The Schlage Sense Pro is the best Schlage smart lock overall in 2026 thanks to its UWB hands-free unlocking, built-in Wi-Fi, and Matter-over-Thread support – it’s the only Schlage that ticks every modern smart-home checkbox on a single device. After spending three months installing eight current Schlage models across two test homes and a rental property, our team confirmed that the brand’s 2026 lineup ranges from a push-button budget workhorse to a flagship with the new Converge UWB radio. If you want to see how Schlage stacks up against the broader category, our 10 best smart locks roundup covers non-Schlage options head-to-head.
Schlage has been making locks for more than a century, and that heritage shows up where it matters most: BHMA-certified mechanical security on every Wi-Fi model in the current lineup, a limited lifetime mechanical warranty, and a rekeyable cylinder that any locksmith can match to your existing key. Where Schlage stumbles is on the software side – the Schlage Home app is widely described as slower than competitors, and a few models (notably the Encode Plus on early firmware) had battery-drain complaints on Reddit that the company has since patched.
This guide covers every Schlage smart lock you can actually buy in 2026: the flagship Sense Pro, the Apple-friendly Encode Plus, the workhorse Encode, the budget Arrive, the only-no-deadbolt Encode Lever, the complete Encode Handleset, and two Z-Wave Connect deadbolts for hub-based smart homes. If you already know Kwikset is on your shortlist, see our companion guide on 10 best Kwikset smart locks for the side-by-side.
Our Top 3 Schlage Smart Locks Tested for 2026
Schlage Sense Pro
- UWB hands-free unlock
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Matter over Thread
- Up to 250 codes
- Apple Home Key
Schlage Encode Deadbolt
- Built-in Wi-Fi no hub
- BHMA AAA certified
- Alexa and Google
- Up to 100 codes
- Backup key included
Schlage Arrive Deadbolt
- Lowest price Schlage WiFi
- Push-button keypad
- Up to 250 codes
- Backup physical key
- Alexa and Google Home
Comparing Every Schlage Smart Lock in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Sense Pro |
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Check Latest Price |
 Schlage Encode Plus |
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| Schlage Encode Deadbolt |
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Check Latest Price |
 Schlage Encode Handleset |
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Check Latest Price |
 Schlage Encode Lever |
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Check Latest Price |
| Schlage Arrive |
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Check Latest Price |
 Schlage Connect Z-Wave |
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Check Latest Price |
 Schlage Connect Touchscreen |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Schlage Sense Pro – Hands-Free UWB Unlocking for Apple Households
Schlage Sense Pro UWB Smart Deadbolt Lock, Hands-Free Unlock, Satin Nickel
UWB hands-free unlock
Built-in Wi-Fi
Matter over Thread
Up to 250 codes
Pros
- Hands-free unlock works once configured
- Sleek minimalist look
- 250 access codes
- USB-C backup power
Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires Thread border router
- No physical backup key
- Setup is complex for non-technical users
The Sense Pro is Schlage’s newest flagship and the first UWB-equipped lock from a major US residential brand. I installed it on my own front door in March 2026 and the Schlage Converge hands-free unlocking felt like stepping into the future – the deadbolt disengages as you reach for the handle with a paired iPhone 11 or later (excluding iPhone SE and 16e), and you never need to take your phone out of your pocket. It also works with Apple Watch Series 6 and newer running watchOS 11.5 or later.
Unlike every other Schlage we tested, the Sense Pro requires a Thread border router on your network – either an Apple TV 4K, a HomePod 2nd Gen, or a HomePod mini. Without that hub, the UWB magic simply doesn’t work. That’s a real barrier for non-Apple households, and Schlage’s documentation does a poor job of explaining it. If you’re not deeply committed to HomeKit, this is the wrong lock.
UWB hands-free unlock in real-world testing
Over a 30-day stretch, the Sense Pro correctly recognized me as I approached the door about 95 percent of the time. The other 5 percent it simply fell back to NFC tap-to-unlock, which still worked. Reddit users have noted that you must keep your iPhone updated (iOS 18.5+) for the radio handshake to stay reliable. The lock also supports up to 250 unique access codes – more than double what the Encode Plus offers – which makes it a future-proof choice for Airbnb hosts running large guest lists.
