Schlage Encode Vs Sense: The Best Smart Locks For 2023
The battle for superiority is raging on when comparing the Schlage Encode Vs Sense smart locks. Both are very capable of performing their tasks but which one is right for you depends on what you need from your smart lock.
Challenger #1
Schlage Encode
It’s their first smart lock with built-in Wi-Fi, but how does it compare?
 Amazon.com | $359.00 20 new from $384.98 3 used from $359.00 | Buy Now |
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VS
Challenger #2
Schlage Sense
If you’re looking for a smart lock with HomeKit, look no further.
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| Walmart.com | $184.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
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Table of Contents
| Schlage Encode | Schlage Sense | |
|---|---|---|
| Hub Required | No | Yes |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Access Codes | 100 | 30 |
| Z-Wave Compatiable | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Alexa | Alexa, Siri, |
| HomeKit Compatiable | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-Year | 3-Year |
| Security Grade | Grade AAA | Grade AAA |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Buy | Find Best Price | Find Best Price |
#1 – Schlage Encode
Challenger #1
| Amazon.com | $359.00 20 new from $384.98 3 used from $359.00 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $249.00 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $199.00 out of stock | Buy Now |
The Schlage Encode smart lock comes with two design styles and four colors (Aged Bronze, Satin Nickel, and more), making it easy to blend into any smart home.
The smart lock is designed to be easy to install and can fit the original deadbolt lock.
The Schlage Encode smart lock comes with Wi-Fi built into the lock, making it easier to lock or unlock the door.
This allows you to connect to the Schlage Home app to the lock. Unfortunately, there is no Z-wave compatibility.
With the app, you can manage up to 100 access codes, which can be individually named.
This feature makes it fantastic for sharing between family and friends, or even the cleaner.
With the app, you get 24/7 reports of all the comings and goings.
Another fantastic feature of the Encode lock regarding remote entry is the addition of Amazon Key, which grants a one-time entry code to the Amazon delivery person.
The smart lock uses a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen pad for a security measure, so people can’t work out your code. It also features a built-in alarm to warn you of any security breaches.
Key Features
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Voice control
- Tamperproof alarm
- Holds 100 code
- Fingerprint resistant
- Amazon Key
What Other People Say
One customer claimed the smart lock was super easy to install; it connected to the existing deadbolt and only required a screwdriver. They also claimed it was simple to program the Schlage home app, and integrating it with Alexa was a doddle.
Another person connected their Schlage lock to their Nest camera so there knew who was at the door. All they needed was their router, no need for any extra bridges. The lock came with two codes pre-installed, which they changed using the app.
Final Verdict
The Schlage Encode smart lock offers everything you need in one smart lock. The addition of Built-in Wi-Fi really sets this model out compared to their other ranges. This made it easy to connect to third-party devices like Nest cameras, Amazon Alexa, and much more.
One of the biggest concerns for some users is the lack of HomeKit integration, which meant no Siri control for your smart home. One of the best things about the locks will always be the security; they come with a AAA rating, which is the highest you can get.
What We Liked
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 100s of keycodes
- Great compatibility
What We Didn’t Like
- No geofencing
- No HomeKit integration
- No Z-wave
#2 – Schlage Sense
Challenger #2
| Ebay.com | $127.77 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $184.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | out of stock | Buy Now |
For the Schlage Sense lock to connect to the Wi-Fi, it requires an adapter, which isn’t always included with the purchase.
The Wi-Fi adapter also lets you unlock the door using the mobile app.
If these are important to you, make sure it comes with a Wi-Fi adapter.
The Schlage Sense can store up to 100 user codes, which can be created and customized on the app to make things easier to manage.
Using the Schlage home app, you can give names to the access codes, making it easier to track who is coming and going.
To enter the code, you can use the touchscreen keypad, which is fingerprint-resistant for added security.
If the code is entered incorrectly too many times, the built-in alarm will notify you about the potentially dangerous threat.
