Schlage Keyless Entry Locks: Which One Should You Buy?

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. This never influences our recommendations.

Schlage sells keyless entry in two flavors: a plain keypad that does one job, and Wi-Fi touchscreen locks that connect to an app. Neither charges a monthly fee, which makes Schlage one of the safer brands for this site.

The real choice is how much tech you want on your door, and what you are willing to pay for it. Here are three Schlage locks that cover the range.

Model Entry method Wi-Fi and app Power Typical list price
Schlage BE365 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt Push-button keypad, key backup No 1 x 9V battery Under $100 (estimate)
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Touchscreen keypad, key backup Yes (2.4GHz) 4 x AA $229–$299
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Touchscreen, Apple Home Key, key backup Yes, plus Bluetooth 4 x AA $329

What Works With No Subscription

All three work for keyless entry with no plan. On the two Encode locks, remote lock and unlock, up to 100 access codes, scheduled and temporary codes, and low-battery alerts are all handled in the free Schlage Home app.

The BE365 is simpler still. It has no app, no Wi-Fi and no remote control, so there is nothing to subscribe to and nothing to hack remotely.

For the broader picture, see our best smart locks roundup.


The Best Schlage Keyless Entry Locks

Schlage BE365 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt

The BE365 is a no-frills keypad deadbolt. You enter a code on the push-button pad, or use the backup key, and the bolt throws. It stores up to 19 user codes and runs on a single 9V battery that reviewers say lasts up to about three years.

The catch is that it does very little else. There is no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or app, and no auto-lock, so you turn the thumb-turn or press a button to lock it yourself. Changing codes means a button sequence on the lock, not a phone.

Pros Cons
Cheapest Schlage keyless option
Battery lasts up to about 3 years
Weather-resistant keypad
Nothing to hack remotely
No app or remote control
No auto-lock
Only 19 codes
Codes are changed on the lock

Best for: Garages, side doors and rentals where you just want a code instead of a key.

Full details and current price: Schlage BE365 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt on Amazon

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The Encode adds built-in Wi-Fi, so there is no hub or bridge to buy. You can lock and unlock from anywhere, manage up to 100 codes with schedules, and get alerts when someone uses a code. It works with Alexa, Google Home and Ring, and has a built-in alarm for forced entry.

Know the trade-offs before you buy. It connects only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and battery life varies widely by source, from about 4 months to a year on four AAs because Wi-Fi drains them. Owner reviews also describe a cluster of failures around the one-year mark, though how common that is isn’t clear. Our full Schlage Encode review goes deeper.

Pros Cons
Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
Up to 100 codes with schedules
Works with Alexa, Google and Ring
No monthly fee
2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
Battery life varies, often under 6 months
No Apple Home Key
Some reports of failure after a year

Best for: Front doors where you want remote access and guest codes.

Full details and current price: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt on Amazon

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The Encode Plus is the same lock with Apple Home Key support, so you can tap an iPhone or Apple Watch on the keypad to unlock, even in low power mode. It adds Bluetooth and Apple HomeKit alongside Alexa and Google Home.

It is also the most expensive Schlage keyless lock here. Home Key and remote HomeKit access need an Apple TV or HomePod as a hub, battery life runs shorter (some reviews say every 3–4 months), and some owners report slow support and inconsistent Home Key recognition. It has no Matter support and no fingerprint reader.

Pros Cons
Tap-to-unlock with Apple Home Key
Bluetooth fallback if Wi-Fi drops
Works with Apple, Alexa and Google
Highest price of the three
Needs an Apple hub for Home Key remote use
Shorter battery life reported
No Matter or fingerprint

Best for: iPhone households that want tap-to-unlock.

Full details and current price: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt on Amazon


FAQ

Do Schlage keyless locks need a subscription?

No. Remote access, code management and alerts on the Encode locks work through the free Schlage Home app. The BE365 has no app at all.

Do I still need a key?

All three include a keyway for backup. Keep a spare key somewhere outside the lock, since a dead battery can lock you out of code entry.

Will they work with my existing door?

Most fit standard doors with a 2 1/8″ bore. The BE365 supports 2 3/8″ and 2 3/4″ backsets, and thick doors may need an extra kit.

Which Schlage lock has the longest battery life?

The BE365, by a wide margin, at up to about three years on a 9V. The Wi-Fi models use four AAs and drain faster.

Is a keypad lock secure?

Yes, if you avoid obvious codes and change them when people move out. If you want to compare brands, see our Yale smart lock picks.


Final Verdict

Model Best For
Schlage BE365 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt Simple code entry, no app
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Remote access and guest codes
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt iPhone tap-to-unlock

Buy the BE365 if you just want a code and no maintenance. Step up to the Encode for remote control, or to the Encode Plus only if tap-to-unlock is worth the extra money.