Schlage vs Kwikset – Review, Comparison, Guide, FAQs, More
Schlage and Kwikset are two of the leading manufacturers when it comes to smart locks. Thus, it’s understandable to see why one would have trouble choosing between them.
This is why we’ve tested them for months and come up with this in-depth comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Today, we’ll discuss how smart locks work, how you can judge the quality of a smart lock. We will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of having a particular smart lock.
Product Name | User-friendliness | Build quality | Security | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Smooth operation with an intuitive app interface | Extremely durable and well-built | Increased security that stands up to most attacks | Fairly expensive; Near the higher-end price point of smart locks |
Kwikset Single Cylinder Deadbolt | Easy to set up but its app is slightly clunky | Sturdy exterior that will last a long time | Very secure and can’t be defeated by standard attacks | Quite affordable as far as smart locks go |
Now that we’ve had a quick overview of the two products we’ll be looking at today, let’s jump right in and have a detailed look into what makes them tick.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Review - Sleek, Compact and Reliable!
Schlage never ceases to impress us whenever we get the chance of testing their products and this smart lock is no exception. It features a sleek, attractive body that can be easily mounted onto any existing deadbolt that you have inside your home.
It takes very little effort to install the smart lock onto your deadbolt. We were able to install this lock onto our existing deadbolt within 10 minutes just with the help of a basic screwdriver.
You can control it via the Schlage app in your smartphone which pairs to the smart lock via Wifi. It allows you to customize it in several ways and also provides notifications about who’s been using your lock.
Features of Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Dimensions: 2.3 inches x 3.0 inches x 5.5 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Available in two styles: Century and Camelot
Built-in Wifi
Low-battery indicator
Benefits of Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolt is definitely a high-end product and one of the most feature-rich smart locks that you can buy.
One thing that immediately made us happy was knowing that this smart lock has built-in Wifi. This is because most of the products from Schlage as well as its competitors require you to buy a separate Wifi module if you want Wifi connectivity. This product is something that you should definitely go for if you don’t want to invest in a separate Wifi module for your smart lock.
It’s compatible with both the Schlage Home app as well as the Amazon Key app. You can use either of these to customize and adjust settings of the smart lock to however you want. It allows you to set, remove and adjust access codes. It also gives you notifications about who’s been using your smart lock at what time of the day and also allows you to lock and unlock it using the app. You can have up to 100 different access codes for friends, family and any other visitors you may have. These access codes can be temporary or permanent and you can also revoke access for permanent access codes any time you want.
The touchscreen is backlit so you don’t have to shine a light on it when you come back home late at night. The touchscreen is also smudge and fingerprint-resistant. Hence, you don’t have to worry about any potential thief analyzing the smudges to figure out your access code.
The lock also has built-in alarm technology which is smart enough to sense when the lock is being tampered with. This sets off a loud alarm that is sure to scare any burglar attempting to break into it and have them running.
It can also be paired with Alexa with which it has some very neat features. You can use voice controls to lock and unlock and also make adjustments to it. The lock has a low-battery indicator that tells you when the batteries are running and low and need replacing. However, if you have your smart lock paired with Alexa, you can opt for an even cooler feature. This involves Alexa informing you that the lock’s batteries need replacing. Furthermore, you can ask Alexa to set up smart reorders for Amazon Dash Replenishment. This will ensure that you’re always stocked with replacement batteries when you need them.
It’s also a lock that can fit onto most doors and only requires a basic screwdriver in order to be installed successfully. The app features installation tutorial videos that you can watch to get a better grip on how to install the lock onto your existing deadbolt.
Finally, it has a lifetime warranty for the mechanical components as well as a 3-year warranty for the electrical components. It’s a robust, durable smart lock that’s going to last you a very long time.
What Do the Customers Think?
We try to make our testing as authentic and realistic as possible. However, oftentimes it’s impossible for us to get the real experience as a regular user would. This is why we also turned to the internet to read customer reviews of the product and find out what they think of it. The reviews for this smart lock are overwhelmingly positive. Many people praise it for its ease of use, its plethora of features and its sleek design.
