PROS / Schlage Sense is the most secure smart lock in our review.
CONS / The lock doesn't currently have an Android mobile app.
VERDICT / Schlage Sense offers best-in-class security, a simple mobile app and a solid design.
Schlage Sense builds on nearly 100 years of experience in lock making and has the best security features of any smart lock in our review. The lock has an easy-to-navigate mobile app, convenient features and a simple design, and it is compatible with Apple HomeKit. In addition, its warranty is the best among smart locks. These factors help Schlage Sense rise above the competition to earn the Top Ten Reviews Gold Award for smart locks.
Security
The best smart locks focus first and foremost on security, so we evaluated each lock's potential to improve the security of your home. Schlage Sense received top ratings in our in-house tests. For example, Schlage Sense can detect when someone unlocks the door with a key or the keypad, which is uncommon among smart locks, as most only track app users.
In addition to improving your home’s security, Schlage Sense sends useful alerts when your security is at risk. The smart door lock's built-in siren activates when someone tries to force your door open. This gives you critical information in the event of a nighttime break-in so you can take steps to protect your family. It also attracts unwanted attention to potential intruders and deters them from entering your home after breaking through the door.
Schlage Sense is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified, one of only two locks in our review with the rating. Grade 1 is the highest rating any deadbolt can receive and certifies that a lock is more resistant to lock picking and forced entry than lower-grade locks. The lock uses an encrypted Bluetooth connection to prevent unauthorized access to your home, which means hackers need your login information to access your lock. Schlage Sense lacks a Bluetooth key fob but makes up for this with solid keypad functionality.
Convenience
Schlage Sense's mobile app has a simple layout, so you can add and remove guests with little effort. You can use the app to assign up to 30 codes to guests and share them via text message or email. This is more convenient than typical smart locks, which require guests to download mobile apps and create accounts to gain access. Since guest codes are easy to add or remove, the babysitter can have a permanent code that grants access based on a schedule. For temporary codes, you can disable or delete a user.
While Schlage Sense has a remote access feature, it requires that you have an Apple TV in your home placed close enough to connect to the lock. This lets you control the lock and add codes when you're outside the lock's Bluetooth range. As with all of the smart locks in our review, Schlage Sense has a physical override, which means you can use a key to unlock the lock if for some reason you don't have access to your phone or if the lock's batteries die unexpectedly.
To make sure you don't leave your door unlocked for long periods of time, you can set the auto-lock feature to lock your door after a time between 15 seconds and four minutes. Schlage Sense doesn't have an auto-unlock feature. This might not be as convenient as other smart locks, but it's a reason Schlage Sense scores well in our security tests.
Design
Schlage Sense's design is among the best in our review. This is a self-contained smart lock, which means you only need a compatible smartphone for normal use. Locks that are not self-contained require a home automation system or additional fees to work with a smartphone. This new lock installation replaces your existing deadbolt, which might be a deal breaker if you rent. Schlage Sense has an estimated battery life of 12 months, which is typical of most digital door locks.
This lock comes in two styles with three finishes to match your home. The Century style uses a square keypad that is more minimalist than Camelot, which is a more traditional style. While both styles come in a satin nickel finish to match a majority of door handles, you can also get a matte black finish on the Century style or an aged bronze finish option on the Camelot. Schlage Sense doesn’t come in a brass finish. This smart lock relies on Apple TV for Wi-Fi.
Control
Schlage Sense is compatible with Apple HomeKit for its smart home platform, though it isn't compatible with other platforms such as Z-Wave and Nest. The lock uses Bluetooth to communicate with iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad. The biggest drawback is that Schlage Sense doesn't have an Android app, though it is in development with no firm release date. To use Schlage Sense with a video doorbell, the doorbell must be compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Warranty & Support
This smart lock has the best warranty in our review, as well as a decent selection of support resources. Schlage covers the lock's electronics for three years, which is much longer than the industry average of one year. While it doesn't play a role in our ratings, the company also covers the lock components and finish with a lifetime warranty.
Schlage offers a helpful video tutorial to illustrate the installation process and a selection of FAQs but doesn't offer nearly the depth of support resources other manufacturers in our review do. You can contact the company via email or telephone if you have a question or concern not covered in the FAQs. Schlage doesn't offer a live chat support channel.
Summary
Schlage Sense is the best smart lock in our review. It claims the title by offering exceptional security, alarms and a simple mobile app. The lock has a couple flaws such as the lack of a key fob and fewer support resources than other smart locks in our review, but an Android app is the only thing that holds this lock back right now.
