Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Lock with Touchscreen Keypad, Keyless Front Door Entry, App Control, Alexa, Google Home and…
Best for
Best overall
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 2 trusted sources
Current price
$229.00
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
12 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Schlage Encode draws the most consistent high-trust support of any lock here. techgearlab.com, a high-trust testing source, describes it as one of the most intuitive and user-friendly smart locks on the market, nytimes.com's independent product testing recommends it, and cnet.com agrees it is solid hardware while conceding at its ~$229–$249 price it 'isn't the best value for money.' That price caveat is the main knock from the expert side. The real standout in community signals is battery life: high-trust r/smarthome and HomeKit threads repeatedly report nearly a year on a set of batteries, with one owner noting 88% remaining a month after a swap—a notable contrast to the Wi-Fi battery-drain complaints that dog cheaper locks.
What reviewers liked
- High-trust testing (techgearlab.com) and nytimes.com product testing both recommend it
- Community consensus reports exceptional battery life—often near a year—even on Wi-Fi
- Built-in forced-entry alarm and reliable keypad/code management praised for rentals and families
Where it falls short
- cnet.com notes it isn't the best value at its price
- Reviewers and a HomeKit installer flag installation as harder than expected due to door bore sizing
- A minority of r/homeowners posts report long-term reliability failures
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Across the reviewers we read, the Schlage Encode draws the most consistent high-trust support of any lock here. techgearlab.com, a high-trust testing source, describes it as one of the most intuitive and user-friendly smart locks on the market, nytimes.com's independent product testing recommends it, and cnet.com agrees it is solid hardware while conceding at its ~$229–$249 price it 'isn't the best value for money.' That price caveat is the main knock from the expert side.
The real standout in community signals is battery life: high-trust r/smarthome and HomeKit threads repeatedly report nearly a year on a set of batteries, with one owner noting 88% remaining a month after a swap—a notable contrast to the Wi-Fi battery-drain complaints that dog cheaper locks. The built-in alarm that detects forced-entry attempts and reliable keypad code scheduling make it the most-cited choice for Airbnb and family use.
The recurring complaint, echoed by a HomeKit installer, is that installation can be trickier than expected because standard door bore sizes have shifted, and a minority of r/homeowners posts report longer-term unit failures. With 16,390 Amazon reviews averaging 4.4, the volume cross-checks the expert verdict rather than carrying the score by itself.
- Anywhere Access
- With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Deadbolt to your home WiFi network to control and monitor your home from anywhere with the Schlage Home app
- Peace Of Mind
- Lock and unlock from anywhere, manage up to 100 access codes for keyless entry, view lock history, receive customizable notifications and easily manage multiple locks at once - all when paired to the Schlage Home app and connected to a secure WiFi network
- Voice Control
- Works with Alexa and Google Home for optional, hands-free convenience when paired with the Schlage Home app and a voice enabled device
- Advanced Security
- Secure, encrypted connection; built-in, customizable alarm for door movement and forced entry attempts; fingerprint-resistant touchscreen; certified highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating by BHMA industry experts
- Easy Install
- Install in minutes with just a screwdriver, no hardwiring required; Snap ‘n Stay design helps keep the lock on the door so both hands are free; fits standard doors with 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in door thickness and 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset
- Come And Go With Ease
- Auto-lock conveniently relocks the door for you and has a variety of time delay options to choose from or can be turned off completely; One-touch locking from the exterior touchscreen makes locking up when leaving easy
- Battery-Operated
- Uses four AA batteries-included; up to six months of battery life with typical use; low-battery indicator on lock touchscreen and in Schlage Home app provides advance notice; one physical backup key included
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Schlage Encode Plus is great, more difficult to install than I anticipated because the standard lock hole sizes in doors are different now.
Our new house came with one of these. It has been a great smart lock. Doesn't drain the batteries like our previous house's smart lock.
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“A Locksmith's Honest Review of the Schlage Encode Smart Lock” · YouTube
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