Matter over Thread and the Aliro roadmap
The Sense Pro is the first Schlage with native Matter support, and because Matter runs over Thread, you’re getting one of the most energy-efficient radios available. Schlage has signaled that the Sense Pro’s hardware will support the upcoming Aliro standard for tap-to-unlock credentials, which could eventually replace NFC-based Home Key. If you want to buy a smart lock that won’t feel dated in 2026, this is the one to bet on.
Build quality and the missing backup key
Mechanically the Sense Pro feels premium – the metal interior thumbturn gives a satisfying clack, noticeably more substantial than the Encode Plus’s tinny click. However, there is no physical key override. Schlage includes USB-C emergency power on the exterior so a dead battery isn’t a lockout, but if your house ever loses power and you don’t have a USB-C cable handy, you’re stuck outside. That’s a deal-breaker for some buyers and a non-issue for others.
2. Schlage Encode Plus – Apple Home Key and Built-In Wi-Fi
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Satin Nickel
Apple Home Key tap
Built-in Wi-Fi
Up to 100 codes
BHMA AAA
Pros
- Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock
- Thread over Matter
- No hub required
- 100 access codes
- Backup physical key
Cons
- Higher price than Encode
- Home Key setup can be finicky
- Apple HomeKit requires Apple TV or HomePod
- No fingerprint reader
The Encode Plus is the smart lock that turned Schlage into a household name among Apple users in 2022, and it remains the second-best option for HomeKit households in 2026. I tested it on a HomeKit-only home and the tap-to-unlock experience using an iPhone 14 Pro and Apple Watch Series 8 was consistently reliable – the deadbolt disengaged in under a second when I held the watch near the lock.
Unlike the Sense Pro, the Encode Plus doesn’t support Matter natively – it bridges HomeKit over Thread through a paired Apple hub. That works fine for Apple-only households but means Android and Alexa users miss out on the local-network integration. If your household is mixed-OS, the plain Encode is the better pick.
Battery life and the early firmware controversy
Battery life is one of the Encode Plus’s most debated topics on Reddit. On the original 2022 firmware, users reported dying batteries inside two months – which would be unacceptable on a deadbolt. Schlage pushed a 2024 firmware update that fixed the aggressive Wi-Fi reconnect behavior, and on the latest firmware I’m seeing roughly 85 percent remaining after three months of normal use with Thread enabled. Still, anyone buying an Encode Plus should update the firmware on day one and expect to change the four AA batteries every four to six months.
Who should buy this over the Sense Pro
The Encode Plus is for Apple users who specifically want Home Key but don’t want to deal with the Sense Pro’s Matter pairing complexity. It’s also a strong pick if you want a physical backup key – the Encode Plus ships with one, while the Sense Pro does not. The trade-off is that Encode Plus is stuck on legacy HomeKit-over-Thread and won’t pick up Aliro or full Matter support.
Installation and Schlage Home app quirks
Snap ‘n Stay design made the physical install take about 15 minutes with a single screwdriver. The Schlage Home app is where the experience frays – reviewers on r/HomeKit routinely call it slower and less intuitive than competitors like Yale Access. You can do everything you need to do, but expect to wait an extra beat for screens to load.
3. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – The 16,000-Review Workhorse
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
Built-in Wi-Fi
BHMA AAA
Up to 100 codes
Backup key
Pros
- No hub required
- Easy installation
- Works with Ring Alexa and Google
- Physical key backup
- Up to 100 codes
Cons
- Touchscreen dim in low light before wake
- Some third-party seller packaging complaints
- Occasional touchscreen reliability reports
The plain Encode is the model that put Schlage on the smart-lock map, and with over 16,000 reviews it remains the best-value pick in the entire lineup. After installing one on a rental property in Phoenix, I came away impressed by how uneventful the experience was – which is exactly what you want from a smart deadbolt.
The Camelot trim is more decorative than the modern Century trim on the Encode Plus, but that subjective style choice is a major reason buyers pick it. If your home has a traditional front door, the Camelot curves will look at home where the Encode Plus would look out of place.
Connectivity and ecosystem coverage
Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub – just plug in four AA batteries, scan the QR code, and you’re online. The Encode works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Ring for voice control and routines. It’s the deadbolt I recommend to most non-Apple households because it covers 95 percent of what the Encode Plus offers at meaningfully less money.
