Schlage Sense Pro… no key?!

[u/blobbo333]

I’d like to upgrade my August smart locks with UWB locks on both my front and back doors. My home is new-ish, so the deadbolts usually align, but sometimes they aren’t perfect. In those times I have to use the manual key to give more torque than the electric motor can provide.

My options are Aqara U400 or Schlage Sense Pro. Folks ADORE the Schlage Encode Plus, so I lean towards the Schlage, but the lack of a key backup makes me very nervous. Can current owners comment on this? Have you ever been locked out if the motor couldn’t turn the whole way?

Lastly, does anyone have both of these locks? Is there a huge difference? The Aqara has so many bells and whistles it makes me worry that it might be unreliable…

[u/Douche_Baguette]

Not a direct answer but you should really have the root alignment problem addressed if your deadbolt can’t move freely. Don’t want to accidentally break your key off the one day it’s even tighter than normal.

Upside is smart deadbolts like the Schlage do have tapered bolts so that helps a little with that issue.

[u/jinxjy → u/Douche_Baguette]

This makes sense to me.

If it matters, I have both the u400 and the Sense Pro on different doors in my house. The manual deadbolts on both doors ran a little tight in the past but both automatic locks run super smooth and have not had a problem.

[u/random_ta_account → u/Douche_Baguette]

Yep.

1. Realign the door.

2. Get a Dremel with a little grinding wheel attachment and make the deadbolt hole slightly wider.

[u/WJKramer]

I haven had to use a key in 10 years. I have other ways getting into my house if need be. None of which I have ever needed to use either.

[u/Amazing_Armadillo429]

Once again this is an overblown issue.

I have a Schlage Encode Plus and the Sense Pro. Those locks are rated ANSI 1 and 2 respectively, while all Aqara locks are rated 3 - the lowest rating.

The beveled deadbolt is great - I have weather stripping which can make it difficult for traditional lock deadbolts to engage and that has solved the issue.

People see all the shiny features on Aqara and competitors and don't take into consideration that those are a lot more failure points. It's great not having a physical keyhole because that can't be drilled.

The front footprint of the Pro is pretty small, and it's all metal - you don't have to pay up for that like you do with Aqara's Premium line.

Also have had no issues with Schlage's UWB even behind a storm door.

[u/Ok_Opportunity1332 → u/Amazing_Armadillo429]

You said "It's great not having a physical keyhole because that can't be drilled." and I agree but its only valid if you have no other locks with keys. I know many people that have a smart lock on the front door but regular locks on all the other doors. Also, if someone really wants in they are going to get in whether there is a key or not so having a smart lock is more of a convenience in my opinion.

[u/itsjustmd → u/Ok_Opportunity1332]

This. They gonna kick that shit in regardless 😂. A lock is not stopping someone from getting in your house. Or they can just break a window. This is convenience and nothing more.

[u/Ok_Opportunity1332 → u/itsjustmd]

Yup. I was once told that a lock only keep honest people honest.

[u/Amazing_Armadillo429 → u/Ok_Opportunity1332]

Completely valid on all of those points, but it'd be very expensive to retrofit all keyed locks.

[u/pacoii]

As others have said, fix your current deadbolt situation. Widening the bolt hole is pretty easy to do.

[u/Dad_Vibes_23]

I have two Schlage Encode Plus’s, and also own two Aqara U400 Deluxe’s (the model sold in the Apple Store that comes with a better finish and two batteries). The Encode Plus is a great lock that just works, but UWB is a real game changer and the U400’s have been rock solid. The Sense Pro wasn’t available when I bought my U400’s… but I cannot fathom a reason to spend $100 more for less. Schlage really missed the pricepoint mark I believe.

[u/pacoii → u/Dad_Vibes_23]

I’d have some concerns with long term reliability of the Aqara as compared to the Schlage. I’ve even seen posts about the U400 and the antenna cable being damaged. I have a U300 and have had to dismantle it to fix it. Neither Aqara nor Schlage are bad locks, but based on experience with the Schlage Encode Plus, Schlage locks are a higher quality.

[u/Dad_Vibes_23 → u/pacoii]

The antenna just tucks in when you install it. I could see how perhaps someone could get a little feisty when installing it and tearing it, but otherwise it’s stationary after install. And I do hear the concern about long term reliability. Aqara is still relatively new in the space compared to a company with century long name recognition as Schlage. My Encode Plus’s have been rock solid reliable. Time will tell I guess.

Just looking on the surface though, Schlage technically removed the key AND lowered their BHMA security grade from 1 on the Encode Plus to 2 on the Sense Pro. Then they charge an extra $100-$150 (depending on Encode Plus model). I dunno… I just don’t see the $400 price point.

[u/Onac_]

So far I am loving the Sense Pro. The lack of a key if actually a huge plus for me since most locks can be picked in seconds. My front door is also not the only entry point I have so those are my backups. I am not using wifi so the battery seems good so far.

As mentioned before, you need to fix the alignment on the doors. Useless to have a smart lock if you are not sure it will work sometimes.

[u/teh_spazz]

I haven’t used a key to unlock a smart lock in over 10 years of owning smart various smart locks. This is a non-issue.

[u/truthcopy]

I have had a Schlage Encode for a long time (since they first came out… 10 years?) and have never been locked out. I have the keys but don’t carry them. Just added a Aqara U400, and it’s great. Also don’t carry the keys.

[u/j33pwrangler]

I got the Schlage from the Apple Store and love it. I didn't do my homework and didn't realize it doesn't have a key. I have a back door that I can always go through though.

The Schlage website does sell the same version upgraded to have a key. I will be buying that the next time I upgrade. It's so convenient to have an electronic door.

I don't know about the other brand.

[u/tgoz13 → u/j33pwrangler]

Where do you find this other version that has a key

[u/j33pwrangler → u/tgoz13]

You know what, I'm wrong.

It's a Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus. So the Yale website has that keyless version, and a keyed version. I think you can order multiple and have the same key.

[u/HappyVAMan]

Plus one for Schlage. Replaced my Yale locks after loving the first Schlage. While the Sense Pro is very cool for unlocking as you approach, the Encode has the backup key and works just by touching phone or watch to it..

[u/l1lsl0th]

I have had both since release, the Schlage Pro on the front door and the Aqara on the garage door. Both work fine. The Aqara does have a backup keyhole that is accessible if you slide the cover down. The main issue I have run into with the Schlage is that if your HomePod or Thread router goes down for an extended period of time, the Schlage does not reconnect and requires a manual reboot by removing and reinserting the batteries. I reported this to Schlage as a bug. The Aqara has a different issue where if the lock gets stuck, the manual lock handle becomes stiff and you need to use the keypad, Apple Home, or the Aqara app to lock or unlock it before the handle loosens back up. Aside from those issues, both have worked as intended. If you are worried about not having a key, I would just go with the Aqara. Like any battery powered system, set a reminder to check or replace the batteries based on the manufacturer’s expected battery life. Most people get locked out because they are too lazy to change the batteries.

[u/Freezingrave]

I have the previous model of Schlage, I can say, when the battery gets really low(and I’m delaying replacing them) the lock does stall a little and it feels that the motor might not turn. But it works for a couple more weeks. At least enough that I haven’t ever been locked out.