We break down whether smart locks’ seamless app ecosystems or keypad locks’ tactile simplicity actually make life easier — and why that distinction will decide which one fits your home today.
Locks matter. We compare the August Home Matte Black Wi‑Fi Smart Lock and Smart Keypad with the Schlage BE365 Camelot keypad deadbolt to decide which is more convenient for daily use, installation, smart‑home integration, and security in real‑world homes today.
Smart Retrofit
We appreciate how this unit turns an existing deadbolt into a genuinely smart front door with full remote access and a companion keypad for phone‑free entry. Its ecosystem breadth and guest‑access model matter in a market where integration and remote management are the primary differentiators, though regional app restrictions and occasional sync issues keep it from being flawless.
Simple Keypad
We see this as a pragmatic keypad deadbolt that prioritizes physical reliability and simplicity over cloud features. In a market crowded with connected locks, it stands out for consistent day‑to‑day operation and a long battery life, but it won’t satisfy buyers who want remote control or deep smart‑home integration out of the box.
August Wi‑Fi Lock
Schlage Keypad Lock
August Wi‑Fi Lock
Schlage Keypad Lock
August Wi‑Fi Lock
Schlage Keypad Lock
Why the Most Convenient Smart Lock Isn’t Cheap
What they are and how they differ
What each lock does
We start by defining the two products so we can judge convenience on concrete terms. The August Home Matte Black bundle is a Wi‑Fi–enabled smart lock that replaces the interior hardware of your deadbolt and pairs with a slim touchscreen Smart Keypad. It gives remote access, temporary guest codes, activity logs, and integrations with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google — all managed through the August app.
The Schlage BE365 Camelot is a battery‑powered electronic keypad deadbolt designed for offline, tactile access. It swaps in like a conventional deadbolt and lets you program up to 19 PINs. No native Wi‑Fi, no app dependence — just a robust metal lock and a silicone‑button keypad built for simple, everyday use.
Key practical differences
Installation and security approach
August prioritizes connectivity and frequent firmware/feature updates — convenience comes through software and cloud encryption. Schlage prioritizes mechanical reliability and battery economy with local PIN authentication and fewer external dependencies.
Why that matters now
Put simply: August is built for remote management, renters, and integrated smart homes; Schlage is for low‑maintenance, reliable keyless access where offline simplicity wins.
User experience and design: installation, daily use, and build
Installation
For August we found the experience deliberately app-first. The interior retrofit installs in minutes and preserves the exterior thumbpiece, so curb appeal stays intact; setup, firmware updates, and guest links are all handled in the August app. Built‑in Wi‑Fi removes the need for a separate bridge for basic remote control, but that also means the app is your gateway to most functionality.
Schlage BE365 is the opposite: a straightforward deadbolt swap that installs with a screwdriver in the time it takes to read the instructions. Programming codes is done on the lock itself, no phone required — a big plus if you want low‑friction, offline convenience.
Daily use
We judged day‑to‑day convenience by responsiveness, error modes, and how natural interactions feel. August shines when we need remote control: instant temporary codes, activity logs, and geofenced unlocks are genuinely useful for hosts and families. In our testing August felt faster for remote tasks but occasionally prompted reauthentication during updates or flaky Wi‑Fi. Schlage is predictably reliable: the keypad just works, consumes little power, and never depended on cloud services.
Build and tactile design
The August matte‑black finish and low‑profile inside unit read modern and premium; the included capacitive keypad is contemporary but relies on the app for most advanced management. Schlage’s Camelot faceplate and recessed, silicone buttons deliver confident feedback—easy with gloves and in the dark. Battery and maintenance tradeoffs matter: August uses CR123A cells and sends low‑battery alerts via app; Schlage runs on a 9V for up to ~2 years typical use.
Ecosystem integration, security, and smart features
Ecosystem compatibility
We value locks that plug into the rest of the house without friction. August ships as a Wi‑Fi native product and advertises first‑class support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (this bundle) plus SmartThings and short‑term rental workflows. That means we can issue time‑limited virtual keys from anywhere, trigger camera recordings when a code is used, or pair an arrival with lights and thermostat changes — all without adding a separate bridge.
By contrast, the Schlage BE365 is a self‑contained keypad deadbolt. It’s not a Wi‑Fi device; to get centralized automations you’d need a different Schlage model or an external smart hub. That simplicity makes it robust, but it won’t participate in cloud routines or remote provisioning out of the box.
Security model and updates
Both locks use conservative local PIN protections and well‑tested mechanical designs. August relies on encrypted cloud services for remote features and pushes firmware through its ecosystem — good for quick security patches but introducing a dependency on vendor infrastructure and account security. Schlage’s BE365 keeps everything local, reducing exposure to server‑side account compromises, but it has no built‑in audit logs, push alerts, or remote lockout recovery.
Privacy, long‑term support, and failure modes
We care about whether a lock stays useful if a company changes course. August gives richer features today but is more vulnerable to subscription or server changes; its convenience degrades if online services vanish. Schlage’s offline model preserves basic lock functionality forever, but you trade away modern conveniences and remote troubleshooting.
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
Price, value, and recommended use cases
Upfront price vs ongoing cost
We look at total convenience as dollars now plus headaches later. The August bundle (~$200) costs more up front but bundles Wi‑Fi and a keypad so you don’t need a separate bridge. That extra convenience can come with optional subscriptions or feature changes over time, so factor in potential add‑ons. The Schlage BE365 (~$121) is materially cheaper and doesn’t depend on cloud services or monthly fees.
What your money buys
We care about predictable value. August gives remote access, virtual keys, and integrations that save time for hosts and automators — features many buyers will pay for. Schlage buys you long battery life (9V, up to ~2 years typical), robust metal hardware, and a truly set‑and‑forget experience with no app required.
Resale, longevity, and risk
Vendor policy changes matter. August’s integrations can increase resale appeal in a smart‑home market, but those conveniences depend on the company maintaining cloud services and firmware support; if policies shift, remote features can degrade. Schlage’s offline design preserves core lock functionality indefinitely and is less vulnerable to service changes; its stronger mechanical warranty also favors long‑term reliability.
Who should buy which
We recommend comparing multi‑year costs (batteries, optional subscriptions, and replacement warranties) before deciding which convenience you’re actually paying for.
Final verdict
We prefer different locks for different priorities. If convenience means remote control, granular guest management, and tight smart‑home automation that actually simplifies daily routines, August Home’s Wi‑Fi Smart Lock and Smart Keypad are the clear winner: its design and cloud features let us automate comings and goings, hand out temporary codes, and stitch the lock into routines that save time. That advantage matters now because many homes are shifting toward voice, presence, and geo‑based automation — and August delivers those touchless conveniences despite higher upfront cost and some cloud dependence.
For predictable, low‑maintenance convenience, the Schlage BE365 Camelot wins: its simple keypad, robust mechanical build, and offline reliability cut complexity and long‑term cost. Our recommendation is pragmatic: choose August for integrated smart workflows; choose Schlage for durable, no‑fuss access. Confirm ecosystem compatibility and warranty terms before buying — which side will change your daily routine more? We recommend checking bridge and hub costs, and firmware update history.
Chris is the founder and lead editor of OptionCutter LLC, where he oversees in-depth buying guides, product reviews, and comparison content designed to help readers make informed purchasing decisions. His editorial approach centers on structured research, real-world use cases, performance benchmarks, and transparent evaluation criteria rather than surface-level summaries. Through OptionCutter’s blog content, he focuses on breaking down complex product categories into clear recommendations, practical advice, and decision frameworks that prioritize accuracy, usability, and long-term value for shoppers.
