Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: What’s The Difference and How To Choose?

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: What’s The Difference and How To Choose?

This article will compare and list the difference between Schlage Sense, Schlage Encode, and Schlage Connect to help you decide which one to buy.

Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Vincent Zhu

The smart deadbolt locks of Schlage are popular and can be used with smart home assistants like Alexa and Siri, as well as other third-party apps for controlling your security system.

They have several series of smart deadbolt locks, including Schlage Encode, Sense, and Connect, which are similar but have unique features and characteristics.

To make an informed decision, you must know the difference between Schlage Sense, Schlage Encode, and Schlage Connect.

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: What’s the difference?

We’ve put together all the differences to help you understand the differences between Schlage Sense, Encode, and Connect. The difference is:

Bluetooth

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect- Bluetooth

Please note that only Schlage Sense supports Bluetooth, but Schlage Encode works with WIFI, and Schlage connects with Z-WAVBE and ZIG bee.

Smart Hub Required:

Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense need a smart hub to work with your smart home system. Because Schlage Encode has built-in WIFI, it doesn’t need a smart hub.

For example, if you want your Schlage Connect to work with Samsung SmartThing, you will need a Samsung SmartThing hub, and Schlage Sense will need a Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter to use Alexa.

User Codes Quantity:

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: User Codes Quantity

Schlage Encode can have a maximum of 100 user codes, but Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense only have 30 user codes.

Lock size:

The size of the three locks is a little different. For example, the Exterior Dimensions of Schlage Encode and Encode Plus are 3″ x 5″ x 0.9″, and the Interior Dimensions are 3″ x 5.5″ x 2.2″.

But the Exterior Dimensions of both Schlage Connect and Sense are 3″ x 5″ x 1″, and the Interior Dimensions are 3″ x 8″ x 2.

Z-Wave and Zigbee

Only Schlage Connect supports Z-WAVE and Zigbee.

The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus technology was built to be incorporated into the leading Z-Wave-based home automation systems, including Amazon Key. Enter your code on the lock’s touchscreen or access your lock from anywhere using your system’s smartphone app.

Schlage Home app

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Schlage Home app

Only Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense can work with the Schlage Home app, and Schlage Connect does not.

You can Set up your Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense smart lock with the Schlage Home app to manage your lock from anywhere using your smartphone. The app will guide you through the Schlage installation and setup process while putting complete control of your lock at your fingertips.

Apple HomeKit

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Apple HomeKit

In all Schlage smart locks, only Schlage Encode Plus supports Apple HomeKIt; Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense do not.

You can Pair your Schlage Encode Plus smart lock with Apple HomeKit to enjoy seamless and secure access through the Apple Home app. You can use Apple Home as a standalone solution or enjoy it paired with the experience benefits of the Schlage Home app.

Amazon Key

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Amazon Key

Only Schlage Encode and Schlage Connect ZIGBEE support Amazon Key; Schlage Connect Z-WAVE and Schlage Sense do not.

You can get keyless entry and monitor your door with Schlage Connect and Key by Amazon. In-home delivery is also available in select cities and surrounding areas for Prime members.

Leviton

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect:Leviton

Only Schlage Encode supports Leviton; Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense do not.

You can get remote access, keyless entry, and integrated security lighting when you pair your Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Leviton. Trigger lighting routines tied to your lock’s access codes in the My Leviton app for added security and convenience.

SmartThings

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: SmartThings

Only Schlage Connect supports Samsung smartThings; Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense do not.

With Samsung smartThings, you can Pair your Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt to SmartThings and use SmartApps to create customizable scenarios for your home.

  • Lock and unlock from anywhere.
  • Check the status of your lock.
  • Add and delete user codes via the app
  • Get app alerts when a user code is entered

Yonomi

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Yonomi

Only Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense support Yonomi; Schlage Connect does not.

Schlage Sense and Schlage Encode smart locks are part of the Plays with Yonomi device family. They are compatible with new or existing Routines on your Yonomi account and add new levels of automation to your devices.

Wink

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Wink

The Schlage Connect Z-wave version supports Wink; Schlage Encode, Schlage Connect Zigbee, and Schlage Sense do not.

You can Put all your smart home products into one app for easy access. Create shortcuts so that when you unlock your Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with your phone, your lights turn on, too.

With easy installation and programming right at your fingertips, this smart lock provides utility.

Still, when paired with a compatible smart home hub, you can unlock even more convenient and advanced security features. Here are eight features you can expect when you pair your Schlage Connect lock with a Wink smart home hub.

Ring

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Ring

Only Schlage Encode and Schlage Connect Z-wave Support Ring; Schlage Sense and Schlage Connect Zigbee do not.

You can Easily pair your SchlageEncode and Schlage Connect Z-wave with the Ring Alarm Base Station and control it using the Ring App.

Front door security, control, and convenience are at your fingertips. Set up your lock with the Key by Amazon app, and you can add access control to your Ring of Security (doorbells and cameras).

The Ring is only compatible with your Schlage Encode lock via Key by Amazon.

Technology Protocol

Their Technology protocols are different. Schlage Encode uses WIFI, Schlage Connect uses Z-WAVE and ZIGBEE protocols, and Schlage Sense uses Bluetooth.

Battery life

The battery life of Schlage Encode is about six months, but Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense can be up to 1 year. However, the exact battery life will depend on your usage frequency and environment.

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: What do they have in common?

