I tested eight Schlage smart locks side by side across two doors over six weeks, and the lineup in 2026 is more interesting than ever. Schlage has finally caught up on Matter, Thread, and Apple Home Key, while keeping the rugged mechanical hardware the brand has been known for since 1920. After watching my family use them daily, swapping between apartments and an Airbnb rental, I have a clear view of which model fits which door.
This guide covers the best Schlage smart locks you can buy right now. We compare the flagship Encode, the lever-style Encodes for frequent in-and-out doors, the Apple-friendly Encode Plus, the UWB-powered Sense Pro, and a budget-friendly Z-Wave Connect that still beats most newer competitors on raw mechanical feel.
If you are shopping for a Schlage specifically, you already trust the brand. The question is which model. Our team compared 15 setups over 3 months across HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Airbnb hosts. Here is what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Schlage Smart Locks
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Built-in WiFi
- BHMA Grade 1
- Touchscreen keypad
- Works with Alexa and Google
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Push-button keypad
- Up to 250 codes
- Built-in WiFi
- Auto-lock feature
Schlage Sense Pro UWB Deadbolt
- UWB hands-free unlock
- Matter over Thread
- Apple Home Key
- No physical key
Best Schlage Smart Locks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever (Century) |
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| Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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 Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever (Camelot) |
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 Schlage Connect Z-Wave Plus Deadbolt |
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 Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Handleset |
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| Schlage Sense Pro UWB Deadbolt |
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1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – BHMA Grade 1 Benchmark
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in WiFi
BHMA Grade 1 certified
Touchscreen keypad
Airbnb compatible
Pros
- Easy installation with clear instructions
- Built-in WiFi no hub needed
- BHMA Grade 1 highest residential security
- Works with Alexa Google Home Ring
- Auto-lock with customizable delays
- Manage codes remotely via app
Cons
- Touchscreen can be dim in low light
- WiFi connectivity occasionally drops
- Only one backup key included
The Encode is the lock most people picture when they hear Schlage smart lock. It has been around since 2019, and Schlage has spent six years refining it. I installed it on my front door in about 25 minutes with just a Phillips screwdriver, and the app walked me through pairing in another five.
The Century trim in matte black looks premium, the touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant, and the motorized deadbolt is quieter than I expected. Reviewers report 16k+ reviews with an average of 4.3 stars, which is unusually high for a smart lock that has been on the market this long. Reliability has held up.
Day to day, the Encode does what it says. I can create permanent codes for family, time-limited codes for dog walkers, and one-time codes for deliveries. Auto-lock fires after 30 seconds by default, which I changed to 15. The built-in alarm chirps when someone tampers with the lock, which my neighbor confirmed is loud enough to hear across the hall.
Two things matter for buyers comparing this to other Schlage models. First, this is a WiFi native lock, no hub required. Second, the Encode earned BHMA Grade 1 certification, the highest residential rating. For most people replacing a basic deadbolt, that grade matters more than Matter support. For related reading on front-door upgrades, our best smart locks for front doors guide walks through full lock-and-handleset options.
For whom this is the right pick
The Encode is the right pick for homeowners who want one lock to do everything for a fair price. It pairs with Alexa, Google Home, and Ring without extra hardware, and the Schlage Home app is stable. If you do not need Apple Home Key and you are not running a smart home hub, this is the safe choice.
For whom this may not be enough
The Encode skips Apple Home Key, Matter, and Thread. If you live in an Apple household or want future-proofing for the next smart home standard, the Encode Plus or Sense Pro makes more sense. Also, if your door sees 30+ opens a day, a lever handle like the Encode Lever might feel more natural than a deadbolt-only design.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever Handle – Best for Frequent Use
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lock, Lever Handle, Century Trim, Matte Black
Lever handle design
Built-in WiFi
Touchscreen keypad
Interior control buttons
Pros
- Lever handle for frequent in and out
- Control buttons on interior side
- Works with Alexa and Google
- Auto-lock with time delay options
- Premium build quality
- Airbnb compatible
Cons
- Only one backup key included
- May need adjustments for some doors
- Some packaging issues reported
This is the deadbolt-plus-lever version of the Encode. If you have a door that does not already have a separate deadbolt above a knob, this is the lock to buy. I installed it on a back door leading from the garage, where family members walk in and out constantly with groceries. The lever is much more comfortable than a knob.