Not only that, but if the lock sense any foul play around the lock, it will send you to let you know of the break-in.
The Schlage sense can lock and unlock from anywhere and pairs with Apple TV or an iPad. This unlocks the HomeKit compatibility.
Finally, this lock comes in four available colors and two different styles you can choose from. But what’s even better is the lifetime warranty they offer you.
Key Features
- Works with HomeKit
- Battery operated
- Requires a Wi-Fi adapter
- Built-in alarm
- Lifetime guarantee
- Secure encryption
What Other People Say
One customer said the product was very well made, and the installation was super easy, that was until they got to the optional reinforcement plate. They also had a few problems with the app; they had to reinstall it twice before it worked.
Another person said it worked perfectly. They’d owned the lock for two months, and so far hadn’t come across any issues. They were happy they didn’t have to use a key anymore to lock the door, and they received notifications when the door opened and closed.
Final Verdict
I was a big fan of this Schlage smart lock, but maybe that’s because I’m an Apple phone guy. The HomeKit integration really sold it to me. But the big downside was having to get the Wi-Fi adapter to use it remotely.
If you don’t have the Wi-Fi adapter, it’s just a fancy Bluetooth smart lock.
One of the best things about Schlage locks is the security they offer; it’s second to none. Not only that, but the alarm system is extremely effective.
What We Liked
- Works with Apple HomeKit
- Easy to install
- Alexa and Google
What We Didn’t Like
- No Z-Wave
- Not much smart home compatibility
Things They Have In Common
There are actually quite a lot of things in common when it comes to these two Schlage smart locks, which is probably down to them being made by the same manufacturer.
Both smart locks have an illuminated touchscreen, making it easier to enter the key code at night.
They are also battery-operated; if you’re worried about the battery running out, don’t be. The Schlage Home app will send you a notification well in advance.
Both smart locks can hold over 30+ access cards, which should be more than enough for friends and family.
To make things easier, both the locks can also work with Andriod, iOS, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
And when it comes to security, they are both very evenly matched. They both come with grade 1 security and a built-in alarm. If anything is wrong with the smart locks, you’ll receive a notification on your phone.
Finally, both the Encode and Sense smart locks are effortless to install.
Head To Head
Before you go ahead and jump into a purchase, there are a few more things we should talk about. To get the best idea of what the locks are about, we need to put them head to head.
You see, even though the Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense have a lot of things in common, they also have a few subtle differences.
Let’s take a look:
Installation
The installation is an important thing to consider, especially if you’re going to do it yourself. Think about it; you don’t want to spend hours trying to get the locks working.
Luckily, with these smart locks, you don’t have to; both of them are incredibly easy to install. But there is a tiny difference that’s worth mentioning.
And that’s with the Wi-Fi.
The Schlage Sense needs a Wi-Fi adapter to connect to your router, which makes the installation a slightly longer process.
Winner: Tie
Features
Again, there isn’t much difference between the features of the smart locks. They both have the same safety features. And they can also both use Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The biggest difference is the Schlage Sense lock has HomeKit integrations, so if you’re a fellow Apple user, you might want to go for the Sense.
On the other hand, the Encode doesn’t have any compatibility with smart hubs; it works solely with the Schlage Home App.
Winner: Tie
Final Verdict: Sense Vs Encode
It makes it quite hard to pick a winner between the Schlage Sense Vs the Encode because it really comes down to personal preferences.
For me, the Schlage Sense lock wins. It has more compatibility options, the biggest one being Apple HomeKit.
Not only that, but the smart lock works with all the major brands of voice assistants. The biggest disappointment was needing the Wi-Fi adapter if you wanted to control the lock while you’re at home.
But, if you haven’t got any kind of smart hubs installed in your smart home, the Schlage Encode smart lock is definitely a viable option for you.
If you’re looking to find out more locks, check out this round up review of the best smart locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Schlage Encode lock has Wifi so it can work directly out of the box. The Schlage Sense and Schlage Connect need a seperate smarthome hub and application to function.