Schlage Encode Review: A Smart Lock With a Built-in Alarm

Our Verdict

Get the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt if you want a well-connected smart lock with a built-in alarm.

For

Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Dwelling
Supports Amazon Key
Unproblematic install and setup
Built-in alert

Against

No support for Apple HomeKit

Tom's Guide Verdict

Become the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt if yous want a well-continued smart lock with a built-in alarm.

Pros

+
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Home
+
Supports Amazon Primal
+
Unproblematic install and setup
+
Congenital-in alarm

Cons

-
No support for Apple HomeKit

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 transmission lock, the $249 Encode also has a keypad and works with a variety of smart home systems as well as Amazon Key. It'south as well 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, just yet remains a very capable smart lock. It retails for $249, but can be institute for less.

Schlage has two other lines of smart locks: The Schlage Connect Smart lock is bachelor with either Z-Moving ridge 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 dwelling house hub of some sort to link the lock to your home Wi-Fi network.

	Schlage Encode	Schlage Connect (Z-Moving ridge)	Schlage Connect (Zigbee)	Schlage Sense
Wireless	Wi-Fi	Z-Wave	Zigbee	Bluetooth
Built-in alarm	Aye	Yes	No	Yes
Works with	Alexa, Google Abode, Samsung SmartThings	Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings	Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings	Alexa, Google Habitation, Samsung SmartThings, HomeKit

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Blueprint

The Encode is a smart, stylish lock that would be specially suitable for a modernistic 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, similar what you'll find on the Yale Clinch Lock SL. Both styles are attractive, but the Century Trim is a bit heavy on the cubist, rather blocky expect, and it would await out of place on everything but the nearly modernistic of doors.

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Installation and setup

Installing the lock is straightforward. Information technology's designed to exist fitted to a new door or to completely supercede the existing lock, though, and then you can't utilise existing lock cylinders or old keys. The keypad on the forepart is clear and bright, and was easy to run across, fifty-fifty on a very sunny day. The lock also responds with a tranquility beep to permit you know when yous accept hit the push button. If someone tries to break in by prying off the console, a loud alarm lets yous know.

The lock can agree upward to 100 codes, including ones that tin exist used merely one time, or that will work merely on a preset schedule, such every bit letting in a domestic dog walker at a specific fourth dimension during the day, but non overnight. Virtual keys can likewise be created, where the guest installs the Schlage Home app and receives a lawmaking to allow admission.

The Schlage Encode has Wi-Fi built in, and so yous can connect it direct to your network; other smart locks, such as the August Smart Lock Pro, require a Wi-Fi span. While this means a simpler setup process, it also means that y'all'll have to replace the batteries in the Schlage Encode more frequently than those that use only Bluetooth. This, of course, varies based on how often you use the door.

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Smart home back up

In addition to the Encode, Schlage too makes the Schlage Connect smart lock; each works with unlike smart home systems:

Schlage Encode: Schlage Home app (available for iOS or Android), Amazon Alexa, Google's Assistant, Amazon Key, Band Video Doorbell and Ring Cameras
Schlage Connect (Z-Moving ridge model): Alexa, SmartThings, Nexia, Ring Alarm, Wink, Google Assistant
Schlage Connect (Zigbee model): Alexa, SmartThings, Amazon Cardinal, 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, then they can put your delivery within the house. This requires both a lock and a supported security camera such as the $119 Amazon Cloud Cam, though, and so you need to install the webcam besides.

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review: Verdict

The Schlage Encode is an bonny smart lock that offers a practiced option of features for the price, including a built-in alert. We as well like its integration with Alexa, Google Dwelling and other smart habitation systems, such as the Amazon Cardinal program.

However, HomeKit users will have to expect elsewhere for a smart lock, such as the Baronial Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Level Bolt, Yale Real Living Assure Lock SL, or Kwikset Premis. Only other than that, if you want a good-looking, well-connected smart lock with an warning, exist sure to bank check out the Schlage Encode.

Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. Likewise as contributing to Tom'southward Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.