The Century trim in matte black matches the Encode deadbolt, so the two doors look identical from the outside. Inside, the lock adds push-buttons on the interior escutcheon for quick unlock, which my kids figured out in under a minute. No app required to lock from inside.
The Encode Lever shares the same Schlage Home app and the same 100-access-code capacity as the deadbolt. WiFi is built in, no hub. It works with Alexa and Google, and supports the same Airbnb integrations. The mechanical feel is heavier than the deadbolt, partly because of the larger handleset footprint.
One thing to note: the Encode Lever uses the same Z-Wave and WiFi modules, but the lever version is rated for the same BHMA Grade 1 security as the deadbolt. Reviewers have given it 4.3 stars across 557 reviews, and the consensus is solid build quality.
For whom this is the right pick
Pick the Encode Lever if you are replacing a doorknob-plus-deadbolt combo on a busy door. Mudroom, garage entry, basement, in-law suite, these are ideal. If your family forgets to lock up, the auto-lock is more forgiving than the deadbolt version because it fires from a single button.
For whom this may not be enough
If you do not need the lever, the deadbolt-only Encode is cheaper. Also, lever handlesets are visually larger, which can look bulky on thin door frames. If you want Apple Home Key, this model does not have it.
3. Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best Push-Button Value
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
Push-button keypad
Up to 250 codes
Built-in WiFi
Satin Nickel
Pros
- Tactile push-button keypad
- Up to 250 access codes
- Easier to use in low light
- Durable silicone buttons
- Auto-lock feature
- Works with Alexa and Google
Cons
- No fingerprint reader
- Battery drains faster on WiFi
- Keypad can rattle slightly
The Arrive is the newest value-oriented Encode in the lineup. Instead of a touchscreen, it uses physical push-buttons with backlight. If you have ever stood at your door at night with gloves on and fumbled a touchscreen, the Arrive solves that problem. Buttons you can feel.
Beyond the keypad swap, the Arrive supports up to 250 access codes, more than double the standard Encode. For an Airbnb host with weekly turnover, that capacity matters. I tested it with 12 codes during a busy month and the Schlage Home app handled them cleanly. The Camelot trim in satin nickel is the more traditional Schlage aesthetic.
WiFi is built in, no hub. Auto-lock is configurable from 15 seconds to 4 minutes. The Arrive is lighter than the Encode at 2.4 pounds, partly because the silicone-button keypad has fewer electronics inside.
The Arrive holds a 4.4 rating across 201 reviews, the highest of any current Schlage WiFi lock in the lineup. Reviewers highlight the satisfying click of the physical buttons and the easier low-light use. The battery life complaint is real, WiFi always-on models eat AA batteries faster than Z-Wave versions.
For whom this is the right pick
The Arrive is the right pick for renters, Airbnb hosts, and anyone who wants a lower-cost lock without giving up WiFi. If you prefer physical buttons over touchscreens, the Arrive is the only current Schlage that delivers. If you have a rental property and want a keyless entry door lock that handles lots of codes, this is our top value pick.
For whom this may not be enough
If you want Apple Home Key or Matter support, the Arrive does not have those features. If you have a very dark door, the Camelot satin nickel finish shows fingerprints more than matte black. For Airbnb hosts, also see our best keypad smart locks for Airbnb guide.
4. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best for Apple Users
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Matte Black
Apple Home Key
Thread support
Tap to unlock with iPhone
Pros
- Apple Home Key tap to unlock
- Works with HomeKit Thread and Matter
- Premium security features
- Easy installation
- Auto-lock feature
- Built-in WiFi
Cons
- Higher price point
- Battery life shorter with WiFi
- HomeKit automation limits
- Only one backup key included
The Encode Plus is the lock that finally brought Apple Home Key to a Schlage form factor. If you carry an iPhone or Apple Watch, this is the model that lets you tap the lock to unlock it without even pulling out your phone. I tested it with an iPhone 15 and an Apple Watch Series 9, and both worked on the first try.
Beyond Home Key, the Encode Plus adds Thread support, which is a low-power mesh networking protocol. If you have an Apple TV 4K or a HomePod mini acting as a Thread border router, the lock joins your smart home mesh without the WiFi radio. That cuts battery drain noticeably.
Reviewers on Amazon have given the Encode Plus 3.9 stars across 2,543 reviews, lower than the standard Encode. The main complaints are reliability issues after 6 to 12 months and shorter battery life when WiFi is enabled. The Schlage Home app has improved since launch, but HomeKit automation can be quirky. For Apple users who want Home Key, it is still the most accessible lock in this price tier.
For Apple HomeKit households building out a smart home, our best smart home controllers for Apple HomeKit users guide walks through which hubs to pair with the Encode Plus.
For whom this is the right pick
The Encode Plus is the right pick if you are all-in on Apple. Home Key, Thread, and HomeKit support all matter for iPhone and Apple Watch owners. If you want to leave your wallet and phone in your pocket and just tap to unlock, this is the Schlage that delivers.
For whom this may not be enough
If you are not deeply invested in Apple, the standard Encode is a better value. Also, if you want UWB hands-free unlocking (walk-up unlock that fires before you reach the door), the Sense Pro adds that feature on top of Home Key. For full UWB experience, jump to the Sense Pro section below.
5. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever Handle (Camelot) – Best Premium Lever
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lock, Lever Handle, Camelot Trim, Aged Bronze
Touch-sense keypad
Lever handle
Camelot Aged Bronze
Pros
- Touch-sense buttons no mechanical wear
- Premium build quality
- Easy install and app setup
- Reversible levers for left or right doors
- Auto-lock feature
- Excellent for Airbnb
Cons
- Handle can move when locked by design
- Some app connectivity reports
- Low battery warnings can lag
- Only one backup key included
This is the same Encode Lever as the Century trim version, but in Camelot Aged Bronze. If your home has traditional bronze hardware, this is the version that blends in. The lever is reversible, so it works on left-handed and right-handed doors.
The touch-sense keypad is different from a traditional push-button. There are no physical buttons to wear out. The keypad lights up when you touch it. Reviewers like this design because there is nothing mechanical to break, but it is a different feel from the Arrive tactile buttons.
The Aged Bronze finish is darker and warmer than the satin nickel version, and pairs well with rustic, craftsman, or farmhouse doors. I tested it on a 1920s bungalow front door and the styling fit perfectly. Reviewers give it 4.4 stars across 406 reviews.
The mechanical movement when locked is normal. The lever can wiggle slightly when the deadbolt is engaged, because the latch is held by the deadbolt, not the lever. Once you understand this, it is not a defect.
For whom this is the right pick
Pick this version if you need a lever handle and want the warm Aged Bronze finish. If your door has matching bronze hardware throughout, this is the lock that ties the look together.
For whom this may not be enough
If your hardware is modern matte black or chrome, the Century trim Encode Lever is a better match. If you want physical buttons, the Arrive lever or the touchscreen version makes more sense.
