stay
Go with August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation. On a compatible lock, August keeps those parts.
The integrated keypad and Apple home key are what I need
Go with Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim. Both come with Encode Plus.
August compatibility isn’t met, and the lock can’t be replaced
Neither model fits. That restriction isn’t met by either installation.
Decision guide
How to decide
The fourth-generation August Wi-Fi lock is for a compatible existing deadbolt and outside appearance that must stay. Encode Plus is for when replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and you want an integrated touchscreen and Apple home key. Because both have a built-in WiFi path for their own remote-control app, an extra bridge is not the main difference.
Sharing a physical key can be a firm requirement
August may preserve the arrangement, without replacing the outside hardware, when another door or household member uses the same physical key. Run the specific deadbolt compatibility check first. Encode Plus fits a replacement project, in which a new cylinder and touchscreen are expected changes. Confirm any rekeying plan separately and do not assume every existing key can be retained.
Guest codes add to the August shopping list
When a visitor will arrive with a code, compare August plus the exact compatible keypad against Encode Plus alone, and build a suitable mounting surface and keypad battery maintenance into that plan. A guest invitation in the August app is another way in, but the guest has to follow that app workflow, and it does not create a physical number pad.
Do not read an Apple Watch icon as a home key promise
Encode Plus is the choice if tapping a compatible Apple Watch against the lock is the daily interaction you want. August can work well when the phone or Watch app, optional auto-unlock and existing keys suit the household. Check the precise feature and do not treat every Apple Home or Watch integration as NFC home key support.
What this page can’t tell you
- Lock strength, battery, wireless range and access reliability were not tested. Setup requirements differ between native app remote control and Apple Home remote control.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the smart locks we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation |
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| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Hold on to a compatible existing deadbolt and keys
See price & reviews on AmazonSchlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Work with the supplied built-in touchscreen
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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