Ease of Use
Everyday usage and multiple users
This one’s fairly simple to use on a daily basis. You simply enter your access code and unlock the door. However, you have to use a smart home hub and third-party apps to control the lock remotely, since it doesn’t come with its own app.
While this may be incredibly convenient for those controlling multiple home systems through a hub, for those who don’t own a smart hub yet, or whose smart hubs aren’t compatible with the technology used in this lock, you will be forced to rely on manual code entry at the door, or using a physical key to unlock it.
So, if that’s a sticking point for you, this may not be the best lock for you.
You can add up to 30 unique codes (users). While not as many as some smart locks, that should still be plenty for most users.
If the batteries should die on you, there is a place to use an actual key—so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck outside your own home.
Some users reported issues with the keypad failing to retain access codes correctly and having to reset the lock for the codes to work again. However, this was not an issue when locking or unlocking remotely.
For those reasons, we gave the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt a 9/10 in the ease of use category.
Smart Home System Integration
Which systems are this smart lock compatible with?
This lock is compatible with a variety of smart home systems, though in order to connect with some of them you need a Z-wave hub, or a ZigBee hub in your home, which is an additional purchase and does not come with the lock.
It can be a little confusing as to which systems work with this lock, so we broke it down for you.
Depending on the Z-wave hub you have (or decide to purchase), or your pre-existing home systems, your lock will be accessible through the following devices. (Note that remote functionality varies by system, as displayed in the chart below.)
It should be noted that if you purchase the ZigBee version of this smart lock, you will not be able to use it with Google Assistant, Wink, Ring Alarm, or Nexia, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to go with the Z-wave or ZigBee version.
The ZigBee version of this lock is compatible with Amazon Echo, however, and can also use the Key by Amazon app for in-home deliveries, two options the Z-wave enabled lock doesn’t support.
Because this smart lock is compatible with several smart home systems and devices but needs an additional hub that can work with Z-wave technology or ZigBee technology (and is not included with the lock), it gets a 9/10.
Ease of Installation
Installing this smart lock is pretty simple: you just need a screwdriver. Yep, that’s it! You do, of course, need to remove your old lock prior to installing this one.
Once you remove the old lock, you can watch a video walkthrough of how to install the lock or read the PDF instruction guide provided on the manufacturer’s website. While good, there are other locks with more accessible instruction options available.
There are only a few steps, which we list below to help you make your buying decision.
- Install the new deadbolt that comes with this lock.
- Then install the new strike plate.
- Next, install the touch plate (or the touchscreen), then the lock’s support plate.
- Once those are in place, you can connect the cable inside the lock.
- Next, install the alarm assembly.
- Then attach the lock mechanism to the door.
- And finally, add batteries.
That’s it for the installation process. In order to use the lock remotely, you will need to take additional steps to connect it to your home’s smart hub.
This lock is also designed to fit any standard-sized door (between 1 ⅜ inch thick and 1 ¾ inch thick).
The only caveat, which is the same for all smart locks, is to be sure that your door is aligned properly so the hole for the deadbolt lines up with the deadbolt. Otherwise, you may have issues with the deadbolt not going in properly, jamming, or getting stuck in a locked position.
The written installation instructions for this model weren’t as easy to follow as some of the other Schlage smart locks, and in spite of the video walkthrough, some purchasers still had trouble setting up their locks successfully.
Thankfully, it’s a one-person job and just needs a screwdriver.
This lock gets an 9/10 on installation because the instructions aren’t as easy to follow as other models, but it still only requires one person and a screwdriver.
Robustness of the App
What the app can do and how easy it is to use
If you choose the ZigBee version of this lock, you can use the Key by Amazon app, which lets you add users by giving them customized access codes, and track each time your door is locked and unlocked.
Of course, you can lock and unlock the door from your phone, and check the activity on your lock using the app. You can also add up to 30 access codes (users) or remove access codes (users).
The Z-wave version of this lock doesn’t have its own app, because it works through a hub and relies on third-party app integration. You don’t even need to have a smartphone in order to use this lock.
While that may be a plus for some, we realize this could be a negative factor for others.
Because you can only use the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with a smart home hub that’s Z-wave or ZigBee compatible, and it relies on third-party apps (associated with your hub or other smart devices connected to that hub), it gets a 7/10 in this category since this leaves out a lot of potential customers.