One customer details how the lock is extremely sturdy and can be customized in a number of creative ways. They loved how you can give people access during certain times of the day and then revoke access at other times.
Another customer tells about how they had a handyman install the lock and it only took 5 minutes.
Many customers love this lock mainly because of how easy it is to share access codes with your friends and family in order to grant them access.
Bottomline
If you want a smart lock with built-in Wifi capabilities and a sturdy exterior then this is the product you’re looking for. It’s extremely user-friendly and seamlessly integrates itself into your smart home environment.
Kwikset 910 Door Lock Review - Dependable and Affordable!
This Kwikset smart lock is something we were looking forward to testing. This is because it is another product that is completely compatible with their SmartKey. A SmartKey is just a mechanical key that can be used on all locks in your home. It works flawlessly with the SmartKey and also has some alternate ‘smart’ entry options as well.
The Z-Wave capability means it can easily become part of your home’s automation system and thus, can be a great addition to making your home more ‘smart’.
It requires 4 AA batteries to run which last many months to up to a year.
The lock has a very traditional design which helps it blend very seamlessly into your home’s surroundings and decor.
Features of Kwikset 910 Door Lock
Dimensions: 5.5 inches x 3.5 inches x 10.00 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Z-Wave connectivity
Compatible with Kwikset’s SmartKey
Auto-lock feature
Benefits of Kwikset 910 Door Lock
The Kwikset 910 Door Lock really impressed us with the number of features it offers with the price tag that it comes with. It’s a robust and very durable lock that can stand up to very harsh weather conditions without compromising its security. If you live in a cold or humid region, this product is something that will work constantly without any issues.
Kwikset has come up with SmartKey technology. through this, you can have just one mechanical key that fits into all of the locks in your home. Obviously, all your locks have to be compatible with SmartKey and this lock is one of those compatible locks. Many people become concerned when a smart lock has a keyway as a keyway generally means a lock can be vulnerable to picking or lock-bumping attacks. However, We subjected this smart lock to all sorts of lock-picking and bumping attacks. We're pleased to say that we found that this smart lock stood up to our attacks effortlessly. It may have a keyway but that keyway is effectively built to make it pick-proof and bump-proof.
Other than a mechanical key, the smart lock offers you other access options to access it as well. These include via an access code that you can enter onto the touchpad or via your Z-Wave home automation system. The Z-Wave capabilities also mean that the lock can be locked and unlocked remotely. Thus, if you’re not at home and need to open the door for house help or guests or any other visitor, you can easily do so. As for access codes, you can have up to 30 different access codes that 30 different people can make use of.
The lock also boasts an auto-lock feature that is arguably one of the greatest safety features that this lock has. Once you use the smart lock to get inside and close the door behind you, the smart lock waits 30 seconds and then automatically locks the door for you. This gives you great peace of mind and also makes you safe even if you forget to manually lock your door. It’s great for people that are forgetful or people that just have a busy routine and are constantly in a hurry.
The keypad is also not structured in a traditional way and it provides you with two different methods to enter your access code. This is sure to throw off any burglars that may be attempting to guess your access code. It is also backlit for easy visibility and also has a dedicated lock button for one-touch locking.
With a price tag of less than $100, this is one of the cheapest smart locks out there. It provides great capabilities when it comes to home automation. Furthermore, considering you’re getting it at such a low price, this product is definitely a great option that is worth looking at.
What Do the Customers Think?
We had a very positive experience testing this smart lock so we turned to the internet to see whether people had had a similar experience or not. It’s always interesting to see how customers are able to pick up on bonus features of a product as well as its flaws. These are often features and flaws that many professional reviews sometimes overlook.
One customer tells us about how the lock is one of the few Z-wave products that pair very easily to their home automation system. It does not involve any frustration when it comes to pairing.
Another customer was highly impressed by the inclusion of a mechanical keyway. It is not something that is regularly used on the smart lock. However, Kwikset still put in the effort to make the keyway secure as well as added SmartKey capabilities to it.
