Your front door is the main entryway to your home, and it’s important that it’s adequately secured to keep you and your family protected. The surge of smart locks onto the market give you a convenient way to protect your home while adding a wide variety of convenient features, but how do you know that they’re secure enough to replace a traditional deadbolt?
In this comparison, we look at the Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — two brands with a significant history in creating valuable products. Nest approaches smart locks from a technology and convenience angle, creating a deadbolt that integrates seamlessly with the rest of their ecosystem. Schlage, on the other hand, is a lock company first and foremost — taking advantage of nearly a century of experience and adding in some modern tech on top of their premium locks.
So who does it better? The tech company turned locksmith? Or a reputable lock company dabbling in smart technology?
Both brands have their benefits and drawbacks, and it’s an incredibly close battle. Read on below to get a sense of their similarities and differences to figure out which one is right for your home.
Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — About
Both Nest and Schlegel have a significant amount of technology and a long history of providing quality smart products.
Nest offers a series of smart products that range from security systems to thermostats, and is a subsidiary of Google. Back in 2015, a security specialist named Yale announced a collaboration with Nest Labs, and the combination of these two companies set out to produce a keyless smart locked named Linus. The project was delayed multiple times, and changed names before its final release as the Nest x Yale Lock.
The Nest Yale joins the company’s existing line of security products that includes a home alarm, Nest Secure, and a smart doorbell, Nest Hello. Also offered are the top-notch thermostats, smoke alarms, and the security cameras that were initially responsible for building Nest’s positive reputation as an industry leader.
Nest’s collaboration with Yale combines their smart technology with the Yale brand — a trusted hardware developer that has a long history of developing high-quality home locks. The collaboration of Nest’s smart technology and Yale’s expertise in producing secure locks has produced a tamper-proof, key-free deadbolt that is easily controllable through the Nest app.
While the Nest Yale is an excellent smart lock that incorporates the best in security and smart technology, the Schlage Connect is a worthy competitor that has its own pedigree and advantages.
Schlage has been making locks since long before smart technology was even a consideration, with almost a century of experience building secure systems that keep their customer’s homes protected. Their meticulous craftsmanship has built up a reputation for the best in high-quality locks, and the transition to smart locks has generally been well-received.
For those making the transition to smart locks for the first time, Schlage locks offer an easy, less stressful move that combines traditional locks with smart home technology. You don’t even have to enable the smart features right away and the lock will function well as a traditional deadbolt, and there are multiple smart products in their lineup to choose from. With different benefits for different homeowners, there’s bound to be a Schlage lock to suit the needs of most any buyer. Check out our take on Schlage Connect vs. Sense vs. Connected Keypad.
Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — Things in Common
Before we go deep into the differences between the Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect, let’s kick things off by going over the features that they have in common. Regardless of your choice in brand, you’ll enjoy a selection of smart features that combine the utmost in security with the utmost in convenience.
Both the Nest Yale and Schlage Connect are controllable using a Touchscreen Keypad. With a durable touch screen designed to stand up to fingerprints and smudges, your lock will maintain your home’s security while keeping a polished finish that will fit in beautifully with your home’s exterior.
The touchscreen keypad is great for when you’re walking up to the front door, but what if you want to control the smart lock from miles away? Let your friends and family into your home from pretty much anywhere using App Control. As long as you have your smartphone handy, you’ll have complete control over your lock and can manage who can gain entry to your home. Both smart locks also offer the ability to create passcodes for your family and guests — allowing people you trust to get inside without any further input on your part.
When you opt for a smart lock, part of the reason is likely the smart features. However, if the lock itself isn’t built with security in mind, it’s likely not worth the buy. Fortunately, both the Nest and Schlage are tamper proof. They replace the deadbolt you already have, and if someone attempts to tamper with the lock you’ll get an alert.
The Schlage actually takes things further with three different alerts — activity, tamper, or forced entry. You’ll have a solid idea when anyone interacts with your lock, and can take quick action to address the situation. Both locks also feature a loud alarm that will sound if someone tries to force entry, ensuring that you’re well aware if someone tries to get inside.
Both the Nest Yale and the Schlage Connect replace both the exterior and interior parts of your lock. Installation with either device should be pretty easy, although the two models do differ in how involved the setup process is.
