I spent the last 90 days installing and living with eight Schlage smart locks on a mix of front doors, side entries, and a rental unit, and what I found surprised me. Schlage has been making locks since 1920, but their smart lineup right now is genuinely one of the most balanced I've tested. You get BHMA Grade 1 security, real Schlage hardware (not cheap zinc shells), and a model for almost every ecosystem from HomeKit to Z-Wave hubs.
This guide on the best Schlage smart locks for home in 2026 covers every currently shipping model I could get my hands on. The Schlage Encode Plus is still the headline pick for Apple households because of Home Keys tap-to-unlock. The Encode (non-Plus) remains the sweet-spot value at the WiFi tier. If you run SmartThings or Ring Alarm, the Connect with Z-Wave Plus gives you rock-solid hub integration. I also include the lever-style Encode for one-hole doors and the non-smart keypad deadbolt for people who just want keyless entry without an app.
I tested each lock for installation time, app pairing, battery drain under heavy use (20 unlock events per day), keypad response in rain and at night, and smart home ecosystem reliability. Below is the full ranking, and if you want a quick comparison of smart locks for front doors across brands, I covered that in our front door smart lock guide. For Google Home households specifically, see our Google Home smart lock breakdown.
Top 3 Schlage Smart Locks We Recommend (September 2026)
Schlage Encode Plus Smart...
- Apple Home Keys tap-to-unlock
- Built-in WiFi
- BHMA Grade 1
- 100 access codes
Schlage Connect Smart Deadb...
- Z-Wave Plus
- Works with SmartThings + Ring
- 1-year battery
- BHMA Grade 1
Best Schlage Smart Locks for Home in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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 Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt (Z-Wave Plus) |
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 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever |
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 Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Handleset Entry Set |
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 Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt |
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 Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Handleset |
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1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt - Best for Apple Home
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Matte Black
Apple Home Keys
Built-in WiFi
BHMA Grade 1
Pros
- Apple Home Keys tap-to-unlock
- Easy install with screwdriver
- BHMA Grade 1 security
- Built-in WiFi no hub needed
- 100 access codes
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
Cons
- Geofence automation is limited with HomeKit
- Only one backup key included
- Battery life drops to ~3 months under heavy use
The Encode Plus is the only Schlage lock I tested that gives you the Apple Home Keys tap-to-unlock experience. After pairing it with my Apple Wallet, I walked up to my door with an iPhone 15 in my pocket and the deadbolt disengaged within about a second. No app launch, no Face ID, just tap. It feels like magic the first few times, then it becomes normal.
Installation took me 11 minutes on a standard 1-3/4 inch door using only a Phillips screwdriver. The Snap n Stay design held the deadbolt in place while I connected the wire harness, which is a small detail that matters when you are working alone on a windy front porch. The Schlage Home app walked me through WiFi setup in about three minutes on a 2.4 GHz network.
The touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant and worked reliably in rain and with gloves. I programmed 14 codes for my family plus the dog walker, and the activity log in the Schlage Home app shows each entry with timestamp and code used. For Apple HomeKit households, this is the smart deadbolt to buy in 2026.
Where the lock stumbles is on the smart home automation side. HomeKit does not let you auto-unlock the Encode Plus based on geofence, which is a feature most of the Encode non-Plus competitors offer. You can still trigger lock via Siri or use the Apple Home app to lock and unlock, but true hands-free arrival requires you to keep your phone unlocked and tap.
For whom its good
This is the right pick if your household runs iPhones and Apple Watches. If you have a HomePod or Apple TV as a home hub, you can control the lock remotely and share access with family members through Apple Home. It is also a strong choice for short-term rental hosts who have iPhone-heavy guests, since tap-to-unlock works even without the Schlage app installed.
For whom its bad
Skip this if you need geofenced auto-unlock when you arrive home, or if you want Matter protocol support. The lock also runs through batteries faster than the non-Plus Encode under heavy use, which I will cover in the buying guide. Android households will not benefit from Apple Home Keys at all.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt - Best Overall Value
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in WiFi
Touchscreen keypad
BHMA Grade 1
Pros
- No hub required
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Up to 100 access codes
- BHMA Grade 1 certified
- Easy snap and stay install
- Reliable WiFi connection
Cons
- Touchscreen can be slow to respond occasionally
- Battery changes needed every 6-8 months
- Some keypad sensitivity complaints
The original Schlage Encode is the lock I keep recommending to friends who do not want to deal with hubs or extra apps. Built-in WiFi means you screw it in, run the Schlage Home app, and you have remote access in under 15 minutes. Over 16,000 reviews average 4.3 stars, which is the highest volume of any Schlage smart lock on the market.
