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 April 28, 2024 by Vincent Zhu

Schlage’s smart deadbolt locks are popular. They can be used with smart home assistants like Alexa and Siri, as well as other third-party apps, to control 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

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. Schlage Encode has built-in WIFI and 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 Encode can have a maximum of 100 user codes, but Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense have only 30.

Lock size:

The sizes of the three locks are slightly different. For example, Schlage Encode and Encode Plus have exterior dimensions of 3″ x 5″ x 0.9″ and Interior Dimensions of 3″ x 5.5″ x 2.2″.

However, Schlage Connect and Sense’s exterior dimensions are 3″ x 5″ x 1″, and their 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

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, which allows you to manage your lock from anywhere using your smartphone. The app will guide you through the Schlage installation and setup process while giving you complete control of your lock.

Apple HomeKit

Only Schlage Encode Plus supports Apple HomeKIt in all Schlage smart locks; 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 Schlage Home app’s experience benefits.

Amazon Key

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

Schlage Connect and Key by Amazon allow keyless entry and door monitoring. Prime members can also receive in-home delivery in select cities and surrounding areas.

Leviton

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schlage Encode’s battery life is about six months, but Schlage Connect and Schlage Sense can last up to one year. The exact battery life will depend on your usage frequency and environment.

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 allow you to 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 are optional: They all come with various finishes to match your décor and 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 a Universal Backset that can be Adjusted to 2-3/8″ (60mm) or 2-3/4″ (70mm).
• 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 works with your phone via Bluetooth, the Schlage Sense is your choice. However, 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, Which 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 to be controlled via Apple Homekit, the best choices are 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!