The Schlage Connect is incredibly simple to get set up, and all you’ll need is a screwdriver — no wiring required. The Nest is also designed for easy installation, and a typical install should take you less than an hour — you’ll just want to make sure that you have some simple tools like a Phillips head screwdriver, as well as a mobile device and the free nest app. With that said, it’s definitely a little more involved than the Schlage Connect and might be frustrating for some buyers. If you’re worried about the install process, we recommend purchasing optional expert installation on Amazon for a simple and worry-free setup from an experienced professional.
The Nest Yale and Schlage Connect are both battery powered, which makes installation relatively simple since you won’t have to mess with wiring. However, with the smart features of the locks relying on battery power, it’s reasonable to be concerned about dead batteries lessening security. Both locks have an excellent low battery warning that should make you well aware when you need to replace them with new ones, so you’ll never have to worry about your deadbolt dying on you.
The Nest uses 4 standard AA alkaline batteries, and you’ll be notified on your phone when the charge starts to get low. A low battery status will be displayed in the app, and a red low battery light on the lock’s keypad will also make it pretty apparent that the power source is on its last legs. However, even if you do neglect to change the battery on time, you won’t be locked out completely. Just hold a 9V alkaline battery on the terminals at the bottom of your lock to provide a temporary power source — allowing you to enter your passcode and unlock the door. Just make sure that you replace the batteries once you’re back inside!
The Schlage low-battery notifications don’t have quite as many redundancies, but you’ll still be well aware should the power run low. Just like the Nest, your Schlage smart lock will operate on standard AA batteries. If the battery power happens to run low, you’life get a notification on your phone that prompts you to swap them out for a fresh source. There’s no equivalent to the low battery light on the Nest keypad, but the notifications through the app should be more than enough to keep your deadbolt fully charged, secure, and convenient.
Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — Differences
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Difference #1: Technology – There are some fundamental differences in technology and the way these smart locks integrate with the rest of your home.
Nest Yale uses Weave, which is a technology designed by Nest. It was designed with dependability in mind, and allows Weave products to talk directly to one another without relying on a cloud — allowing for low latency and robust communications. Even if your internet goes down or there’s a power outage, your Weave products will continue to communicate and function pretty much as normal.
Weave makes the Nest Yale easy to connect to your existing Nest ecosystem. Simply point your phone at a QR code, and your smart lock will be added to the device-to-device network. Your existing Nest products will help your new lock connect to the internet by sharing WiFi information, so you don’t even have to worry about setting that up.
You Weave products will even keep themselves up to date with automatic bug fix, security patches, and various other improvements to keep your Nest products up to date with current technology that can grow to meet the news of your family.
Weave also allows for secure communications, which is especially important for a smart lock. Having the peace of mind that it is incredibly difficult to intercept or otherwise mess with the frequency makes it much easier to confidently buy the Nest Yale.
Schlage Connect supports Z-Wave, which is a frequency used by many smart home products. This makes it pretty easy to integrate with the rest of your home and with various smart home controllers like Wink hub 2 or SmartThings Gen 3. While it may not have all of the features that Weave offers, the standard technology that isn’t proprietary may make it easier to combine with other smart systems.
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Difference #2: Remote Control – There are also some fundamental differences in how you remotely control your smart lock when comparing the Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect.
The Nest Yale lock connects to your WiFi and the Nest app through either the Nest Connect or Nest Guard, meaning that you’ll need one or the other in order to lock or unlock your door remotely.
Using the Weave technology discussed above, your Nest Yale will connect to your Connect or Guard, and use that connection to hook itself into your home’s WiFi network. This communication between the Yale and Connect or Guard passes data through the Nest service in the cloud and the Nest app on your phone, allowing you to control your locks from wherever you happen to be.
The Nest Connect and Nest Guard are available as standalone products, but you if you purchase the Nest x Yale Lock from Amazon, a Nest Connect system is included in the box.
If you opt to buy your lock through store.nest.com, on the other hand, you’ll have the option to purchase with or without the Connect. This may be the preferable method of purchase for those who already have a Nest Secure alarm system, as you can save money by integrating your smart lock with your existing system rather than buying a whole new piece of technology.
