Smart locks are useful, but picking the wrong one means dead batteries, connectivity problems, or a lock that does not work with your setup. This comparison breaks down August, Yale, and Schlage to help you choose based on your needs. If you run Home Assistant, integration differences matter. If you are a landlord, retrofit options may save you money.
What Should I Look for in a Smart Lock?
Here are the factors that matter:
Connectivity protocol: WiFi locks connect directly to your router but drain batteries fast. Zigbee and Z-Wave locks use a hub for better battery life and local control.
Retrofit vs full replacement: Some locks attach to your existing deadbolt, others replace it. Retrofit locks are easier to install.
Home Assistant compatibility: You want a lock that integrates through Zigbee2MQTT, Z-Wave JS, or a native integration. Cloud-only locks require workarounds.
Battery life: WiFi locks last 2 to 4 months. Zigbee and Z-Wave last 6 to 12 months.
Physical security grade: Look for ANSI/BHMA grades. Grade 1 is highest, Grade 2 is residential.
August Smart Locks
August is known for retrofit locks that attach to your existing deadbolt. You keep your exterior hardware and keys, and the August module replaces the interior thumbturn. This makes August the easiest to install.
Pros
Easiest installation. Takes 10 minutes with a screwdriver.
Keeps your existing exterior hardware and key. Good for renters.
DoorSense tells you if the door is open or closed.
HomeKit support on most models for local control through Home Assistant.
Cons
Battery life is 3 to 4 months with WiFi Connect, 6 months without.
The interior module is bulky.
No native Z-Wave or Zigbee. You need the August Connect bridge or HomeKit.
Does not replace your deadbolt, so physical security stays the same.
Yale Smart Locks
Yale makes full-replacement smart locks with multiple connectivity options. The Yale Assure Lock line is comes in Zigbee, Z-Wave, and WiFi variants. Yale locks are ANSI/BHMA Grade 2, adequate for residential use.
Pros
Z-Wave and Zigbee versions integrate directly with Home Assistant through Z-Wave JS or Zigbee2MQTT with no cloud dependency.
Full deadbolt replacement for better physical security.
Keypad standard on most models for guest codes.
Battery life of 8 to 12 months on Zigbee and Z-Wave models.
Cons
Full replacement means removing your existing deadbolt. May need drilling.
WiFi models have shorter battery life, 4 to 6 months.
More expensive than August for comparable features.
Schlage Smart Locks
Schlage is the oldest brand here. The Encode has built-in WiFi, and Sense supports HomeKit and Bluetooth. Schlage is the only brand with ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 options.
Built-in WiFi on Encode means no hub required for remote access.
Keypad with fingerprint sensor on Encode Plus.
Schlage Sense supports HomeKit natively for local control through Home Assistant.
Cons
Battery life is 3 to 5 months on WiFi models.
No Zigbee or Z-Wave support. Limited to WiFi or HomeKit.
Home Assistant integration requires a HomeKit hub for remote access.
Full replacement only. No retrofit option.
WiFi vs Zigbee vs Z-Wave: Which Is Best?
The protocol affects battery life, reliability, and Home Assistant compatibility:
WiFi: Easiest setup, no hub required. Batteries drain fast, 3 to 5 months. Cloud dependency unless the lock supports Matter or HomeKit.
Zigbee: Low power, mesh network, Home Assistant support through Zigbee2MQTT. Battery life 8 to 12 months. Requires a Zigbee coordinator.
Z-Wave: Low power, mesh network, Home Assistant support through Z-Wave JS. Battery life 8 to 12 months. Requires a Z-Wave stick. Different frequency than WiFi, avoiding interference.
All three work with Home Assistant, but integration quality varies:
Yale Zigbee or Z-Wave: Best integration. Lock entities appear automatically through Zigbee2MQTT or Z-Wave JS. You get lock and unlock, battery, door sensor, and user codes. Fully local.
August: Works through the HomeKit integration if your lock supports HomeKit. Gives local lock and unlock control. The WiFi Connect module has a limited cloud API integration that depends on August's servers.
Schlage Sense: Works through HomeKit. Needs an Apple HomeKit hub for remote access. Encode has no native Home Assistant integration and requires a cloud workaround.
For automations, trigger events on lock or unlock, set schedules for guest codes, and integrate with other sensors. For more on smart home automations, read our smart home security guide.
Battery Life Comparison
August WiFi: 3 to 4 months
August without WiFi: 6 months
Yale Zigbee or Z-Wave: 8 to 12 months
Yale WiFi: 4 to 6 months
Schlage Encode WiFi: 3 to 5 months
Schlage Sense HomeKit: 5 to 6 months
WiFi drains batteries 2 to 3 times faster than Zigbee or Z-Wave. If battery life matters, choose Zigbee or Z-Wave.
Retrofit vs Full Replacement
August is the only brand here offering retrofit. The lock attaches to your existing deadbolt. You keep your exterior hardware, keys, and deadbolt. This is ideal for renters wanting a 10-minute install. Yale and Schlage both require full deadbolt replacement, which gives a better deadbolt but means more work.
Security Considerations
Physical security: Schlage Grade 1 resists picking and forced entry. Yale Grade 2 is adequate for residential. August does not improve physical security since it uses your existing deadbolt.
Digital security: Cloud-dependent locks are vulnerable to API changes and outages. Zigbee and Z-Wave locks with local control have no cloud attack surface.
Keypad codes: All three support user codes. Change codes regularly and delete guest codes after use.
Firmware updates: Keep firmware current and check for updates monthly.
Recommendation by Use Case
For Home Assistant Users
Yale Assure Lock with Zigbee or Z-Wave. Integrates directly and locally. Battery life is excellent with full lock entity control and user code management.
For Renters
August. Retrofit means no drilling and you can take it when you move. HomeKit integration works with Home Assistant.
For Maximum Physical Security
Schlage Encode or Sense. Grade 1 hardware resists physical attacks.
For Property Managers
Yale Assure Lock with keypad. Assign and revoke guest codes remotely, track lock events in Home Assistant, and long battery life cuts visits. See our services for property managers for more.
For Home Assistant users, Yale with Zigbee or Z-Wave is the strongest option. For renters, August is the clear choice. For maximum physical security, Schlage is the answer. We offer smart home services including lock selection, installation, and Home Assistant integration. You can also book an on-site visit and we will recommend and install the right lock.