Main trade-off
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Code entry needs a separate keypad.
Head-to-head
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs Schlage Encode Plus: August keeps the exterior, Schlage adds a touchscreen and home keys
The short answer
Choose the fourth-generation August Wi-Fi lock when a compatible existing deadbolt and its outside appearance must stay. Choose Encode Plus when replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and you want an integrated touchscreen and Apple home key. Both provide a built-in WiFi path for their own remote-control app, so an extra bridge is not the main difference.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The same physical key can be a hard requirement
August retains the key arrangement of a compatible existing deadbolt. Encode Plus replaces the deadbolt.
What this is based on
Retrofitting the inside actuator leaves the compatible exterior cylinder in place.
Main trade-off
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
The original deadbolt and exterior hardware are replaced.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Choose it for
- Retain a compatible existing deadbolt and keys
- Keep the original outside lock appearance
- Main trade-off
- Code entry needs a separate keypad.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Choose it for
- Use the supplied integrated touchscreen
- Tap an Apple home key at the lock
- Main trade-off
- The original deadbolt and exterior hardware are replaced.
About this comparison
Compare August Wi-Fi and Encode Plus for keeping existing keys, guest-code hardware and Apple Watch entry.
Choose the fourth-generation August Wi-Fi lock when a compatible existing deadbolt and its outside appearance must stay. Choose Encode Plus when replacing the deadbolt is acceptable and you want an integrated touchscreen and Apple home key. Both provide a built-in WiFi path for their own remote-control app, so an extra bridge is not the main difference.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Keep the compatible original deadbolt and keys
August retrofits the inside hardware.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Better fit
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Caution
Give a guest a code without buying a keypad
Encode Plus includes the touchscreen.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Caution
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Better fit
Tap an Apple Watch home key
Only Encode Plus documents home key here.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Not suitable
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Better fit
Use native app remote control without a separate bridge
Both locks provide built-in WiFi.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Good
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Good
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The same physical key can be a hard requirement
August retains the key arrangement of a compatible existing deadbolt. Encode Plus replaces the deadbolt.
How we reached this conclusion
Retrofitting the inside actuator leaves the compatible exterior cylinder in place.
Guest codes change the August shopping list
The selected August package has no keypad. Encode Plus supplies its touchscreen on the lock.
How we reached this conclusion
The August manufacturer offers separate keypad and fingerprint-keypad bundles. Those are not the selected standalone ASIN.
An Apple Watch icon does not promise home key
August documents Watch control through its app. Encode Plus explicitly supports Apple home key tapping.
How we reached this conclusion
The two documented Watch entry methods use different interactions, even though both locks have built-in WiFi.
Choice A
August, AUG-SL05-M01-S01
Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
The documented door range is 1.375 to 2 inches thick. Entry options include phone.
- Best matched use
- Retain a compatible existing deadbolt and keys
Checked facts
- Mechanical installation: Interior retrofit on compatible single-cylinder deadbolt
- Guest-code hardware in selected package: Keypad sold separately
- Apple Watch entry path: August app control
- Native app remote connection: Built-in WiFi through August app
Choice B
Schlage, BE499WB CAM 619
Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
The documented door range is 1.375 to 1.75 inches thick. Entry options include home-key, keypad, phone.
- Best matched use
- Use the supplied integrated touchscreen
Checked facts
- Mechanical installation: Replacement deadbolt
- Guest-code hardware in selected package: Integrated touchscreen
- Apple Watch entry path: Apple home key tap supported
- Native app remote connection: Built-in WiFi through Schlage Home
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical installation | Interior retrofit on compatible single-cylinder deadbolt | Replacement deadbolt | A shared physical-key requirement comes before app preferences. |
| Guest-code hardware in selected package | Keypad sold separately | Integrated touchscreen | August code entry adds an accessory and a mounting position. |
| Apple Watch entry path | August app control | Apple home key tap supported | Watch app control and NFC home key are distinct experiences. |
| Native app remote connection | Built-in WiFi through August app | Built-in WiFi through Schlage Home | Neither native WiFi path needs a separate bridge. |
| Outside door appearance | Existing exterior hardware retained | New exterior touchscreen and cylinder | The change seen from outside follows the installation approach. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
- Exact existing-deadbolt compatibility must be checked.
If you choose Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Home key needs compatible Apple hardware and setup.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
The existing cylinder and outside trim must remain
Choose August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation. August retains those parts on a compatible lock.
I need the integrated keypad and Apple home key
Choose Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim. Encode Plus supplies both.
The lock cannot be replaced and fails August compatibility
Choose neither. Neither installation meets that restriction.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
The same physical key can be a hard requirement
If another door or household member uses the same physical key, August may preserve that arrangement without replacing the outside hardware. Run the specific deadbolt compatibility check first. Encode Plus fits a replacement project, where the new cylinder and touchscreen are expected changes. Confirm any rekeying plan separately instead of assuming every existing key can be retained.
Guest codes change the August shopping list
For a visitor who will arrive with a code, compare August plus the exact compatible keypad against Encode Plus alone. Include a suitable mounting surface and keypad battery maintenance in that plan. A guest invitation in the August app is another access method, but it requires the guest to follow that app workflow. It does not create a physical number pad.
An Apple Watch icon does not promise home key
Choose Encode Plus when 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 fit the household. Check the precise feature rather than treating every Apple Home or Watch integration as NFC home key support.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No lock-strength, battery, wireless-range or access-reliability test was performed. Native app remote control and Apple Home remote control have different setup requirements.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current smart locks comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, fourth generation
Retain a compatible existing deadbolt and keys
See price & reviews on AmazonSchlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Use the supplied integrated touchscreen
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.