Schlage vs Kwikset

Introduction

Both Schlage and Kwikset are popular names in the lock industry when it comes to a variety of locks. The new generation of smart locks offered by the two companies can be operated remotely through smartphone or accessed directly with your key in the traditional way. Their durable and resilient designs offer an additional level of security whether they are used singly or in conjunction with a more elaborate home security system.

Kwikset does not offer a smart phone app. On the contrary, Schlage offers smartphone apps for both iOS and Android phones. Both offer Bluetooth connectivity but Kwikset has a more wide range.

Some of the Kwikset models also offer a lifetime warranty. Advances locks in both series can store up to 30 passcodes.

Similarities: Kwikset vs Schlage

Schlage and Kwikset both offer limited range Bluetooth connectivity to their users. Both companies have at least one version that is capable of using Z-Wave technology. All of them have keypads, some that are larger than others but are nicely designed and stylish despite that. The majority of locks from both companies also have an auto-locking aspect that will lock the door for your convenience after 30 seconds of inactivity.

• Remote access with online smartphone applications
• Partial limited range Bluetooth connectivity
• Keypads and key locks for easy entry
• Allows storage of 18 to 30 passcodes
• Compatible with home automation platforms like Alexa

Differences: Kwikset vs Schlage

Schlage and Kwikset have many differences with the most basic one being their prices. Kwikset devices are compatible with Alexa, Ring, and other home automation devices. On the contrary, only one of Schlage’s locks is compatible with Alexa. Kwikset charges extra for its ability to access the system through the Kevo Plus app.

• Kwikset offers a lifetime warranty to its customers
• Kwikset claims easy installation of their locks
• Schlage offers an app that allows you to connect through your smartphone
• Schlage offers Wi-Fi options if you have the adapter and other home automation products
• Schlage’s devices are Bluetooth compatible

Why is it Worth it to Buy Schlage?

If you are on searching the internet for an affordable smart lock, Schlage is worth a your time. For starters, these sophisticated smart devices are surprisingly easy to install, requiring no more than a few tools and some lubrication. If you’re switching from your traditional deadlock, you’ll find that the keypad and remote access offers incredible convenience. From having one less thing to carry to enabling guest access, these smart devices are all about ease of access.

Of course, Schlage doesn’t let its user-friendly elements compromise your security or your family’s safety. For one, they allow you to track your smart lock’s activity from anywhere in the world. Whether you are worried about your teenager getting home from school or want to assure the safety of your belongings back home throughout a vacation, you can do it all with both Schlage Sense and Connect.

These locks are also made from extremely durable metals, safeguarding them against any sort of tampering. If that’s not enough to put your mind at ease, the Sense model even boasts a built-in security system that alerts you against forced entries and incorrect pin submissions.

We are also quite fond of the Schlage’s slick contemporary lock design which is radiant and glossy and comes in a wide range of polishes. If this doesn’t get you going, these door locks come with lifetime electronic and finish warranties.

If you’re worried about the functionality or the look of your smart lock a few years down the line, it is important to note that Schlage has a superior return and replacement policy than its counterparts.

As far as negatives go, some may find the interior panel to be an eyesore and a bit unattractive. While both the Sense and Connect have nice glassy panels, they are a bit large in their respective sizes and may detract from the ambiance of a room. While the ability to use a Bluetooth-compatible device, keypad entry, and voice activation to unlock your home is attractive, it may be difficult for some people to remember their pin or they may not always have their smart phone on them while leaving home. This would pose a bit of a problem for such a demographic of people who have grown up in a smartphone free world. Yet again, with more secure smart locks comes newer, previously non-existent, problems. The key thing to realize here, however, is that if you aren’t able to enter without your pin, that means that no one else can either!

What’s more, the Schlage lock’s electronic system rely on a combination of electricity and batteries, making them immune to occasional power failures that can have you locked out and unhappy. Note: in such rare and extreme circumstances,  you wouldn’t be totally locked out of your home, you would still have access through your key. What’s more, the Schlage lock’s electronic system rely on a combination of electricity

Why is it Worth it to Buy Kwikset?

While Kwikset is a bit more expensive than Schlage, there are many benefits associated with this sophisticated system that justifies its steep price.

For starters, they offer remote and key-less access to your home. It can be a real game-changer for individuals who frequently forget or misplace their keys. All they need now is to simply enter their pin code into the lock and the door will open up in a jiffy.

They also allow you to give remote access to any family members, friends, and household help. With most of the Kwikset models boasting the ability to generate up to 30 individual access pin codes, you can control the entry/exit of your children, babysitters, cleaners, dog walkers, and more.

You can also receive real-time updates on your smartphone regarding your smart lock activity. It enables you to alert the local municipal authorities if something seems somewhat out of the ordinary. It also allows you to track the arrival time of workers and your little ones, helping to ensure that every part of your day is going as planned.

Forced entry vs. non-forced entry

While discussing smart locks, it is important to keep in mind what are you up against. There are two different ways by which burglars break into houses: forced entry and non-forced entry.
Forced Entry: As the name suggests, forced entry means gaining entry by using excessive or unnatural force in a way that will allow us to open the door, like drilling the lock or using tools to pry the door open. Forced entry methods have a history of almost always destroy the lock and leave hard visible signs someone broke in.
Non Forced Entry: This type of entry is a way in which an intruder breaks in by manipulating the way the lock works or hacking into it to gain entry in a non-destructive way without leaving any visible signs, using tools such as pick tools or bump keys. Non-forced entry methods demands precision, skill and practice and they usually leave no evidence that a break in occurred.
It is important to keep in mind that burglars use forced entry quite more often than non-forced entry to break in. Most burglars, according to statistics, are not professional lock-picks but rather resort to brute force. Hence, he lock that gives better protection from forced entry may have an advantage over locks that are harder to pick but provide no protection from forced entry methods of breaking in.

Final Verdict

Between Schlage and Kwikset, there is absolutely no doubt that Schlage wins the contest. As we can see in the example of the deadbolt, Schlage dominates in every single round. Due to its bigger bolt, strong and durable making and drill resistant plate, the Schlage deadbolt provides an excellent protection against the more frequently used forced entry methods. Kwikset ,however, lacks competitiveness in all these arenas, and hardly poses a challenge for an intruder trying to break in by using force.

Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise and a tailored manufacturing process combined with two additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick or break in non-destructive ways.

Schlage locks are good not only relatively to Kwikset locks, but also on their own – they provide great security to your home for a relatively low price. Hence, you can get a deadbolt for your home without breaking the bank.

Yet, it’s important to remember the fact that just like any other lock in the world, Schlage locks do not give you complete immunity towards break-ins. They still can be manipulated and destroyed and although they present a great value given their price, they are not considered to be ultimate security locks and do not come even close to brands higher up the hierarchy like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock.