Compare Yale August Smart Lock vs Schlage Sense Pro

The activity log was useful in one review, but another reviewer reported a serious failure where an unlock event was not logged.

The app was widely praised as intuitive, responsive, and feature-rich, though one reviewer had severe app freezing during setup.

The Schlage app offers useful controls for modes, alarms, access, and remote operation. It was stable after connection, though setup and Apple Home pairing were frustrating for some reviewers.

Auto-lock was one of the strongest features, praised for flexibility and peace of mind, though one reviewer disabled it because it could lock them out.

Auto-lock worked reliably and can be configured in either Apple Home or the Schlage app. Reviewers valued not having to remember to secure the door manually.

Battery life was the most consistent weakness, with repeated concern about CR123 batteries, shorter lifespan, replacement cost, and one six-to-eight-week real-world result.

Four AA batteries are easy to replace, Thread can extend runtime, and USB-C emergency power is a strong fallback. Some reviewers still preferred a rechargeable battery pack over replacing cells.

Bluetooth-range control was described as responsive in one review, with the lock reacting nearly immediately when pressed.

Build quality drew praise where discussed, with reviewers calling out high-quality materials and a solidly built feel.

Reviewers consistently praise the all-metal construction, premium feel, and careful engineering. Even the most critical reviewer described it as a well-built, high-quality lock.

DoorSense was praised when it worked and was considered worth installing, but one reviewer reported repeated calibration failures and incorrect open/closed status.

The lock lacks a door-sense feature that reports whether the door is open or closed. This is a clear disadvantage beside the Aqara U400.

Reviewers valued the retrofit deadbolt fit for renters and existing-door setups, though one installation was complicated by tight door trim.

The flattened deadbolt fit one previously troublesome door without adjustment and locked cleanly. Fit feedback is positive but comes from limited direct testing.

Keeping the outside hardware and existing deadbolt was repeatedly praised, especially for renters, maintenance access, and preserving exterior appearance.

The lock does not offer facial recognition. A reviewer noted that biometric access would be faster for household members who do not carry a phone or watch.

Aliro promises broader Samsung and Google wallet support, but reviewers repeatedly noted that these benefits were not fully available at launch. The future roadmap is encouraging but should not be treated as a current feature.

Fingerprint entry was treated as a missing keyless feature rather than a strength of this lock.

There is no fingerprint reader. Reviewers who regularly enter without a phone considered that a meaningful omission, while others accepted it in exchange for the smaller design.

Geofencing and auto-unlock were the most mixed smart feature: some reviewers found it handy or excellent, while others found it slow, inconsistent, or stopped working.

UWB approach detection is the standout feature and was faster and more precise than conventional geofencing for most reviewers. Results were not universal: one reviewer needed to travel far away before it would reliably re-arm.

Guest access was easy and useful, with virtual keys, sharing by text, and scheduled codes highlighted positively.

Up to 250 codes support family, guests, contractors, and other visitors without sharing one credential. Reviewers found guest access flexible and practical.

Reviewers liked that built-in Wi-Fi removes the need for an add-on bridge or Connect module.

Basic Wi-Fi control does not require a hub, but Apple Home Key, UWB, and advanced Matter features need a compatible home hub. That adds cost and complexity for households without one.

The slim, all-metal exterior is one of the strongest points, with a concealed keypad and discreet futuristic styling. Reviewers consistently preferred its compact look to bulkier UWB competitors.

Most reviewers found setup easy, quick, and well guided by the app, with one strong dissent reporting freezes, verification issues, and calibration trouble.

Physical installation is usually quick and straightforward, but software setup is inconsistent. Several reviewers paired it smoothly, while others needed repeated resets, Thread troubleshooting, or even a replacement unit.

The deadbolt operates smoothly and cleanly without jamming, even on an older door where other locks may bind.

The retained physical key was useful as a fallback and for renters, but one long-term tester still ended up carrying keys because smart unlocking was not fast enough.

There is no physical keyway, which improves the clean design but removes a familiar emergency fallback. Reviewers were split between accepting the tradeoff and finding it risky when electronic access failed.

The optional keypad works and can be useful, but reviewers noted it is not included and may disappoint buyers who want a built-in keypad experience.

The hidden keypad is fast, attractive, and useful for guests or phone-free entry. One defective unit failed to illuminate frequently, but its replacement worked reliably.

App/manual locking was often described as instant, smooth, or quick, but one reviewer found physical keys faster than app, Siri, or watch workflows.

Unlocking is generally exceptionally fast through UWB, Home Key, keypad, and app control. Multiple reviewers said the door was ready by the time they reached the handle.

The motor was praised for quiet operation in PCMag testing.

The motor moved the deadbolt smoothly and cleanly in an older door. Direct motor feedback is limited but strongly positive.

Locking reliability was excellent in most formal testing and one six-month review, but one reviewer reported serious state confusion and unreliable locking status.

Most reviewers found the lock fast, stable, and dependable after setup, including flawless daily UWB use in some homes. One reviewer experienced severe approach-unlock failures, and another needed a replacement unit before reliability improved.

Notifications were a clear strength, with reviewers praising flexible smart alerts, quick push alerts, and better door-status awareness.

The lock can report manual lock activity, low battery, and alarm events. Reviewers appreciated the broad status coverage and visible low-battery warnings.

The keypad, light bar, and warnings appear only when needed, preserving the minimalist face. This looks polished, though the hidden controls can be less discoverable.

Physical security received strong praise from TechGearLab, which highlighted the ANSI Grade 1 strength rating and intruder resistance.

The all-metal build, higher BHMA rating, and removal of the pickable key cylinder inspired confidence. Reviewers generally viewed the physical security design as a strength.

The keyless exterior removes the traditional cylinder targeted by picking and bumping, although drill resistance was not tested.

Remote access was praised as convenient for controlling the lock from elsewhere in the house or anywhere with a phone connection.

Remote locking, unlocking, and digital visitor access were considered highly useful. Built-in Wi-Fi allows these functions without a separate lock-specific bridge.

Security software features were reassuring in the CNET review, especially authentication and encryption protections around the app and account.

UWB uses a direct device handshake with protections against eavesdropping, tampering, and relay attacks. The technical security design received strong marks.

Smart-home integration was broad and often praised, but Alexa/Google setup hitches, HomeKit offline issues, and one severe HomeKit complaint made reliability mixed.

Apple Home, Home Key, Matter over Thread, and built-in Wi-Fi create a strong integration package for iPhone households. Android and cross-wallet support depended on later Aliro updates during the review period.

The lack of a built-in outside touchpad/touchscreen was a drawback for the reviewer who preferred that style of lock.

The disappearing touch panel looks advanced and keeps the exterior clean. Its minimal presentation can make operation less obvious to first-time users.

User access management was praised for free virtual keys and scheduled access codes.

Apple Home and Schlage controls make it easy to create temporary PINs, scheduled access, and digital keys. Reviewers especially valued flexible access for visitors and neighbors.

Value was mixed: several reviewers called it pricey but worthwhile, while others weighed the high price against batteries, keypad add-ons, and reliability frustrations.

At roughly $400, the lock is among the most expensive residential smart locks reviewed. Enthusiasts may accept the premium for design and UWB speed, but several reviewers considered the price difficult to justify.

Voice control worked quickly in one test and was supported broadly, but other reviewers reported password recognition issues or slow/failing Siri and Google Assistant use.

Support was viewed positively through a resolved battery-warning bug and confidence that August/Assa Abloy support would keep software maintained.

North American phone support provided helpful troubleshooting and access to a human representative. It could not resolve one defective unit remotely, but the service experience was still viewed positively.

Built-in Wi-Fi was praised for freshness, range, and eliminating a bridge, but reviewers tied it to battery drain and one reported mesh/Wi-Fi frustration.

Built-in Wi-Fi provides direct remote connectivity and useful backup alongside Matter over Thread. Reviewers viewed this as an advantage over locks that require a separate hub for out-of-home control.