August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Fit a compatible deadbolt while keeping the outside hardware and key.
Best for: Keeping existing outside door hardware with a compatible deadbolt.
YOUR SHORTLIST, SIDE BY SIDE
Compare August Wi-Fi Smart Lock vs PointCentral vs Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt for locks and guest entry. Check the exact lock model, how to get in if it fails, and any extra device or paid plan you need.
Fit a compatible deadbolt while keeping the outside hardware and key.
Best for: Keeping existing outside door hardware with a compatible deadbolt.
The vendor offers guest and staff access tools and monitoring for linked devices.
Best for: Reviewing access across units and shared areas, if your setup qualifies.
The Encode BE489 deadbolt uses built-in Wi-Fi and the Schlage Home app.
Best for: Remote app access with the specified Wi-Fi deadbolt.
| What matters to you | August Wi-Fi Smart LockSmart access | PointCentralSmart access | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi DeadboltSmart access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score | STRCompare scoring | STRCompare scoring | STRCompare scoring |
| Properties | Count the devices you need, not just properties. Check whether your account qualifies and get an exact quote. | Count the devices you need, not just properties. Check whether your account qualifies and get an exact quote. | Count the devices you need, not just properties. Check whether your account qualifies and get an exact quote. |
| Overview | Consider August Wi-Fi Smart Lock if you want to keep your outside hardware and key. It needs a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt. Guests can use virtual keys. To enter by PIN without a phone, they need a keypad. Current booking automation is still an open question. The Wi-Fi product pages we reviewed do not confirm a current PMS booking-code process. | PointCentral offers tools for guest and staff access and monitors linked devices. Its dashboard covers units, site borders and shared areas. It uses digital access details and logs events. These are vendor claims. Safety and performance are not independently confirmed. Whether new customers with 1–10 properties qualify is not confirmed. The stated setup minimum may exclude them. | This profile covers the Encode BE489 deadbolt. It has Wi-Fi built in and uses Schlage Home. You do not need another device for remote access. Plus, Connect and Lever are different products. Remote access still needs power, Wi-Fi and internet at the property. The app is free, but a property-software connection may cost extra. |
| Plans and add-ons | Silver lock-only · add-on One selected Silver lock. Its current price differs from an older starting price. Tax, installation and an optional keypad cost extra. Wi-Fi + Keypad bundle · add-on The bundle previously showed $229.99. Select the exact model and check its currency, stock and checkout price. Wi-Fi + Keypad Touch bundle · add-on The bundle was listed at $249.99. Check the current model, currency, stock and final checkout price. | Platform Ask for a quote for setup, hardware and ongoing fees. OwnerRez previously reported a 15-property minimum for new setups. The current rule is unconfirmed. | Encode BE489 trim · add-on Official trim prices start at $299 per lock. We could not confirm which dollar currency applies. A starting or suggested retail price does not confirm checkout prices or ongoing plan fees. |
| Price and how you pay | Silver lock-only: USD 199.99/lockPrice per hardware item Plan prices and conditionsSilver lock-only: USD 199.99/lock Price per hardware item One selected Silver lock. Its current price differs from an older starting price. Tax, installation and an optional keypad cost extra. This price covers one device, managed door or service unit. Your required quantity and total cost are not confirmed. Silver lock-only: Silver lock-only: USD 199.99/lock Price per hardware item One selected Silver lock. Its current price differs from an older starting price. Tax, installation and an optional keypad cost extra. This price covers one device, managed door or service unit. Your required quantity and total cost are not confirmed. Wi-Fi + Keypad bundle: Wi-Fi + Keypad bundle: prior $229.99/bundle; current selection to confirm The bundle previously showed $229.99. Select the exact model and check its currency, stock and checkout price. We do not know how many locks or doors you need, or the exact price. Property count alone does not tell us how many devices to include. Wi-Fi + Keypad Touch bundle: Wi-Fi + Keypad Touch bundle: prior $249.99/bundle; current selection to confirm The bundle was listed at $249.99. Check the current model, currency, stock and final checkout price. We do not know how many locks or doors you need, or the exact price. Property count alone does not tell us how many devices to include. | Platform: Contact the provider for a quote. Plan prices and conditionsPlatform: Contact the provider for a quote. Ask for setup, hardware and ongoing fees in your quote. OwnerRez previously reported a 15-property minimum for a new setup. We could not confirm whether that limit still applies. We do not know how many locks or doors you need, or the exact price. Property count alone does not tell us how many devices to include. Platform: Contact the provider for a quote. Ask for setup, hardware and ongoing fees in your quote. OwnerRez previously reported a 15-property minimum for a new setup. We could not confirm whether that limit still applies. We do not know how many locks or doors you need, or the exact price. Property count alone does not tell us how many devices to include. | Encode BE489: from $299/lock; currency to confirm Plan prices and conditionsEncode BE489: from $299/lock; currency to confirm Listed finishes start at $299 per lock. We could not confirm which dollar currency applies. This is a starting list price, not a confirmed checkout price or a recurring software fee. We do not know how many locks or doors you need, or the exact price. Property count alone does not tell us how many devices to include. Encode BE489 trim: Encode BE489: from $299/lock; currency to confirm Listed finishes start at $299 per lock. We could not confirm which dollar currency applies. This is a starting list price, not a confirmed checkout price or a recurring software fee. We do not know how many locks or doors you need, or the exact price. Property count alone does not tell us how many devices to include. |