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect, What do they have in common

All three of these smart locks from Schlage, Sense, Encode, and Connect have the following:

  • Battery powered: All three smart locks are powered with 4 AA alkaline batteries.
  • Low battery warning support. If the battery is getting low, the keypad will notify you by flashing or beeping.
  • Touchscreen keypad: All three systems can use their touchscreen keypads to enter your passcode and unlock your door (if it’s been locked).
  • Compatible with Android and iOS: These smart locks are compatible with Android and iOS. There’s no need to worry about whether or not the lock will work with your phone because each one works with both operating systems.
  • Google Assistant support: Schlage Sense, Encode, and Connect can all be controlled using Google Assistant to lock and check the status so that you can say “Hey Google” or “Okay Google” to ask questions, play music, or control your smart home devices. But please note: Schlage Connect Zigbee doesn’t;
  • Amazon Alexa support: Schlage Sense, Encode, and Connect can all be controlled using Amazon Alexa to control your lock with your voice. When paired with the Schlage Home app, you can enable the Alexa skill and ask Alexa to lock the door and check the door’s status. To unlock the door with your voice, enable “Unlock by Voice” in the Alexa app.
  • Multiple finishes optional: They all come with various finishes to match your décor, and they all look similar, including bronze, dark bronze, satin nickel, and polished brass.
  • The same lock and unlock method: Each lock has an intuitive method of locking and unlocking the door by pressing the touchscreen or turning the handle. The keyless entry feature works the same way on each lock, allowing you to unlock your door without getting your phone out of your pocket or purse.
  • Their looks are similar: they look identical from the front but differ in how they attach to your door. Each lock has the same look and design, making it easy to match with other hardware on your doors.
  • Built-in alarm system support: All three models have a built-in alarm system. This feature prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out of the house using a standard door key and triggers an alert if someone breaks into your home while you’re away. This is useful for alerting you when your home gets broken into.
  • Backset: All three models The backset is the distance between the edge of your door and where the deadbolt sits when it’s locked or unlocked (i.e., when it retracts into place). All three models support Universal Backset Adjusted to 2-3/8″ (60mm) or 2-3/4″ (70mm) backset.
  • Same Certifications passed:  All three models have Commercial Standard Certification: ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Commercial Grade 1 and Residential Standard Certification: ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2015 Grade AAA in Security, Durability, and Finish.
  • Same door thickness range: All three products have a door thickness range from 1-3/8 in (35 mm) to 1-3/4 in (45 mm). This means you can use them on single doors or doors with multiple layers of material, such as wood and glass.
  • Operating temperatures, all three locks can be installed outdoors and resist break-ins even during extreme weather conditions. Outside escutcheon: -35C to 66C; Inside escutcheon: -10C to 49C
  • Warranty: The Connect, Sense, and Encode all come with a 3-Year Electronics Warranty, Limited Lifetime Mechanical, and Finish Warranty.
  • Keying. All three of these smart locks use a typical deadbolt style, which means you can use your existing key to unlock and lock the door.
  • Easy installation with a Phillips screwdriver. All three locks support a single deadbolt and provide a simple installation that takes just ten minutes to complete (including the removal of the old door knob/lock)
  • Application. All three locks can be used for Residential single- and multi-family doors.

Schlage Sense vs. Encode vs. Connect: Which one should I buy?

So, after comparing the difference between Schlage Encode, Schlage Connect, and Schlage Sese, which one should I buy? See our suggestion:

  • Choose by Technology Protocol
    • If you want a Smart Deadbolt lock that can work with your phone via Bluetooth, the Schlage Sense is your choice. But you will also need a Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter to use Alexa.
    • The Schlage Encode is your choice if you want a Smart Deadbolt lock that can work with your phone via Wi-Fi.
    • If you want a smart lock that supports Z-wave or Zigbee, then the Schlage Connect is your choice.
  • Choose By User Code: Suppose you want a smart lock with more than 30 user codes for different people; you must choose Schlage Encode. Schlage Encode can have 100 user codes.
  • Choose home automation platforms.
    • Schlage Home app: If you want to control your Schlage smart deadbolt lock with the Schlage Home app via mobile phone, you can try Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense.
    • Apple HomeKit: If you want your Schlage smart lock can be controlled via Apple Homekit, then the best choice is Schlage Encode Plus and Schlage Sense.
    • Amazon Key: If you want a Schlage lock that can work with Amazon Key, we suggest Schlage Encode and Schlage Connect ZIGBEE.
    • Samsung SmartThings: To use a Schlage smart lock with Samsung SmartThings, please choose Schlage Connect.
    • Yonomi: To want a Schlage smart lock to work with Yonomi, please choose Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense.
    • Wink: To want a Schlage lock work with Wink smart home, please choose Schlage Connect Z-WAVE
    • Leviton: If you want a Schlage lock that can work with Leviton, the only choice is Schlage Encode.
  • Choose By Battery: Please consider Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense if you want a Schlage lock with a long battery life.

Finally, if you still don’t know how to choose between Schlage Sense, Encode, and Connect, please visit the Schlage Help Deciding page to know exactly what you need.

Conclusion

With the above helpful information, you can now decide which locks are right for you. If you have questions about Schlage Sense vs. Connect vs. Encode, please leave them in the comments below!

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About Author

  • Vincent Zhu

    Vincent Zhu has 10 years of smart lock system experience and specializes in offering hotel door lock systems and home door lock system solutions from design, configuration, installation, and troubleshooting. Whether you want to install an RFID keyless door lock for your hotel, a keyless keypad door lock for your home door, or have any other questions and troubleshooting requests about smart door locks, don't hesitate to contact me at any time.