When selecting a smart lock for your home, the details matter. So today, we’ll compare two smart locks, the Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro, to help you decide which is the better smart lock for your home.
About Schlage and August Locks
We all seem to be in a rush, day after day, whether we’re running late to work or returning home with hands full of groceries. With all these errands it’s easy to forget to lock the front door. That is, unless you have a smart lock.
Smart locks are becoming an essential part of our homes and Schlage and August seem to do their best to offer us reliable, secure replacements to our standard locks.
Besides the Schlage Sense, Schlage also offers the Schlage Connect and Connected Keypad — Both are Z-Wave locks that can pair with a Wink or SmartThings hub. You can learn more about Schlage locks in our article: Schlage Connect vs. Sense vs. Connected Keypad.
August also offers a solid line of smart locks, including the August Gen 2 (HomeKit-enabled) and August Gen 3 (Z-Wave) smart locks. Each August lock has a unique set of features which actually makes it quite easy to choose the right one for your home. Check out our August smart lock comparison, August Smart Lock vs. Pro vs. Gen 2, for more information.
The good thing is that if you’re reading this, you’ve probably already narrowed down your search to the Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro. So, let’s get straight to it!
Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro — Things in Common
Both Schlage Sense and August Smart Lock Pro allow you to lock/unlock your front door from your porch. You can control the locks via an app, share access to your home with your family and friends, and check the record of who is coming and going.
The locks are easy to pair with your smartphone, via Bluetooth, giving you total control over your smart lock at your fingertips.
Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro — Differences
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Difference #1: Technology – The Schlage Sense features only Bluetooth and HomeKit support, whereas the August Smart Lock Pro utilizes Bluetooth, HomeKit, and Z-Wave Plus.
Z-Wave Plus is a nice alternative to Z-Wave and Wifi. Among all the benefits it has over the standard Z-Wave, the Z-Wave Plus features increased communication range and reduced battery usage (check out all the pros of Z-Wave Plus in our article Z-Wave vs. Z-Wave Plus). Plus, Z-Wave Plus is backwards compatible with Z-Wave, so you can connect the August Smart Lock Pro straight to your Wink or SmartThings hub. No bridges, gateways, or connectors needed.
Overall, the August Smart Lock Pro offers better integration into a smart home system with its HomeKit and Z-Wave Plus support.
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Difference #2: Remote Control – With remote control you can get instant notifications whenever the smart lock is used, share access with guests, and check the lock’s status from anywhere you are (assuming your smartphone is connected to the Internet).
The Schlage Sense offers remote control via either HomeKit or the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter. If you want to use Apple HomeKit for remote control, you’ll need to connect the Schlage Sense lock to your home’s Apple hub (Apple TV or iPad). Make sure the Apple hub is plugged in and within the lock’s Bluetooth range for smooth and simple remote control.
The second option is via the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter. Just plug the adapter into an outlet and pair the Schlage Sense smart lock with your Wifi Network. No wiring is required. Once you set everything up, you’ll be able to control the Schlage Sense lock via the Schlage app remotely.
Why do you need the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter? It saves the Schlage Sense smart lock’s batteries. The adapter is constantly plugged in, so it covers the Wifi power requirement. Otherwise, if the Schlage Sense smart lock connected straight to your Wifi Network, you’d get tired changing the lock’s batteries.
The August Smart Lock Pro uses more technologies, thus it offers more options for remote control. With HomeKit support, you can control the August Smart Lock Pro via an Apple hub (Apple TV or iPad). The other option is remote control over Z-Wave hubs, like Wink or SmartThings hub.
You can also use the August Connect or the August Doorbell Cam Pro to connect the August Smart Lock Pro to your home’s Wifi Network for remote control. The August Connect is just like the Schlage Sense, it serves as a bridge and helps the August Smart Lock Pro sustain its battery life. You can get the August Connect as a part of the August Smart Lock Pro Kit.
And with the August Doorbell Cam Pro, you’ll get to control the August Smart lock remotely, plus actually see who is at your doorstep. It’s a great alternative to the August Connect if you’re planning on adding a smart doorbell to pair with your smart lock.
So, to sum it up, the Schlage Sense offers remote control only via an Apple hub (HomeKit) or the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter. Whereas the August Smart Lock Pro works via an Apple hub (HomeKit), a Z-Wave hub (Wink/SmartThings), the August Connect, or the August Doorbell Cam Pro.
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Difference #3: Installation – Both locks are fairly simple to install, however the Schlage Sense might take more time because you’ll need to replace your whole traditional lock (both the interior and exterior parts). If you’re doubting your skills, it might be better to order Deadbolt Installation Service on Amazon. You’ll want to make sure the deadbolt is perfectly aligned with the latch, otherwise incorrect installation might cause the lock to malfunction — And nobody wants that.
The August Smart Lock Pro replaces only the interior part of your standard lock, so you get to keep the exterior part and the keys. The installation and setup is fast and simple. Plus, there’s no need to worry about unwanted attention that you’d otherwise get if you to replace the exterior part as well.
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Difference #4: Security – The Schlage locks are arguably the most secure locks. The Schlage Sense is a Grade 1 (the highest residential security) lock with a built-in alarm. The alarm is triggered by brute force (when 4 consecutive incorrect codes are entered) or by forced damage of the exterior part of the lock or a door.
