Yale vs. Schlage: Which One to Buy?

Buying a smart lock is a daunting task. There are so many options available on the market that it is easier to get confused rather than make an informed decision. Similar thing happened with one of my clients. He called me and asked; 

“What do you think, Matthew? Which company locks are better, Yale or Schlage?” 

And at this point, I decided to write an article on Yale vs. Schlage.

In this article, I will first compare different offerings from these 2 brands heads on. I will be doing these comparisons – 

• Schlage Encode vs. Yale Assure
• Schlage Connect vs. Yale Assure(with Z wave)
•  Schlage Sense vs. Nest Yale lock

However this article will not be complete without making a comparison between different products of the same brand. See ultimately I am here to help you make a wise and informed decision about which brand and the product to buy. I will be evaluating these in specific.

• Schlage Encode vs. Sense vs. Connect
• Yale Assure lock SL vs. Nest x Yale lock

So let’s begin our product showdown.

Yale vs. Schlage Smart Locks Compared

1. Schlage Encode vs. Yale Assure

Let’s first take a look at Schlage Encode, its features, the good and the ugly.

Schlage Encode

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is a sleek WiFi smart lock that packs a lot of functionality into a small body. It is amongst the few locks with an alarm built-in, making it one of the finest smart locks available. A loud alarm will sound if someone tries to break in by pulling off the panel.

The lock may save up to 100 codes, including ones that can only be used once or on a predetermined schedule, such as letting in a dog walker at a specified time during the day but not overnight.

Features

• It features a WiFi lock that does not require a hub and functions independently. And because of this it is easy to operate and takes less hardware to be Connected to the router.
• It is smaller and quieter than the other locks, taking up less space and making no grinding noise.
• The Encode is amongst the few locks that work with Amazon Key. This permits Amazon delivery personnel to open the lock and bring your package inside.
• You can install the lock without any fuss using the innovative Snap ‘n Stay technology. Therefore, the setup is simple and just requires a screwdriver.
• It is WiFi-enabled and has a touchpad with convenient one-touch locking and fingerprint resistance. It supports optional voice control, which allows for hands-free operation when using voice commands.

Yale Assure Lock

Yale Assure Lock has a smooth and slender external design that complements a wide range of home finishes. It is compatible with practically all smart home systems and Connects effortlessly with your existing devices. 

It’s one of the best keyless touchscreen deadbolts available today, built by one of the world’s leading key makers. It is simple to set up and use, and you can enjoy an added layer of security from the comfort of your smartphone.

Features

• Up to 25 codes can be stored on the app or as key codes by the lock.
• You may create codes for family members and visiting relatives and even tailor codes for specific individuals. Using the instructions in the accompanying handbook, the codes may be simply added and removed on the keypad.
• Simply input your four or eight-digit code on the keypad to access your property.
• You’ll never have to be concerned about leaving your door ajar again. It contains a handy function called DoorSense, which detects when the bolt has slipped into position by using a tiny magnet located in the door frame. It will not automatically close the door for you, but it will assist you in doing so.
• You can operate the lock with the help of the Yale Assure app.
• The Yale Assure Lock SL is powered by up to four AA batteries (included in the product box). With regular usage, the battery lasts around a year.

Final Result- Which is better: Schlage Encode vs Yale Assure

Both the locks have their pros and cons, as you have seen that:-

• Schlage Encode is of Grade 1 while Yale Assure is of Grade 2.
• The battery life of Schlage Encode is 6 months, while Yale Assure has a battery life of 1 year.
•  Schlage Encode comes with 100 one-time use codes, while Yale Assure sl comes with 25 user codes.
• Schlage Encode has 3 years warranty for electronics while Yale Assure has a 1-year warranty for electronics.

Schlage Encode can be preferred when you don’t want to spend extra on other accessories like in Yale Assure you will need some additional accessories that will increase the price of the lock too.

2. Schlage Connect vs. Yale Assure Lock with Z Wave

You have learned everything about Schlage Encode locks; now it’s time to learn about Schlage Connect locks.

All the features, pros, and cons have been listed below to help you in making a wiser decision.

Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt

The Schlage Connect lock Connects with your home automation system using Z-Wave technology, allowing you to operate your smart lock from anywhere at any time.

The Schlage Connect supports up to 30 distinct pin codes to unlock the door, allowing numerous family members or staff to each use their code and allowing you to know who used the lock at any one moment.

Alexa, SmartThings, Wink, Nexia, Ring, and Google Assistant are all supported.

With Z-Wave, you can Connect this smart lock to all of your other smart home devices, allowing them to communicate in whichever way you like.

Features

• It works with Alexa, as opposed to Schlage Sense, which works with Siri because it is meant to control Amazon Alexa.
• It is z-wave compatible, allowing you to Connect to smart home devices managed by a smart Home Hub like SmartThings.
• It also has an alarm system that will sound if someone tries to tamper with the system.
• The Schlage Connect requires four AA batteries. (included) and the battery life of the Schlage Connect is one year.
• Schlage Connect locks your door 30 seconds after it unlocks; it does not require a smart home system. Here is the article that I did on Schlage deadbolt removal sometime back in case a situation arises.
• The keypad can be programmed with up to 30 distinct user codes.

Yale Assure Lock with Z Wave

It is a keyless door lock and has a 30-second auto-lock after opening. It is intended to be used with Z-Wave smart homes and other smart home hubs. Also, it has a simple one-touch locking mechanism and up to 16 customization codes for your family and friends.

Features

• It has a BHMA Grade 2 deadbolt that is fully automated and extremely silent.
•  It has an easy one-touch locking option with up to 16 customized codes, which you can share with your friends and family.
• It is powered by 4 AA batteries, which are included with your order. Under typical conditions, it will last around a year, if not a little longer, with daily 6-8 times usage.
• It has a built-in buzzer that sounds when the incorrect codes are entered many times. 
• It has Keyless entry and exit with a 30-second auto-lock after exit or entering the house.
• It is also equipped with remote monitoring through Z-Wave. However, it must be linked to WiFi (sold separately).

Final result: Which is better- Schlage Connect vs Yale Assure(with Z wave)

Both the locks have their pros and cons, as you have seen that:-

• Schlage Connect has a Grade 1 security rating, while Yale Assure(with Z wave) has a grade 2 security rating.
• Schlage Connect has a built-in alarm that beeps when someone tries to enter forcefully, while Yale Assure(with Z wave) has an alarm that beeps when the wrong code is entered numerous times.
• Schlage Connect can be programmed with 30 unique codes, while Yale Assure(with Z wave) can be programmed with 16 customizable codes.

You can prefer Schlage Connect in the case where you feel that the room where it is installed is dark most of the time, as the keypad of the lock illuminates, while Yale Assure(with Z wave) does not have such a feature.

You can prefer Yale Assure(with Z wave) in the case you have kids who tend to forget to lock the door, Yale Assure(with Z wave) has a 30-second auto-lock after exiting or entering the house.

3) Schlage Sense vs. Nest Yale lock

Schlage Sense

The Sense is the company’s mid-tier smart lock, and it comes with all of the smart features you might want. This has a deadbolt design that makes it compatible with a wide range of doors used in houses today. Since this is a smart lock, you can activate it using a smartphone app. Also, the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter, which must be purchased separately, allows you to unlock and lock your door from anywhere.

Features

• It includes a WiFi lock that does not require a hub. Therefore, it may be used without a hub, unlike Sense and Connect. Because it takes less hardware to be hooked into the router, it is easier to operate.
• It also works remotely, and because it uses WiFi, you may lock or open it from anywhere. There is no hub for remote controls.
• It is smaller and quieter than the other locks, taking up less space and making no grinding noise.
• The battery life is shorter, but these others have a battery life projected to last 12 months. Because it uses WiFi rather than a hub, the battery will last for around six months.

Nest X Yale

The Nest X Yale is a smart keyless lock that uses key codes and a mobile app to lock and unlock. The lack of a keyhole provides additional protection because the lock is tamper-proof and cannot be snapped.