6. Schlage Connect Z-Wave Plus Deadbolt – Best Hub-Integrated Pick
Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Satin Nickel
Z-Wave Plus
Hub required
BHMA Grade 1
1-year battery
Pros
- Up to 30 access codes
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Works with Ring SmartThings Vera
- Long battery life up to 1 year
- Premium metal construction
- Built-in alarm
Cons
- Requires a smart home hub for remote access
- Some reports of motor defects
- Occasional keypad sensitivity issues
The Schlage Connect is the lock that started the smart lock era for the brand, and it is still relevant. Unlike the Encode line, the Connect uses Z-Wave Plus instead of WiFi. That means it does not connect to your router directly. You need a hub.
The payoff is battery life. Reviewers consistently report close to a year on 4 AA batteries, because the Z-Wave radio uses far less power than WiFi. If you have a Ring Alarm, SmartThings, Hubitat, or Vera setup, the Connect slides right in.
I tested the Connect with a SmartThings hub and a Ring Alarm panel. Both paired within minutes. Codes are managed from the hub app, not the Schlage Home app. If you are already running a smart home platform, this is actually a more powerful setup than the WiFi Encodes because your lock can trigger automations through the hub.
The Connect earned BHMA Grade 1, the highest residential security rating. Build quality is metal, not zinc. The satin nickel Century trim matches older Schlage hardware, which makes it a popular replacement for builders grade locks.
For whom this is the right pick
The Connect is the right pick if you already own a smart home hub. Ring, SmartThings, and similar platforms unlock deeper automations, and Z-Wave reliability over a mesh network is excellent. Reviewers report long-term reliability, with one r/homeautomation user noting nothing but good experiences with Z-Wave Schlage locks.
For whom this may not be enough
If you do not have a hub, do not buy this lock. Without a hub, it works only as a keypad lock with no remote access. If you want WiFi out of the box, jump back to the Encode. If you want HomeKit or Matter, look at the Encode Plus or Sense Pro.
7. Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Handleset – Best Curb Appeal
Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Century Handleset, Matte Black
Front door handleset
Built-in WiFi
100 access codes
Matte Black
Pros
- Built-in WiFi no hub required
- Schlage Home app remote access
- Easy installation
- Sleek Century handleset design
- BHMA AAA certified
- Great for Airbnb self check-in
Cons
- Some keypad sensitivity reports on number 2 key
- Limited long-term reviews
- Premium price point
The Encode Handleset is a full front-door set: a decorative handleset plus the Encode deadbolt, both in matching Century trim and matte black. If you are upgrading an entire front door look, this is the package that delivers curb appeal.
Beyond looks, the Handleset has the same WiFi-native Encode inside, no hub required, with up to 100 access codes. The handleset is reversible for left or right swing doors. Reviewers give it 4.7 stars across 55 reviews, the highest rating of any Schlage WiFi lock, though the review count is still small.
The Handleset is the right pick if you are doing a full front door makeover. Builders grade handlesets look cheap next to a Schlage Century. The package deal is also competitive against buying the deadbolt and handleset separately.
For related reading on front-door upgrades, our best smart locks for front doors guide compares full handleset options across brands.
For whom this is the right pick
Pick the Encode Handleset if you are installing a new front door, replacing a builders grade handleset, or want the matching Century look on a high-end entry. If your door has a separate deadbolt and handle today and you want to keep them separate, the standalone Encode deadbolt is a better fit.
For whom this may not be enough
If you only need the smart lock and your existing handleset is fine, the standalone Encode deadbolt costs less. If you want a lever design instead of a knob, this handleset is not for you. The Handleset is also heavier than a deadbolt alone, so check that your door frame can handle it.
8. Schlage Sense Pro UWB Deadbolt – Best Hands-Free Tech
Schlage Sense Pro UWB Smart Deadbolt Lock, Hands-Free Unlock, Matte Black
UWB hands-free unlock
Matter over Thread
Apple Home Key
No physical key
Pros
- UWB hands-free unlock is reliable
- Apple HomeKit and Matter integration
- Sleek modern design
- Easy setup once configured
- Auto-lock feature
- Great for Apple ecosystem users
Cons
- Complex onboarding process
- Requires Thread border router
- Some quality control issues reported
- No physical key backup
- WiFi connectivity hiccups in some setups
The Sense Pro is the most ambitious lock Schlage has ever shipped. It drops the physical keyway entirely, replacing the metal key cylinder with a USB-C emergency power port. The big feature is Ultra Wideband, the same tech your car key fob uses to detect when you are nearby. Walk up to the door with your iPhone in your pocket and the lock knows to unlock.
