If you’re on the market for the best smart lock that integrates seamlessly with Echo devices, can secure your home, and is easy to use, turn to the Schlage Smart Lock Encode. Its performance and companion app make for an excellent security system, even when you’re away or off in dreamland. If you’re still missing a humidifier for your house, you should also read our Raincloud C-15 (drink the atmosphere’s humidity, literally) review.
Why We Like It – Schlage Smart Lock Review
The Schlage Encode streamlines several features typical in smart locks, making it easy to use and ready to be used with a quick installation. Pair this with the Swann MP3 Doorbell SWADS-DOORCH review if you want your door completely customized. For your music listening needs, you should read our review of how the Google Home mini mod adds line out for speakers.
- Can lock and unlock from anywhere
- Will fit standard doors
- Touchpad is fingerprint-resistant
- Only integrates with Amazon Alexa
Performance
For starters, the Schlage Smart Lock is fingerprint-resistant. No one is guessing your access codes anytime soon. With its companions, Amazon Key and Schlage Home apps, you can manage up to 100 different access codes—temporary ones, recurring, or even permanent. Not a bad way to keep an eye on who enters and exits.
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When you’re away, use either companion app to ensure your doors are locked. Even better, set a schedule to automatically lock your doors as a sort of backup—a just-in-case scenario. And if someone tries to break in the front door, it makes use of its built-in alarm.
Design
The design of the Schlage Encode is nearly identical to its cousin, the Schlage Sense. However, unlike its cousin, the Encode is a Wi-Fi smart lock, packing network capabilities right out of the box. The dimensions of the Encode make it a little bigger at 2.24 x 3.00 x 5.47 inches. It’s bulkier but still won’t take up a lot of space on your door. Like the Sense, you won’t find physical number buttons; it’s all touchscreen. There’s a keyhole just in case you forget your key. It comes in three finishes: matte black, aged bronze, and satin nickel.
Value
The Schlage Encode teters back and forth between having great value, and other times only have good value. For starters, you don’t need a Wi-Fi bridge like its cousin, the Schlage Sense, to link it with your network. Right out the gate you have remote access. But only voice commands from Amazon Alexa will work. You can’t connect with Google Assistant, nor is it Apple HomeKit compatible. If you have an Echo Dot, great! If not, you’re better off considering the Yale Assure Lock SL or even the August Smart Lock Pro. Alternatively, the Kwikset 909 is a simplified version for a fraction of the price.
Schlage Smart Lock Review Wrap Up
The Schlage Encode Smart Lock works best for a smart home that relies on Amazon’s Alexa as their voice assistant; otherwise, you’re better off choosing something else. With that said, if it’s fully integrated into your home, it becomes one of the best smart home systems out there. Lock and unlock anywhere, it fits with standard-sized doors, and the fingerprint-resistant touchpad prevents people from nabbing any access codes.