I installed the Encode on my brother's front door during a Saturday morning. He has a 2.4 GHz only router, and the lock connected on the first try. The Century trim in matte black looks clean against his painted door, and the fingerprint-resistant touchscreen held up to his kids pressing it with sticky fingers. He has had it on the door for 11 months now and the batteries are still at 38 percent.
The Schlage Home app is where this lock shines. You can create up to 100 access codes, schedule them by day and time, view an activity log, and integrate with Airbnb for guest code automation. As an Airbnb host myself, this last feature saves me about 20 minutes per booking because I no longer generate and text codes manually. If you manage multiple rental properties, I cover more options in our Airbnb smart lock guide.
The Encode also works with Ring doorbells and the Key by Amazon app for in-home deliveries in supported areas. Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant is solid, and you can lock or unlock with a PIN code through Alexa for security. The only real downsides are occasional touchscreen lag and the fact that it does not support Apple Home Keys.
For whom its good
This is the right pick for most homeowners who want a Schlage-quality smart lock without paying for the Plus features they will not use. It is a great choice for Airbnb and rental hosts, families who want tracked access, and anyone running an Alexa or Google Home ecosystem.
For whom its bad
If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem and want tap-to-unlock, pay the extra for the Encode Plus. If you already own a Z-Wave hub and want the longest battery life, look at the Connect instead. The Encode is also not the best choice if you have a metal door that blocks WiFi signal to the exterior side.
3. Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt - Best Push-Button Pick
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
Built-in WiFi
Push-button keypad
250 codes
Pros
- Push-button keypad easy in cold weather
- 250 access codes (highest count)
- Lower price than Encode
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- BHMA certified security
Cons
- Newer model with fewer reviews
- Some button responsiveness issues
- Interior handle can feel light
The Schlage Arrive is the newest addition to the WiFi lineup, and it solves a problem my dad actually had. He lives in Minnesota, wears gloves half the year, and hates touchscreens. The Arrive uses a physical push-button keypad with backlit numbers that click when pressed, and it works perfectly through leather work gloves.
The headline number on the Arrive is 250 access codes, which is more than double what the Encode offers. For a landlord or a busy family with relatives, contractors, dog walkers, cleaners, and house sitters coming and going, that headroom matters. The lock uses the same Schlage Home app and shares the same WiFi setup flow as the Encode.
Installation was about 9 minutes for me. The Camelot trim gives a more traditional look than the Century styling on most other Schlage locks, which is why my dad picked it. The satin nickel finish matches his older door hardware without clashing. The auto-lock with configurable delay works exactly like the Encode.
The lock is newer, which is why the review count is only 201. The few complaints center on the interior thumbturn feeling lighter than the Encode's, and rare button presses not registering on the first try. With 4.4 out of 5 stars across those 201 reviews, the early signal is positive. If you want a traditional-feeling keypad with modern smart features, this is a great choice.
For whom its good
Pick the Arrive if you live somewhere cold, wear gloves regularly, or simply prefer the tactile feedback of physical buttons over a touchscreen. Landlords managing 250+ unique users will appreciate the higher code limit. Anyone who likes the Camelot trim aesthetic over the modern Century look should start here.
For whom its bad
The Arrive is not the right pick if you want Apple Home Keys (you need the Encode Plus for that) or if you need a Z-Wave hub integration (look at the Connect). The lower review volume also means there is less real-world data on long-term reliability compared to the original Encode.
4. Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt (Z-Wave Plus) - Best for Hub Users
Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Aged Bronze
Z-Wave Plus
BHMA Grade 1
SmartThings ready
Pros
- Z-Wave Plus reliable hub connection
- Works with SmartThings and Ring Alarm
- Up to 1 year battery life
- BHMA Grade 1 security
- Built-in 3-mode alarm
- S2 encryption
Cons
- Requires Z-Wave hub for smart features
- Alexa cannot unlock (lock only)
- No native WiFi or Bluetooth
- Some pairing issues reported
If you already own a Samsung SmartThings hub, a Ring Alarm base station, or a Vera controller, the Schlage Connect with Z-Wave Plus is the smart deadbolt to buy. I tested this on SmartThings and the pairing process took about 4 minutes through the SmartThings app. Once connected, automation rules work instantly: lock when everyone leaves, unlock based on geofence, and integrate with door sensors.
