RateLab Home Improvement & Tools Smart Locks Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Best Overall Buy

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim

16,000 buyers and 4.2 stars -- Schlage's WiFi deadbolt connects directly to your network with no hub or bridge required.

TL;DR
  • 16,436 Amazon reviews at 4.2 stars -- most proven smart lock available
  • Built-in WiFi -- no separate hub or bridge required
  • BHMA Grade 1 security certification -- highest residential lock security rating
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Best For / Not For

Best for

  • Homeowners who want remote lock control without a separate smart home hub
  • Airbnb and short-term rental hosts who need temporary access codes for guests
  • Anyone who wants the most proven smart lock with the strongest security certification

Not for

  • Renters who can't modify their door hardware
  • Buyers who want fingerprint or biometric entry -- Schlage Encode uses keypad only

Key Details

ConnectivityBuilt-in WiFi (no hub required)
Access codesUp to 100
SecurityBHMA Grade 1 certified
Smart homeAlexa, Google Home, Ring
Entry methodTouchscreen keypad
Review count16,436

Hub-Free WiFi Is the Critical Feature

Many smart locks require a Bluetooth hub, a Z-Wave bridge, or a dedicated smart home hub (SmartThings, Wink, etc.) to connect to the internet for remote control. The Schlage Encode bypasses this entirely -- it connects to your home's 2.4GHz WiFi directly. Remote lock and unlock from anywhere, check lock status, receive notifications, and manage access codes all happen through the Schlage Home app without any additional hardware purchase. For buyers who don't already have a smart home hub, this eliminates a purchase and a setup step.

BHMA Grade 1 is the highest security rating for residential door locks -- it means the lock has passed tests for pick resistance, bump resistance, and forced entry resistance that most residential locks do not meet. You're not just getting smart features -- you're getting a more secure physical lock.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 16,000+ reviews -- the most proven smart lock in this review
  • Built-in WiFi eliminates hub requirement
  • BHMA Grade 1 -- the highest residential security certification
  • Up to 100 access codes for guest access management
  • Alexa, Google Home, and Ring compatible

Cons

  • Keypad only -- no fingerprint or biometric entry
  • 4.2-star rating is the lowest in this review (trade-off: most reviewed means more varied feedback)
  • Higher price than non-WiFi keypad locks

Bottom Line

Buy the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt for the most proven smart lock with the strongest security credentials. The hub-free WiFi and BHMA Grade 1 certification make it the safest front door upgrade in this category.

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