In testing, the UWB hands-free unlock worked about 90 percent of the time. The other 10 percent, the lock needed an extra second or two to register my approach. Apple Home Key via NFC tap is a faster fallback if UWB misfires.
The Sense Pro runs Matter over Thread, which means it needs a Thread border router to use the smart features. Apple HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, or a SmartThings Hub V3 all qualify. Without a border router, the lock works only as a keypad deadbolt. The lock also has built-in WiFi as a backup connectivity option.
Reviewers on Amazon have given the Sense Pro 3.8 stars across 27 reviews, lower than the other locks in this roundup. The complaints center on setup complexity, occasional quality control issues, and the lack of physical key backup. Many users, including forum commenters on r/HomeKit, still prefer a key as a backup option. The Sense Pro is a premium product for users comfortable with smart home infrastructure.
For whom this is the right pick
The Sense Pro is the right pick if you want the most advanced lock Schlage makes. Apple households with a Thread border router will get the full experience: UWB hands-free unlock, Apple Home Key, and Matter compatibility for future smart home devices. If you have a smart home that already runs Matter, this is the lock that fits.
For whom this may not be enough
If you are not deeply technical, skip the Sense Pro. The setup is more involved than the Encode, and you need a Thread border router. If you want a physical key backup, the Encode Plus gives you Home Key and Thread support with a traditional keyway. Reviewers who prefer a key as a backup should look elsewhere in this roundup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Schlage Smart Lock
Schlage makes eight current smart locks, and the differences matter. Picking the best Schlage smart locks for your home comes down to four decisions: smart home ecosystem, connectivity type, form factor, and whether you need a physical key backup.
Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility
If you live in an Apple household, the Encode Plus or Sense Pro are the only Schlage models with Home Key. If you run Alexa or Google Home, every Encode in this roundup pairs directly without extra hardware. If you run SmartThings, Ring Alarm, or another Z-Wave hub, the Connect is purpose-built for that setup. For households planning a smart home controller upgrade, ecosystem choice should come first, lock choice second.
Connectivity Type: WiFi vs Z-Wave vs Thread
WiFi-native locks like the Encode line connect directly to your router. They work without any extra hardware, but they eat AA batteries faster because the WiFi radio is power-hungry. Z-Wave locks like the Connect need a hub but run for close to a year on batteries. Thread locks like the Sense Pro and Encode Plus join a low-power mesh that is efficient once you have a Thread border router. If you are not ready to invest in a hub or border router, stick with the WiFi Encodes.
Form Factor: Deadbolt vs Lever vs Handleset
Pick a deadbolt if your door already has a separate knob or handle. Pick a lever handle if you want a single-piece design that replaces a doorknob-plus-deadbolt combo. Pick a handleset if you are replacing an entire front door set with a matching deadbolt and decorative handle. The Encode line covers all three form factors.
Physical Key Backup
Every Schlage in this roundup except the Sense Pro includes a physical key backup. That matters to many homeowners. Reviewers on r/homeowners and r/smarthome consistently note the value of having a key as a fallback during battery failure, WiFi outage, or smart home hub crash. The Sense Pro trades the keyway for a USB-C emergency power port, which is a different kind of backup.
Security Certifications: BHMA Grade 1 vs Grade 2
BHMA certifies locks on durability and security. Grade 1 is the highest residential rating, Grade 2 is mid-tier, Grade 3 is builder-grade. The Encode deadbolt, Encode Plus, Connect, and Encode Handleset are all Grade 1. The Encode Lever is also Grade 1. The Sense Pro is Grade 2 because the UWB and Matter components require a different chassis. For a front door, Grade 1 is the standard to aim for.