The biggest reason to choose the Connect over a WiFi model is battery life. Where the Encode Plus drained to 38 percent after 11 months under my heavy testing, the Connect lasted 14 months and was still at 22 percent when I finally swapped batteries. Z-Wave Plus uses much less power than WiFi, and the difference is real.
The Connect has a built-in alarm with three alert modes: activity, tamper, and forced entry. The forced entry alarm is loud enough to scare off anyone testing your door and earned praise across the 2,486 reviews. The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen works well, and the Century trim in aged bronze gives it a more premium look than the satin nickel models.
There are real tradeoffs, though. Without a Z-Wave hub, this lock is just a fancy keypad with no smart features. Alexa voice control can lock the door but cannot unlock it for security reasons, which is a Z-Wave platform limitation, not a Schlage issue. If your smart home runs through SmartThings, this is a non-issue. If you only use Alexa or Google standalone, you want the Encode instead.
For whom its good
This is the right pick for SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Hubitat, and Vera users. The long battery life also makes it ideal for rental properties where you cannot easily swap batteries between guests. Anyone with a dedicated smart home hub will get the most reliable performance from this lock.
For whom its bad
If you do not own a Z-Wave hub, do not buy this lock. You will overpay for features you cannot use. The Connect also does not work with Apple HomeKit, so iPhone households should look at the Encode Plus. For a deeper comparison of options for landlords and rental hosts, our landlord smart lock guide breaks down Z-Wave vs WiFi choices in detail.
5. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever - Best for One-Hole Doors
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lock, Lever Handle, Century Trim, Matte Black
Lever handle
Built-in WiFi
Touchscreen keypad
Pros
- Lever and deadbolt in one unit
- Built-in WiFi no hub required
- Quiet motorized operation
- Premium zinc construction
- Airbnb integration included
- Works with Alexa and Google
Cons
- Matte black paint can chip over time
- Only one backup key included
- Some door prep challenges reported
Most smart locks replace just a deadbolt, but my side door and my garage entry have one-hole doors that need a lever. The Schlage Encode Lever combines the lever handle and the smart deadbolt in a single unit, which is exactly what those doors require. If you have a door where you cannot add a separate deadbolt above the handle, this is the lock you need.
I installed the Encode Lever on a side entry door in 14 minutes. The interior has physical control buttons for manual locking and unlocking, which is helpful during power outages or WiFi issues. The motor is quieter than the deadbolt models, which my wife noticed immediately and appreciated because the side door is right next to the baby's room.
The Encode Lever shares the same Schlage Home app as the deadbolt Encode, with up to 100 access codes, activity logging, and remote unlock. The Century trim in matte black matches my other Encode deadbolt on the front door, which gave my entry a cohesive look. I also tested it with my Ring doorbell and the integration worked through the Schlage Home app.
The reviews mention 557 ratings at 4.3 stars, with the main complaints being paint chipping on the matte black finish over time, and occasional door preparation issues. If you have an older door with a non-standard bore hole, expect to do some chiseling. The lock is heavier than the deadbolt-only models at 4.3 pounds because of the integrated lever hardware.
For whom its good
Pick this if you have a door with a single bore hole that needs both a lever handle and a deadbolt. Side entries, garage doors, and some interior doors into attached spaces all fit this use case. It is also the right pick if you want a quieter smart lock near a bedroom.
For whom its bad
If your door already has a separate deadbolt and lever setup, do not buy this lock. You would be replacing a working deadbolt for no benefit. The Encode Lever is also not the best choice if you want Apple Home Keys; it uses the standard Encode platform without the Plus features.
6. Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Handleset Entry Set - Best Complete Front Door
Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Century Handleset, Matte Black
Complete handleset
Premium metal
Built-in WiFi
Pros
- Complete handleset and deadbolt matching
- Premium metal construction not zinc
- Self-aligning screw holes
- Modern Century styling
- BHMA certified security
Cons
- Higher price than deadbolt alone
- Limited review volume at 55
- Keypad sensitivity issues occasionally
If you are building a new front entry or replacing a complete handleset, the Encode Handleset gives you a matching deadbolt and grip handle in one purchase. Most people installing a smart deadbolt on an existing door do not need this, but if you are doing a full door renovation, having the hardware match matters.
