When the first smart door lock was introduced and showed how a simple device like that could bring great security to our homes, many of us did not quite realize how far this would go. Now, in 2020, smart locks such as the Schlage Sense and the Encode have gained quite a lot of popularity due to the host of features they come with. The Schlage Sense comes with Apple HomeKit compatibility, with Bluetooth capabilities and has an easy to use mobile application while the Encode comes with Wi-Fi capabilities, a low battery indicator as well as voice control capabilities.
But which one is better? Go through this buying guide and select which smart door lock which will best suit your unique needs.
Alternatively, just skip to either the Schlage Sense or the Encode on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table Schlage Sense vs Encode
| Schlage Sense | Schlage Encode | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | No | Yes |
| Power source | 4 * AA Batteries | 4 * AA Batteries |
| Max access codes | 30 codes | 100 codes |
| Required hub | Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter | None |
| Apple HomeKit compatible? | Yes | No |
| Zigbee or Z-Wave compatible? | No | No |
| Low battery indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Voice control | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen interface | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile application | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Key Similarities between the Schlage Sense and the Encode:
- Bluetooth
- Low battery indicator
- Voice control
- Touchscreen interface
- Mobile application
- Power source
Key Differences between the Schlage Sense and the Encode:
- Wi-Fi
- Hub requirements
- Max access codes
- Apple HomeKit compatibility
A Comprehensive Comparison between the Schlage Sense and the Encode
1 Power Source
Electronic devices need to have a power source. The power source is what is used to provide power to the electronic circuit. This allows the device to work. There are two types of power sources that are mainly used to power electronic devices. These are: mains AC and DC. Mains AC is usually used for devices that need to draw a lot of power and would quickly use up batteries if they were to use them as a power source. DC is mainly used for devices that draw little power and it therefore makes it economical for the user to use batteries which provide DC to the circuit. These batteries will need to be changed after they cease to function. Both the Schlage Sense and the Encode use 4 AA batteries.
2 Battery Indicator
After the invention of the battery, it quickly found its way to the mainstream market. This allowed for the battery to be used in a wide variety of devices. Consumers enjoyed the new portability offered by the battery as they did not have to use devices that were tethered to the wall socket. They, however, quickly realized a problem with these electronic devices that used batteries. There were no low battery indicators that would inform them that the battery is about to run out. This meant that they would only know that the battery has run out after the device ceased to function. This was quite a disadvantage and because of this, manufacturers have started to include battery indicators in their devices to allow for customers to purchase spare batteries in time. Both the Schlage Sense and the Encode come with this feature.
3 Voice Control
The introduction of voice assistants has been a development that has allowed for us to use our own voices to control our electronic devices. This means that we do not have to worry about entering commands into the touchscreen interface that the device provides, or worry about finding the remote and then enter commands to the device through the remote but instead, we can just use our voices. This is convenience. Some of the most popular voice assistants on the market are Siri, Cortana, the Google Voice Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. Both devices support the use of Amazon’s Alexa.
4 Touchscreen Interface
When electronic devices were first introduced they had very small LEDs that were only capable of giving information regarding to the status of the device. They would show when the device was on, off busy or if there was an error. Technology improved and LCD screens were introduced. These allowed for the users to gain much more information about the current state of the device. Nowadays, most devices come with touchscreen interfaces. These allow you to see the current state of the device and to use that same screen to enter commands. This is very much unlike the devices from the past that had stiff and hard to press buttons. Both the Schlage Sense and the Encode come with this feature.
5 Mobile Application
Most electronic device manufacturers have embraced mobile applications. Such manufacturers have discovered the power that is offered by the applications as they allow the users to customize the settings of the electronic devices and they also allow the user to install and setup the devices with great ease. Both the Schlage Sense and the Encode come with a mobile application.
6 ZigBee and Z-Wave
The introduction of wireless technologies resulted in many standards and protocols being created. Two popular standards were created and these were widely adopted in the home automation industry. These standards are ZigBee and Z-Wave. ZigBee is a protocol that uses the 2.4 GHz band which allows for it to communicate at fast speeds. The Z-Wave band does not use this crowded frequency band and instead uses the 900 MHz band, with the exact frequency depending on the country that you are located in. Both the Schlage Sense and the Encode do not support Zigbee and Z-Wave.
7 WiFi and Bluetooth
The Encode is superior to the Schlage Sense in this regard. It supports the WiFi protocol and this feature is built in to the device. This allows for you to connect directly to your home network. This allows for you to setup the device very quickly and easily. In addition, WiFi comes with a range of up to 100m. This means that you can use the Schlage Encode from a distance with great ease. You do not need to be close to the lock at all. This makes it very convenient for the user as he or she can open the lock from a distance and this is an important feature at night especially when you feel like you are being followed. All you need to do is run into your home and lock the door with speed. The Encode does not natively support WiFi. Instead, it uses Bluetooth which can only be used at a limited distance of around 30 feet. The Schalge Encode also shines in this regard as it allows you to use both WiFi and Bluetooth which makes it perfect for areas where one of the two technologies is present.
