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Category: Operations & Cleaning
By: James Wu
Reply by Jessica Morales:
I've used all three across different properties. Here's my honest comparison: **Schlage Encode Plus** ⭐ My top pick - Built-in WiFi (no hub needed) - Extremely reliable — I've had one running 18 months with zero failures - Generates unique codes for each guest - Commercial-grade build quality - Battery lasts ~6 months with heavy use - Works with Apple Home Key **Yale Assure Lock 2** - Great lock, but requires a WiFi bridge/hub for remote access - Sleeker design than the Schlage - Good integration with smart home systems - Battery life slightly shorter (~4 months) **August WiFi Smart Lock** - Retrofits onto existing deadbolt (huge plus if you rent and can't change locks) - Auto-lock and auto-unlock features - App is the best of the three - Less commercial feel — more suited for residential use **My recommendation for STR:** Schlage Encode Plus. The built-in WiFi (no hub to fail) and commercial-grade reliability are unmatched. It's ugly compared to the Yale, but it works perfectly every time. In STR, reliability > aesthetics. **Pro tip:** Pair any smart lock with Hospitable (https://hospitable.com) or Hostaway for automatic code generation and delivery. Each guest gets a unique code that activates at check-in and expires at checkout. No more texting codes manually.
Reply by David Okafor:
One thing nobody mentions: battery life varies DRAMATICALLY by temperature. If your lock is on an exterior door in a cold climate (below 32°F regularly), battery life drops 40-50%. I go through batteries every 6-8 weeks in winter vs 5 months in summer. Solution: use lithium batteries instead of alkaline. They perform much better in extreme temperatures and last 2x longer. Worth the extra $5.