August vs Yale vs Schlage vs Level — Smart Lock Showdown (2026)
August vs Yale vs Schlage vs Level — Smart Lock Showdown (2026)
Choosing a smart lock in 2026 means navigating a crowded market where four brands consistently rise to the top: August, Yale, Schlage, and Level. Each takes a fundamentally different approach to securing your front door — from invisible retrofits to commercial-grade deadbolts with Apple Home Key built in.
This head-to-head comparison breaks down the August WiFi Smart Lock, Yale Assure Lock 2, Schlage Encode Plus, and Level Lock Pro across every metric that matters: security ratings, installation complexity, smart home integration, design philosophy, and long-term value.
If you’re looking for a broader overview of options, check out our best smart locks for 2026 guide before diving into this four-way showdown.
The Contenders at a Glance
August WiFi Smart Lock — $130 The budget-friendly retrofit king. August’s latest WiFi model attaches to the interior side of your existing deadbolt, meaning you keep your original keys and exterior hardware. It supports auto-lock, auto-unlock via geofencing, and connects directly to WiFi without a separate hub.
Yale Assure Lock 2 — $250 Yale’s modular platform lets you choose between touchscreen, keypad, or key-free configurations. The Assure Lock 2 supports swappable radio modules (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Matter/Thread), giving it unmatched flexibility for different smart home ecosystems.
Schlage Encode Plus — $330 The security powerhouse. Schlage’s flagship earns an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating — the highest residential security certification available. It has built-in WiFi, supports Apple Home Key for tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch, and integrates with all major platforms.
Level Lock Pro — $349 The design statement. Level hides all smart lock technology inside your existing deadbolt, making it completely invisible from both sides of the door. It uses NFC for tap-to-unlock and connects via Bluetooth with optional WiFi through a Level Connect bridge.
Comparison Table
| Feature | August WiFi | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Schlage Encode Plus | Level Lock Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $250 | $330 | $349 |
| Security Grade | Not rated (uses existing deadbolt) | ANSI Grade 2 | ANSI Grade 1 | ANSI Grade 2 (uses existing) |
| Installation | Retrofit (interior only, 10 min) | Full replacement (30 min) | Full replacement (30 min) | Retrofit (inside deadbolt, 20 min) |
| Connectivity | WiFi + Bluetooth | Modular: WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Thread/Matter | WiFi + Bluetooth | Bluetooth + NFC (WiFi via bridge) |
| Apple HomeKit | Yes | Yes | Yes (Home Key) | Yes (Home Key) |
| Google Home | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Matter Support | No | Yes (with Thread module) | Coming via update | No |
| Battery Life | 3–6 months (CR123A) | 9–12 months (AA) | 12 months (AA) | 6–12 months (CR2) |
| Keeps Existing Key | Yes | No (keypad/touchscreen) | Yes (physical key backup) | Yes |
| Auto-Lock/Unlock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Design | Interior-only cylinder | Full exterior/interior replacement | Traditional deadbolt style | Completely invisible |
Security: Schlage Dominates
When it comes to raw physical security, nothing in this comparison touches the Schlage Encode Plus. Its ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification means it has been tested to withstand 800,000 lock/unlock cycles, 10 strikes of 75 lbs force, and UL 437 pick resistance. This is the same grade used in commercial buildings.
Yale’s Assure Lock 2 earns a respectable Grade 2 rating, which handles 400,000 cycles and moderate forced entry resistance. For most residential applications, Grade 2 is more than sufficient.
August and Level take a different approach entirely — they retrofit onto your existing deadbolt, so your security grade depends on what’s already installed. If you have a quality Medeco or Schlage B60N deadbolt, August or Level essentially inherits that security while adding smart features.
For a complete security setup beyond just locks, see our guide on the best home security systems without monthly fees.
Installation: August Wins for Simplicity
August WiFi Smart Lock installs in under 10 minutes with no tools beyond a screwdriver. You remove the interior thumb-turn and mounting plate of your existing deadbolt, attach August’s adapter plate and motor unit, and you’re done. The exterior side of your door remains completely unchanged — your landlord, neighbors, and delivery drivers see the same lock they always did.
Level Lock Pro is also a retrofit, but it’s more involved. You disassemble your existing deadbolt and replace the internal components with Level’s motorized mechanism. It takes about 20 minutes and requires some mechanical comfort, but the result is a lock that looks identical to a regular deadbolt from both sides.
Yale Assure Lock 2 and Schlage Encode Plus both require full deadbolt replacement. You’ll remove your existing lock entirely and install a new unit. The process takes 25–35 minutes for anyone comfortable with a screwdriver and drill. Both include detailed instructions and video guides.
Smart Home Integration: Yale’s Modular Advantage
This is where Yale’s modular approach truly shines. The Assure Lock 2 lets you swap connectivity modules without replacing the entire lock. Start with Bluetooth, upgrade to WiFi later, or switch to Thread/Matter when your smart home evolves. No other lock in this comparison offers that flexibility.
For Apple users specifically, Schlage Encode Plus and Level Lock Pro both support Apple Home Key — letting you unlock by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock, just like transit cards. This works even when your phone battery is critically low thanks to NFC power reserve.
August connects to all major platforms via WiFi but lacks Matter support, which may become a concern as the industry standardizes. If Matter compatibility matters to you, explore our best Matter-compatible devices for 2026 roundup.
