
If you’re adding voice‑controlled entry to a home that already has a single‑cylinder deadbolt, you’ve landed in the right spot. This guide compares five smart locks that speak to Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, letting you lock, unlock or check status without touching the knob.
On the budget end, the August Smart Lock Wi‑Fi Silver starts at $114.99 and carries a 3.9/5 rating, while the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver sits at $199.99 and keeps the original key for backup. The mid‑range August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver retails for $268.98 and earns a 4.4/5 score from 9,511 reviews, offering both Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi via its bridge. Premium choices include the Schlage Encode Plus at $277.45 with a 4.1/5 rating and built‑in Wi‑Fi, plus the Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi at $345.99 for those who want a hidden, high‑security deadbolt.
Below is a breakdown of how each model handles voice commands, remote access and installation quirks, helping you match the right lock to your door and smart‑home setup, and pick the option that fits your budget and security needs.

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver
Its compact bridge depth of 38.9 mm keeps the lock low‑profile while delivering the high rating that users love.

Schlage Encode Plus
Ideal for homeowners who want premium performance and are willing to spend about $8 more than the top pick.

August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver
Offers a larger 86 mm depth, making installation simpler for DIY upgrades while keeping the price under $200.
Also considered
Score Analysis
Key score advantages vs. runner-up (Schlage Encode Plus)
Price Range

