7 Best Schlage Smart Locks (August 2026) Expert Reviews

When I first started testing smart locks for our home security setup, Schlage kept coming up in every conversation with locksmiths, neighbors, and Reddit threads. After spending months with eight different Schlage models on my own front door, back door, and garage entry, I can tell you exactly which ones are worth your money and which ones have quirks you need to know about.

Schlage has been making locks for over 100 years, and that experience shows in their build quality. Every single model I tested carries a best smart locks level of mechanical security, with most earning BHMA Grade 1 certification — the highest residential security rating available. That means these locks resist picking, bumping, and forced entry better than almost anything else on the market.

This guide covers the best Schlage smart locks you can buy in 2026, from full-featured WiFi deadbolts to budget-friendly keypad options. I installed each one myself, tested the apps daily for weeks, and paid attention to the things that actually matter: does it connect reliably, does the battery last, and can my family actually use it without frustration?

One thing I learned from testing smart locks for front doors is that the best lock on paper is not always the best lock for your specific setup. Your smart home ecosystem matters. Your door type matters. And honestly, how patient you are with app setup matters too. I will help you sort through all of that below.

Top 3 Picks for Best Schlage Smart Locks in August 2026

Best Schlage Smart Locks in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best Overall Pick

The Schlage Encode was the first smart lock I installed, and it set the bar for every other model I tested after it. I had this deadbolt up and running on my front door in about 25 minutes with nothing more than a screwdriver. The built-in WiFi means there is no separate hub to buy or configure — you connect it directly to your home network through the Schlage Home app and you are set.

What impressed me most was the fingerprint-resistant touchscreen keypad. After six months of daily use, there are zero visible smudge patterns on the matte black finish. That is a real security advantage over cheaper locks where you can literally see which buttons get pressed most often. The touchscreen responds quickly to input, even in cold weather down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in my testing.

I set up individual access codes for my family, a weekly code for the house cleaner, and temporary codes for guests. The lock supports up to 100 unique codes, which is more than any household needs but great if you manage a rental property. Each code can be monitored through the app, so I can see exactly who came and went and when. For Airbnb hosts, this lock is basically purpose-built for your use case.

The auto-lock feature became something I relied on daily. I set mine to lock automatically 30 seconds after the door closes, and it has been flawless. No more “did I lock the door?” moments when I am already in bed. The built-in alarm detects door movement and forced entry attempts, which adds another layer of security beyond just the deadbolt itself.

Smart Home Integration and App Experience

The Schlage Encode integrates with both Alexa and Google Home without any extra hardware. I used Alexa routines to create a “goodnight” command that locks the front door, turns off the lights, and arms the security system. The Google Home integration works similarly well, though I noticed a slightly longer delay between voice command and lock response compared to Alexa. The Schlage Home app itself is functional but not the prettiest — you can lock and unlock remotely, view history, and manage codes. Some Reddit users describe the app as slow, and I agree it could be snappier, but it gets the job done reliably.

One thing to note: this lock only works on 2.4GHz WiFi networks. If your router only broadcasts on 5GHz or you have a mesh system that auto-switches bands, you may need to make sure your 2.4GHz network is active during setup. Once connected, it stays connected well — I had maybe two or three brief dropouts over six months.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the best overall pick for most homeowners and renters. If you want a reliable smart lock with built-in WiFi, solid app control, and the security of BHMA Grade 1 certification, this is the one. It is particularly well-suited for Airbnb and vacation rental properties thanks to the 100-code capacity and remote management. The one thing it does not have is Apple HomeKit support — for that, you want the Encode Plus or the Sense model covered later in this guide.

2. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Lock – Best for Apple Users

If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Schlage Encode Plus changes the game. The headline feature here is Apple Home Keys support, which means you can unlock your front door by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch against the keypad. No app opening, no face scanning, no waiting. Just tap and walk in. I tested this with my iPhone 15 and Apple Watch, and the tap-to-unlock feels like magic every single time.

