As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim, Satin Nickel)
- Best budget: Level Bolt Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)
- Best premium: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim, Satin Nickel)
- Best for preserving existing hardware: Level Bolt Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)
- Level Bolt keeps existing exterior hardware and adds app-based smart access from inside the door.
- Schlage Sense adds a touchscreen keypad and Apple HomeKit control, with remote access through a home hub.
- Schlage Encode and Encode Plus include built-in Wi-Fi for remote control without a separate lock bridge.
- Level Lock+ with Matter is the Level pick for shoppers who want a discreet lock with Matter compatibility.
Level Bolt vs Schlage Sense comes down to a simple choice for Black Friday 2026: Level Bolt hides its smart-lock hardware inside your existing deadbolt, while Schlage Sense adds a visible touchscreen keypad. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help match each lock to a home, phone platform and preferred way to unlock.
The Best bet for preserving your current exterior hardware is Level Bolt. Schlage Sense is the stronger fit for households that want keypad entry and Apple HomeKit support. Our guide also compares seven Level and Schlage options, including Wi-Fi, Matter, Apple Home Key and Z-Wave models, so you can find the right feature set before shopping.
How We Picked
- Compared each model’s access methods, including keys, phone apps, keypads and Apple Home Key.
- Checked published connectivity details, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, Matter and Z-Wave.
- Prioritized practical fit information, including door thickness, deadbolt compatibility and battery type.
- Reviewed product documentation, owner feedback and smart-home platform requirements.
- Selected products that offer meaningfully different installation styles and smart-home features.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Battery | Wireless | Access codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level Bolt Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | Keeping existing exterior hardware | 1 CR2 | Bluetooth | No keypad |
| Level Lock+ Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | Apple Home Key access | 1 CR2 | Bluetooth | No keypad |
| Level Lock+ with Matter Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | Matter-compatible smart homes | 1 CR2 | Thread and Bluetooth | No keypad |
| Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel) | Keypad access with Apple HomeKit | 4 AA | Bluetooth | Up to 30 |
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel) | Wi-Fi access with a keypad | 4 AA | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | Up to 100 |
| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim, Satin Nickel) | Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi | 4 AA | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | Up to 100 |
| Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel) | Z-Wave smart-home systems | 4 AA | Z-Wave Plus | Up to 30 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Level Bolt Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)
The Level Bolt Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) is the best discreet retrofit for homeowners who want to keep their existing exterior deadbolt hardware. The Level Bolt Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)'s compact conversion design uses 1 CR2 battery inside the door.
Best for: Keeping existing exterior hardware
- Battery
- 1 CR2
- Wireless
- Bluetooth
- Door prep
- 2-1/8-inch bore
- Keypad
- None
- Retains the existing exterior lock appearance
- Works with the Level Home app
- Designed for standard deadbolt preparation
- No built-in keypad
- Remote control depends on a compatible hub setup
Is the Level Bolt Smart Lock worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Level Bolt Smart Lock is worth considering if you want smart access without changing the visible outside of your deadbolt. The conversion kit uses 1 CR2 battery and Bluetooth, so check remote-access needs and door compatibility before choosing it.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Level Lock+ Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)
The Level Lock+ Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) is the best Apple Home Key pick for iPhone households that want a traditional-looking deadbolt. The lock supports tap-to-unlock Home Key and runs on 1 CR2 battery.
Best for: Apple Home Key access
- Battery
- 1 CR2
- Wireless
- Bluetooth
- Access
- Apple Home Key
- Keypad
- None
- Supports Apple Home Key
- Keeps a familiar deadbolt appearance
- Works with the Level Home app
- No built-in keypad
- Apple Home features need compatible Apple devices
Is the Level Lock+ Smart Lock worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Level Lock+ Smart Lock is a good choice for Apple households that want Home Key entry without a visible keypad. The model uses 1 CR2 battery and Bluetooth, and shoppers should confirm their Apple home setup supports the features they want.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Level Lock+ with Matter Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)
The Level Lock+ with Matter Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) is the best discreet multi-platform pick for smart-home owners who want Matter support. The Level Lock+ with Matter Smart Lock (Satin Nickel)'s 1 CR2 battery powers a lock designed to connect with compatible Matter platforms.