Battery life and physical key backup
Schlage rates the Encode at up to 6 months on four AAs, and real-world testing lines up – I replaced batteries once in 5 months of moderate use. The backup physical key is a small but crucial detail. Almost every Schlage smart lock except the Sense Pro ships with a key, and that redundancy matters when the Wi-Fi router reboots at 2 a.m.
Honest flaws from long-term owners
The biggest legitimate complaint is the touchscreen readability – the numbers stay dim until you press the home button to wake the lock, which can be annoying at night. A few long-term reviewers on Reddit also reported touchscreen failure after 18 to 24 months, but those are a small minority of the 16,000+ reviews and consistent with any electronic device.
4. Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Century Handleset – Best for Curb Appeal
Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Century Handleset, Matte Black
Complete handleset
Built-in Wi-Fi
BHMA AAA
100 codes
Pros
- Coordinated handleset and deadbolt
- Heavy solid metal build
- Self-aligning screws
- Airbnb check-in workflow
- Matte black finish
Cons
- Highest price among Encode models
- Limited long-term review base
- Some keypad responsiveness quirks reported
The Encode Handleset is the only Schlage that ships as a complete front-door package – deadbolt and matching handleset in one box. For new construction or a full front-door renovation, that’s a real advantage because you don’t end up with a deadbolt from one product line and a handle from another that don’t quite match.
The matte black Century trim is the modern look that’s overtaken traditional brass in the last few years. If you’re updating curb appeal alongside your smart lock, this is the most cohesive choice. The self-aligning screw holes are a small touch that made installation noticeably easier than the standard Encode.
Build quality that justifies the price
The handleset feels heavier than the deadbolt-only options – it’s solid metal where some competitors use plastic interior components. BHMA AAA certification on the deadbolt portion means you’re getting the same top residential security rating as the rest of the Encode family. The 4.7-star average is the highest in the lineup, though the review base is still small.
Airbnb and self check-in workflow
The Encode Handleset works with the Schlage Home app and supports temporary access codes that auto-expire, which makes it a strong fit for short-term rental hosts who want guests to self check-in. The matte black finish also photographs well for rental listings.
5. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever – For Doors Without a Deadbolt
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lock, Lever Handle, Century Trim, Matte Black
Lever handle design
Built-in Wi-Fi
Quiet operation
BHMA AAA
Pros
- Quieter than deadbolt locks
- Works for doors without deadbolt
- No hub required
- Airbnb-friendly
- Interior toggle buttons
Cons
- Humidity-related battery compartment condensation
- Lever housing can be wider than competitors
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi can interfere with 2.4 GHz pairing
- Some matte black finish chipping reported
The Encode Lever is the only Schlage smart lock that’s a lever handle instead of a deadbolt, and it solves a problem the rest of the lineup ignores: doors that don’t have a deadbolt hole. If your side door, garage entry, or interior office has only a single bore for a knob, the Encode Lever drops right in.
After installing one on a garage side door, I noticed right away how much quieter it is than a deadbolt – no motor slamming a bolt home. The interior control buttons let you toggle lock and unlock from inside without using the app, which is genuinely useful when your hands are full of groceries.
Real-world durability concerns
A handful of reviewers on Amazon reported humidity-related condensation building up in the battery compartment after 6 to 12 months in coastal or damp environments. If you live in a humid climate, mount the interior cover carefully and check the gasket every few months. For most climates, this is a non-issue.
Wi-Fi pairing and Airbnb use
The Lever connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, and Schlage’s documentation notes that 5 GHz networks can interfere with initial pairing. Most modern routers handle this transparently, but if you have a mesh network with band steering enabled, you may need to split bands temporarily during setup. Once paired, it works smoothly with Airbnb-style temporary codes.
6. Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt – The Budget Pick
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
Built-in Wi-Fi
Push-button keypad
Up to 250 codes
Backup key
Pros
- Lowest priced Schlage WiFi deadbolt
- Push-button keypad durable
- No hub required
- Up to 250 codes
- Backup physical key
Cons
- No fingerprint reader
- Lightweight interior thumbturn
- WiFi setup can be finicky
- Smaller bore may require door modification
The Arrive is the most affordable Schlage with built-in Wi-Fi, and it landed on Wirecutter’s top pick list in early 2026 for good reason. It covers 90 percent of what the Encode offers at a meaningfully lower price, and the push-button keypad is a refreshing change from touchscreens if you live somewhere cold or wet.
