This Schlage Decode lock is great! I owned the Kevo 2nd Gen previous to this but the Kevo was problematic and did not have as many nice features like this. I'm going to compare the 2 so you know the pros and cons of both.
Schlage: Con: You have to get it rekeyed at Lowe's or HD if you want it rekeyed. Or you have to get a special kit and then you can rekey. Not as simple as Kwikset's simple rekey technology. Standing on the outside, I open my door inward and my door swings to the right. When first installed, the thumbturn seemed to not fully turn to thrust the deadbolt fully into the lock strike-plate. It turns out, you have to turn on the phone app and then enter the preprogrammed lock combination on the lock panel. Then a note will appear on the phone app to ask to proceed. After telling the App to proceed, the Schlage door lock will open and close and then the thumbturn will function properly.
Pro: LOTS. Lock is quiet and smooth in it's operation of thrusting and retracting the deadbolt. WiFi remote ability included. It pairs with my WiFi router easily since the door location has great signal. I can operate this lock from anywhere in the world using the phone app as long as my phone has internet capability. To operate this lock at the lock itself, locking is simply pushing the lock icon button on the lock's numbered panel. You can also assign multiple access digit codes on the lock number panel for different people. As a result, everyone can choose his own number code to operate the lock and the App will show who opened and closed the lock based on which codes were used. Takes only a few seconds to enter the number code to open the door and kids love doing this.
You can also program it to lock automatically from 30 secs to 4 minutes after it's been unlocked. I set it to 4 minutes in case I forget to lock my door; it automatically locks in 4 minutes. 30 seconds is too short because I sometimes need to get something from my garage or patio and I don't want the lock to automatically lock so quickly. Four minutes is plenty of time to go out to do a short errand around the house.
It also comes with a real backup key which I hide but have access externally in case the battery runs out or the electronics malfunction. Some of the smart locks don't have backup mechanical key function and this in my mind is dangerous. Sure, you can put a 9 volt battery to power the lock and it will solve the low internal battery problem but what if the electronics are defective? And who stores a 9 volt battery outside just in case the lock's battery goes too low? Speaking of batteries, the Schlage App shows the actual battery strength. So far, I've used the lock heavily for 1 week and the battery percentage went down 1% so a set of 4 batteries should last 6 months to 1 year. Also, to change the battery, the cover just pulls up and the battery is quickly and easily changed.
I really like this Schlage lock.
Kevo 2nd Gen - Pro: Can be re-keyed easily. Yes, you can re-key it to use your old keys by just turning the key while in the lock, pushing in a flat metal tool, removing old key, inserting new key, and turning lock. Simple, fast, and easy.
Con: Noisier than Schlage when it mechanically moves the deadbolt.
Con: Kevo App doesn't tell what the battery strength is, unlike the Schlage. To change the battery, 3 screws must be removed and the faceplate must be removed and then the battery can be changed. Too big of a hassle when you have to do this monthly.
Must use a smart Phone to unlock Kevo and be nearby since it only uses bluetooth. You have to be less than 20 ft to remotely open/lock the Kevo. To use wifi, you have to buy a Wifi adapter costing about $100 extra.
No code access. There is no number panel on lock so anyone without a phone cannot open the door without a key. As a result, my 10 year old could never unlock the door. To open, the Kevo app must be opened on the phone and you can remotely open the lock if you are less than 20 ft away since it uses bluetooth. Or if the app is opened in the background, you can touch the "rose face-plate" of the Kevo and it unlocks. However, sometimes this doesn't work and I would have to use the app to remotely open it or even just use the key. The Kevo is not as reliable as the Schlage and there is no number panel to key directly to the Kevo in case remote operation doesn't work..
So just spend a little more money and get a Schlage Decode. It provides all the features I want in a smart lock and is reliable in it's operation. Also, make sure the deadbolt travels into the strikeplate easily, without resistance. Otherwise, it's requires more energy (shortens battery life) and lock may jam.
| Brand | SCHLAGE |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Fingerprint,Hands-free,Touchscreen,Wi-fi,Wifi |
| Lock Type | Keypad |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 0.9 x 3 x 5 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Security |
| Style | Deadbolt |
| Color | Satin Nickel |
| Finish Type | Satin Nickel |
| Included Components | Installation Hardware, Installation Instructions |
| Controller Type | Vera, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Item Weight | 2.8 Pounds |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi |
| Manufacturer | Schlage Lock Company |
| Part Number | BE489WB CAM 619 |
| Item Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 0.9 x 3 x 5 inches |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Item model number | BE489WBCAM619 |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Camelot |
| Finish | Satin Nickel |
| Pattern | Camelot |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Special Features | Fingerprint,Hands-free,Touchscreen,Wi-fi,Wifi |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | Backed by a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty, and a limited three-year electronics warranty. See Schlage warranty for full details. Warranty valid only on "Ships and sold by Amazon or Buildcom" purchases. |
