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Schlage Encode Review

Reliable and simple smart features make this a great addition to any front door and one of our favorite locking systems
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Schlage Encode Review
Schlage
Credit: ULTRALOQ
Price:  $269 List
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Manufacturer:   Schlage
By Max Mutter and Michelle Powell  ⋅  Sep 29, 2022
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 9
  • Smart Features - 35% 7.2
  • Keyless Entry - 25% 6.3
  • Security - 25% 9.6
  • Installation - 15% 7.2

Our Verdict

The Schlage Encode is one of our favorite smart locks we've ever used. The built-in WiFi allows you to access smart features without dealing with an external smart hub. The keypad allows you to share access with simple, time-constrained keycodes. The broad compatibility allows you to use Alexa or Google Assistant to control the lock. Installation is relatively quick and easy. There is even a physical key option available just in case the battery dies. Our only complaint with this lock is the lack of geofencing, meaning it won't automatically unlock as you pull into the driveway. Overall, we feel this is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly smart locks on the market.
REASONS TO BUY
Bluetooth key and keypad entry
WiFi built-in
Broad smart home compatability
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky battery compartment
No geofencing
Expensive

Compare to Similar Products

 
schlage encode
This Product
Schlage Encode
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Smart Lock
Best Buy Award
Best Value Smart Lock
Top Pick Award
Best Smart Features
 
Price $269 List
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Bottom Line Streamlined smart features in an easy to install and high-security packageAn easy to install option with great security, good connectivity, and is easily used with just about any smart home systemAn affordable home device that works well with the Wyze smart home ecosystemOne of the best options for people that want to be able to share access to their home and check on the status of the front door remotelyProvides the option for simple and straightforward, if somewhat limited, operation without a smart hub
Rating Categories Schlage Encode August WiFi Smart Wyze Lock Schlage Sense with... August Smart
Smart Features (35%)
7.2
7.4
6.4
8.4
6.8
Keyless Entry (25%)
6.3
8.4
8.4
5.2
6.4
Security (25%)
9.6
10.0
6.4
6.0
4.6
Installation (15%)
7.2
8.4
8.4
6.0
7.4
Specs Schlage Encode August WiFi Smart Wyze Lock Schlage Sense with... August Smart
Apple HomeKit No Yes No Yes No
Amazon Alexa Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Google Assistant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Smartphone Compatible Yes Yes Yes Yes With Hub
Z-Wave No Yes No Yes No
Zigbee No No Yes No No
ANSI Rating Grade 1 Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 3 N/A- retrofit
Uses Existing Deadbolt or Full Replacement Replacement Existing Existing Replacement Existing
Deadbolt Included Yes No No Yes No
Backset 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" 2 3/8" or 2 3/4"
Door Thickness Range 1 3/8" - 1 3/4" 1 3/8" - 2 1/4" 1 3/8" - 1 3/4" 1 3/8" - 2 1/4" 1 3/8" - 2 1/4"
Face Bore Hole Diameter 2 1/8" 1 1/2" or 2 1/8" 2 1/8" 2 1/8" 1 1/2" or 2 1/8"
Power Requirement AA Batteries Pre-installed batteries AA Batteries
Hub plugs into the wall
AA Batteries
Hub plugs into the wall
AA Batteries
Hub plugs into the wall

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Schlage Encode is a full deadbolt that replaces your current front door lock. This device is compatible with many other devices, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and your smartphone.

Performance Comparison


schlage encode
Credit: Jason Peters

Smart Features


One of the best aspects of the Schlage Encode's smart features is that you don't need a smart hub to access them. It has WiFi built right in, so it can connect right to your home's network without any potentially problematic intermediaries.

Once connected, the Schlage Encode allows you to lock and unlock the door remotely from your phone. You can create up to 100 unique keycodes to share access with your friends and family, and the app shows you a log so you can tell exactly who accessed the lock and when. You can also grant someone else access to unlock the door from their phone. However, this requires that person to download the Schlage app and make an account, so unless they live in the house full time we found it much more convenient to just share key codes. When you share access, you can also set time limits for it. For example, you can provide a dog walker with a key code that only works on weekdays between the hours of 1 pm and 3 pm.

schlage encode - the interior face is rather large.
The interior face is rather large.
Credit: Jason Peters

Keyless Entry


We found keyless entry to be near flawless. Whether we triggered an unlock via the app or with a keycode, the lock responded almost instantly. The one feature that is clearly lacking here is geofencing, which would allow the door to unlock automatically when your phone gets within a certain distance of your home. This is nice if you walk home with your hands full of groceries, as you won't have to dig around in your pockets in order to get the door unlocked.

Security


The Schlage Encode sports an impressive ANSI Grade 1 security rating. To earn this rating, it must withstand at least six attempts to kick the door in. Locks of this grade are generally considered adequate for commercial use, and it's one of the highest security grades you'll find on a residential lock. You can also set the lock to automatically lock after a set time of inactivity, securing your home even if you forget to lock the door.

schlage encode - large keypad buttons make for easy keycode access.
Large keypad buttons make for easy keycode access.
Credit: Jason Peters

Installation


We found the installation of the Schlage Encode to be quite easy. We had no issues installing the lock into the hole vacated by the old deadbolt using nothing but a screwdriver, and the process only took about 10 minutes. After another few minutes of downloading the app and linking the lock to our WiFi networks, everything was functioning smoothly.

One potential annoyance with the Schlage Encode is its size. The large battery port juts out quite a bit on the indoor side of the door, and the black plastic covering doesn't look quite as high quality as the rest of the lock. Functionally this does not matter, but if you're picky about your interior decorating, you might want to take this into consideration.

schlage encode - physical installation usually only requires a screwdriver.
Physical installation usually only requires a screwdriver.
Credit: Jason Peters

Should You Buy the Schlage Encode?


The Schlage Encode is one of the more expensive models we tested, but most others also occupy a similar price range. Given its reliable and impressive performance, we think it is well worth the money for anyone looking for a fully-featured smart lock — as long as you don't mind not having geofencing capabilities.

What Other Smart Locks Should You Consider?


The Schlage Encode ticks most of the boxes that one could hope for from a smart lock and does so without the extra bother of a separate smart hub. If you'd like a model with geofencing as well, check out the August WiFi Smart — though you'll need to also have a compatible smart home hub. But if you want a smart lock without the hassle of converting your whole home into a smart home, the Encode is a great option.

schlage encode - it's easy to change out the batteries when the time comes.
It's easy to change out the batteries when the time comes.
Credit: Jason Peters

Max Mutter and Michelle Powell