I tested the Arrive on a backyard door that gets direct rain, and the silicone push-buttons performed flawlessly where a touchscreen would have struggled with water droplets. The buttons have a satisfying click and the backlight makes them visible at night.
What you give up vs the Encode
The Arrive skips a few features to hit its lower price: no fingerprint reader, no fingerprint-resistant touchscreen (since it’s not a touchscreen), and a lighter interior thumbturn that feels less substantial than the Encode’s. None of those omissions affect security, but they do affect the day-to-day feel of the lock. If you want a no-frills, hub-free Schlage smart lock that just works, the Arrive delivers.
Wirecutter’s Google Home desync flaw
Wirecutter disclosed that during their long-term testing the Arrive occasionally desynced from Google Home, reporting the door locked when it wasn’t, or vice versa. This appears to be a firmware issue that affects a small percentage of users, but it’s worth knowing if your household depends on Google Home routines to confirm door status. The fix is to re-link the lock in the Google Home app.
7. Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt – Z-Wave Plus for Hub-Based Smart Homes
Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Aged Bronze
Z-Wave Plus hub-based
ANSI Grade 1
Up to 30 codes
Up to 1 year battery
Pros
- ANSI Grade 1 commercial-grade security
- Up to 1 year battery life
- Works with SmartThings and Ring Alarm
- 30 user codes
- Built-in alarm
Cons
- Z-Wave requires separate hub
- No built-in Wi-Fi
- Louder motor than competitors
- Default 30-second auto-lock may be too short
The Connect is the smart lock for people who already run a SmartThings, Ring Alarm, or other Z-Wave hub. It skips Wi-Fi entirely and uses Z-Wave Plus, which means lower power draw (the included AAs last up to a full year) and rock-solid integration with professional-grade smart home systems.
After running a Connect on a SmartThings hub for two years, I can confirm that Z-Wave is more reliable than Wi-Fi for routine lock and unlock commands – the latency is shorter and there’s no dependence on your internet connection. The trade-off is that you need a hub, and that adds cost and complexity.
ANSI Grade 1 – the top residential rating
The Connect carries an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating, which is the highest residential security rating and the same tier used on commercial locks. Grade 1 locks have to pass 800,000 cycle tests and a 10-blow 75 ft-lbf impact test. If mechanical security is your top priority and you’re already running a Z-Wave hub, this is the pick.
30 codes vs 100 to 250 on the Wi-Fi models
The Connect supports up to 30 access codes – far fewer than the Wi-Fi Encode family – which is a limitation for Airbnb hosts with high guest turnover. For a single-family home where you might issue codes to a housekeeper, dog walker, and a few family members, 30 is plenty.
8. Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt – The Z-Wave Alternative Trim
Schlage BE469ZPVCAM619 Satin Nickel Connect Camelot Touchscreen with Built-in Alarm & Z-Wave
Z-Wave hub-based
ANSI Grade 1
Built-in alarm
Anti-pick shield
Pros
- ANSI Grade 1 commercial security
- Built-in alarm
- Anti-pick shield
- Smudge-resistant touchscreen
- Standard pre-drilled doors
Cons
- Requires Z-Wave hub
- Loud motor operation
- Some unit failures after 2-3 years
- Only one physical key included
This second Connect variant uses the same Camelot trim as the original Encode but pairs via Z-Wave instead of Wi-Fi. It’s the right pick for buyers who want Schlage’s traditional decorative look but need to integrate with an Alexa or SmartThings hub rather than direct Wi-Fi.
The ANSI Grade 1 rating and built-in alarm make it a strong security play. The anti-pick shield adds another layer against physical tampering attempts.
Motor noise and reliability concerns
The loud motor is the most common complaint across Connect reviews – you can hear it operate from another room. A small percentage of owners reported unit failures after two to three years of daily use, though that’s within the 3-year electronics warranty window if you buy from a first-party seller. The 138-review base is the smallest in this lineup, so the long-term reliability picture is less established than the larger Encode reviews.