| Limits and requirements | |||
| Review sources | TrustpilotTrustScore 1.9 / 5 · 12 reviews vendor-hostedRating 4.4 / 5 · 2,557 reviews GoogleRating 4.5 / 5 · 18,679 ratings | GoogleRating 3.5 / 5 · 130 reviews | TrustpilotTrustScore 1.9 / 5 · 81 reviews |
| 01 / Guest access | |||
| Product type Choose locks, software to control entry or a managed service. | Available Fits inside a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt and adds Wi-Fi. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| Available Manage property access and connected devices online. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| Available Encode BE489 Wi-Fi deadbolt replaces your lock. Encode Plus and Lever are separate models. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Scheduled access codes Create entry codes for the dates of each stay. | Check this for your exact device and account. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only | With conditions Set when guests and staff can get in. Connecting your property software depends on the service you use. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| With conditions Set schedules for up to 100 codes in Schlage Home. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Remote management Internet, a bridge device or a plan needed for control from afar. | With conditions Built-in Wi-Fi. The August app does not need a Connect bridge. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions Manage access online. You need supported hardware, a hub and a network connection. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| With conditions Built-in Wi-Fi lets you use Schlage Home from afar. The lock needs power and internet. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Offline access Ways to get in when the connection is down. | Check this for your exact device and account. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only | Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | With conditions With a qualifying built-in Airbnb link, saved guest codes still start and expire offline. The lock must have power and work. Backup codes last until removed. If the lock is offline, remove them by hand after checkout. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Access methods Keypad, app, physical key and other documented methods. | With conditions Share digital keys in August. Add a keypad for PIN entry without a phone. Keep your original physical key. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions Use PINs, fobs, access cards or a phone. Options depend on your hardware. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| With conditions Unlock with a touchscreen PIN, the Schlage Home app or a physical key. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Access logs Entry logs and the requirements for using them. | With conditions See activity and DoorSense status in the app. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions See access logs for units, shared areas and outside entry points. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| With conditions See lock history and alerts in the app. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Backup entry Backup options if power or the connection fails. | With conditions Original mechanical key remains Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | With conditions Includes a backup key. Saved PINs still need a working lock with power. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| 02 / Installation and connections | |||
| Lock compatibility Supported locks or required door hardware. | With conditions Fits a compatible single-cylinder deadbolt. The outside hardware stays in place. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions Supports Alarm.com products and some Z-Wave devices from other brands. Check the exact model on the current device list. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| Check this for your exact device and account. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever |
| Door requirements Lock size and rules for fitting it to your door. | With conditions Replaces the inside thumbturn. Check your deadbolt and the space around it. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | With conditions BE489 standard door thickness 1⅜–1¾ inches; 2⅜ or 2¾ inch backset, 2⅛ inch face bore and 1 inch edge bore. Thick-door kit is separate. Exact fit must be checked. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, hubs and anything else you need. | With conditions Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz. For 5GHz, the lock needs software version 1.1.22 or later. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions Network needs depend on the lock. Choose supported hardware and check the current device list, platform and hub requirements. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| With conditions Built-in Wi-Fi. No separate bridge is needed to control it from afar. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| PMS connections Create codes from bookings. Check connections and fees. | Check this for your exact device and account. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only | With conditions OwnerRez lists a PointCentral connection. Check that your account can use it and how to set it up. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| With conditions The built-in Airbnb connection works only in some places, with certain devices and listings. Other property-software connections may cost extra. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Smart-home connections Supported home platforms and required accessories. | With conditions Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit/Siri after setup. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | With conditions Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant after setup. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Battery and power Battery type and other power needs. | With conditions Uses two CR123 batteries. Battery life depends on Wi-Fi and use. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | With conditions Uses four AA batteries. The claimed life is up to six months, depending on use. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| API access What other software can control and who gets access. | Check this for your exact device and account. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only | Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | Check this for your exact device and account. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever |
| 03 / Eligibility and costs | |||
| Property limits Check account limits and how many devices you need. | Count the devices you need, not just properties. Check whether your account qualifies and get an exact quote. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions OwnerRez says new customers need at least 15 properties to get started. Existing customers are exempt. It warns that this rule may change. We could not confirm who qualifies now. Count the devices you need, not just properties. Check whether your account qualifies and get an exact quote. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| Count the devices you need, not just properties. Check whether your account qualifies and get an exact quote. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Plans and add-ons Check the device model and software plan rules. | With conditions Choose the Silver lock alone or a keypad/Keypad Touch bundle. Check the exact model and stock. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| With conditions Ask for a quote to connect your properties. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| Check this for your exact device and account. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever |
| Hardware cost Price for one device, not a total for all your properties. | With conditions The Silver lock alone costs $199.99. Keypads and bundles cost separately. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only
| Check this for your exact device and account. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account. | With conditions Official prices start at $299 per lock. This is not the total for all your properties. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever
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| Additional fees Plans per device, bridge devices and fitting costs. | Check this for your exact device and account. Model: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Silver lock-only | With conditions Ask for setup, hardware and ongoing service costs. We could not confirm a fixed total for your properties. Details: Ask for a quote and check which devices work with your account.
| Check this for your exact device and account. Model: Encode BE489 / BE489WB deadbolt; separate from Encode Plus, Connect and Lever |
Start at the door. Check whether the lock fits, how guests enter and what happens if power or internet fails. Then check remote control and booking links. A lock, a hub and access software can be separate purchases. Confirm the full setup before relying on automatic guest codes.
Check the deadbolt fit first. Guests need a keypad for PIN entry without a phone. A current booking-driven code process was not confirmed for this model, so do not assume it is included. Read the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock profile for its plans and requirements.
Ask if your property count qualifies. The vendor describes access logs and device tools; these do not prove safety results. A setup for a few properties was not confirmed. Read the PointCentral profile for its plans and requirements.
Check that you are buying BE489, not another Encode model. Remote access needs power, Wi-Fi and internet at the property. A free maker app does not make all links to property software free. Read the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt profile for its plans and requirements.
Explore all smart access options, how to choose a lock for a US rental, how to plan automatic guest access codes to continue your shortlist.
Start with the exact door and lock model. Check the keypad, bridge or hub needed for your chosen booking connection. Decide which system should create and remove guest codes. A compatible brand name alone does not confirm that the full setup will work.
Check how the exact model lets guests in if the main method fails. Test the guest steps before arrival and arrange local help. A code may work offline but still need an internet link for you to change or remove it.
Yes, if the deadbolt fits. The lock keeps the outside hardware and old key. App-based guest keys are a separate way to enter. For PIN entry without a phone, you need a suitable keypad. Do not assume a lock-only order comes with one.
Yes. PointCentral describes access by role and time. Its hardware options use codes, fobs, badges, cards or phones. Ask which methods work on your exact doors. The list does not mean each lock supports them all.
Airbnb lists this model for its direct smart-lock feature. The listing must be in the US or Canada and meet Airbnb’s other rules. The lock needs internet and a keypad. Check the exact model and listing before you rely on codes linked to bookings.