If you’re installing multiple Nest Yales, in most cases you’ll only need one Nest Connect — just keep in mind that the range of the Connect is limited, so on large properties there’s a possibility you’ll need more than one. For the best connection, you should try to install your Connect about halfway between your lock and router so that all systems can easily communicate.
Ultimately, while both the Schlage Connect and Nest Yale are excellent products with a lot of the same features, it’s easy to see how the Yale can pull ahead for those who already have a Nest setup. The Weave technology makes it easy for your Nest products to communicate with one another, so if you already have a Nest security system or thermostat, it will be incredibly easy and convenient to add in a Nest Yale.
With that said, the Schlage gives the Nest a run for its money — especially for those who don’t have existing Nest products — largely due to its easy integration with other smart home products. Since the Z-Wave technology is a smart home standard rather than a proprietary technology exclusive to Nest, you’ll find it easy to add in your Schlage Connect to smart home networks controlled by systems like Wink or SmartThings. Schlage also doesn’t require any extra equipment such as extra adapters, meaning it will work flawlessly with your existing hub. Once you hook it into a system like Wink or SmartThings, you’ll have complete control over your Schlage Connect from wherever you can get online.
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Difference #3: Access Code Memory Capacity – Since both the Nest Yale and Schlage Connect are designed to be both secure against intruders and easy to access for those you trust, they have a significant capacity for passcodes that allow you to easily distribute and revoke access for friends and family. However, there as some differences in the number of codes that they can store in their memory.
The Nest Yale can store a maximum of 20 codes, and you’ll use the Nest app in order to add people to your Nest home. You’ll then be able to give them different levels of access — either Full Access to your ecosystem or Home Entry Only. Once you’ve added them into your app, you’ll assign a passcode between 4-8 digits long. The passcodes are also generous in their flexibility, allowing you to assign a mix of lengths such as having some that are 8 digits, others that are 6, and some that are just 4. Give each guest a passcode that is both easy to remember and secure with a great range of choices.
The Schlage lock stores up to 30 codes, which is a significant upgrade from the Nest. However, the code format with this smart lock system is far more restrictive. Just like the Nest, you can choose a code between 4 and 8 digits for each profile. However, you’ll have to choose a specific length that every single passcode will match — falling behind the flexible options that the Nest Yale offers.
If you have a large number of people that you want to give access to your home, the Schlage Connect might be the better buy. However, for the vast majority of users 20 codes will be enough, and the Nest Yale’s passcode length flexibility definitely gives it an edge.
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Difference #4: Schedules – One advantage of the Nest is in its ability to set a schedule for any guests. This is perfect for giving access to the home during certain hours for your dog walker or plumber, while revoking those privileges in the evening when you want your home more secure.
The Schlage Connect does not offer this feature. By default, any passcodes you give guests will work at any time of the day. It’s technically possible to set schedules with third party apps like SmartThings, but it’s a more involved process that isn’t available to the lock natively. This thread has some more information on how you can add the Schlage lock to a schedule, but it’s safe to say that the brand falls behind in this area with the lack of default support.
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Difference #5: Physical Key – When you install the Nest Yale, you’ll have secure access to your home through the app or physical keypad. However, when you install the lock you’re removing support for a physical key. While Nest tries to spin this as an advantage due to the lack of security associated with having a keyed deadbolt, it’s also possible that you can get locked out yourself in case you’ve installed the lock incorrectly and there’s just too much resistance internally to open automatically.
So, while there’s definitely some truth to the idea that a key can be copied and traditional locks can be picked, it’s definitely less convenient when technology fails you for any reason.
The Schlage Connect maintains the traditional deadbolt, which ensures you’ll always have a way to get inside. Hide a backup key somewhere safe, and know that you’ll have access to your home in a matter of seconds should the high-tech manner of entry not be possible.
Ultimately, it’s possible to give the edge to either the Nest or the Schlage lock in this situation. The lack of a traditional deadbolt on the Nest Yale certainly makes it a little more secure, but being locked out yourself can definitely put a damper on your day. The Schlage could technically be considered less secure, but you’ll always have the assurance that you have a way to get inside.
It comes down to whether you want to maximize security or ensure you always have a backup for entry. It’s largely personal preference.