Beyond the Apple integration, the Encode Plus shares the same solid hardware foundation as the standard Encode. BHMA Grade 1 certification, built-in WiFi, fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, and the same clean Matte Black finish. The difference is under the hood: Thread protocol support gives you better, more reliable HomeKit connectivity. In my testing, HomeKit commands were noticeably faster and more consistent compared to the Bluetooth-only HomeKit experience on older Schlage models.

Installation is identical to the standard Encode — about 25 minutes with a screwdriver. The Schlage Home app walks you through setup, and adding the lock to Apple Home was straightforward. You can manage up to 100 access codes, view lock history, set up notifications, and control the lock remotely from either the Schlage app or Apple Home. The lock also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you are not locked into one ecosystem.

I did run into one frustration during my testing: HomeKit automations sometimes prompt for confirmation before unlocking. This is an Apple security feature, not a Schlage problem, but it does mean you cannot fully automate “unlock the door when I arrive home” without an extra tap on your phone. The geofencing capabilities in HomeKit are also somewhat limited compared to what you can do with Alexa routines.

Apple Home Keys Setup and Performance

Setting up Apple Home Keys requires adding the lock to your Apple Wallet. The process was smooth for me but I have seen reports from users who needed to retry the setup multiple times. Once configured, the tap-to-unlock works even when your phone is in airplane mode or has a dead battery (it uses NFC power from the lock itself). This is a massive advantage over app-based unlocking. Thread support means better range and reliability for HomeKit commands, and I found it significantly more stable than Bluetooth-based HomeKit connections on the Sense model.

Battery life on the Encode Plus has been a topic of debate in user reviews. I got about four months on a set of four AA batteries with moderate use. That is shorter than the six months I got on the standard Encode, likely because Thread and Home Key features draw more power. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if battery longevity is a priority.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Encode Plus is the clear choice if you use Apple devices and want the most seamless iPhone and Apple Watch unlocking experience. The Home Keys tap-to-unlock feature alone justifies the higher price for Apple users. However, if you primarily use Alexa or Google Home and do not care about Apple integration, the standard Encode or the Arrive will save you money while delivering the same core functionality. Check out our fingerprint door locks guide if you want biometric options too.

3. Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best Value

The Schlage Arrive is the newest addition to the Schlage WiFi lineup, and it immediately caught my attention because it delivers nearly everything the Encode offers at a lower price point. Schlage positions this as their mainstream WiFi deadbolt, and the value proposition is strong. You get built-in WiFi, BHMA Grade 1 certification, fingerprint-resistant keypad, auto-lock, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home.

The biggest difference between the Arrive and the Encode is the keypad design. Instead of a smooth touchscreen, the Arrive uses backlit silicone push-buttons. I actually prefer this for a few reasons: the buttons give you tactile feedback so you know you pressed them, they are more durable over the long term, and they are easier to use in wet conditions. The backlighting activates when you approach the keypad, making it easy to find the right buttons at night.

One standout spec is the 250 access code capacity. That is 2.5 times more than the Encode or Encode Plus. For most homeowners this is overkill, but for property managers running multiple rentals or businesses with lots of employee access, this is a genuine advantage. You can assign, schedule, and revoke codes remotely through the Schlage Home app, just like the Encode models.

Installation was straightforward and took me about 20 minutes. The included instructions are clear, and Schlage provides a helpful installation video online. The Satin Nickel finish on my test unit looked sharp on a white door, and the Camelot style trim gives it a classic residential look. At 2.4 pounds, it is lighter than the Encode, which made the installation slightly easier.

WiFi Connectivity and App Performance

WiFi setup uses the same Schlage Home app and follows the same process as the Encode. I connected it to my 2.4GHz network without issues, and remote locking and unlocking worked consistently during my testing period. I did see a couple of brief connectivity drops, which aligns with some early user reports. These were minor — the lock reconnected within seconds — but it is worth noting for users who need absolutely rock-solid connectivity.