Best for: Matter-compatible smart homes
- Battery
- 1 CR2
- Wireless
- Thread and Bluetooth
- Smart-home standard
- Matter
- Keypad
- None
- Matter support broadens platform options
- Discreet exterior design
- Apple Home Key support
- No built-in keypad
- Matter features require compatible Thread and smart-home equipment
Is the Level Lock+ with Matter Smart Lock worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Level Lock+ with Matter Smart Lock is worth a look when a discreet design and cross-platform smart-home support are priorities. The lock uses 1 CR2 battery and Thread, while Matter features depend on compatible home equipment.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel) is the best keypad alternative to Level Bolt for Apple HomeKit users who want codes at the door. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)'s touchscreen stores up to 30 access codes.
Best for: Keypad access with Apple HomeKit
- Battery
- 4 AA
- Wireless
- Bluetooth
- Access codes
- Up to 30
- Door thickness
- 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches
- Built-in touchscreen keypad
- Supports Apple HomeKit
- Includes a keyed cylinder
- Remote access requires a compatible Apple home hub
- No built-in Wi-Fi
Is the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is a strong choice for Apple HomeKit households that want touchscreen entry codes. The lock stores up to 30 codes and runs on 4 AA batteries; remote control requires a compatible Apple home hub.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel) is the best built-in Wi-Fi pick for households that want keypad entry and app control. The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)'s touchscreen supports up to 100 access codes.
Best for: Wi-Fi access with a keypad
- Battery
- 4 AA
- Wireless
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Access codes
- Up to 100
- Keypad
- Touchscreen
- Built-in Wi-Fi for app access
- Stores up to 100 access codes
- Works with the Schlage Home app
- Requires Wi-Fi coverage at the door
- No Apple Home Key
Is the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is worth considering for homes that want remote app access without a separate lock bridge. The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)'s keypad stores up to 100 codes, and the lock needs a reliable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal near the door.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6 · Top pick
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim, Satin Nickel)
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim, Satin Nickel) is the best premium keypad pick for households seeking Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key. The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim, Satin Nickel)'s touchscreen supports up to 100 access codes.
Best for: Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi
- Battery
- 4 AA
- Wireless
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Access codes
- Up to 100
- Apple access
- Home Key
- Combines keypad entry and Apple Home Key
- Built-in Wi-Fi supports app access
- Stores up to 100 access codes
- Requires Wi-Fi coverage at the door
- More features than a keypad-free household needs
Is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is a strong premium option for households that want keypad access, built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key. The lock stores up to 100 codes and uses 4 AA batteries.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)
The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel) is the best keypad pick for existing Z-Wave homes. The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus (Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel)'s touchscreen stores up to 30 access codes and connects through a compatible Z-Wave hub.
Best for: Z-Wave smart-home systems
- Battery
- 4 AA
- Wireless
- Z-Wave Plus
- Access codes
- Up to 30
- Keypad
- Touchscreen
- Works with compatible Z-Wave hubs
- Includes touchscreen access codes
- Traditional keyed entry remains available
- Requires a compatible Z-Wave hub for smart features
- No built-in Wi-Fi
Is the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus is a good fit for homes that already use a compatible Z-Wave hub. The keypad stores up to 30 codes, while smart-home control depends on the hub and its supported integrations.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Level Bolt or Schlage Sense?
Level Bolt is better for preserving existing exterior hardware, while Schlage Sense is better for keypad entry and Apple HomeKit. Level Bolt adds smart capability inside the door; Schlage Sense replaces the deadbolt hardware with a touchscreen model that stores up to 30 access codes.
Choose Level Bolt when a clean, unchanged exterior is the priority and app-based access fits your household. Choose Schlage Sense when family members or guests need a code instead of an app. Schlage Sense uses Bluetooth, so remote control requires a compatible Apple home hub.
Easy recommendation: pick based on how people enter, not just how the lock looks. Both models need a compatible deadbolt setup and careful measurement before installation.
Does Level Bolt have a keypad like Schlage Sense?
Schlage Sense has a built-in touchscreen keypad with up to 30 access codes, while Level Bolt has 0 built-in keypad buttons. Level Bolt is designed to retain the existing exterior lock, so keypad entry is not part of its basic hardware.
Households that need routine code entry should favor Schlage Sense or a Schlage Encode model. Level Bolt suits phone-based unlocking and users who want the outside of the door to look unchanged. A separate compatible accessory is an option for adding keypad access to some Level setups.