All four locks work with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit, so basic voice control and smart home routines are universal. The differences emerge in advanced integrations — Yale works best with the Yale Access ecosystem, Schlage with Apple, and August with a broad but sometimes unreliable multi-platform approach.
For help choosing the right ecosystem to pair with your lock, our best smart home ecosystem guide covers the major platforms in depth.
Design Philosophy: Level Redefines the Category
Level Lock Pro represents the most radical design philosophy in smart locks: total invisibility. From the outside, your door looks like it has a regular deadbolt. From the inside, same thing. All the smart technology hides inside the lock body itself. For homeowners who hate the chunky aesthetics of most smart locks, Level is the only true solution.
August takes a middle approach — your exterior hardware stays unchanged, but the interior gains a noticeable cylindrical motor unit. It’s not ugly, but it’s clearly a smart lock from inside.
Yale Assure Lock 2 embraces its smart lock identity with a sleek, modern design available in multiple finishes. The touchscreen model looks premium and modern, while the keypad variant is more utilitarian but durable.
Schlage Encode Plus maintains a traditional deadbolt appearance with a keypad integrated into the exterior plate. It’s the most “normal looking” full-replacement option and blends well with conventional home aesthetics.
Battery Life: Schlage and Yale Lead
Battery life matters more than you’d think with smart locks — a dead lock battery means getting locked out or scrambling for backup keys.
Schlage Encode Plus leads with approximately 12 months on four AA batteries, impressive given its built-in WiFi radio. Yale Assure Lock 2 follows closely at 9–12 months, also on AA batteries. Both use widely available batteries you can find anywhere.
Level Lock Pro varies between 6–12 months depending on usage, using a single CR2 battery. August WiFi Smart Lock lasts 3–6 months due to its always-on WiFi connection draining two CR123A batteries faster than competitors.
All four locks provide low-battery warnings through their apps well before dying, and all maintain their locked state during battery changes so your door stays secure.
Who Should Buy Each Lock
Buy the August WiFi Smart Lock if:
- You’re on a budget ($130 is unbeatable)
- You rent and can’t modify your door
- You want the simplest possible installation
- You need to keep your existing keys for family members
Buy the Yale Assure Lock 2 if:
- You want future-proof modular connectivity
- Matter/Thread support matters to you
- You prefer a keypad or touchscreen entry option
- You want the best vacation rental or Airbnb integration
Buy the Schlage Encode Plus if:
- Physical security is your top priority
- You’re an Apple user who wants Home Key
- You want the longest battery life with WiFi
- You need a lock rated for commercial-grade durability
Buy the Level Lock Pro if:
- Design and aesthetics are paramount
- You want smart features with zero visible change
- You prefer NFC tap-to-unlock
- You’re willing to pay a premium for invisible technology
Verdict
There’s no single “best” lock here — each excels in its category. The Schlage Encode Plus wins on security and reliability. Yale Assure Lock 2 wins on flexibility and future-proofing. August WiFi wins on value and simplicity. Level Lock Pro wins on design and discretion.
For most homeowners who want a balance of security, smart features, and reasonable price, the Yale Assure Lock 2 offers the best all-around package. But if physical security trumps everything else, spend the extra $80 on the Schlage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these smart locks with multiple smart home platforms simultaneously?
Yes, all four locks support multiple platforms, but with caveats. August, Yale, and Schlage can connect to Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit simultaneously via their WiFi connections. Level requires its Connect WiFi Bridge for full multi-platform support — without it, you’re limited to Bluetooth range and HomeKit via a home hub. None of the locks require you to choose a single platform exclusively, so you can mix voice assistants across your household without issues.
Which smart lock is most secure against physical break-ins?
The Schlage Encode Plus with its ANSI Grade 1 rating is significantly more secure against physical attacks than any other lock in this comparison. It’s tested against kick-ins, lock picking, drilling, and sustained force. Yale’s Grade 2 is solid for residential use but one tier below. August and Level inherit whatever grade your existing deadbolt carries — pair them with a quality Grade 1 deadbolt for equivalent physical security while gaining smart features.
Do any of these smart locks work without WiFi or internet?
All four locks function as basic locks without internet — you can always lock and unlock manually. For smart features without WiFi: Level and August work via Bluetooth within range of your phone, Yale works via Bluetooth or Thread (local network, no cloud required), and Schlage works via Bluetooth. Remote access — locking and unlocking when you’re away from home — requires WiFi and internet across all four brands. Local automations via Thread or Zigbee hubs can work without cloud access.
How difficult is it to install the Level Lock Pro compared to August?
August is easier — it attaches over your existing deadbolt interior in 10 minutes with one screwdriver. Level requires partially disassembling your existing deadbolt to replace internal components (tailpiece, latch mechanism), which takes 15–25 minutes and requires more mechanical confidence. Both are technically retrofits that don’t require new door holes, but Level involves more steps and a tighter fit tolerance inside the deadbolt housing. If you’re not comfortable with mechanical disassembly, August is the safer choice.
Will these smart locks work if the battery dies completely?
Yes — all four locks remain in their last locked state when batteries die (they default to locked for security). For emergency entry: Schlage has a physical keyhole backup on the exterior, August lets you use your original exterior key since it doesn’t replace the outside hardware, Level lets you use your original key as well, and Yale keypad models have a 9V battery terminal on the exterior for temporary power to enter your code. None of these locks will leave you permanently locked out due to dead batteries, though carrying a physical key backup is always wise.