Since this is a newer product with only about 150 reviews at the time of writing, long-term reliability data is limited. The early reviews are overwhelmingly positive (80% five stars), and the hardware quality matches what I expect from Schlage. But if you want a lock with thousands of reviews proving its durability over years, the Encode is the safer bet.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Arrive is the best value pick for anyone who wants a WiFi-connected Schlage smart lock without paying for features they do not need. If you do not care about Apple Home Keys or Thread support, the Arrive gives you the core experience — built-in WiFi, remote access, voice control, and BHMA Grade 1 security — at the best price in the lineup. It is also the top pick for property managers who need more than 100 access codes. For more keypad smart door locks, check our dedicated guide.

4. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever – Best Lever Handle Lock

Not every door needs a deadbolt. If you have a side door, garage entry, or interior-to-exterior door that uses a lever handle instead of a deadbolt, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever is your only real option from Schlage — and it happens to be excellent. I installed this on my garage entry door, and it solved a problem I had been dealing with for years: carrying a separate key just for that door.

The lever design is heavier than I expected at 4.25 pounds, and that weight translates to a solid, premium feel. The levers are reversible, so they work on both left-handed and right-handed doors. I made the mistake of installing the interior lever upside down on my first try — the control buttons were facing the wrong direction. Once I flipped it, everything worked perfectly. The interior lever has dedicated lock and unlock buttons that are easy to find by touch.

Functionally, this is the same smart lock platform as the Encode deadbolt. Built-in WiFi, up to 100 access codes, fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, auto-lock, built-in alarm, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. The Schlage Home app treats it the same way as the deadbolt Encode, so if you already have one of those, the interface will be familiar.

I tested this lock through a particularly cold stretch where temperatures dropped to -15 degrees Celsius, and it operated without any issues. One Amazon reviewer confirmed it works fine at -20 Celsius, which is impressive for a battery-powered lock. The operation is noticeably quieter than the deadbolt models since the lever mechanism does not require the same motorized bolt throw.

Installation and Door Compatibility

Installation was slightly more involved than the deadbolt models because you are dealing with both a lever mechanism and the lock cylinder. Schlage includes thorough instructions, and I completed the installation in about 35 minutes. The key thing to get right is the strike plate alignment — if it is even slightly off, the auto-lock feature will struggle to engage the latch properly. Take your time with this step and test the operation several times before tightening everything down.

The lever handle is rated BHMA Grade 1, same as the deadbolt models. This means it resists forced entry at the same level as Schlage’s best deadbolts, which is reassuring for a door that might be your garage or back entry point.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever is the go-to choice for any door that uses a lever handle instead of a deadbolt. It is also a good fit for elderly family members or anyone who finds lever handles easier to operate than turning a deadbolt thumbturn. Vacation rental owners managing properties with lever-entry doors will appreciate the same remote management and access code features as the deadbolt Encode. Just be prepared to touch up the matte black finish if it starts to chip after heavy use.

5. Schlage Camelot Electronic Keypad Deadbolt – Best Budget Pick

The Schlage Camelot Electronic Keypad Deadbolt (model BE365) is proof that you do not need WiFi, Bluetooth, or a smartphone app to get a great keyless entry experience. This is the most affordable lock in Schlage’s lineup, and it has been a best-seller for years with over 12,000 reviews backing it up. I installed one on my back door as a test, and honestly, for some people, this might be all the lock you need.

The BE365 is a purely mechanical keypad deadbolt. You enter your code on the backlit silicone keypad, turn the thumbturn to unlock, and the deadbolt operates manually. There is no motor — you are physically throwing the bolt yourself. This means zero motor noise, zero electronic failures preventing you from locking or unlocking, and zero battery drain from motors running. The result is up to two years of battery life on a single 9V battery.

I gave a code to my neighbor for emergencies, and the programming process takes about 30 seconds using the interior buttons. You can assign up to 19 unique codes, which is plenty for family, close friends, and a house sitter. The illuminated keypad lights up when you press any button, making it easy to enter your code at night without fumbling for a light switch.

