August Smart Lock 2nd Gen Silver
Score: 74/100
Schlage Encode Plus
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Schlage BE499WB CAM 622 Encode Plus delivers commercial-grade security with built-in Wi-Fi and support for up to 100 access codes. It lacks Bluetooth and offers only a single physical backup key, which may limit flexibility. It fits well for homeowners needing a reliable Wi-Fi deadbolt with extensive smart-home compatibility.
The August Home Smart Lock 2nd Generation is a retrofit lock that adds HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant voice control while preserving the existing deadbolt key. Its main limitation is the need for an optional Wi-Fi bridge for remote access and the lack of a built-in Wi-Fi module. Best for Apple HomeKit users and renters who want smart features without replacing the whole lock.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 9 minutesbest | — |
1 years | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 395 gbest | 1,489 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Type | AAA | AA |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Compatibility | false | true |
Wi‑Fi Standard | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
Fit & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 395 g | 1489 g |
Finish | Silver | Matte Black |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 3 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors, primarily from August's own product pages, stress the lock's easy, non-destructive installation, its retention of the original key, and its broad smart-home ecosystem support, especially HomeKit. They position it as a straightforward upgrade for users who want smart functionality without replacing their existing deadbolt.
Everyday users highlight the convenience of eliminating key fumbling, the usefulness of virtual guest keys, and the peace of mind provided by activity logs. No major recurring complaints appear in the available data, though users note the need for a separate Wi-Fi bridge and periodic battery changes.
Schlage Encode suits homeowners who want a full-replace smart lock with strong security, but is unsuitable for those needing a retrofit that keeps the original key.
No independent professional reviews or editor analyses were found in the available sources; manufacturer and retailer descriptions emphasize the lock's commercial‑grade security, built‑in Wi‑Fi, and broad smart‑home compatibility.
Consumer feedback is absent from the research data; no user reviews, ratings, or quoted comments were identified.
