Schlage · Updated June 2026
Schlage Encode: price, specs & release date
Schlage Encode, released 2020. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: schlage.com verified verify in ledger
- Best for Simple physical installation (Digital Trends: just a Phillips screwdriver); Built-in Wi-Fi needs no hub or bridge; connectivity reliable.
- Skip if Reduced battery life (~6 months) versus older Bluetooth models is a dealbreaker.
Is the Schlage Encode a good buy?
At $299, the Schlage Encode is #13 cheapest of the 19 smart locks we track, where the median is $249. On the spec sheet, its release of 2020 is below the median of the 16.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 4 outlets have it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the Schlage Encode
All four whitelisted outlets (TechHive, Digital Trends, Security.org, Pro Tool Reviews) hands-on tested the base Schlage Encode Wi-Fi deadbolt and recommend it, praising build quality, a strong motor, a fingerprint-resistant backlit keypad, and hub-free built-in Wi-Fi. Reviews are qualitative with no benchmarked numbers (all measured[] empty). Recurring gripes: ~6-month battery life versus older Bluetooth models, a bulky/flimsy rear housing, a higher price with no budget option, a 100 access-code cap, and confusing third-party smart-home configuration. Every source and quote survived literal verification; none dropped.
Based on 4 reviews · 4 lab-tested · 2019-06-07–2026-03-02
Tested by TechHive, Digital Trends, Security.org, Pro Tool Reviews
Consistently praised
- Simple physical installation (Digital Trends: just a Phillips screwdriver) · 3 sources
- Built-in Wi-Fi needs no hub or bridge; connectivity reliable · 3 sources
- Fingerprint-resistant, well-backlit textured/responsive keypad · 3 sources
- High build quality with top ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security ratings · 2 sources
- Strong motor drives the bolt even on slightly misaligned doors
Commonly flagged
- Reduced battery life (~6 months) versus older Bluetooth models · 2 sources
- Only 100 access codes; no HomeKit/auto-unlock on base model · 2 sources
- Loud, grinding motor
- Confusing configuration with third-party smart-home systems
Where reviewers disagree Testers diverge on install effort: Digital Trends called it a ten-minute, screwdriver-only breeze; Security.org's team needed about an hour and two people; and TechHive found the physical install easy but the third-party configuration 'utterly confusing.'
The sources (4)
the motor is strong enough to slide the bolt into the deadbolt latch even though the door I installed it on is slightly misaligned
The lock's motor is a bit loud, with a grinding noise that reminds me of teaching my kids how to drive a car with a manual transmission.
The Schlage Encode is relatively easy to install physically, but configuring it to work with other smart home devices is utterly confusing.
installation of the Schlage Encode deadbolt is a simple task, requiring just a Phillips screwdriver
We also found the integrated touchscreen keypad to be responsive throughout our tests, with little pressure required to register a keypress.
that plastic cover is flimsy and dominates the housing design
As a standalone smart lock, it's hard to find a better option than the Schlage Encode series.
their touchscreens are fingerprint-resistant, preventing a potential thief from pulling your fingerprint and using it to unlock your door
To our surprise, Schlage only provides up to 100 access codes.
So far, WiFi connectivity has been flawless.
In any case, the Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolt works really well.
The battery life has decreased somewhat with the integrated WiFi function.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $299 schlage.com lists 'From $299'; a comparison table on the same page references $330 MSRP for higher trim levels. $310 MSRP listed on the main smart-locks page for some SKUs. |
|---|---|
| Brand | Schlage |
| Released | 2020 |
| Unlock methods | keypad access codes, smartphone app (remote), voice assistant (Alexa/Google), physical key |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi built-in |
| Matter | No |
| Auto lock | Yes |
| Battery type | AA batteries (battery-powered; quantity not published by Schlage) |
| Finish options | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze, Satin Brass |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door |
Source: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15). schlage.com product page (fetched 2026-06-15) confirms: built-in Wi-Fi for remote access, Alexa and Google assistant compatibility, keypad codes, time-delayed auto-lock, Camelot/Century/Greenwich trims in five finishes. 'From $299' starting price confirmed. Battery-powered confirmed; Schlage does not publish AA quantity. No Bluetooth, no Apple Home Key (unlike Encode Plus), no Matter. AAA certified deadbolt. Release year 2020 per press coverage.
Is the Schlage Encode worth it vs cheaper smart locks?
Schlage Encode against its closest cheaper and pricier smart locks on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 19 ranked
| Product | Price | Unlock methods | Connectivity | Matter | Auto lock | Battery type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode this | $299 | keypad access codes, smartphone app (remote), voice assistant (Alexa/Google), physical key | Wi-Fi built-in | No | Yes | AA batteries (battery-powered; quantity not published by Schlage) |
| Aqara Smart Lock U400 | $269.99 | UWB hands-free unlock on approach (iPhone/Apple Watch), Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock (in Apple Wallet), fingerprint (up to 50 prints, 98.6% accuracy, 0.3s), touchscreen passcode (permanent/offline/scheduled), voice assistant, smartphone app, NFC card (sold separately), mechanical key | Thread; Matter over Thread; UWB (Ultra-Wideband); NFC | Yes | Yes | Rechargeable removable Li-ion (USB-C recharge, up to 6 months per charge) |
| Schlage Encode Plus | $329 | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth | No | Yes | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the Schlage Encode?
All four whitelisted outlets (TechHive, Digital Trends, Security.org, Pro Tool Reviews) hands-on tested the base Schlage Encode Wi-Fi deadbolt and recommend it, praising build quality, a strong motor, a fingerprint-resistant backlit keypad, and hub-free built-in Wi-Fi. Reviews are qualitative with no benchmarked numbers (all measured[] empty). Recurring gripes: ~6-month battery life versus older Bluetooth models, a bulky/flimsy rear housing, a higher price with no budget option, a 100 access-code cap, and confusing third-party smart-home configuration. Every source and quote survived literal verification; none dropped. Praised: Strong motor drives the bolt even on slightly misaligned doors; Simple physical installation (Digital Trends: just a Phillips screwdriver); Built-in Wi-Fi needs no hub or bridge; connectivity reliable; Fingerprint-resistant, well-backlit textured/responsive keypad; High build quality with top ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security ratings. Flagged: Reduced battery life (~6 months) versus older Bluetooth models; Loud, grinding motor; Confusing configuration with third-party smart-home systems; Bulky, unattractive rear housing with flimsy plastic battery cover; Expensive with no budget option; Only 100 access codes; no HomeKit/auto-unlock on base model. (From 4 tester reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
How much does the Schlage Encode cost?
The Schlage Encode has a US price of $299 (schlage.com lists 'From $299'; a comparison table on the same page references $330 MSRP for higher trim levels. $310 MSRP listed on the main smart-locks page for some SKUs.), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Schlage Encode compare on price?
At $299, the Schlage Encode is #13 cheapest of the 19 smart locks we track, where the median is $249.
When was the Schlage Encode released?
The Schlage Encode was released 2020.
What are the Schlage Encode's key specs?
Schlage Encode (Schlage): unlock methods keypad access codes, smartphone app (remote), voice assistant (Alexa/Google), physical key, connectivity Wi-Fi built-in, matter No, auto lock Yes, battery type AA batteries (battery-powered; quantity not published by Schlage). Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $299 at schlage.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Schlage Encode on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar smart locks
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Compare with
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Step up
- Schlage Encode Plus $329
- Level Lock Pro $349
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More from Schlage
- Schlage Encode Plus $329
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