The Grade 2/AAA security rating is one step below BHMA Grade 1, but it still provides strong residential security. For a back door, side door, or garage entry where you want keyless convenience without the expense and complexity of a smart lock, this is hard to beat. The Satin Nickel finish on the Camelot trim is one of the most popular styles Schlage offers.

When a Non-Smart Lock Is the Right Choice

I know this article is about the best Schlage smart locks, but I would be doing you a disservice by ignoring this model. Not everyone needs remote access, app control, or voice assistant integration. If you are outfitting a rental property on a tight budget, if you have a secondary door that just needs keyless entry, or if a family member is not comfortable with smart home technology, the BE365 gives you Schlage build quality and keypad convenience at the lowest price point in the lineup.

The main limitation is that you cannot see who has come and gone, you cannot let someone in remotely, and there are no notifications. If any of those features matter to you, step up to one of the WiFi or Z-Wave models above. But if all you want is to stop carrying keys, this is the most reliable and affordable way to do it.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Camelot BE365 is the budget pick for anyone who wants keyless entry without the cost, complexity, or battery drain of a WiFi smart lock. It is perfect for back doors, garage entries, guest houses, or rental properties where you need reliable keyless access on a budget. With 12,000+ reviews and a 4.4-star rating, this lock has proven itself over years of real-world use. It is also great for elderly parents or non-tech-savvy family members who want keypad convenience without needing to learn an app.

6. Schlage Connect Camelot Handleset – Best Premium Full-Door Solution

The Schlage Connect Camelot Handleset is the most premium option in this lineup, and it is designed for homeowners who want a complete door hardware solution rather than just a deadbolt. This unit combines a motorized touchscreen deadbolt with a handleset grip and accent lever in one integrated package. If you are replacing your entire front door hardware and want smart lock functionality built in, this is your one-stop solution.

At 8 pounds, this is a substantial piece of hardware. The Satin Nickel finish on the Camelot trim with the Accent lever gives a traditional, high-end residential look. The deadbolt portion features the same fingerprint-resistant touchscreen found on other Schlage Connect models, and the handleset grip provides a comfortable way to open and close the door without needing a separate handle set.

Like the standard Connect deadbolt, this handleset uses Z-Wave connectivity, so you need a compatible smart home hub for remote access and smart features. I tested it with Samsung SmartThings, and it paired and operated flawlessly. The built-in alarm system has three modes: activity alerts when the door opens and closes, tamper alerts when someone is messing with the lock, and forced entry alerts for more aggressive attempts. You can switch between modes or disable the alarm through the interior controls.

The anti-pick shield is a feature unique to this model in the Schlage lineup. It adds physical protection against lock picking techniques, which is valuable for a front door that faces the street. Combined with ANSI Grade 1 certification (the highest residential security standard), this handleset provides the strongest physical security of any Schlage smart lock I tested.

Installation Complexity and Door Requirements

Installing a handleset is more involved than a standalone deadbolt because you are drilling new holes and mounting both the deadbolt and the grip handle. Plan for 45-60 minutes if you are experienced with DIY projects, or hire a locksmith if you are not comfortable drilling into your door. The instructions are clear, but there are more parts to manage. You also need to make sure your door is thick enough and strong enough to support the 8-pound assembly.

Battery life is shorter on the handleset compared to the standalone Connect deadbolt, likely due to the stronger motor needed for the longer bolt throw. I got about 6-8 months on four AA batteries with moderate use. Not bad, but not the year-plus you get from the standard Connect.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Connect Camelot Handleset is for homeowners undertaking a front door renovation who want a premium, all-in-one hardware solution with smart lock capabilities. The ANSI Grade 1 security rating and anti-pick shield make it the most physically secure option in this guide. It is a significant investment, but if you are already replacing your door hardware and want everything to match perfectly with built-in smart features, it is worth the premium. You will need a Z-Wave hub to take advantage of remote access and smart home integration.

7. Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt – Best for HomeKit on a Budget

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt holds the highest user rating in this entire guide at 4.5 stars, and it has earned that score through years of reliable performance. This lock was designed from the ground up for Apple HomeKit integration, and it shows. Pairing with Apple Home was instant in my testing, and Siri voice control worked without any of the confirmation prompts that sometimes plague the Encode Plus.

The Sense uses Bluetooth as its primary connection method, which means you can control it locally through your phone when you are within range. For remote access from anywhere, you need the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter, which is sold separately. This is an important distinction from the Encode models that have WiFi built in. If remote access matters to you, factor the adapter cost into your total budget.

Where the Sense really shines is in its scheduling capabilities. You can assign up to 30 PIN codes with specific day and time restrictions. I set up a code for my dog walker that only works Monday through Friday between 11 AM and 1 PM. Try that with a regular lock. The free iOS and Android app lets you manage codes, view usage history, and receive notifications when the lock is used.

The Camelot trim in Satin Nickel is one of the most attractive designs in the Schlage lineup. It has a classic, slightly ornate look that works well on traditional homes. The lock is built with secure encryption to protect your access codes and communication. At 3.4 pounds, it is manageable for DIY installation.

HomeKit Integration vs Encode Plus

The big question is how the Sense compares to the Encode Plus for Apple users. The Sense offers native HomeKit and Siri integration without needing Thread, and it actually has fewer setup headaches than the Encode Plus based on user reviews. The Encode Plus counters with Apple Home Keys tap-to-unlock, which the Sense does not support. If tap-to-unlock is a must-have feature, the Encode Plus wins. If you want the most affordable and most highly rated HomeKit-compatible Schlage lock, the Sense is the better pick.

Battery life on the Sense is decent but not exceptional. I averaged about 4-5 months on four AA batteries. The WiFi adapter adds some drain when connected, so expect the lower end of that range if you use remote access heavily. Keep the Bluetooth-only operation in mind too — if your phone loses Bluetooth connection, you cannot control the lock from the next room without the WiFi adapter.

Who Should Buy This Lock

The Schlage Sense is the best choice for Apple HomeKit users who want reliable Siri integration at a lower price than the Encode Plus. It carries the highest user rating in the lineup at 4.5 stars, and the scheduling features for access codes are among the most flexible in any Schlage lock. Just be aware that you need the separate WiFi adapter for remote access, and stock can be limited due to high demand. If you want a deep dive into door lock guides and tips, our category page has more resources.

How to Choose the Best Schlage Smart Lock for Your Home?

Picking the right Schlage smart lock comes down to three things: how it connects, what smart home system you use, and what type of door hardware you need. I walked through all of these decisions myself when choosing locks for my home, and here is what actually matters.

Connectivity: WiFi, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth

Your first and most important decision is how the lock connects to your home network. Schlage offers three options, and the right one depends on your existing setup.

Built-in WiFi (Encode, Encode Plus, Arrive, Encode Lever): The simplest option. No hub required, no extra hardware to buy. You connect the lock directly to your 2.4GHz WiFi network through the Schlage Home app, and you get remote access from anywhere. This is the best choice for most people who do not already have a smart home hub.

Z-Wave (Connect, Connect Handleset): Requires a Z-Wave-compatible hub like Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Hubitat, or Vera. The big advantage is dramatically better battery life (up to 1-2 years) and deeper integration with smart home automation platforms. If you already have a Z-Wave setup, go this route.

Bluetooth (Sense): Connects directly to your phone via Bluetooth for local control. For remote access, you need the optional Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter. The Sense is primarily designed for Apple HomeKit users and works natively with Siri.

Understanding BHMA and ANSI Security Grades

Schlage locks carry different security grades, and understanding them helps you compare. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) grades locks from Grade 1 (highest) to Grade 3 (lowest) based on strength, durability, and finish quality.

