Key takeaways
- Pro: Built-in WiFi with full app control and voice assistant support makes remote access simple
- Pro: Clean touchscreen keypad with Century trim blends easily with contemporary hardware
- Con: Premium price compared to push-button alternatives in the lineup
What's inside
After living with smart deadbolts through lost keys, late-night dog walks, and a revolving door of guests, you learn quickly what actually matters. Most buyers are not looking for a gadget, they are solving a practical problem: letting family in without spare keys floating around, giving a dog walker or contractor temporary access without being home, and knowing the door is actually locked when you are already in bed or away. When that system fails, it fails loudly with a dead battery, a keypad that will not read in rain, or an app that lags when you need it most.
What separates the best Schlage smart locks from the rest is not just the smart features but how well they blend with daily use. The standouts pair a responsive, weather-resistant keypad with built-in WiFi that does not require an extra hub, fast and reliable app control, and certified security hardware that feels solid every time the bolt throws. The weaker options in this category usually compromise on keypad feel, limit smart home compatibility, or make code management more complicated than it needs to be.
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Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Matte Black | Best Overall | $229 |
| SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Satin Nickel | Best for Modern Bright Finishes | $239.56 |
| SCHLAGE Encode Lever Handle Century Trim Matte Black | Best Lever and Deadbolt Combo | $233.54 |
| SCHLAGE Arrive Deadbolt Camelot Trim Satin Nickel | Best Value Smart Deadbolt | $199 |
| SCHLAGE Camelot Keypad Lever FE595 Satin Chrome | Best Budget Keypad Entry | $117.19 |
| SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Aged Bronze | Best for Warm Traditional Homes | $211.37 |
| SCHLAGE Encode Lever Handle Camelot Trim Satin Nickel | Best Full-Handle Smart Lock | $258.72 |
| SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Camelot Trim Satin Nickel | Best Camelot Style with Touchscreen | $289 |
How We Picked
We prioritized real-world usability over spec sheets, focusing on keypad responsiveness in all weather, the stability of direct WiFi and app control for remote locking, code creation and guest access, and how seamlessly each lock works with major platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Ring. We also weighed installation simplicity, build quality and certified security, and long-term livability factors like battery access and everyday lock feel against price.
The 8 Best Schlage Smart Locks in 2026
1. SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Matte Black
This is the benchmark Encode for most homes and the one we recommend starting with. With its low-profile Century trim in Matte Black, it suits modern doors without drawing attention, while the touchscreen keypad and built-in WiFi give you true keyless control from the Schlage Home app with no extra hub. Rated 4.3/5, it handles the core smart features exceptionally well, including flexible access codes for family and guests, voice control through Alexa and Google Home, and integration with Ring and Airbnb for remote management. The deadbolt action feels substantial and the certified security provides peace of mind that cheaper smart locks cannot match.
- Pro: Built-in WiFi with full app control and voice assistant support makes remote access simple
- Pro: Clean touchscreen keypad with Century trim blends easily with contemporary hardware
- Con: Premium price compared to push-button alternatives in the lineup
Skip it if you prefer a traditional push-button feel or want a lower-cost entry point and do not need a full touchscreen.
2. SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Satin Nickel
Functionally identical to the Matte Black version, this Encode swaps the finish for a bright Satin Nickel that works better with stainless appliances, light-colored doors, and coastal interiors. At $239.56 and rated 4.3/5, you get the same touchscreen keypad, app control, and broad compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, Ring and Airbnb, plus certified security. It is ideal if you love the Encode feature set but need a finish that stays brighter and shows fewer fingerprints over time. Installation and daily use are just as straightforward, with intuitive code management and reliable auto-lock options in the app.
- Pro: Same proven Encode platform with a more reflective, versatile finish
- Pro: Strong ecosystem support for renters, hosts, and smart home users
- Con: Slight price premium over the Matte Black model for essentially the same hardware
Skip it if you are set on a dark finish or want to save a bit while keeping the same core features.