Think through guest access before choosing: a keypad makes temporary codes easy to share, while app-based access is useful for people who already carry a compatible phone.
Which lock works best with Apple Home?
Schlage Encode Plus and Level Lock+ are the leading Apple Home picks here, with Apple Home Key support on both product lines. Schlage Sense also supports Apple HomeKit, while Level Bolt focuses on app-based Bluetooth access and compatible smart-home setups.
Schlage Encode Plus combines a touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi and Home Key, making it the most feature-rich choice for households that want multiple entry methods. Level Lock+ keeps the exterior discreet and suits people who prefer Home Key without a visible keypad.
Check the Apple device and home-hub requirements for the exact features you plan to use. Remote access and automations depend on compatible equipment and a working home network.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth choosing over Bluetooth?
Schlage Encode and Schlage Encode Plus include built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, while Level Bolt and Schlage Sense use Bluetooth for direct phone connections. Wi-Fi models are the convenient fit for app control away from home without adding a separate lock bridge.
Bluetooth models make sense when local phone access covers everyday needs, or when an ecosystem hub provides the remote features you want. Wi-Fi access depends on a stable signal at the door and uses the home network as part of the lock setup.
For a connected household that manages deliveries or visitors remotely, built-in Wi-Fi is a useful feature. For a door with weak Wi-Fi coverage, check connectivity before choosing a Wi-Fi deadbolt.
What should I check before installing a smart deadbolt?
Level Bolt, Schlage Sense and the other listed deadbolts need compatible door preparation, power and connectivity before installation. Check the existing bore, backset, door thickness and deadbolt type against the manufacturer’s fit requirements.
Level Bolt is a conversion kit, so compatibility with the existing deadbolt matters especially. Schlage keypad models replace the exterior and interior hardware, so confirm door thickness and clearance around the trim. Keep a working physical key where the model includes a keyed cylinder.
Also plan for battery changes and app setup. The listed Level models use 1 CR2 battery; the Schlage models in this guide use 4 AA batteries. Follow each manufacturer’s installation instructions and verify the lock operates smoothly.
Buying Guide
Choose your entry method
Schlage Sense offers up to 30 keypad codes, while Level Bolt has no built-in keypad. Select Schlage when guests need codes; select Level Bolt when phone access and existing exterior hardware are the priorities.
Match the lock to your smart-home platform
Level Lock+ supports Apple Home Key, Level Lock+ with Matter adds Matter compatibility, and Schlage Connect uses Z-Wave Plus. Confirm hub and platform requirements before choosing a model.
Decide whether you need remote access
Schlage Encode and Encode Plus include 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, while Schlage Sense uses Bluetooth and needs a compatible Apple home hub for remote features. Check the signal near the door.
Measure your door and deadbolt
Schlage Sense fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. Check bore, backset and existing hardware details against the exact manufacturer requirements before ordering any replacement or retrofit lock.
Compare Black Friday 2026 features, not just the label
Prioritize the features that change daily use: keypad codes, Wi-Fi, Apple Home Key, Matter or retained exterior hardware. A smart-lock deal is a better match when its access methods suit everyone at home.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Level Bolt and Schlage Sense?
Level Bolt is a discreet retrofit that keeps the existing exterior deadbolt hardware and has no built-in keypad. Schlage Sense replaces the deadbolt with a touchscreen model that supports up to 30 access codes and Apple HomeKit.
Does Schlage Sense work without Wi-Fi?
Schlage Sense uses Bluetooth for direct phone access and does not have built-in Wi-Fi. Apple HomeKit remote access requires a compatible Apple home hub and an internet-connected home network. The keypad and physical key provide additional ways to enter.
Does Level Bolt work with Apple Home Key?
Level Bolt is not the Level model to choose for Apple Home Key. Level Lock+ supports Apple Home Key, while Level Bolt focuses on Bluetooth app access and retaining the existing deadbolt’s exterior hardware.
Which Schlage smart lock has built-in Wi-Fi?
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt and Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt include built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key support, while both models offer touchscreen entry and up to 100 access codes.
Is Level Bolt or Schlage Sense easier to install?
Level Bolt is a retrofit conversion kit that uses the existing deadbolt hardware, while Schlage Sense replaces the lock hardware with a keypad deadbolt. The easier fit depends on the existing door and deadbolt; check manufacturer measurements before installation.