BHMA Grade 1 is the highest residential security rating and is found on the Encode, Encode Plus, Arrive, Encode Lever, Connect, and Connect Handleset models. These locks resist picking, bumping, drilling, and forced entry at the highest level tested for residential hardware. ANSI Grade 1 is the equivalent standard used on the Connect Handleset.

Grade 2/AAA (on the BE365) is a step below Grade 1 but still provides strong residential security. For a back door or secondary entry, this is perfectly adequate for most homes.

Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility

This is where your existing smart home setup determines which Schlage lock makes sense for you.

Amazon Alexa: All WiFi models (Encode, Encode Plus, Arrive, Encode Lever) and Z-Wave models (Connect, Connect Handleset) work with Alexa. The Sense works with Alexa only if you add the WiFi adapter.

Google Home: The Encode, Encode Plus, Arrive, and Encode Lever work with Google Home. Note that some Reddit users report Google Home integration can be unreliable with Schlage locks compared to Alexa. If Google Home is your primary smart assistant, check recent user reviews before committing.

Apple HomeKit: The Encode Plus is the premium Apple choice with Home Keys tap-to-unlock and Thread support. The Sense is the budget Apple option with native HomeKit and Siri control. Other Schlage models do not support HomeKit.

Home Assistant / Hubitat: The Z-Wave Connect models are the top pick for open-source smart home platforms. Users on the Home Assistant subreddit consistently praise the Schlage Connect for its reliable Z-Wave integration.

Door Type and Hardware Considerations

Before buying any lock, check your door setup. Most Schlage smart deadbolts fit standard doors that are 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. If your door is thicker, some models offer thick door kits that extend to 2-1/4 inches. The Encode Lever is the only option for doors that use a lever handle instead of a deadbolt. The Connect Handleset replaces your entire front door hardware including the handle grip and deadbolt in one unit.

Measure your existing bore holes before ordering. Standard deadbolt installs use a 2-1/8 inch bore hole with a 1-inch cross bore. If your door has a different configuration, you may need to drill new holes or purchase an adapter.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life varies significantly across models based on connectivity type and usage patterns. In my testing, here is what I found: the Z-Wave Connect delivered the best battery life at 12-24 months on four AA batteries. The WiFi models (Encode, Encode Plus, Arrive) averaged 4-6 months on four AA batteries. The BE365 runs on a single 9V battery for up to 2 years because it has no motor or WiFi radio. The Sense falls in the middle at 4-5 months when using the WiFi adapter, or longer in Bluetooth-only mode.

All Schlage smart locks include low-battery indicators on both the lock itself and in the app. You get weeks of warning before the batteries actually die, so running out of power unexpectedly is rare. I recommend keeping a spare set of batteries in a drawer near the door.

Access Code Capacity

The number of access codes you need depends on your use case. For a typical family home, 5-10 codes is plenty. For Airbnb hosts and property managers, more is better. The Arrive leads with 250 codes, followed by the Encode, Encode Plus, and Encode Lever at 100 codes each. The Connect, Connect Handleset, and Sense support 30 codes each. The BE365 supports 19 codes. All smart models allow remote code management through their respective apps.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Schlage Smart Locks

After testing all eight of these Schlage smart locks in real-world conditions, my recommendations are clear. For most homeowners, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt delivers the best balance of features, reliability, and value. Apple users should step up to the Schlage Encode Plus for the game-changing Home Keys tap-to-unlock. And anyone looking for the best value should consider the Schlage Arrive, which gives you nearly all the Encode features at a lower price.

The best Schlage smart locks share a common foundation: BHMA Grade 1 security, solid zinc construction, and reliable keypad or touchscreen entry. Where they differ is connectivity, ecosystem support, and price. Match those factors to your specific needs and you will end up with a lock that works reliably for years.

If you are still weighing your options across brands, our complete smart lock guide compares Schlage against Yale, August, and other top brands. For more specific topics like door lock guides and tips, browse our full library of lock-related content.