10 Best By Smart Locks 2026 in the United States

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is a strong choice for anyone looking for a secure, easy-to-use smart lock for their front door. It connects directly to your home Wi-Fi, so you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere using the Schlage Home app. It supports voice control through Alexa and Google Home, adding convenience if you use smart assistants. With the ability to create up to 100 unique access codes, it’s great for families or managing guest access, such as for Airbnb. Security is solid here, with an encrypted connection, an alarm that detects forced entry attempts, and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen.

Installation is straightforward and does not require wiring, only a screwdriver, making it accessible even if you’re not handy. The lock fits most standard doors and offers an auto-lock feature that ensures your door relocks after a set time, which adds peace of mind. Powered by four AA batteries, it promises up to six months of use before needing replacements, and it notifies you early on low battery. One minor drawback is that the lock relies on Wi-Fi, so your experience depends on the strength and reliability of your home network. Also, while the lock is compatible with popular smart home systems, it works best within the Schlage ecosystem for managing multiple locks.

This lock provides a good balance of security, convenience, and smart features, making it ideal for homeowners wanting easy control and monitoring of their main door without complex installation.

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt in Aged Bronze offers a robust set of features for anyone looking for a reliable smart lock. Its built-in Wi-Fi allows you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere without needing an additional hub, making it very convenient. Plus, it can work with the Schlage Home app or Key by Amazon app, allowing you to manage up to 100 access codes for guests, which is great for households with multiple people or frequent visitors.

The lock is compatible with Alexa, providing the added benefit of voice control and notifications about battery levels, which is a nice touch for smart home enthusiasts. Security-wise, the lock includes fingerprint-resistant touchscreen technology and built-in alarms that detect potential security breaches, adding an extra layer of protection for your home. Installing the lock is straightforward, thanks to its Snap ‘n Stay technology, which allows you to use both hands freely during installation with just a screwdriver. However, you must ensure your door's measurements are compatible.

The lock is battery-powered, and while the low battery indicator is helpful, you will need to keep an eye on battery replacement. Its zinc construction and aged bronze finish make it sturdy and stylish, fitting well with a variety of home decors. While the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt offers many smart and secure features, it doesn't support some other smart home ecosystems beyond Alexa, which might be a limitation for some users.

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their front door security with smart technology. It connects directly to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere using the Schlage Home app without needing extra hubs. This built-in Wi-Fi support also lets you integrate it easily with Alexa and Google Home for voice control convenience. Installation is straightforward and quick, requiring only a screwdriver and no complex wiring, fitting most standard door sizes.

Battery-wise, it runs on four AA batteries with a long life of up to six months, plus it warns you before the battery runs out, which is handy. The lock supports up to 100 unique access codes, making it flexible for families or Airbnb hosts who need to manage multiple users. Security features are strong, including encrypted connections, an alarm for forced entry attempts, and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, earning high ratings from security experts.

On the downside, the lock relies solely on battery power, so you must monitor battery levels to avoid lockouts. Also, while the app is generally reliable, some users find occasional connectivity hiccups depending on Wi-Fi quality. The matte black finish adds a modern look but may show fingerprints over time. This smart lock suits homeowners wanting easy installation, robust security, and versatile user access, especially those who want to control their lock remotely and integrate it with popular smart home systems.