Schlage vs Kwikset: Which Smart Lock Actually Protects Your Home?

Based on ANSI security certifications, locksmith expertise, and real user experiences from Home Depot, security forums, and expert testing

The short answer: Schlage wins for security-focused homeowners. With ANSI Grade 1 certification (vs Kwikset's Grade 2), 4 security pins (vs 2), drill-resistant construction, and a built-in alarm system, Schlage offers genuinely superior protection. Kwikset costs half as much but has documented vulnerabilities to drilling attacks. If protecting your family is the priority, spend the extra $100. Get the Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon for $265 →

The Fighters

	Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
Price	$265 on Amazon	$109-150 on Amazon
Best For	Maximum security, Apple users	Budget buyers, rental properties
Security Grade	ANSI Grade 1 (Highest)	ANSI Grade 2
Encryption	AES-256 (Bank-grade)	AES-128
Battery Life	~3 months	~3-4 months

The Death Match: 6 Rounds, 1 Winner

We're scoring each round from 1-10. Higher score wins the round. Let's fight!

Round 1: Physical Security

This is where Schlage dominates. The Schlage Encode Plus carries ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification—the highest security rating available for residential locks. It features a 1.5-inch hardened steel bolt, reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws, anti-pry shields, and drill-resistant plates protecting the cylinder.

Kwikset's Grade 2 rating tells a different story. According to Lock Judge, "the Kwikset deadbolt is not equipped with a drill resistant plate anywhere on its housing and is therefore incredibly easy to drill open." Consumer Reports testing confirmed the Halo Touch "is very susceptible to attacks using a cordless drill." In 2013, security researchers demonstrated millions of Kwikset SmartKey locks could be defeated with just a screwdriver and wire.

Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
9/10	6/10

Round 1 Winner: Schlage — Grade 1 certification with drill-resistant construction beats Grade 2 every time.

Score after Round 1: Schlage 9 | Kwikset 6

Round 2: Smart Home Integration

Both locks connect to your home WiFi directly—no hub required. They both work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

The key difference: Schlage Encode Plus supports Apple Home Key, letting you unlock with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. This NFC-based access works even when your phone battery dies (in power reserve mode). Schlage also uses AES-256 encryption—the same bank-grade security protecting your financial data.

Kwikset counters with geofencing auto-unlock, automatically unlocking as you approach home. The Halo Touch adds fingerprint recognition with storage for up to 100 prints. However, Kwikset only uses AES-128 encryption, and user reviews report the fingerprint scanner can be unreliable.

Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
8/10	7/10

Round 2 Winner: Schlage — Apple Home Key and bank-grade encryption edge out geofencing convenience.

Score after Round 2: Schlage 17 | Kwikset 13

Round 3: Build Quality

Schlage locks feel substantial. The Doors For Pros comparison notes "Schlage deadbolts have a thick, solid housing that protects the cylinder all around, leaving no hollow areas." The heavier internal components and commercial-grade construction mean fewer service calls and longer life. In controlled tests, Schlage locks withstand up to 1,800 pounds of force.

Kwikset prioritizes a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. The capacitive touchscreen looks contemporary, and the smaller form factor works better on doors with limited space. But that compact design comes with trade-offs—the housing has hollow areas that make drilling easier, and the lighter construction simply won't survive the same abuse.

Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
9/10	6/10

Round 3 Winner: Schlage — Commercial-grade construction built to last decades.

Score after Round 3: Schlage 26 | Kwikset 19

Kwikset Halo smart lock installed on a front door

Round 4: User Access Management

Schlage offers 100 programmable access codes with scheduling through the Schlage Home app. You can grant time-limited access to guests, cleaners, or contractors, and receive push notifications when codes are used. The built-in alarm triggers if someone attempts tampering—a feature most smart locks lack.

Kwikset goes bigger with 250+ user codes—better for vacation rentals or Airbnb hosts managing frequent guest turnover. The app lets you name codes and set specific days/times when they work. The Halo Touch adds fingerprint access for family members who'd rather not remember codes.

Both companies suffer app complaints. SafeHome.org reviewers noted the Kwikset app "is pretty laggy" with 7-second delays, and users report frequent disconnections requiring close-range reconnection. Schlage's app gets fewer complaints but isn't perfect.

Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
7/10	8/10

Round 4 Winner: Kwikset — 250 user codes and fingerprint options beat Schlage's 100 codes.

Score after Round 4: Schlage 33 | Kwikset 27

Round 5: Value for Money

Here's where Kwikset strikes back hard. The Halo Touchscreen runs $109-150 at most retailers. The fingerprint-equipped Halo Touch costs around $240. Either way, you're paying roughly half what Schlage charges.

