Schlage Sense vs Connect vs Encode: Which Smart Lock Is Good For You?
- Last Updated: January 14, 2021
- Matthew Wilson
Keyless smart door locks have grown in popularity over the past decade, and have quietly become unsung heroes. Keeping intruders and thieves at bay is what they do best.
Buying a smart lock that fits your home requirements can be a daunting task. Fortunately, we have done all the donkey-work for you by testing top rated keypad deadbolts in the market today.
Comparison of Schlage Smart Locks: Encode, Connect, and Sense
All three smart locks have:
- Alerts for lock tampering or forced entry using the built-in alarm sensors
- Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility
- Compatibility with IoS and Android devices
- Limited lifetime warranties for both mechanical joints and finish
- Grade 1 topmost residential security rating for reinforced lock strength
- Activity notifications when people come and leave
- All three use AA4 batteries and also alert you when battery power is low.
- Easy Installation. The locks install like any other deadbolt, except for the extra steps of getting it to operate with a hub by downloading the app and syncing.
- Several trims and finishes available for the choice of color and shape that suits your residence. Schlage also stocks matching entry levers and handles in each of their finishes, so that your door can look attractive and have high-end aesthetics.
- Overall, a similar design and look. Schlage Encode, Connect, and Sense all have a top-class look, light-up digital keyboards, and impressive hardware.
Schlage’s line of top-notch smart locks can make your life convenient (and ultimately more fun!). Here’s a quick summary to help you compare Schlage smart locks:
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Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
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Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt
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Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt
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|---|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 3 year | 3 year | 3 year |
| Dimensions | 5.00 x 3.00 x 1.00 inches | 5.00 x 3.00 x 1.00 inches | 5.47 x 3.00 x 2.26 inches |
| Bluetooth | |||
| Wi-fi Connection | (WiFi Adapter sold separately) | (WiFi Adapter sold separately) | |
| Smart Things | |||
| IFTTT | |||
| Number of codes available | 30 | 30 | 100 |
| Amazon Alexa | (requires Alexa-enabled device) | (requires Alexa-enabled device) | (requires Alexa-enabled device) |
| Google Assistant | (requires Google Assistant-enabled device) | (requires Google Assistant-enabled device) | (requires Google Assistant-enabled device) |
| Apple HomeKit |
Review of Schlage Smart Locks: Encode, Connect, and Sense
Best Design
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Overview
The Schlage Encode smart lock combines the hardware-security chops of Connect with the smart-home finesse of Sense. Perhaps the best offering of the lot, Encode, is a bit more expensive, but we think the price is justified given the features it packs under the hood.
Encode boasts quieter functionality and a smaller size, making it feel like an update. But it is the only Schlage Wi-Fi smart lock that comes in a sleek matte black design, which we absolutely love!
One downside here is that you only get two color variants to select from. But fortunately, both of these options allow for light and dark-colored front door, respectively. Much like the Schlage Connect and Sense, the Encode lock is pretty easy to install.
You only need a screwdriver and a little bit of time to position it. If you are a first-timer, it is reasonable that you check out the company’s walkthrough video on Amazon.
Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, you can seamlessly pair this lock with the Schlage Home or Key app and utilize it from anywhere. All this is a reality with no additional accessories.
The software can also generate up to 100 distinct access codes in permanent or temporary form, depending on who you are granting access. Wi-Fi connectivity means low battery life, but the 4AA batteries will only need replacement every six months.
We also like Encode’s built-in alarm technology that senses when something fishy is happening around your lock, and can even show low-battery alarms well in advance so that you’re braced with new ones.
Schlage Encode code lock comes with a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, which means you have nothing to worry about once you’ve finished installing the lock. Satin Nickel and Matte Black are the color options here, though we prefer the Matte Black variant.
To enable hands-free voice control, you can pair it with any Amazon Echo device available. That capability is enticing, and along with its capacitive keypads- which are available in both traditional and modern styles and multiple finishes- the Encode emerges as an excellent choice for rental properties.
Schlage offers a variety of bundles with its products, and Encode is no different. For a low additional fee, you can also secure the Amazon Cloud Cam for an extra layer of home security. But if you already have a cloud camera installed, it makes sense to choose the lock’s only offering.
While it lacks a built-in auto-lock capability, it does sync with Amazon Key, Alexa, and Google Assistant and Ring devices. Unfortunately. Plus, Schlage doesn’t work with IFTTT or SmartThings.
If you want to digitalize your lock with SmartThings, then this isn’t the product for you. Alternatively, the Schlage Sense is worth a gamble if you want a touch of personalization to your door.
Best Security Potential
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Overview
The second offering on our list, the Sense, is a mid-range lock that comes with all intuitive features you can ask for. It builds on over 100 years of experience in lock manufacturing, and has the best security features of any lock we’ve tested.
If you are looking for an honest Schlage Sense deadbolt review, then we’ve got you covered. Read more below.
The lock has an easy-to-navigate mobile app, a simple design, and top-class security features, not to mention that its warranty is the best among the three. True to its name, Sense also features a deadbolt shape, making it compatible with a variety of doors available in modern homes.
If you’d like to lock or unlock this smart lock from anywhere, make sure you enable the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter (has to be bought separately). This deadlock works best with any kind of door within 1.37-1.75 inches, so be sure to have specifications in mind before ordering the product.
They say the best locks offer premium security, so we tested each lock’s potential to boost your home’s security. As you might have guessed, Schlage Sense garnered the highest scores in our test with an impressive 92%.
For instance, the device senses when someone tries to unlock your door with the keypad or any other key, which is a remarkable feature for smart locks to have, as many only detect app users.