Bottomline
If you’re on the lookout for an affordable lock that does not compromise on security then this product is perfect for you. It features multiple entry options, it’s very easy to use and it will definitely last you an extremely long time.
Schlage vs Kwikset - Buyers’ Guide
What are some factors to look at when choosing a smart lock?
Here are some factors that you can think about which will help you determine which smart lock is best for you:
Price
Smart locks come in a wide range of prices, starting from as low as $50 and going all the way up to several hundred dollars. However, you don’t always have to invest tons of money in a smart lock in order to have the best experience. Indeed, there are a lot of smart locks out there that have ridiculously high prices. This is often just because they have unnecessary features that you are rarely ever going to use.
Thus, it’s important for you to inspect the smart lock you intend on buying. You should make sure it doesn’t have any niche feature that you’re never going to use that is driving its price up.
Battery life
All smart locks have an electrical component. This component is often charged by either external batteries or the smart lock’s own internal rechargeable battery. It’s important for the lock to have decent battery life. You don’t want to constantly be changing batteries; It would be a hassle and would also hinder the overall convenience of the lock.
Normally, high-quality smart locks can operate a few months to up to a year on a single set of batteries or a single charge. Thus, if you’re on the lookout for a smart lock with long-lasting battery life, you should look for one that hits this mark.
Number of Different Access Mechanisms
A smart lock generally has many different ways in which it can grant access to you. Some of these ways are via a mechanical key, via an access code through its touchpad, via your smartphone connected through Bluetooth, via your smartphone connected through Wifi, via your biometric fingerprint or via your voice command. You should think about which one of these options is most convenient for you and which one you see yourself using regularly every day. Once you’ve decided what that option is, look for a smart lock that offers that option. Along with your preferred option, it should offer at least 1 - 2 other options as you shouldn’t be overly reliant on just one method.
Which brand is more reliable: Schlage or Kwikset?
Both Schlage as well as Kwikset are incredibly dependable brands. They make high-quality products and care deeply about their customer base. We’ve had contact with the customer support of both manufacturers. Both of them have accommodated and helped us immensely with our issues.
Not only that but even the customer reviews for both products feature customers that praise their customer support. Telling us about how quick they are to respond, how they replace defective components free of charge. Both of them also have clear instructions for fixing issues that customers run into, etc.
How do I use the Schlage Encode?
It’s very easy to use the Schlage Encode. All you have to do is connect it to your home’s Wifi and then connect your smartphone to that same Wifi network. Once this is done, you can install the Schlage Home app on your smartphone and make an account on it. Now, you can add an access code to the lock via the smartphone app as well as via the touchpad. You can also just use one of the default access codes that are already programmed into the smart lock. You can find these on the back of the inside assembly as well as on the back page of the user guide.
How long do batteries last in the Schlage Encode?
The Schlage Encode requires 4 AA batteries to run and these batteries last about 6 - 8 months depending on how much the lock is used.
How many users can the Schlage Encode store?
The Schlage Encode can store up to 100 users.
How do I use the Kwikset 910 Door Lock?
Once you’ve installed the Kwikset 910 Door Lock, you can choose to keep using the default access code that comes with the lock. If you don't want to use the default code, you can program it in order to have more access codes as well as utilize other features. In order to enter programming mode, you’ll have to press the program button.
How long do batteries last in the Kwikset 910 Door Lock?
Batteries in the Kwikset 910 Door Lock last about 10 months to a year depending on how much the lock is used every day.
How many users can the Kwikset 910 Door Lock store?
The Kwikset 910 Door Lock can store up to 30 users.
Final Verdict
Today, we had the pleasure of writing about two extremely well-made smart locks. It’s fascinating to see how quickly smart locks are becoming the go-to gadget for security as well as home automation in modern homes.
This was a tough one but we have to go with the Schlage Encode as our pick for the best of these two. It’s definitely more expensive than its competitor but the number of features it offers is definitely worth it. Not to mention, it’s extremely durable, looks great and is also very user-friendly.
This brings us to the conclusion of our post for Schlage vs Kwikset.
Give us feedback and let us know which one of these products you prefer.