The Schlage Encode Plus retails for $265, with some finishes pushing toward $300. You're paying a premium for Grade 1 security, bank-grade encryption, and Apple Home Key support. Whether that premium is worth it depends entirely on your priorities.

For rental properties that need frequent rekeying, Kwikset's SmartKey system lets you rekey in seconds without a locksmith. Lock Judge summarizes it well: "Kwikset prioritizes speed, flexibility, and cost control... Schlage provides permanence—denser builds, fewer service calls, and predictable performance."

Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
6/10	9/10

Round 5 Winner: Kwikset — Half the price makes Kwikset the clear value leader.

Score after Round 5: Schlage 39 | Kwikset 36

Round 6: Reliability & Battery Life

Both locks use 4 AA batteries. Kwikset claims 6 months of battery life; Schlage claims 3 months. Real-world testing from Smart Lock Guru puts both closer to 3-4 months with regular WiFi use—significantly shorter than Z-Wave locks that can last 6-12 months.

Reliability is where user experiences diverge sharply. Schlage complaints center on temperature sensitivity (Houzz users report keypads failing in direct sunlight) and occasional firmware issues.

Kwikset reliability complaints are more severe. Home Depot reviewers report keypads failing after months despite replacements, batteries draining in 2-3 weeks with some units, and locks jamming users out of their homes. One user spent "hundreds of dollars on new batteries over 1.5 years" due to unexplained drain.

Schlage Encode Plus	Kwikset Halo
7/10	5/10

Round 6 Winner: Schlage — Fewer catastrophic failure reports give Schlage the reliability edge.

Modern home front entrance with smart lock technology

Final Score

Product	Total Score	Verdict
Schlage Encode Plus	46/60	WINNER
Kwikset Halo	41/60

The Winner: Schlage Encode Plus

Schlage wins this death match because home security shouldn't have known vulnerabilities. The Grade 1 vs Grade 2 security gap isn't marketing—it's verified by ANSI/BHMA testing that subjects locks to kick-in attempts, drilling attacks, and lock-picking. Schlage passes the strictest tests; Kwikset doesn't.

The $100+ premium buys you drill-resistant construction, a built-in alarm, bank-grade encryption, and Apple Home Key compatibility. If your smart lock's job is to protect your family while you're away, Schlage does that job better.

That said, Kwikset isn't a bad lock—it's a budget lock. For rental properties, secondary entrances, or anyone who prioritizes geofencing convenience over maximum security, Kwikset delivers solid features at an attractive price.

Ready to buy the winner? Get the Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon →

When the Loser Actually Wins

Kwikset Halo isn't right for everyone, but it's the better choice if:

You're on a strict budget — Saving $100-150 matters more than Grade 1 certification
You manage rental properties — SmartKey rekeying and 250 user codes simplify guest turnover
You want fingerprint access — Halo Touch offers biometrics that Schlage doesn't
You need geofencing — Auto-unlock as you approach is a genuine convenience Schlage lacks
Space is limited — Kwikset's smaller profile fits doors where Schlage won't

Kwikset Halo might be right for you: Check price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Home security keypad and front entrance

Can smart locks be hacked?

Any connected device has theoretical vulnerabilities, but both brands use encryption (Schlage's AES-256 is stronger than Kwikset's AES-128). The bigger risk is physical attack—drilling through the lock body. Schlage's drill-resistant plates provide protection Kwikset lacks. Security.org covers smart lock security in depth.

Do I need a hub for these smart locks?

No. Both Schlage Encode Plus and Kwikset Halo connect directly to your home WiFi. However, WiFi connection drains batteries faster than Z-Wave or Zigbee alternatives that do require hubs.

Which lock works better with Apple devices?

Schlage Encode Plus, definitively. It supports Apple Home Key, allowing tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch—including in power reserve mode when your phone battery is nearly dead. Kwikset's newer Halo Select Plus adds Apple Home Key support, but costs more.

How long do batteries really last?

Expect 3-4 months with regular use. Both brands' claims (3 months for Schlage, 6 months for Kwikset) are optimistic. WiFi connectivity is the main drain. If battery life is critical, consider Z-Wave locks instead.

Is Kwikset SmartKey secure?

SmartKey allows DIY rekeying in seconds—great for convenience, concerning for security. Published research from 2013 demonstrated SmartKey vulnerabilities, though Kwikset has made improvements since. Schlage's traditional cylinder design with 4 security pins remains harder to defeat.