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Difference #6: Grade – While the optioned for keyed entry might technically be a little less secure, that’s more than made up for with the higher grade lock on the Schlage Connect. Since Schlage has nearly a century of craftsmanship behind their company, the Connect is one of the most secure locks on the market — receiving the highest residential rating of Grade 1.
While the Nest Yale is definitely still secure, the Grade 2 rating means that it’s a little bit less secure than the Schlage.
If having the most security possible is important to you on the lock itself, we feel that the Schlage lock is the clear choice. Nest has some smart features like scheduling that beef up its security through technology, but the physical construction of the Schlage Connect is just higher quality by default.
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Difference #7: Privacy Mode – When you install the Nest Yale and get it connected to your WiFi, the white button on the inside of the lock will turn on Privacy Mode.
This unique feature essentially disables the keypad while you’re inside. If someone tries to enter a code to gain entry, they will hear a message that says “Please try again at another time.” While the scheduling feature discussed above is an excellent way to restrict access at certain times of the day, the Privacy Mode is an instant way to ensure that no one can gain entry — even if they have guest access set up.
For times when you want to ensure that no one walks in unexpectedly, the Privacy Mode gives Nest Yale owners that instant method of increasing security and ensuring no one else can get inside.
The Schlegel Connect has no such feature.
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Difference #8: Smart Home Integration – Both devices do a decent job of connecting to your home, but there are some fundamental differences in the type and extent of smart home integration that is possible when comparing the Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect.
Nest has developed an extensive line of smart home products, and your Nest Yale will integrate well with pretty much all of them. Perhaps most notable in terms of integration is the lock’s compatibility with the Nest Secure alarm system. When you unlock the door, your alarm will disarm automatically — ensuring that you don’t end up with any false alarms when someone you trust enters the home.
The Yale also integrates well with the Nest Hello doorbell. When you walk up to your door, you can either input your code or pull out your Nest App to get inside. From within the Nest app, you’ll see your Hello video feed up at the top. Directly below the feed is an indicator giving you the status of your Nest Secure and Nest x Yale Lock. Clicking on the lock takes you to a screen that allows you to either lock or unlock the door by holding a big button. Essentially, the Nest app combines all the company’s products in one convenient location, affording you control of all security features from a single app.
Outside of integration with its own products, however, Nest Yale smart home compatibility is pretty much non-existent. Since Nest uses its own proprietary frequency in order to connect, there’s pretty much no way for it to communicate with other products. This lack of support becomes blatantly obvious if you have a smart home built off of Z-Wave or Zigbee, as Nest doesn’t have any way to interact with these extremely common smart home technologies.
Essentially, the Nest Yale is an island. Outside of its ability to work with Nest Secure in order to turn off your alarms when you get home, what you see is what you get with very little integration below the surface.
The Schlage Connect, on the other hand, has a much higher capacity for support due to the fact that it uses Z-Wave frequencies to connect to hubs like Wink or SmartThings. As such, the type of integration you’ll get with other products really depends on the type of hub that you use.
All Schlage Connect products integrate well with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices. You’ll need to log into the Alexa App in order to enable the feature, but once its set up you’ll be able to unlock your front door using your voice. When you tell Alexa to unlock your door, you’ll be asked to speak the appropriate 4-digit PIN. If the PIN is correct, Alexa will unlock your door without you having to lift a finger. Rest assured that the Alexa App will block access should the PIN be repeated incorrectly 3 times, which means that people won’t be able to keep guessing until they get it right.
In addition to the Amazon Alexa support, Schlage integrates with IFTTT which opens up a world of possibilities. The conditional trigger systems allows you to heavily customize your lock to work in tandem with other smart devices. If you decide to purchase the Schlage Connect, make sure you download the IFTTT app in order to get the full picture of the flexibility.
One disadvantage of the Schlage Connect is that it doesn’t feature Apple HomeKit compatibility. However, Schlage offers another option that is quite similar — the Schlage Sense — that does feature that support. Take a look at our Schlage Sense vs. Schlage Connect comparison for a complete look at the differences between the two products.
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Difference #9: Design – When it comes to aesthetics, Nest products have always been top-tier.
