Best Schlage Smart Lock

The Encode Plus has WiFi built directly into the deadbolt, so it connects to a 2.4GHz home network without a separate hub and pairs with Alexa, Google Assistant and the Schlage Home app. It includes a built-in Apple Home Key reader, letting an iPhone or Apple Watch tap to unlock the way it would with a transit card. The keypad supports up to 100 user access codes, useful for households with cleaners, dog walkers or rental guests who each need their own code.

The Connect uses Z-Wave Plus instead of WiFi, so it pairs directly into an existing SmartThings, Wink or Ring Alarm system rather than adding another app to manage. Because it has no WiFi radio drawing power, it typically runs longer between battery changes than the Encode line. It is sold in multiple trim styles, including Century and Camelot, to match existing door hardware.

The Sense connects over Bluetooth and includes native Apple HomeKit support, so it can be added directly to the Home app for local control without any Schlage-specific hub. Locking and unlocking from home does not depend on WiFi at all, which some owners prefer for privacy. Remote access away from home requires either a HomeKit hub, such as an Apple TV or HomePod, or Schlage's own WiFi Adapter accessory.

The original Encode carries the same built-in WiFi as the Encode Plus, connecting straight to a home router and working with Alexa, Google Assistant and Ring, but without the Apple Home Key NFC reader. It typically sells for less than the Encode Plus while covering the same core hub-free WiFi use case. It supports up to 100 access codes, the same capacity as the newer Plus model.

This pairs the Sense deadbolt with Schlage's plug-in WiFi Adapter accessory, which bridges the lock's Bluetooth connection to the internet so it can be locked, unlocked and checked from outside the house through the Schlage Home app. It keeps the Sense's native HomeKit pairing while adding the remote access the base Sense lacks without a separate HomeKit hub. It suits owners who want Apple HomeKit locally and app-based remote access without buying an Apple TV or HomePod just to bridge one lock.

The FE469 is a keypad deadbolt with no WiFi, Bluetooth or app connection at all, just a lit keypad and up to 19 programmable user codes. Because there is no wireless radio running, it runs considerably longer on a set of batteries than any of Schlage's connected models. It suits owners who want keyless entry and code sharing without any cloud account, app or firmware update to manage.

The FE595 swaps the deadbolt for a keypad-controlled lever handle, which fits doors that use a passage or privacy lever rather than a separate deadbolt, such as many garage-to-house doors. Like the FE469, it has no WiFi, Bluetooth or app connection, just a programmable keypad. It is not a replacement for a primary exterior deadbolt, but it is a practical way to add keyless entry to a secondary door that does not have one.