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver
$274.99

Schlage Encode Plus
$278.12

August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver
$199.99

August Smart Lock Wi-Fi Silver
$109.00

Level Lock+ Wi-Fi Satin Nickel
$345.99
Spec Comparison
TL;DR: The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver retails for $268.98, offers a 15 ft wireless range, installs in under 10 minutes, and scores 4.4 / 5 stars from over 9 k reviewers.
The lock’s standout spec is its 15 ft (4572 mm) wireless range, delivered through the included August Connect Wi‑Fi Bridge. That distance lets you lock or unlock the door from most rooms without needing a separate hub. August markets the installation as “<10 minutes” and says it only requires a Phillips screwdriver, which lines up with user reports praising the quick retrofit over existing deadbolts.
At 0.87 lb, the Pro + Connect is dramatically lighter than the Schlage Encode Plus (3.0 lb) and matches the weight of August’s own 2nd‑Gen Smart Lock (also 0.87 lb). Price‑wise it sits above the August 2nd‑Gen model but below the Level Lock+ premium offering. Unlike the August Wi‑Fi Silver that relies solely on built‑in Wi‑Fi, the Pro version bundles a dedicated bridge, giving it broader protocol support (Bluetooth v4.0, Z‑Wave 908.42 MHz, and 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi) at the cost of an extra component.
Reviewers consistently highlight the lock’s “plug‑and‑play” feel: the original keys stay usable, the DoorSense sensor reliably reports open/closed status, and digital guest codes simplify short‑term rentals. Professional reviewers note the solid metal‑plastic construction and seamless voice‑assistant integration. Reviewers point out the bulk of the Connect bridge, which can be tricky to place within the 15‑ft range, and note that the undisclosed battery‑life figure leaves long‑term maintenance uncertain.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Renters, HOA‑restricted homes, and multi‑user households that need a non‑intrusive retrofit lock with solid voice‑assistant support.
Avoid if: Your door uses a multi‑cylinder deadbolt or you prefer a lock without an external Wi‑Fi bridge.
“simple with just a screwdriver, instructional videos available”
“worth your time”
TL;DR: The Schlage Encode Plus offers Grade 1 security, built‑in 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and Apple Home Key support in a single deadbolt for $277.45, but it’s heavier and needs a 2.4 GHz network.
What really sets this lock apart is the integrated Wi‑Fi module that lets you lock or unlock from anywhere without a separate bridge. It runs on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, and carries a 4.1/5‑star rating from 2,318 reviewers. The lock also holds up to 100 scheduled access codes and includes a fingerprint‑resistant touchscreen.
Compared with the four other contenders, the Encode Plus is noticeably heavier than the August models (the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect bridge weighs 2.8 oz and the standalone August locks are under 1 pound). It also costs more than the budget‑friendly August Wi‑Fi lock, but it bundles Wi‑Fi inside the deadbolt, whereas the August Pro requires an external bridge. The Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi is lighter than Schlage but lacks the Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA certification that Schlage advertises.
Everyday users love the ability to tap their iPhone for Apple Home Key entry and to receive push notifications for each lock event. Reviewers repeatedly praise scheduling up to 100 access codes for managing guests. On the flip side, several reviewers report that the lock drops connection on routers that broadcast only on 5 GHz, and the bulkier design can feel cumbersome on narrower doors. Professional reviewers note that Snap ’n Stay installs tool‑free and that the zinc construction feels durable.
Technical details include a 6‑month battery life powered by four AA batteries, an exterior operating temperature range from –31 °F to 150.8 °F, and a 3‑year electronics warranty plus a limited‑lifetime mechanical/finish guarantee. The lock’s exterior dimensions are 5 in high and 3 in wide, fitting doors 1‑3/8 to 1‑3/4 in thick.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Tech‑savvy homeowners who want Grade 1 security, hub‑free Wi‑Fi control and Apple Home Key integration.
Avoid if: You lack a 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi network, prefer a wired power source, or need a low‑profile lock for a very narrow door.
“Effortless app‑based code scheduling (up to 100) and reliable Apple Home Key tapping make daily use a breeze.”
TL;DR: The August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver retails for $199.99, fits a single‑cylinder deadbolt with a 86 mm × 86 mm × 56 mm profile, and adds Bluetooth‑based app, voice, and auto‑lock control – but needs a separate Connect Bridge for remote Wi‑Fi.
The lock’s standout spec is its compact retrofit design: at just 86 mm deep and 56 mm tall, it mounts on the interior side of most single‑cylinder deadbolts without replacing the existing lock, preserving the original key for backup access. It runs on four AAA alkaline batteries and offers DoorSense open/closed detection, auto‑lock/unlock, and virtual guest keys that can be time‑limited.
Compared with the four other finalists, the 2nd Gen sits in the middle of the weight range – it matches the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect’s 0.87 lb weight but is heavier than the August Wi‑Fi Silver’s 0.399 lb and lighter than the Schlage Encode Plus’s 3.0 lb and Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi’s 2.76 lb. Dimensionally, it exceeds the August Wi‑Fi Silver’s 46 mm depth, while its 86 mm width equals the Pro’s 86.4 mm width. The Pro+Connect includes a bridge that adds 2.8 oz (79 g) and a 15‑ft wireless range, whereas the Wi‑Fi Silver offers dual‑band 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) Wi‑Fi out of the box. The Level Lock+ is bulkier with a 2.25‑in height and 3.31‑in length, making the August 2nd Gen the most space‑saving option for tight door jambs.
User feedback highlights the lock’s “plug‑and‑play” retrofit installation that most reviewers complete in under 10 minutes, and many appreciate the ability to keep their mechanical key. Reviewers frequently praise virtual guest keys and activity logs for convenience and peace of mind. The main complaints revolve around the extra cost and setup step of purchasing a separate August Connect Bridge for remote Wi‑Fi, and the 3.9/5 star rating indicates mixed satisfaction among the 2,331 reviewers.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget
Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns
“simple with just a screwdriver, instructional videos available”
“worth your time”
TL;DR: The August Smart Lock Wi‑Fi Silver offers built‑in Wi‑Fi, voice‑assistant control and a lightweight retrofit design for $114.99, delivering remote keyless entry without a separate bridge.
What really sets this lock apart is the integrated 802.11 b/g/n Wi‑Fi that works on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, so you don’t need a separate bridge to get internet access. At just 0.399 lb (180.9 g) and a slim 2.8 in (71.12 mm) width, it sits discreetly on the interior of a single‑cylinder deadbolt. The unit runs on two CR123 batteries and pairs with Bluetooth 4.0 for local control.
Compared with the other four locks in this roundup, the August Wi‑Fi model is the lightest – the August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver and the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver both weigh about 0.87 lb, more than double the Wi‑Fi lock’s mass. Those two also have deeper bodies (86 mm depth) and, in the Pro’s case, an added bridge that adds bulk. The Schlage Encode Plus tips the scales at roughly 3.0 lb, while the Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi Satin Nickel is around 2.76 lb, making both noticeably heftier than the 0.399 lb August Wi‑Fi unit.
User feedback highlights the convenience of remote lock and unlock from a smartphone, especially when you’re away from home. Reviewers also appreciate the native Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri support, which lets you lock or unlock with a simple voice command. However, the 3.9‑star average indicates that some owners have run into hiccups, and the lack of an activity‑history feature means you can’t review who accessed the door and when.
From a technical standpoint, the lock installs in under ten minutes and works with any single‑cylinder deadbolt, preserving the original exterior hardware. Bluetooth 4.0 handles nearby phone interactions, while the dual‑band Wi‑Fi provides cloud access for remote control. The battery compartment holds two CR123 cells, a common size but one that may require a purchase if you run low.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Shoppers on a tight budget who want the most for their money
Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance
“simple with just a screwdriver, instructional videos available”
“worth your time”
TL;DR: The Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi Satin Nickel offers an ultra‑compact, invisible deadbolt with BHMA AAA security, Apple HomeKey support, and voice‑assistant integration, but its premium $345.99 price and required Wi‑Fi bridge may deter budget‑focused buyers.
The lock’s most striking feature is its size: at just 3.31 in long and weighing only 1.07 lb, it sits flush with the door and preserves a traditional look. Its BHMA AAA rating and 440C stainless‑steel construction give professional reviewers confidence in its durability and security.
Compared with the other four finalists, Level is heavier than the August Smart Lock Wi‑Fi (under 0.4 lb) yet lighter than the Schlage Encode Plus, which is noticeably heavier. Like the August Pro + Connect, Level needs a separate Wi‑Fi bridge for remote access, whereas the August Wi‑Fi model has built‑in Wi‑Fi. Battery-wise, Level runs on a single CR2 lithium cell, while the August 2nd Gen relies on four AAA cells.
User feedback praises the lock’s discreet appearance and the reassurance of a physical key backup. Professional reviewers highlight the BHMA AAA rating and the smooth Apple HomeKey experience. Common complaints mention occasional Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi hiccups and the extra hardware required for remote control. Reviewers note the 20‑minute fire rating and IPX4 splash‑proof rating are modest for fire‑door or outdoor exposure.
Beyond its compact form, Level offers activity history, app‑based access sharing, auto‑lock, and Matter support on select variants. The low‑battery indicator alerts you when the CR2 cell needs replacement, and voice‑assistant compatibility spans Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance
Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality
Breakdown