Schlage Sense also sends warning signals when your security is at risk of compromise. It boasts built-in siren, which activates upon forced-entry or disturbance. This provides you with critical info in case of a night-time burglary; it also attracts unwanted attention to potential intruders and helps prevent them from entering your residency.
Perhaps the best part of Sense is that it comes with sync support for Amazon Alexa and Apple Home Kit. The flipside, however, is that you’ll need an Alexa device and a hub to use it. It’s good to know for the owners of Amazon Echo devices, although it’s not directly enabled.
The app allows you to allocate schedules and usage trends for the lock, giving you a hunch on who accesses it and when. For Apple aficionados, you can control the lock remotely via the Home Kit hub- even if you don’t have a Wi-Fi router. In such an instance, your hub will connect to the Sense smart lock and act as the adapter.
You can also manage the 30 codes available, which makes it a key aspect of this lock’s functionality. Sold in Matte Black and Satin Nickel color variants, you’ll get enough options from the Schlage Sense. It should fit right at home for anyone that likes stainless steel highlights or stainless steel appliances in their home.
Aside from the color scheme, this smart lock is quite big. We’ve tested out all three, and Schlage Sense is bigger than the Encode offering. This is most obvious on the inside of the lock, which is an incredible 8.3 inches long. It takes some getting used to, mainly if you’re accustomed to a traditional key lock, and we wish the Sense was a little compact in size.
Prices of smart locks might be fluctuating, but you will most likely find the Schlage Sense at an affordable price on Amazon. If you’re looking for a top-notch smart lock but don’t want to break the bank, then this is the one to buy.
If you’d like to enable remote access as soon as you purchase this product, it might be sensible to check out a couple of bundles the retailer is offering at the moment. This includes handle sets, Wi-Fi router, and more. This enables the flexibility to sync with conventional handles with your new digital lock system.
Best Сompatibility
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Overview
The final offering on our list, the Connect is a decent product on its own but lacks the cutting-edge features of the previous two. This simply means you don’t get app access with this smart lock, although Alexa Amazon integration is possible if you have a hub and Echo device in the house.
However, it is not entirely different from the Sense in terms of design. As you might have guessed, the display is touchscreen here, while the smart lock is capable of grasping up to 30 customized access codes at any one time.
You can build temporary access codes and terminate them at your convenience, thus guaranteeing an added layer of security, especially if you have guests over.
Schlage claims that the display is fingerprint-resistant, which is a requisite in a product like this. In terms of power usage, it runs on four AA batteries, which can last for more than four weeks (and up to twelve weeks) depending on your consumption.
It is recommended, however, to get rechargeable batteries so that you slash the cost of buying individual AA batteries.
This wouldn’t be an exhaustive Schlage Connect review without a mention of the product’s security features. There’s no compromise on home security, as the smart lock offers three built-in alarm alert settings.
Also, it comes with a Grade 1 ANSI home security features, letting you sleep undisturbed at night, or when you are on vacation. The Connect doesn’t feature automation by default, but if you have a Z-Wave Controller in place, you can enable automation on the device as well.
However, this means the price will go up a notch, especially if you plan to buy the Z-Wave hub alongside this commodity
Out tests uncovered that Schlage Connect relies on other smart home devices to enable crucial features.
For instance, when the lock was connected to a Wink Smart hub, it was found to outperform all other in-line Z Wave locks.
Remote access and guess access both work with smart homes, depending on the system installed in your home. Moreover, you can share access codes with guests via email or texts, but there are no scheduled or temporary-access settings.
The Connect offers two styles: the traditional Camelot or modern Century, which meet varied aesthetic preferences when it comes to replacing your current deadbolt.
You can choose from the six finishes available: bright brass, satin nickel, matte black, aged bronze, gleaming chrome, and satin chrome, which gives you plenty of options unlike with the other two Schlage smart locks.
Schlage also offers an impressive warranty on Connect, covering the electronics for 36 months. The mechanical parts and finish have a lifetime warranty.
The installation here is similar to all the other Schlage smart locks, and all you require is a capable screwdriver and 30 minutes. It’s an excellent smart lock to own, and although it’s slightly cheaper than the Sense model, we feel it could be way less expensive given the pricing of other Schlage offerings.
Conclusion
The days of leaving your doors unlocked with the hope that your neighbors will report any suspicious activity are long gone. These Schlage smart locks discussed above can bring that peace of mind you have craved for in the past.
It is evident from the specs and features of these locks that each one has its appeal. All variants bring modern technology and security to the fore, making it an exciting prospect for every homeowner.
We wouldn’t recommend the cheapest option on this guide, mainly because if you dish out a little more cash, you get an enhanced version, i.e., Schlage Sense. As depicted by the price tag, the Encode is in a league of its own, boasting top-of-the-line features in every aspect of functionality.
This means you can’t go wrong with any Schlage product outline here. The company has been at the heart of some of the best locks in the market today. Each of these smart locks is a good fit for Airbnb, so you don’t have to spend more when shopping for door locks.
However, when it comes to design, it’s difficult to look beyond the Schlage Encode. Talk about its big digital display, which enables for easy access at night or even its one-tap lock, which significantly eases your home security worries. While it may be hard to tell the difference between Schlage Encode and Sense, you can’t go wrong with either of these mid-range products. After all, Schlage is the best in the business.
We strongly recommend buyers to pair a smart lock from Encode with a hub and connect all your automated gadgets at home. This helps you keep track of activities in and around your home by activating a smartphone app. Above all, investing in home automation is affordable today, unlike in the past, so make sure you put your money where your mouth is!
