Tom's Guide Verdict
Get the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt if you want a well-connected smart lock with a built-in alarm.
Pros
- +
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Home
- +
Supports Amazon Key
- +
Simple install and setup
- +
Built-in alarm
Cons
- -
No support for Apple HomeKit
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The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is a smart, stylish Wi-Fi smart lock that combines a lot of features into one package. While it can operate as a conventional manual lock, the $249 Encode also has a keypad and works with a variety of smart home systems as well as Amazon Key. It's also one of the few locks with a built-in alarm, which is why it's one of the best smart locks around.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Price and availability
The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt has been around since 2017, but still remains a very capable smart lock. It retails for $249, but can be found for less.
Schlage has two other lines of smart locks: The Schlage Connect Smart lock is available with either Z-Wave or Zigbee, while the Schlage Sense uses Bluetooth. In order to control either the Connect or the Sense, you'll need a bridge or smart home hub of some sort to link the lock to your home Wi-Fi network.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Schlage Encode | Schlage Connect (Z-Wave) | Schlage Connect (Zigbee) | Schlage Sense |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi | Z-Wave | Zigbee | Bluetooth |
| Built-in alarm | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Works with | Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings | Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings | Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings | Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, HomeKit |
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Design
The Encode is a smart, stylish lock that would be particularly suitable for a modern front door. It comes in two styles: a squarish Century Trim and Camelot, which has scalloped edges. Each style comes in four finishes: Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, and Aged Bronze.
We wish there were a brass finish, like what you'll find on the Yale Assure Lock SL. Both styles are attractive, but the Century Trim is a bit heavy on the cubist, rather blocky look, and it would look out of place on everything but the most modern of doors.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Installation and setup
Installing the lock is straightforward. It's designed to be fitted to a new door or to completely replace the existing lock, though, so you can't use existing lock cylinders or old keys. The keypad on the front is clear and bright, and was easy to see, even on a very sunny day. The lock also responds with a quiet beep to let you know when you have hit the button. If someone tries to break in by prying off the panel, a loud alarm lets you know.
The lock can hold up to 100 codes, including ones that can be used just once, or that will work only on a preset schedule, such as letting in a dog walker at a specific time during the day, but not overnight. Virtual keys can also be created, where the guest installs the Schlage Home app and receives a code to allow access.
The Schlage Encode has Wi-Fi built in, so you can connect it directly to your network; other smart locks, such as the August Smart Lock Pro, require a Wi-Fi bridge. While this means a simpler setup process, it also means that you'll have to replace the batteries in the Schlage Encode more often than those that use just Bluetooth. This, of course, varies based on how often you use the door.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Smart home support
In addition to the Encode, Schlage also makes the Schlage Connect smart lock; each works with different smart home systems:
- Schlage Encode: Schlage Home app (available for iOS or Android), Amazon Alexa, Google's Assistant, Amazon Key, Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Cameras
- Schlage Connect (Z-Wave model): Alexa, SmartThings, Nexia, Ring Alarm, Wink, Google Assistant
- Schlage Connect (Zigbee model): Alexa, SmartThings, Amazon Key, Echo Plus
The Encode is also one of the few locks that supports the Amazon Key service. This allows Amazon delivery people to trigger the lock, so they can put your delivery inside the house. This requires both a lock and a supported security camera such as the $119 Amazon Cloud Cam, though, so you need to install the webcam as well.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Verdict
The Schlage Encode is an attractive smart lock that offers a good selection of features for the price, including a built-in alarm. We also like its integration with Alexa, Google Home and other smart home systems, such as the Amazon Key program.
However, HomeKit users will have to look elsewhere for a smart lock, such as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Level Bolt, Yale Real Living Assure Lock SL, or Kwikset Premis. But other than that, if you want a good-looking, well-connected smart lock with an alarm, be sure to check out the Schlage Encode.
