2020 Schlage Sense Smart Deadlock Review: Pros, Cons & Details

We updated prices for the locks in this piece.
Schlage Sense Smart Lock
 
$229.00
    Tech specs
    • Dimensions: 4.5 x 3 x 8 in.
    • Weight: 5.2 lb.
    • Power source: 4 AA batteries

    The Schlage Sense is a heavy-duty, Bluetooth-powered smart door lock that lets you lock and unlock your door with your smartphone, an access code, or a key. It also gives you up to 30 different PIN codes to share access, so everyone from your dog walker to your babysitter can get into your home when you want them to.

    If you already have an Apple device, like an AppleTV or an iPad, the Sense’s functionality is even better. You can pair the smart deadbolt with your Apple HomeKit–enabled device and remotely access your front door via app or voice command with Siri.

    If you’re not an Apple user, no worries: you can get the same functionality, plus Alexa and Google Home compatibility, by adding the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter.


    Schlage Sense Smart Lock pros and cons

    Pros
    • Pro BulletBuilt-in alarm
    • Pro BulletAdjustable autolock feature
    • Pro BulletCompatibility with Apple HomeKit
    Cons
    • Con BulletRemote access only with Wi-Fi Adapter add-on or Apple HomeKit
    • Con BulletLimited Bluetooth range

    Schlage Sense features and flaws

    The Schlage Sense is customizable and versatile. It comes in two different styles—the modern Century and the more classic Camelot—and three different finishes: aged bronze, satin nickel, and matte black.

    Schlage Sense Camelot in Aged Bronze. Image via Amazon.
    Schlage Sense Camelot in Satin Nickel. Image via Amazon.
    Schlage Sense Century in Matte Black. Image via Amazon.

    Remote access

    The Schlage Sense is great if you need to grant people entry to your home regularly. The Schlage app (available on iOS and Android) creates a unique passcode and texts it to your recipient to give them remote access when you’re not around.

    You can choose to grant access indefinitely or pick a window of time when the code will work. So if your dog walker comes between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., their code will work then and only then.

    The Sense is also a handy option if you’re an Airbnb or Vrbo host—you can give your guests access as they check in and revoke their code when they check out. It’s less hassle than changing the lock when someone absconds with the physical key.

    Built-in alarm

    In addition to giving people easy access to your home, the Sense is also great at keeping people out. You can set an alarm with a customizable sensitivity level to go off if the smart deadbolt detects an attempt at forced entry. If someone tries to kick down your door, or otherwise force the door open, the Schlage Sense will send you an alert.

    Autolock

    A lot of smart locks rely on geofencing to automatically lock or unlock your front door. But the Schlage Sense uses a timer. Because of that feature, we think it’s a good pick if you’re not the kind of person to always have your phone in hand. You can set a custom delay for the autolock—from 15 seconds to four minutes—so if you run out to get something from the car, the door will still be open by the time you get back.

    Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter

    If you have Apple HomeKit, you can access your Schlage Sense smart lock remotely or via Siri commands. If you don’t, you’ll have to purchase the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter, sold separately.

    The Schlage Sense is a good pick if you’re not the kind of person to always have your phone in hand.

    Schlage Sense compatibility

    The Schlage Sense smart lock is best for people merely dabbling in smart home integration. That’s because beyond Apple HomeKit—and Alexa and Google Assistant with the Wi-Fi Adapter—the Schlage Sense has pretty limited home automation compatibility. You won’t be able to use it with any Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, like the Wink or SmartThings Hub.

    You won’t be able to use the Sense with any Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, like the Wink or SmartThings Hub.
    If you like the Schlage brand but want a smart lock with different functionality, check out our Schlage locks review.

    Schlage Sense installation

    The Schlage Sense replaces your existing deadbolt, but installing your new Bluetooth deadbolt isn’t intuitive unless you’re particularly handy.

    Thankfully, Schlage has a step-by-step installation video that walks you through the process. Unless you have to do some extra drilling, it should take you about 20 minutes to install the Schlage Sense start to finish.

    Schlage Sense handle

    The Schlage Sense replaces just your deadbolt, so you can keep your existing handle. But if you want something a bit more aesthetically pleasing, Schlage offers a couple of modern handlesets in the same styles—Century and Camelot—as the Schlage Sense.


    Schlage Sense price

    Smart door locks tend to be on the pricier side. The August Smart Lock Pro is $229.00 alone and $279.00 with a Wi-Fi adapter, and the Nest x Yale Lock retails for $279.99.

    The Schlage Sense is no exception. It retails for about $229 alone, and if you need the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter, you’ll have to shell out around $60.00 more. Fortunately, you can usually find the Sense and the adapter bundled for a lower price.


    Schlage Sense vs. the competition

    Schlage Sense vs. Schlage Connect

    The Schlage Sense and the Schlage Connect have similar features. Both have keypads, autolock functionality, and alarms. But the way they work is fundamentally different.

    The Schlage Connect uses Z-Wave instead of Bluetooth to connect to a home automation hub, like the SmartThings hub or the Google Home. And while the Schlage Sense has its own app on iOS and Android, the Connect doesn’t. Instead, it lets you control the lock through whatever hub you have. Pick the Schlage Connect over the Schlage Sense if you’re looking for a more integrated smart home experience.

    Schlage Sense vs. August Smart Lock Pro

    Both the Schlage Sense and the August Smart Lock Pro are secure and reliable smart locks. But they have a few key differences.

    Autolocking

    The Schlage Sense can automatically lock the door behind you, based on a timer. But the August Smart Lock Pro automatically locks and unlocks the door with geofencing—so when you start approaching your home, the door will automatically unlock for you. Similarly, once the August Smart Lock Pro detects you’ve left your home, it will lock the door for you.

    August also comes with a door sensor that can tell you whether your door is open, closed, or ajar. The Schlage Sense smart deadbolt doesn’t have anything similar to that.

    Access

    The Schlage Sense gives you a lot of options for accessing your entryway: you can use a key, keypad, or the app on your iOS or Android device. On the other hand, the August Smart Lock relies solely on your phone. You won’t be able to use a key for backup, so if your phone battery dies, you’re in a bind.

    Compatibility

    The Schlage Sense is a good fit if smart home integration isn’t your top concern. But if you want something with more flexibility, the August Smart Lock Pro has that: when paired with the Connect Wi-Fi bridge, the August Smart Lock Pro gives you a lot of options. You can integrate with other Z-Wave compatible devices or pair it with most smart home hubs—from Google Home to Wink.


    Our recommendation

    The Schlage Sense is a secure and reliable smart lock that would make a great addition to a home that’s not super invested in smart home automation. It gives you versatile access to your front door and makes it easy for you to grant access to others too.

    >>Secure your entryway. Buy the Schlage Sense smart deadbolt.

    If you’re looking for something more home automation friendly, we recommend the August Smart Lock Pro. It doesn’t have a keypad, but it’s reliable and secure with a lot of smart home and security integrations.

    >>Lock it good. Buy the August Smart Lock Pro.

    >>Want more options? Check out our roundup of the best smart locks.