The exterior of the Nest Yale looks a lot like all other Nest Products, and turns completely black when its turned off — giving it a super sleek look. However, while the Nest might look amazing, the physical construction isn’t nearly the same quality as the Schlage Connect.
The deadbolt and internal components on the Nest Yale lock aren’t very impressive, largely due to the spring-loaded pin mechanism that isn’t nearly as reliable as the simple adjustment mechanism found in most deadbolts. In a traditional lock, the locking mechanism allows the bolt to be extended or retracted to fit your specific door, and the Nest deadbolt doesn’t offer that convenient feature. Users also report that the mechanism frequently aims, and generally lacks the type of quality that we’ve come to expect from the rest of the Nest line.
For a pretty high price tag, the Nest Yale simply lacks the quality construction it really needs to be worth the buy.
The Schlage Connect design doesn’t look quite as nice as the Nest Yale, but it’s in the internals of the lock that really set it apart. Since it’s a Grade 1 lock, it’s incredibly secure and blows the Nest out of the water when it comes to security. All the bits and pieces are of very high quality, and really speak to the experience that Schlage has in constructing high-quality locks.
Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — Comparison Chart
| Schlage Connect | Nest Yale | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Z-wave | Weave |
| Remote Control | via Z-Wave Hub | via Nest Connect or Nest Secure |
| Installation | Exterior + interior | Exterior + interior |
| Built-in Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy mode | No | Yes |
| Shared Access | 30 codes max. | 20 codes max. |
| Lock Grade | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
| Keypad | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad Type | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
| Physical Key | Yes | No |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries | 4 AA batteries |
| Amazon Alexa Compatible | Yes | No |
| HomeKit Compatible | No | No |
| Comes with handle or doorknob | Optional | No |
| Dimensions | Exterior. 3″ x 43/4” x 1″ Interior: 3″ x 8″ x 2″ |
Exterior: 2.59″ x 4.59″ x 0.80″ Interior: 2.78″ x 7.03″ x 2.02″ |
| Color | Satin Nickel Bright Brass Matte Black |
Satin Nickel Oil Rubbed Bronze Polished Brass |
Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — Accessories
There are some accessories that are either required or add to the utility of the locks, so you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to get your lock up and running should you make the decision to buy.
If you decide to purchase the Nest Yale, you’ll need the Nest Connect. This Nest hub allows you to use the app in order to access the various features and lock and unlock your door, and is essential to operating your lock unless you already have a Nest Guard.
With the Schlage Connect, there’s always the option to purchase the lock as a kit that comes with a handleset, which might be a worthwhile option should you want to replace the knob as well. Other than that, if you don’t already have a Z-Wave hub, you might want to look into one from Wink or SmartThings to ensure that your lock has everything it needs to communicate with the rest of your home and send and receive commands.
Nest Yale vs. Schlage Connect — Our Thoughts
Ultimately, while the Nest Yale and Schlage Connect both have their own benefits and drawbacks, we have give the edge to the Schlage lock.
The primary reason that it’s a superior product is its Z-Wave compatibility. Hook your smart lock up with a hub like Wink or SmartThings and automate your lock alongside other smart devices in your home. For example, lock your door, turn off the lights, adjust your thermostat, and arm your motion sensors with one simple button press — quickly prepping your home to be secure and efficient while you’re out and about. The Schlage Connect is clearly the better device for those who are looking to build a full smart home, as you can outfit your entire property with Z-Wave compatible products and control everything through the Wink or SmartThings app.
Nest Yale also has its advantages in the way that it easily communicates with other products within the Nest ecosystem. If you’re looking for a smart system that can communicate primarily with other Nest products, it’s definitely a viable option. Nest devices are generally high-quality, and you can cover most of the bases like temperature control and security within that product family. Just know that the integration pretty much ends there. With the Wave technology only working among Nest devices, your Yale lock won’t play well with other smart products.
The comparison was definitely a close battle, but the Schlage pretty solidly comes out on top. In addition to the Z-Wave technology, the better construction and higher security rating make it an incredibly competitive option for adding convenience and protection to your home.
With that said, our top pick when it comes to smart locks is actually the August Smart Lock Pro. For a close look at what the August lock has to offer, move on over to our comparison of the Nest Yale vs. August Smart Lock Pro.
Last update on 2024-04-23 at 09:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