8 Hub Requirements
The Encode is superior to the Schlage sense as it does not require a hub for you to enjoy all of its features. The Schlage sense does not natively support WiFi. This means that if you want to control your device from a distance e.g. from work to allow delivery men in after they arrive at your home, you will not be able to do so. You will need to purchase a Schlage Sense WiFi adapter. The Encode, however, supports WiFi right out of the box. This means that you do not need to worry about purchasing an additional hub just to gain access to the remote capabilities offered by the smart door lock.
9 Maximum Access Codes
The Encode is able to support more access codes than the Schlage Sense. It supports the use of up to 100 unique codes. This is way more than enough for the average home user. If you are someone who has very many relatives as well as very many friends and family then this lock is definitely for you. The Schlage Sense only supports the use of 30 codes.
10 Apple HomeKit Compatibility
Here is where the Schlage Sense and the Encode are also different. The Schlage Sense is more geared towards Apple users than the Encode. This is because it supports the Apple HomeKit. If you are a user of Apple products, you probably know how easily devices in the Apple ecosystem interact with each other. The Encode does not support the Apple HomeKit.
Our Pick
We immediately fell in love with the Encode. This device comes with a very impressive design. One can clearly see that the designers put their heart and soul into designing this smart lock. It natively supports WiFi which allows you to control it remotely with great ease. It is able to store up to 100 access codes. In addition it does not require any hub for you to exploit all the features it comes with.
Why Do You Need a Smart Lock?
Security
The traditional method of sharing access to a door lock is giving your physical key. This can easily be copied and the person will gain access to your house without your knowledge. Smart locks instead allow you to give access to a person and revoke that access when you do not want them to enter your house anymore.
Convenience
Taking your keys out each time you get home is not pleasurable. You have to figure out which key works. If you have forgotten the keys at work then you have got to head back and collect them. Smart locks eliminate all this as you simply have to punch in the access code and you gain entry to your home.
Compatibility
Smart locks are usually compatible with other systems. They can be used with other smart home automation systems as well as with voice assistants. This makes it easy to enjoy the full convenience of having a fully automated home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing between the Schlage Sense and the Encode
1 Design
The Schlage Sense and the Encode come in two very different designs. Each design appeals to different people. We really liked the design of the Encode, but you may prefer the design of the Schlage Sense.
2 Number of Visitors
The number of visitors you usually get in a month is another factor that you can use to determine which smart lock best suits your needs. If you have a very large family or if you have several people who get in and out of your home in a month, then go for the Encode. It offers up to 100 access codes. The Schlage Sense is better suited for those who have very few visitors in a month.
3 Apple HomeKit Compatibility
Have a look at the electronic devices in your home. If most of them are from Apple, then it may be a good idea to go with the Schlage Sense. As you know, devices that are in the Apple ecosystem workbluetooth very well with each other. If you do not use Apple products, then the Encode is probably the better option for you.
4 Hub Requirements
The Schlage Sense requires a hub for you to enjoy all the features that it comes with such as remote access. This means that you need to purchase the Schlage Sense WiFi adapter. If you do not want this additional cost then feel free to go for the Encode. It comes with WiFi built in so you do not need to worry about purchasing a hub.
5 Wireless Technologies
This is another part where the Schlage Encode outshines the Schlage Sense. The Schlage Encode allows for you to use both Bluetooth and WiFi. This allows for you to use the technology that is most convenient to you instead of being restricted to just one technology. The Schlage Sense only supports Bluetooth.
Schlage Sense vs Encode FAQs
Do they Allow for Remote Access?
Yes they do allow for remote access. With the Schlage Sense you will need to purchase the Schlage Sense WiFi adapter to use this feature.
Do they Have the Auto Lock Function?
Yes they do. You will have to enable it in the mobile application.
If I have a Power Outage Will the Pre-Programmed Code Work?
Yes. That is exactly what the batteries are for.
Does the Keypad Light Up?
Yes. You just press the “House” button on the keypad and the keypad will light up without entering a number.
Is there a Log?
Yes there is. This helps you to see when your door was locked and unlocked.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the similarities and differences that exist between the Schlage Sense and the Encode. We found the Encode to be the winner. This is because it comes with WiFi inbuilt, it allows for you to use either WiFi or Bluetooth, it can store up to 100 access codes, it does not need a hub and we found it to be very aesthetically pleasing.
We included a comprehensive list of features to consider when choosing between the two smart locks. This will help you to choose which smart lock will best suit your needs for your particular application. Check out the best smart lock, the Encode on Amazon.
