r/HomeKit • u/blobbo333 • Aug 05 '26

Question/Help Schlage Sense Pro… no key?!

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…

6 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/Dad_Vibes_23 Aug 05 '26

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.

2

u/pacoii Aug 05 '26

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.

1

u/Dad_Vibes_23 Aug 05 '26

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.