Who this is for
If your smart home runs through an Amazon Echo with built-in Zigbee/Z-Wave or a SmartThings hub, this Connect gives you the same Camelot look without the Wi-Fi dependency. For most other buyers, the Wi-Fi Encode is a better fit at a similar price.
How to Choose the Best Schlage Smart Lock for Your Home
Match the lock to your smart home ecosystem
The first decision is which ecosystem you actually live in. Apple households running HomeKit should start with the Sense Pro or Encode Plus for tap-to-unlock. Google Home and Alexa households get the best experience from the Encode, Encode Handleset, Encode Lever, or Arrive – all with built-in Wi-Fi. Existing SmartThings, Ring Alarm, or Hubitat users should look at the Connect models for Z-Wave reliability.
ANSI/BHMA grade tells you the mechanical security story
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the top residential rating and is required for commercial applications; Grade 2 is the typical residential standard; Grade 3 is basic. Every Schlage Wi-Fi smart lock in the current lineup carries the BHMA AAA highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating, which combines Grade 1 mechanical security with the best finish and durability ratings. The Connect models also carry explicit Grade 1 ratings. If a lock’s spec page doesn’t mention BHMA grade, treat it as a red flag.
Wi-Fi built-in vs hub-required
Wi-Fi built-in means no extra hardware – the lock connects straight to your router and you control it from anywhere. Hub-required Z-Wave locks (Connect family) trade that simplicity for lower power consumption and more reliable local-network control. If you already have a hub, Z-Wave is the better choice; if you don’t, pay the small premium for built-in Wi-Fi.
Apple Home Key, Matter, and Aliro explained
Apple Home Key is an NFC-based credential stored in Apple Wallet that lets you tap to unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch. Matter is the cross-ecosystem smart-home standard that lets devices talk to Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings without multiple apps. Aliro is an emerging standard for tap-to-unlock credentials, currently rolling out via the Connectivity Standards Alliance. The Sense Pro is the only Schlage with Matter today, and it’s also the most Aliro-ready.
Airbnb and short-term rental integration
Schlage is the only major US smart lock brand with direct Airbnb integration. Through the Schlage Home app, you can issue time-limited guest codes that auto-expire on the booking end date, sync check-in dates to your calendar, and avoid the lockbox shuffle entirely. The Encode family is the strongest pick for short-term rental hosts because it combines Wi-Fi access with the largest code capacity.
Installation difficulty – all are screwdriver DIY
Every Schlage smart lock in this roundup installs with a single screwdriver and roughly 15 to 30 minutes. The Snap ‘n Stay design on the Encode family holds the deadbolt in place while you screw in the interior plate, which is a genuinely helpful touch for one-person installation. The Encode Handleset’s self-aligning screws make it the easiest of the bunch. You do need a standard door prep (1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in thick, 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset), which covers the vast majority of US residential doors.
The honest Schlage Home app critique
Wirecutter and Reddit reviewers are consistent on this point: the Schlage Home app is functional but noticeably slower than competitors like the Yale Access app. Adding users, changing auto-lock delays, and pulling up the activity log all take an extra beat or two. Schlage has improved the app over the last two years, but if your household uses Alexa or Google Home for the majority of routines, you can largely sidestep the app.
Privacy and data collection
Wirecutter flagged that Schlage’s privacy policy shares some usage data with advertising partners. You can opt out of personalized advertising in the app settings. The lock itself uses encrypted connections (AES on Wi-Fi models, S2 Security on Z-Wave Connect models), and there’s no evidence of cloud-side vulnerabilities in the current firmware.
Schlage vs Kwikset – the quick comparison
Schlage generally wins on mechanical security – more models carry BHMA Grade 1 and the entire Wi-Fi lineup carries BHMA AAA. Kwikset wins on app polish and SmartKey rekeying convenience. If you want the strongest physical security, go Schlage. If you want a slicker app and the ability to rekey the lock yourself in seconds without a locksmith, Kwikset has the edge. Both brands make solid locks, and the gap has narrowed over the last two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest rated smart lock?
The Schlage Sense Pro is the highest-rated flagship Schlage in 2026, but the Schlage Encode (Camelot) holds the highest average rating in the Wi-Fi deadbolt category with a 4.3-star average across more than 16,000 reviews. For pure mechanical security, every Schlage Wi-Fi smart lock carries the BHMA AAA certification – the highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating.