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver
Pros

Schlage Encode Plus
Pros

August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver
Pros
Cons

August Smart Lock Wi-Fi Silver
Pros
Cons
Based on scoring data and product specs
Personalized picks

Best Overall Pick
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver
Best OverallBest for: Most users looking for a well-reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Schlage Encode Plus
Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance
$278.12+$3.13 vs winner
Skip Level Lock+ Wi-Fi Satin Nickel if…
You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality
The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver wins top award thanks to its strong 4.4‑star rating from 9,511 reviewers, its lightweight 0.87 lb design, and a quick “under‑10‑minute” installation. Its 15‑ft (4572 mm) Bluetooth range and the included DoorSense sensor also give you reliable remote monitoring without extra hassle.
The Schlage Encode Plus comes in as runner‑up, especially if you need a lock with built‑in Wi‑Fi and a full keypad. It supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, lets you store up to 100 access codes, and carries a 3‑year electronics warranty for peace of mind.
For tighter budgets, the August Smart Lock Wi‑Fi Silver at $114.99 delivers core smart‑lock features at a low price. If premium materials and advanced integration matter most, the Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi Satin Nickel at $345.99 offers a high‑end experience.
Choose the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Silver for the most capable, voice‑ready door lock today.
The Level Lock+ Wi‑Fi Satin Nickel is rated for doors up to 2 in thick, which is the highest thickness among the listed models. August Smart Lock Pro and the August retrofits work with standard single‑cylinder deadbolts, while Schlage Encode Plus fits doors 1‑3/8 to 1‑3/4 in thick.
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