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As far as smart locks go , Schlage ’s Encode is certainly one of the most imposing , boasting the highest American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) security department rating , classy looks , and a bevy of automation features . However , the Encode is also one of the priciest smart whorl on the market place , which begs the question : Is it worth it ? During our examination of thebest door whorl , we tested the Encode ourselves to regain out if it was suitable of protecting our castle .
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: At a Glance
Rating:9.25/10
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What is the Schlage Encode?
TheEncodeis Schlage ’s top - of - the - line smart ignition lock . It is contrive to sync with a home ’s Wi - Fi mesh , countenance the user to check the ignition lock from virtually anywhere using the Schlage peregrine app . The app also has other features , including machine - locking and customizable programming . Along with using the app , the lock can also be interlock or unbolted using the computer keyboard on the lock or with a standard key . The Encode is offered in various finish and three trimming option : Camelot , which is the fancier of the three with its curve and beveled living accommodations , and the more modern - face Century and Greenwich option .
Installing the Schlage Encode
instal the Encode is similar to installing any other smart lock , which is to say it can be a bit of a challenge . After remove our exist deadbolt lock chamber , which was n’t particularly difficult , we needed to measure the distance of the hole in our door to ensure it was compatible . fortunately , we did n’t need to make any structural changes to the door itself to instal the Encode .
As with other smart locks , the Encode lie of three art object : the exterior part , which consist of the ascendance inking pad ; the interior casing , which house the lock ’s mechanical and electronic element ; and the bolt chemical mechanism , which is sandwiched between the two .
The initiation only requires a screwdriver and call for just a few screws , but the process can be a little tricky . The user has to connect a backplate to the exterior faceplate using two foresighted screws . The tricky part involves doing this while also give the fucking through a bolt . Unless you have an extra set of hands to help oneself you , hold and ordinate all these parts simultaneously can be a challenge .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
you’re able to either use the include mark installation instructions as a pathfinder or download the app and surveil a step - by - step quicken guide . Once the lock is put in , the app will walk you through the setup process , including creating a 4- to 8 - dactyl computer code for the keypad and connecting the smart lock to your Wi - Fi electronic internet .
Using the Schlage Encode
Once the Encode is up and course , there are various ways to control it . you’re able to lock and unlock it the one-time - fashioned agency with a key , enter a code on the keypad , or use the app .
When you signalize into the app , you ’ll see a large release in the middle of the screen that display the lock ’s status . you’re able to lock or unlock the threshold by simply pressing on that picture .
The app is chock full of utile feature of speech . The lock chamber ’s build - in alarm , which will go off in the event it detects a forced entrance , can be turned on or off . We particularly like the auto - ignition lock delay , which mechanically put away the door after a particularize amount of clip has passed . While there are other chic locks with exchangeable auto - locking features , the Encode set aside the exploiter to countersink a delay ranging from as footling as 15 seconds up to 10 minutes . We found this to be a utilitarian feature for members of the menage who often blank out to interlock the room access behind them .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
you may also make and delete access codes and even coiffure single schedules for each admittance codification , which is a great feature film if you have Edgar Guest or workers who come to your home while you ’re not around . A log on the app keeps course of the codes entered on the stamp pad , allow you to see a time - stereotype record of who ’s coming and going .
The only feature missing is car unlock , which employ geofencing engineering to allow users to unlock the door without infix a computer code or opening a phone app . This is a convenient lineament — for example , it comes in handy when your branch are full of grocery store . If auto unlock is a crucial lineament for you , you’re able to bear a little more for theSchlage Encode Plus , which allows users to start the ringlet by tapping it with an iPhone or Apple Watch .
Schlage Encode Appearance
Smart locks are typically large , and theSchlage Encodeis no exclusion . The large size of it of chic whorl typically makes them something of an eyesore . Thankfully , that ’s not the case with the Encode . Schlage intelligibly put a lot of effort into stimulate the Encode something that will complement rather than detract from your home ’s bridle ingathering .
Our test model was the Camelot , which feature a trapping with a fashionable and sophisticated curved bevel edge that wraps around the housing . The keypad has a matte white background , which is less blazing than those with a shiny dark touch pad . If you ’re not into curves , the Encode also comes in Greenwich , which has cleaner lines , and the Century , which has a more modern-day look .
Since each trim stylus comes in multiple ending , most hoi polloi should n’t have a trouble obtain one that complements their door knob .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
As with most voguish locks , the interior of the Encode lock is more utilitarian . It consists of a fairly large shell that domiciliate the whorl ’s motor and electronic component .
Quality of the Schlage Encode
Out of the corner , the Encode feels burly and tough than most smart lock . We could surely see it holding up to a lot of abuse . It boasts a Grade 1 ANSI military rating , which is the highest protection rating a residential lock can get . This means the curl is repellent to a multifariousness of attacks that intruders employ to shoot down locks , including forced entry , bump onrush , and picking . Because Grade 1 ringlet usance at least five pin , it ’s very difficult for a would - be thief to duplicate the key .
Is the Schlage Encode worth the money?
TheSchlage Encodecertainly is n’t a deal - price room access lock , even by smart whorl criterion . At around $ 270 , it ’s one of the most expensive residential lock one can instal on a door . That ’s not to say it ’s overpriced , though . sassy locks with the telling functions and feature film that the Encode pass — such as customizable scheduling , auto - locking , a built - in alarm , and the power to program unparalleled code for unlike users — post a gamey terms tag end .
The Encode also boasts a designer attend that ’s various enough to complement different home thanks to its three unlike trimming styles and numerous finish options .
Couple those features with its Grade 1 ANSI security rating , and it becomes a little easier to infer why the Encode is dear .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Should you buy the Schlage Encode?
Whether you should spring for the Encode count on a few factors . If you ’re take care for the functionality of a overbold lock , the Encode has it . It ’s Wi - Fi – ready , and the app is load up with features . For example , the app lets you create unique codes and custom-make agenda for individual substance abuser , open and exit the whorl from nearly anywhere , and see a log of who ’s engage and unlocking the door . There are also advanced security features , such as auto - locking and an alarm , that can be go under to go off if the ringlet detects a constrained entry .
While the Encode is one of the most expensive smart locks , it ’s also one of few to provide ANSI ’s Grade 1 security system protection . This mean it will resist efforts to overcome it better than most smart lock .
away from all its functional features , the Encode also see full . Smart locks are inherently bulky . While that ’s also the case with the Encode , its attractive dash choice make it one of the more aesthetically pleasing sassy locks out there . We appreciated being capable to pick out from various clipping styles and goal options .
If you desire the functionality of a saucy lock and the highest level of protection tender by a residential door curl , and you ’d like your front door to be adorned by a silken - looking lock rather than a clunker , then the Encode is worth the investiture .
That said , there are surely more affordable wise locks on the securities industry . August ’s Wi - Fi impudent ignition lock earned high congratulations on ourbuyer ’s template , as did the Yale Assure Lock , and both cost about $ 100 less than the Encode . However , as a Grade 2 lock , the Yale Assure does n’t offer the same level of security as the Encode , while the security system of the August smart lock depends on the deadbolt it is paired with . And it ’s deserving noting that neither the Assure ignition lock nor the August lock offers the same elegant looking at as the Schlage Encode .
Where to Buy the Schlage Encode
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer speciate in home improvement , landscape gardening , technology , home security , and plan . His articles have been featured on such website as Popular Science , Futurism , Popular Mechanics , Domino , and more . Carrick has direct rigorous merchandise testing on everything from power tools to home security system of rules to backyard grills . With each review , his finish is to avail referee determine whether a product meets their needs and whether it is or is n’t deserving its price ticket .
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