Since the August Smart Lock Pro replaces only the interior part of a lock, the lock’s security is heavily based on the existing traditional deadbolt. So, if you’ve already got a Grade 1 deadbolt, you’ve got nothing to worry about. And if you want to learn more about the August Smart Lock Pro security, check out this Security Analysis of the August Smart Lock PDF study conducted by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Overall, both the Schlage Sense and the August Smart Lock Pro are very secure and reliable, so it all depends on your setup (whether you want to change the existing deadbolt or not).
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Difference #5: Auto Lock/Unlock – You can unlock the Schlage Sense smart lock via the Schlage app, Siri, or a unique PIN code. And then when you leave, just press the “Lock” button on the keypad to lock the door, use the app, or just ask Siri. You can also set up Auto-Lock for the Schlage Sense smart lock. The lock will engage sometime within 15 seconds to 4 minutes.
The August Smart Lock Pro offers an Auto Lock and Unlock feature — the smart lock automatically locks/unlocks your front door based on your location. So, when you’re at your doorsteps, the August Smart Lock Pro will unlock the door for you. You won’t even need to pull out your phone or ask Siri to do it (though you definitely use those options too). Same happens when you leave; the August Lock will auto-lock the door behind you. Even though it’s a very thoughtful feature, just make sure you don’t accidentally get locked out without your phone/keys.
For the lockout scenarios, you can always login to your August account from any device to unlock your front door, or just use a hidden backup key that you’ve placed somewhere safe beforehand — You know, the traditional way.
The Auto-Lock feature can be disabled until you find a good place to hide the backup key.
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Difference #6: DoorSense Technology – Auto Lock/Unlock is not the only feature that makes August Smart locks unique. One of the major problems with the smart locks is that the lock engages while the door is open. So, the lock’s status can say “Locked” while in reality the door is ajar.
With the August’s DoorSense technology, you’ll see if your door is both closed and locked. You’ll also get notifications whenever the door is ajar and the lock hasn’t engaged.
The August Smart Lock Pro features the DoorSense technology to ensure that your home is secure. Whereas, the Schlage Sense smart lock doesn’t have this feature.
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Difference #7: Shared Access – The Schlage Sense smart lock has a built-in keypad that can store up to 30 unique codes to share with your family, friends, and any other guests. It’s a great option for visitors without smartphones. And for those with compatible smartphones, you can issue virtual keys, a relatively new option for access sharing for Schlage smart locks.
The August Smart Lock Pro offers unlimited sharing options. Just send a guest an invitation to download the August app. Once they download the app, they will have access to your home based on the access level and access schedule you set.
And if you’re looking to provide access to people without smartphones, check out the August Smart Keypad. We’ll talk about it in the next Accessories section.
Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro — Comparison Chart
| Schlage Sense | August Smart Lock Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Bluetooth Apple HomeKit |
Bluetooth Apple HomeKit Z-Wave Plus |
| Remote Control | via Apple Home Hub or WiFi Adapter |
via August Connect or Doorbell Cam Pro or Apple Home Hub or Z-Wave Hub |
| Installation | Exterior + interior | Interior only |
| Built-in Alarm | Yes | No |
| DoorSense™ Technology | No | Yes |
| Shared Access | 30 codes max. | Unlimited |
| Lock Grade | Grade 1 | – |
| Keypad | Yes | Sold separately |
| Keypad Type | Touchscreen | Buttons |
Schlage Sense and August Accessories
The Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter is a great addition to any Schlage Sense smart lock. It extends the smart lock’s features by offering remote control of your front door at your fingertips. With remote control, you’ll never miss a visitor.
Schlage also offers a nice range of levers, handles, and knobs to match the Schlage Sense smart lock. You can get them as a part of the Schlage Sense smart lock kit.
August also offers a few useful accessories to accompany the August Smart Locks. Besides the August Connect, August offers the August Smart Keypad — a wire-free keypad that you can place anywhere you want near the August Smart lock. With the smart keypad you can create and share up to 220 unique PIN codes with your family, friends, and services. No need to worry about lost keys, ever.
The benefit of having the August Smart Keypad is its flexibility in installation and great memory capacity (220 codes). The only downfall is that you need to buy it separately.
Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro — Our Thoughts
When comparing the Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro — it all depends on your preferences.
If you want to replace your whole lock to a secure smart lock — get the Schlage Sense. This Grade 1 lock will keep your home safe and secure. It already comes with a built-in alarm and keypad to share up to 30 unique PIN codes with your guests. Plus, the lock supports HomeKit for simple remote control.
The August Smart Lock Pro is perfect if you want to keep your existing lock and keys. It offers a wide range of integration options, whether it’s HomeKit or Z-Wave, the August Smart Lock Pro will blend in seamlessly with most of the popular smart home ecosystems. Besides its impressive Auto Lock/Unlock feature, the August Smart Lock Pro is one of the few locks* that offers DoorSense technology. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your front door is actually closed and locked!
Also note that the August Smart Lock (Gen 3) also features DoorSense technology. You can read about differences between all three August locks in our take on August Smart Lock vs. Pro vs. Gen 2.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 16:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