Getting In
How this smart lock opens the door
This smart lock uses access codes to allow users entry into the door. Using a touchpad, you simply enter your unique access code. Pretty simple, right?
You have the option to lock the door remotely with compatible voice control devices, or both lock and unlock remotely with smart home hubs.
You can also use a physical key if you’d prefer.
Because you have multiple options for locking and unlocking your door with this smart lock, it gets a 9/10 in this category.
Value
$199 for lock, varies for smart home hubs
This lock retails for around $200. We saw prices ranging from $160 to $200 online, which is less expensive than some smart locks we’ve seen. However, if you want to use the lock remotely, you need to have a smart home hub already in place, or you’ll need to purchase one.
And, if do already have a smart home hub, you’ll need to be sure that it’s compatible with the smart lock’s technology—either Z-wave compatible or ZigBee compatible—and if it isn’t, you’ll need to purchase a new hub. (We explain both types of technologies under Remote Connection Type below.)
It’s pretty easy to install, with a video demonstration, and is very sturdy. But that solidness makes it pretty hefty—it weighs about four pounds.
However, the cost of adding or upgrading a smart home hub means it’s not as good a value as other locks out there.
Because of this, we give the lock a 8/10 in the value category.
Remote Connection Type
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Both?
This smart lock uses either Z-wave Plus or ZigBee technology. If that sentence sounds like gibberish to you, don’t worry! We did some research and explain both for you below.
Z-wave technology uses radio waves to allow devices to talk to each other, and every Z-wave enabled device has two-way communication, meaning it can both send and receive signals.
Similar to an old-fashioned game of telephone, the message is relayed from one device to another until it finds the target device. Then the target device sends a message back to the Z-wave hub letting it know the mission was accomplished.
Z-wave Plus is the newest version of Z-wave technology, but it is backwards compatible with devices using the older version of this remote connection technology, so there is no need to upgrade other Z-wave devices for them to work with this smart lock.
ZigBee is very similar to Z-wave, except that it uses a different radio wave frequency to communicate with your devices.
This lock should not interfere with your existing wi-fi devices since both Z-waves and ZigBee use a frequency that is different from wi-fi to communicate. That way, there is no signal jamming since they’re all on different signals.
Think of it as a highway: While there are multiple lanes, the lanes don’t cross each other. These technologies don’t cross each other, either, creating a smooth and speedy information flow in your home.
The Schlage Connect is one of the few smart locks on the market that gives you the option to either use ZigBee or Z-wave technology and offers this choice instead of wi-fi or Bluetooth.
For this category, because of the encrypted connection and ability to choose Z-wave or ZigBee and integrate into a smart hub (but only one set up for either Z-wave or ZigBee), we gave the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt a 9/10 here.
Power Options
The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt is battery powered, with a low-battery indicator built into the lock. It takes four AA batteries, which should have about a twelve-month lifespan according to the manufacturer.
Many customers reported getting anywhere from six to 12 months of life from the batteries, so battery replacement cost can vary greatly for this model depending on usage.
We balanced the cost of replacing 4 batteries at once (and the frequency of replacing the batteries) against the low-battery warning feature built into the lock and gave this smart lock an 8/10 in this category.
Lock Type
Lock attachment or full lock?
This is a complete locking system and comes with a full deadbolt assembly in addition to the touchpad and other components. This is considered to be the safest type of smart lock when compared to those that simply attach to an existing lock.
In addition, this lock has received the highest safety rating any smart lock can get, so you know you’re in good hands with the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt.
Because of the sturdiness of this lock, the high safety rating it’s received, and the fact that the deadbolt comes with the lock, we gave the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt 10/10 here.
Keys or Completely Keyless Entry?
This lock gives you the best of both worlds, by allowing for keyless entry when you want it, while still giving you the option of using a key, for those who aren’t ready to toss their house keys just yet.
And in case you don’t pay attention to the low-battery warning and the batteries die in the smart lock, you won’t be locked out of your home.
We gave this lock an 9/10 for having a physical key and for the low-battery warning.
Warranty
Limited lifetime/3 year
This hefty lock comes with a pretty hefty warranty. It’s got a limited lifetime warranty on the mechanical parts and finishes, and a three-year warranty on the electronic components.
Because of the robust warranty, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt earns itself a 9/10.
Overall, this is a reliable, straightforward lock that will integrate easily with any smart home. We recommend it for homeowners and vacation rental hosts alike. For more information about the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt lock, you can go to the manufacturer’s website.