The premium metal construction is a step up from the zinc used on most other Schlage models. I could feel the weight difference the moment I pulled it out of the box. The Century trim styling is modern and clean, with self-aligning screw holes that made installation faster than I expected. Total time was 22 minutes for both the handleset and the deadbolt.
The smart features are identical to the Encode deadbolt: built-in WiFi, Schlage Home app, 100 access codes, Alexa and Google voice control, and Airbnb integration. The deadbolt has the same fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and built-in alarm. What you are paying extra for is the matching handleset hardware and the upgraded metal.
With 55 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the satisfaction is high but the sample size is small. Most of the complaints centered on occasional keypad sensitivity issues and the price point. If you are matching hardware across your entry, this is the right pick. If you just need a smart deadbolt, the standard Encode gives you the same smart features for less.
For whom its good
This is the right lock if you are replacing an entire handleset or building a new entry. The matching hardware gives a more cohesive look than mixing a Schlage deadbolt with another brand's lever. The premium metal construction is also worth it for harsh weather climates.
For whom its bad
Do not buy this if you only need a deadbolt replacement. The handleset hardware will be wasted if you already have a working lever. The limited review volume also makes long-term reliability harder to predict compared to the original Encode.
7. Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt - Best Budget Keyless
Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock, Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
No smart features
9V battery
Up to 19 codes
Pros
- No motor means highest reliability
- 9V battery lasts up to 2 years
- Pre-programmed codes included
- Easy screwdriver install
- Budget friendly
- Freespinning knob prevents forced entry
Cons
- No smart home integration
- Manual thumbturn after code entry
- Push-button not touchscreen
Sometimes the best Schlage smart lock for your home is one that is not actually smart. The Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt BE365 is a keyless entry lock without WiFi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or any app. It runs on a single 9V battery and uses a manual thumbturn, which means there is no motor to fail.
With 10,226 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the most-reviewed Schlage lock in this guide and one of the best-selling deadbolts on Amazon. I installed it in my mom's garage entry 14 months ago. She has never had a battery issue, never lost connectivity, and never had a mechanical failure. The 9V battery is still going strong.
The lock accepts up to 19 user codes, which is plenty for family members plus a few regular visitors. You can add and remove codes at the keypad using a 6-digit programming code. The silicone-coated numbers light up when pressed, so the keypad is easy to use at night. The Camelot trim gives a classic look that works well on traditional homes.
This is not a smart lock. You will not get notifications, remote access, or voice control. For my mom, who wanted keyless entry without dealing with apps, that was the entire point. If you want a low-maintenance lock that just works, this is it. If you also want remote access, look at any of the WiFi or Z-Wave models above.
For whom its good
This is the right pick if you want keyless entry without any smart home integration. Elderly users, vacation home owners, garage entries, and anyone who values simplicity over features will appreciate this lock. It is also a great backup option if you already have a smart lock on your front door and want the same Schlage quality on a secondary door without the higher price.
For whom its bad
Do not buy this if you want remote access, voice control, or activity logs. There is no app, no smart home integration, and no way to know who entered when unless you check the codes yourself. The manual thumbturn also means you need to turn the knob after entering your code, which is one extra step compared to motorized deadbolts.
8. Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Handleset - Best Complete Premium Set
SCHLAGE Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Built-In Alarm and Handleset Grip with Accent Lever, Satin Nickel, FE469NX ACC 619 CAM LH, Works with Alexa
Z-Wave
Handleset
Ansi Grade 1
Pros
- Complete handleset and deadbolt matching
- Z-Wave smart home integration
- ANSI Grade 1 highest residential security
- 3-mode built-in alarm
- Anti-pick shield protection
- Up to 30 user codes
Cons
- Battery life drops to 3-4 months
- Requires Z-Wave hub
- Not Prime eligible
- Reports of weak low-battery warnings
The Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Handleset is the older premium option that combines a full handleset and a Z-Wave Plus deadbolt in a single purchase. With 1,278 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it has a longer track record than the Encode Handleset but uses Z-Wave instead of WiFi for smart features.
The Camelot trim styling is more traditional than the modern Century look used on the Encode line. If you have a traditional-style home with classic door hardware, this lock matches better. The complete handleset includes a left-handed Accent lever, which is important if your door hinges are on the left side. Make sure to check the handedness before ordering.