Features

• It is a keyless deadbolt that is safe and tamper-proof; no lost keys or picked locks are required.
• When it detects that you are not present, it activates Auto Relock.
• The installation is simple, requiring only a screwdriver to replace your current lock.
• For locking the door behind you, one-touch locking is enabled.
• You will receive a low battery indication on the lock and in your app, prompting you to replace them.
• It is powered by four AA batteries that have a one-year lifespan.
• Can create up to 20 Passcodes” for visitors with the option of a scheduled timing code.

Final Result: Which is better: Schlage Sense vs. Nest Yale lock

Both the locks have their pros and cons, as you have seen that:-

• Schlage Sense can generate 30 access codes at a time, while Nest x Yale can generate 20 passcodes.
• Schlage Sense has Grade 1 security rating while Nest x Yale has Grade 2 security rating.
• Schlage Sense has one backup key, while Nest x Yale is keyless.
• Schlage Sense has an auto-lock feature, while Nest x Yale has no such feature.

You can prefer Nest x Yale if you want your lock batteries to have a long life and you want hassle free life where you don’t have to change them after a few months; as the  Nest x Yale batteries have a battery life of 1 year. On the other hand, the battery life of Schlage Sense is 6 months.

Now, after discussing Yale vs. Schlage. Let us move to the comparison between the locks of the same brand.

Schlage Encode vs. Sense vs. Connect

Now, you must be wondering which is better to purchase Schlage Encode vs. Sense vs. Connect. 

Each type has its attraction, as you can undoubtedly see from the pros and cons and characteristics of these locks, which we have already discussed above.

All versions include protection and current technology, making it an appealing option for any house. Which of the three models is the best depends on how much money you’re ready to pay.

If you already have a smart hub, Schlage Connect or Schlage Sense would be the best choice for you because they require a smart hub to function properly. Check if your voice assistant and smart hub are compatible with the item you’re thinking about buying.

Schlage Encode would be a good place to start if you don’t already have a smart hub. It can surely operate alone and does not require any type of Connection to the smart hub.

I hope this comparison helps you choose a suitable smart lock for your needs.

Yale Assure lock sl vs. Nest x Yale

You must be wondering if both the locks are of the same brand, but then also, I am making the comparison. I am doing it because I have got many queries in the past on Yale Assure lock sl vs. nest x Yale: which one to choose?

Let us now compare: Yale Assure lock sl vs. nest x Yale lock.

The Google Nest Yale Lock communicates with other Nest devices such as the Nest Guard and Nest Connect through Thread technology. 

When you link smart devices in this manner, you automatically give the devices the ability to do certain things. In short, it means The Nest Yale Smart Lock is only interoperable with Nest home automation systems.

On the other hand, the Yale Assure Lock communicates through WiFi and Bluetooth.

The Nest Yale Lock allows you to establish a restricted number of user codes in your Google account. A total of 20 user codes per home, with a maximum of three homes.

If you have a Yale Smart Module of any sort, the Yale Assure lock can store a default of 25 user codes and up to 250 codes.

The Google Nest Yale will not automatically open the door as you approach, as the Yale Assure SL does with August DoorSense.

I hope I have made a clear comparison that will help you in making a wiser decision.

FAQs

Q1. How can I tell the difference between Zigbee and Z-wave lock circuits for Schlage Connect?

Answer – The circuit board in Zigbee locks is blue, whereas the circuit board in Z wave locks is green.

Q2. Which Yale Lock Is the Most Reliable? 

Answer – It depends on your needs, but the Yale Assure lock provides the best functionality and upgradability in comparison to any lock. As a result, I feel the Yale Assure smart lock is the greatest Yale lock available today.

Q3. How do you change the battery on a Yale lock? 

Answer – Interestingly I have done an entire article on the same. You can read it here – All about Yale Battery Replacement

Conclusion

I know that both Schlage and Yale lock companies make high-quality locks. But there are times when such a question arises in our mind: Yale vs. Schlage. 

After reading this article Yale vs. Schlage, I hope you will be able to make an informed decision. 

Do comment and let me know which company lock you prefer: Yale vs. Schlage.