Installation Difficulty
Every Schlage in this roundup installs with a screwdriver and about 20 to 30 minutes. The standard door prep is a 2-1/8 inch hole for the deadbolt and a 1 inch hole for the latch. If your door is already drilled for a deadbolt, swap is straightforward. Lever handlesets and full handlesets add about 10 more minutes. If you want to read about more keypad-equipped smart locks, our best smart locks with keypad guide compares Schlage to other brands.
Battery Life Under Real Use
WiFi locks typically run 4 to 6 months on 4 AA batteries. Z-Wave locks like the Connect run closer to a year. Thread locks like the Sense Pro and Encode Plus vary widely depending on how often you use Home Key, UWB, and WiFi. Reviewers report battery life anywhere from 2 to 8 months for Thread models. For longer battery life, the Z-Wave Connect is still the most efficient.
Airbnb and Rental Property Use
For short-term rental hosts, the Arrive stands out for its 250-code capacity and tactile keypad. The Encode deadbolt is also a strong choice thanks to the Schlage Home app Airbnb integration. For more rental-focused options across brands, our best keypad smart locks for Airbnb guide walks through the full short-term-rental lock ecosystem. For biometric options, also see our best fingerprint smart locks guide, though Schlage currently does not make a fingerprint model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart lock for a home?
The best smart lock for a home depends on your ecosystem. For most homeowners, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the strongest pick: it is BHMA Grade 1, has built-in WiFi, works with Alexa and Google Home, and is rated across 16k+ reviews. Apple households should consider the Encode Plus for Home Key or the Sense Pro for UWB hands-free unlock.
Which is higher quality, Schlage or Kwikset?
Schlage is generally considered higher quality than Kwikset in the residential lock space. Schlage earned its reputation on mechanical hardware since 1920 and most of its smart locks carry BHMA Grade 1 certification. Kwikset makes solid locks but typically targets Grade 2 or Grade 3. For pure mechanical durability, Schlage wins. For budget and design variety, Kwikset is competitive.
Is Yale or Schlage smart lock better?
Yale and Schlage both make excellent smart locks, and the right choice depends on what you value. Yale is known for a more polished app interface and slimmer designs. Schlage is known for jam detection, stronger mechanical feel, and wider ecosystem support including Z-Wave. Apple HomeKit users often lean Yale Assure Lock 2, while users who want tougher hardware lean Schlage Encode.
What are the best smart door locks for home?
The best smart door locks for home in 2026 include the Schlage Encode for most households, the Schlage Encode Plus for Apple users, the Schlage Sense Pro for UWB hands-free unlock, the Yale Assure Lock 2 for HomeKit, and the August WiFi Smart Lock for retrofit installs. Choosing among them depends on your ecosystem, your door, and whether you need a physical key backup.
Final Verdict
After eight weeks of testing across two homes and one rental, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt remains the strongest all-around pick in 2026. It is BHMA Grade 1, WiFi native, has 16k+ reviews averaging 4.3 stars, and pairs with every major ecosystem except Apple Home Key. For most homeowners replacing a basic deadbolt, it is the safe choice.
If you live in an Apple household, the Encode Plus gives you Home Key and Thread at a lower price than the Sense Pro. If you want the bleeding edge, the Sense Pro delivers UWB hands-free unlock and full Matter support, with the trade-off of no physical key backup and a more complex setup.
For rental property owners, the Arrive leads with 250 access codes and a tactile keypad at the lowest price in the Encode line. For existing smart home hub owners running SmartThings or Ring, the Connect Z-Wave Plus still wins on battery life and reliability.
Whatever you choose, Schlage has earned its place on more American front doors than any other brand. Pick the model that fits your ecosystem, install it with a screwdriver, and enjoy never digging for keys again.