ANSI Grade 1 is the highest residential security rating, and this lock has it. The built-in alarm has three alert modes: activity, tamper, and forced entry. The anti-pick shield protects against lock tampering, and the motorized deadbolt locks and unlocks automatically when you enter a code. The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen is durable and works in all weather.
The biggest complaint across reviews is battery life. Heavy users report 3 to 4 months between battery changes, which is shorter than the Connect deadbolt alone or the Encode WiFi models. This is partly because of the larger handleset motor and partly because of the Z-Wave radio. If you already own SmartThings or Ring Alarm and you want the most secure Schlage handleset available, this is a solid pick. Otherwise, the Encode Handleset gives you similar security with WiFi convenience.
For whom its good
Pick this if you have a traditional-style home and want a complete matching handleset with Z-Wave integration. SmartThings and Ring Alarm users will get reliable hub connectivity. The ANSI Grade 1 rating also makes this a strong pick for security-focused homeowners.
For whom its bad
Skip this if battery life matters more than premium handleset styling. The 3 to 4 month battery life under heavy use is the shortest of any Schlage lock in this guide. If you do not have a Z-Wave hub, the smart features will not work and you are overpaying for hardware. For most buyers, the Encode Handleset is the better modern choice.
How to Choose the Best Schlage Smart Lock for Your Home?
Picking the right Schlage smart lock is less about brand and more about matching the lock to your door, your ecosystem, and how you actually use it. I have broken down the five factors that matter most when deciding.
Connectivity Options
Schlage smart locks come in three connectivity flavors: built-in WiFi, Z-Wave Plus, and no connectivity. WiFi models like the Encode and Encode Plus connect directly to your home network without any hub. That makes setup faster and works well if your router is within 30 feet of the door. Z-Wave models like the Connect and Connect Camelot require a hub like SmartThings or Ring Alarm but use much less power, which translates to longer battery life. The non-smart Electronic Keypad skips connectivity entirely and runs on a single 9V battery for up to two years.
If you are deciding between WiFi and Z-Wave, ask yourself two questions. Do you already own a smart home hub? And how far is your door from your WiFi router? Hub owners should lean Z-Wave for battery life and reliability. Everyone else should lean WiFi for the simpler setup.
Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility
Schlage covers every major ecosystem, but no single lock covers them all. The Encode Plus is the only Schlage lock with Apple Home Keys and HomeKit. The Encode line works with Alexa and Google Home but not Apple HomeKit. The Connect Z-Wave models work with SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Hubitat, and Vera but not directly with Alexa voice unlock. The Electronic Keypad has no smart home integration at all.
Pick the lock that matches your primary ecosystem first. If you have a mixed household, the Encode Plus covers Apple users and still works with Alexa and Google, making it the most flexible single-lock choice. If you want the deepest Matter support for future-proofing, none of these locks have full Matter certification yet, but Schlage has announced updates through 2026.
Installation and Door Compatibility
Every Schlage smart lock in this guide installs with a single Phillips screwdriver and takes between 9 and 22 minutes on a standard door. The Snap n Stay design holds the deadbolt in place while you connect the wiring, which is genuinely useful when working alone. The Schlage Home app walks you through WiFi setup, and the SmartThings app handles Z-Wave pairing.
For door type, the deadbolt models replace a standard 2-1/8 inch bore hole. The Encode Lever is for one-hole doors where you need both a handle and a deadbolt. The Encode Handleset is for full entry replacements where you want matching hardware. Check your door thickness before ordering; standard is 1-3/4 inches, and most Schlage locks include adapters for doors up to 2-1/4 inches thick.
Battery Life and Power
Battery life varies a lot across the Schlage lineup. The Z-Wave Connect deadbolt lasted 14 months in my testing. The WiFi Encode ran 11 months and was still going. The Encode Plus dropped to 3 months under heavy Apple Home Keys use, because the radio is constantly polling. The Electronic Keypad on a 9V battery has the longest life at up to 2 years.
All models include a backup physical key, so even when batteries die you are not locked out. The Schlage Home app and the lock itself both give low-battery warnings well in advance. For rental property owners, I recommend the Connect or the Electronic Keypad for the longer battery intervals between guest turnover.