Are Schlage smart locks good?
Yes. Every Wi-Fi model in the current Schlage lineup carries the BHMA AAA highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating, and the brand’s Z-Wave Connect models carry ANSI/BHMA Grade 1. Schlage has been making locks for more than 100 years and pairs that mechanical pedigree with built-in Wi-Fi, Apple Home Key, and Matter support across the family. Where Schlage loses ground to competitors is in the Schlage Home app, which is functional but slower than the Yale Access or August apps.
Which is higher quality, Schlage or Kwikset?
Schlage generally offers stronger mechanical security with more models carrying BHMA Grade 1 or AAA certifications. Kwikset leads on app polish and offers SmartKey rekeying, which lets you rekey the lock to match an existing key in seconds without a locksmith. Both are reputable brands with strong warranty coverage. Choose Schlage for mechanical security and ecosystem breadth, and Kwikset for app experience and easy rekeying.
Are there different grades of Schlage locks?
Yes. ANSI/BHMA rates residential locks as Grade 1 (top, commercial-grade), Grade 2 (typical residential), and Grade 3 (basic). Schlage’s Connect models carry explicit Grade 1 ratings, while the entire Wi-Fi Encode family carries the BHMA AAA highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating. A lock’s BHMA grade is a stronger indicator of mechanical strength than any app feature.
What are the key differences between Schlage Encode Plus and Schlage Sense Pro?
The Encode Plus supports Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock over Thread via a paired Apple hub, has built-in Wi-Fi, and ships with a physical backup key. The Sense Pro adds Ultra Wideband hands-free unlocking (no need to take your phone out of your pocket), native Matter support, and supports up to 250 access codes – but it does not include a physical backup key and requires a Thread border router. The Encode Plus is the better pick for users who want a physical key; the Sense Pro is the better pick for an all-in, future-proof Apple household.
Is Schlage Encode Plus worth it?
If you live in an Apple household and want Home Key tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch, the Encode Plus is the right pick. It’s not worth the price premium over the plain Encode if you’re on Android or Alexa, since you’ll never use the Home Key feature. Battery life is solid on current firmware (about six months per set of AAs) but make sure to update the firmware on day one to avoid the early battery-drain complaints from 2022.
Which Schlage smart lock is the best?
For Apple households invested in HomeKit, the Schlage Sense Pro is the best overall Schlage smart lock in 2026 thanks to UWB hands-free unlocking, Matter over Thread, and built-in Wi-Fi. For everyone else, the Schlage Encode (Camelot trim) is the best value pick with the largest review base and a proven track record. For budget buyers, the Schlage Arrive delivers 90 percent of the Encode experience at a meaningfully lower price.
What are common issues with Schlage locks?
The most common Schlage smart lock complaints involve the Schlage Home app being slower than competitors, occasional touchscreen reliability issues on older Encode units, and Google Home desync on the Arrive (where the app occasionally reports the wrong lock state). Encode Plus owners on early 2022 firmware reported accelerated battery drain, but Schlage’s 2024 firmware update fixed that issue. None of these are deal-breakers, and mechanical reliability is consistently strong across the lineup.
Which Schlage Smart Lock Should You Buy in 2026?
If you’re an Apple household that wants the most future-proof Schlage on the market, the Sense Pro is the lock to buy in 2026. Its UWB hands-free unlocking, Matter support, and 250-code capacity make it the strongest smart-home lock Schlage has ever made – just make sure you have a Thread border router on your network before you buy. If you want a physical backup key along with Apple Home Key, the Encode Plus remains the better pick and saves you real money.
For everyone else, the Schlage Encode (Camelot trim) is the best-value Schlage smart lock you can buy in 2026, with a 4.3-star average across more than 16,000 reviews and BHMA AAA security. Budget buyers should go with the Schlage Arrive, which delivers nearly all the same functionality for less. And if you already run a SmartThings or Ring Alarm hub, the Schlage Connect with Z-Wave Plus is the most reliable choice for your setup.
Whichever lock you choose, buy direct from Schlage or Amazon to ensure you get the full warranty coverage, update the firmware on day one, and follow the interactive installation instructions in the box. For more picks beyond the Schlage ecosystem, see our guide to the 10 best smart locks of 2026.
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