3. SCHLAGE Encode Lever Handle Century Trim Matte Black
If you want keyless convenience without a separate handle and deadbolt, this lever-handle Encode is the cleanest solution. Priced at $233.54 and rated 4.3/5, it combines a lever and smart lock in one Century Trim unit with a touchscreen keypad and built-in WiFi. That means app control, voice control, and Ring and Airbnb compatibility all in a single package, with certified security. It is especially useful for garage entries, side doors, or interior conversions where you want one unified latch and lock rather than adding a deadbolt above an existing handle.
- Pro: All-in-one lever and lock simplifies installation and daily use on single-bore doors
- Pro: Full Encode smarts including app management and broad smart home compatibility
- Con: Lever form factor is not ideal if you specifically want a separate deadbolt for primary entry
Skip it if your front door already has a dedicated deadbolt bore and you prefer the layered security of a standalone deadbolt.
4. SCHLAGE Arrive Deadbolt Camelot Trim Satin Nickel
The Arrive is the smartest way to save money without losing core connectivity. At $199 and rated 4.4/5, it offers built-in WiFi app control and compatibility with Alexa, Google Home and Ring, paired with a tactile push-button keypad in the classic Camelot trim. The buttons are easy to find by feel and glove-friendly in winter, which many users prefer over a flat touchscreen. You still get certified security and dependable remote management for codes and locking, but in a more approachable package that keeps costs down for secondary doors or first-time smart lock buyers.
- Pro: Lower price with genuine built-in WiFi and app control
- Pro: Push-button keypad is highly tactile and easy to use in the dark or cold
- Con: No touchscreen and lacks some of the premium Encode integrations
Skip it if you specifically want a glass touchscreen or need the full Encode feature set for rental automation.
5. SCHLAGE Camelot Keypad Lever FE595 Satin Chrome
This is not a WiFi smart lock, and that is exactly why it wins for simplicity and value. At $117.19 and rated 4.5/5, the highest rating in this roundup, the FE595 provides electronic keyless entry via a keypad on a lever handle, with a Flex Lock option and auto-lock for hands-free security. There is no app or voice control to configure, which means fewer connectivity concerns and a very fast setup. For bedrooms, home offices, or rental interiors where you want code access without full smart home integration, it delivers reliable performance and certified durability at a fraction of the cost.
- Pro: Excellent value with the easiest setup and no hub or WiFi required
- Pro: Flex Lock and auto-lock add practical security for high-traffic doors
- Con: No WiFi, app control, or smart home voice integration
Skip it if you need remote access, guest code scheduling from your phone, or voice assistant control.
6. SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Aged Bronze
For traditional homes, this Aged Bronze Encode brings the same trusted smart platform in a warmer, more classic tone. Priced at $211.37 and rated 4.3/5, it offers the touchscreen keypad, app control, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, Ring and Airbnb, along with certified security. The Century trim keeps the profile slim while the bronze finish hides wear beautifully and pairs well with oil-rubbed hardware and wood doors. It is a strong pick if you want the full Encode experience but the cooler black and nickel finishes feel out of place on your exterior.
- Pro: Most affordable Encode deadbolt in this lineup with full smart features
- Pro: Aged Bronze finish adds character and complements traditional exteriors
- Con: Touchscreen shows smudges more readily than push-button models
Skip it if your home leans ultra-modern and a cooler, more minimal finish would match better.
7. SCHLAGE Encode Lever Handle Camelot Trim Satin Nickel
This lever-handle Encode merges the ornate Camelot trim with the convenience of an all-in-one smart lever. At $258.72 and rated 4.3/5, it provides touchscreen keypad entry, built-in WiFi app control, and support for Alexa, Google and Ring with Airbnb compatibility, plus certified security. The Camelot curve softens the look on traditional doors where the sharper Century lines feel too modern. It is ideal when you want a single smart unit that handles both latching and locking without adding a separate deadbolt, especially on side entries or renovated doors.
- Pro: Elegant Camelot styling with complete lever-plus-lock smart functionality
- Pro: Full app and voice ecosystem for flexible guest and family access
- Con: Higher price than deadbolt-only Encode models
Skip it if you want the lowest cost or prefer a separate deadbolt and handle set for the main entrance.
8. SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Camelot Trim Satin Nickel
The most premium deadbolt in this set, the Camelot Encode in Satin Nickel delivers the full smart package with a more decorative touch. At $289 and rated 4.3/5, it features the responsive touchscreen keypad, direct WiFi app control, and wide compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, Ring and Airbnb, backed by certified security. The Camelot trim adds a scalloped, traditional silhouette that pairs well with classic entry sets and Satin Nickel handles. Choose it when aesthetics matter as much as technology and you want the Encode feature set without compromising on a heritage look.
- Pro: Top-tier Encode capabilities with a refined, traditional trim
- Pro: Touchscreen and robust app controls excel for hosting and busy households
- Con: Highest price in this roundup
Skip it if you prefer the slimmer Century profile or want similar features at a lower cost.
Buying Guide
Deadbolt vs. Lever Handle Configuration
Start with your door prep. A deadbolt-only model is best for primary exterior doors that already have a separate handle or handleset, giving you layered security and a familiar look. A lever-handle smart lock combines latch and lock into one bore, which is perfect for side doors, garage entries, or any door with a single hole where you do not want to drill for a deadbolt. Both styles in this lineup offer certified security, so the decision comes down to aesthetics, existing hardware, and whether you want one unified keypad or two separate pieces.
Keypad Type and Everyday Usability
Schlage offers both touchscreen and push-button keypads, and the feel matters more than you expect. Touchscreens provide a sleek, easy-to-clean surface with a modern look and clear illumination, while push-button pads give tactile feedback you can feel without looking, which helps in low light or with gloves. Consider who will use the lock most often and how they will interact with it when hands are full. Also look for practical software features like flexible access codes, auto-lock timing, and one-touch locking that reduce the chance of an unsecured door.
Connectivity and Smart Home Fit
Most Encode models include built-in WiFi for direct app control without a separate hub, which simplifies remote locking, guest code creation, and notifications. Check compatibility with the platforms you actually use, whether that is Alexa or Google Home for voice control, Ring for entry awareness, or Airbnb for rental turnover. If you do not need remote access at all, a non-WiFi keypad lever can be more reliable and more affordable, trading app features for dead-simple code entry and fewer wireless dependencies.
Our Verdict
For most buyers, the SCHLAGE Encode Deadbolt Century Trim Matte Black at $229 is the top pick. It nails the balance of design, built-in WiFi convenience, broad smart home compatibility, and certified security without overpaying for decorative trim. If budget is the priority, the SCHLAGE Camelot Keypad Lever FE595 at $117.19 is the clear budget pick for straightforward keyless entry with strong reliability, while the SCHLAGE Arrive Deadbolt at $199 wins when you need full WiFi app control on a tighter budget but prefer push-button tactility. Choose the Camelot Encode deadbolt at $289 only when traditional styling is a must and you want the most polished look with the full Encode feature set.
FAQ
Do Schlage smart locks require a hub for WiFi control?
Encode and Arrive models in this roundup include built-in WiFi, so they connect directly to your home network and are managed through the Schlage Home app without a separate hub. The keypad-only FE595 lever does not use WiFi or an app and operates solely with codes at the door.
What is the difference between touchscreen and push-button keypads?
Touchscreen keypads offer a flat glass surface with a modern appearance and easy wiping, while push-button keypads provide raised buttons with tactile feedback that are easier to operate by feel. Both are designed for all-weather use, so the better choice depends on whether you value sleek aesthetics or physical button feel.
Can I still use a physical key with these Schlage smart locks?
Encode and Arrive deadbolts retain a traditional key cylinder as a backup, so you can use a key, a code, or the app. Lever-handle smart models also include keyed operation, while many users rely primarily on codes for daily entry and keep the key for emergencies.
Are these locks suitable for rental properties or Airbnb?
Encode models are well suited for rentals because you can create and schedule temporary codes and manage access remotely through the app. If you need advanced hosting workflows, look for Airbnb compatibility specifically noted on Encode units, which streamlines guest access without physical key handoffs.