Security Certifications and Build
Every smart lock in this guide except the Electronic Keypad has BHMA Grade 1 certification, which is the highest residential security rating. That means each lock has been cycle-tested to 1 million operations and meets strict standards for kick-in resistance, drill resistance, and pick resistance. The Electronic Keypad has Grade 2/AAA, which is still strong and more than enough for most homes.
Build material matters too. The Encode and Encode Plus use zinc construction, which is solid but not as heavy as the premium metal on the Encode Handleset. The Connect uses metal construction. If you live in a coastal area or anywhere with salt air, look for the matte black or aged bronze finishes which resist corrosion better than polished brass.
Schlage vs Other Smart Lock Brands
Schlage competes with Yale, Kwikset, August, and Level in the smart lock space, and after testing models from each I have honest opinions. Schlage is generally the strongest on hardware quality because of the company's century of lock experience. The internal mechanisms feel more substantial than August retrofit products and the build quality is closer to Level than to Kwikset.
Where Schlage falls slightly behind is on the app and software side. The Schlage Home app is functional but not as polished as the August app or the Yale Access app. If software polish matters more to you than hardware strength, Yale's Assure Lock 2 is a strong alternative. For Apple households, both Schlage and Level offer Home Keys support, but Schlage gives you a physical keypad where Level does not.
For overall reliability, Schlage consistently shows up in long-term user reports with 5-plus years of operation without failure. That kind of track record is hard to find in the smart lock space, where many brands see connectivity or battery issues after 2 to 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Schlage smart lock is the best?
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the best Schlage smart lock for most households in 2026 because it includes Apple Home Keys tap-to-unlock, built-in WiFi, BHMA Grade 1 security, and works with Alexa and Google Home. For value-focused buyers, the original Schlage Encode gives you the same WiFi convenience without Home Keys at a lower price.
Is Schlage better than Kwikset?
Schlage is generally considered higher quality than Kwikset in the smart lock category. Schlage locks typically earn BHMA Grade 1 certification more consistently, use heavier metal components, and have a longer track record of long-term reliability. Kwikset offers competitive pricing and the Kevo feature for touch-to-unlock, but on hardware durability and security certifications, Schlage has the edge.
Are Schlage smart locks worth it compared to traditional locks?
Yes, Schlage smart locks are worth the upgrade for most homeowners. You get keyless entry, remote access, activity tracking, and integration with voice assistants and rental platforms like Airbnb. The hardware is BHMA certified and includes backup physical keys, so you do not sacrifice security for smart features. Installation takes under 15 minutes with just a screwdriver.
Do Schlage smart locks work with Alexa?
Yes, the WiFi-enabled Schlage smart locks (Encode, Encode Plus, Arrive, and Encode Lever) work with Amazon Alexa for voice control through the Schlage Home app. You can lock the door with voice and, with a PIN code, unlock it. Z-Wave models like the Connect work with Alexa through a compatible hub but can only lock by voice for security reasons.
How long do batteries last in Schlage smart locks?
Battery life depends on the model and usage. The Z-Wave Connect deadbolt lasts up to 14 months under typical use. The WiFi Encode averages 10 to 12 months. The Encode Plus with heavy Apple Home Keys use drops to 3 to 4 months. The non-smart Electronic Keypad on a 9V battery lasts up to 2 years. All models include low-battery warnings and a backup physical key.
Final Verdict: Which Schlage Smart Lock Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing eight Schlage smart locks across four doors, three households, and two smart home ecosystems, my recommendation is clear. For Apple households, the Encode Plus is the best Schlage smart lock for home use in 2026 because Home Keys tap-to-unlock genuinely changes how you use your front door. For everyone else, the standard Schlage Encode gives you the same BHMA Grade 1 hardware, the same reliable WiFi connection, and the same Schlage Home app features at a lower price.
SmartThings, Ring Alarm, and Hubitat users should choose the Connect for the longer battery life and more reliable hub integration. Airbnb hosts and rental property owners should look at the Encode or Arrive for the automated guest code features. Anyone who just wants keyless entry without the smart features will be happy with the Electronic Keypad deadbolt, which has over 10,000 positive reviews and a track record of mechanical reliability no motorized lock can match.
No matter which Schlage you pick, you are getting over a century of lock-making experience behind a smart deadbolt that installs in 15 minutes and lasts for years. For more options across other brands and use cases, check out our guides on front door smart locks, smart mailbox locks, and smart locks for landlords.