Compare Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock vs Schlage Encode Smart Lock

Reviewers found the history/audit trail useful for seeing who entered and when, especially for family, guests, and rental-style access.

Alarm loudness was split: one review called the siren quiet, while a locksmith found it very loud and annoying.

Reviewers liked app-based control when a compatible platform supported it, but the lock lost points because it lacks its own app and some hub apps could not manage codes.

Most reviewers found the Schlage Home or Key app easy, responsive, and useful, with some caveats about simplicity or setup complexity.

Auto-lock was reliable and easy to set up in stronger reviews, though one transcript noted that changing related customization switches required a screwdriver.

Auto-lock was widely useful for forgotten doors, though reviewers warned that timing and lack of door awareness can create practical issues.

A locksmith observed that repeated invalid codes temporarily disable the keypad, showing the lockout behavior works, though active alerts were missing.

A locksmith praised the adjustable backset as working with almost any door in normal installations.

Battery feedback was mixed: one preview praised warning before batteries died, while later user-oriented evidence reported six-month or five-month battery life concerns.

Battery feedback was mixed: built-in Wi-Fi drains AA batteries faster, but warnings and at least one long-term experience were positive.

Bluetooth was a mild drawback rather than a dealbreaker: one reviewer did not mind its absence, but warned it could deter buyers who want phone proximity unlocking.

The only explicit Bluetooth judgment was positive, emphasizing encrypted Bluetooth in the lock.

Build quality was praised in the clearest durability evidence, with the lock described as sturdy and jam-free during testing.

Reviewers consistently described the lock as solid, sturdy, beefy, heavy, or secure-feeling.

Ring doorbell/live-view control was praised when supported, but Ring Alarm compatibility created a major limitation in one review.

The main door-sense evidence was negative: the lock can auto-lock without knowing whether the door is actually shut.

Door fit looked favorable for standard replacements, with the reviewer saying it should be almost as easy to install in most standard lock enclosures.

Reviewers generally found the lock fit existing deadbolt openings or aligned well after adjustment, with no structural door changes needed in tested installs.

Existing hardware reuse was a strength in the replacement scenario, where the reviewer installed it easily after removing a prior Kwikset lock.

One review treated hardware reuse as a drawback because Encode replaces the whole deadbolt instead of modifying the existing one.

Fingerprint-related security earned consistent praise because SecureScreen and coating features reduced the risk of visible touch patterns revealing codes.

One reviewer specifically wished the lock added fingerprint recognition, so the lack of it counted as a limitation.

Geofencing was repeatedly identified as missing, with reviewers noting the lack of hands-free auto-unlock as a meaningful convenience gap.

Guest access was one of the most mixed areas: reviewers liked multiple codes and temporary scheduling in some versions, but criticized limited code counts and remote-code gaps in others.

Guest access was a major strength, with praise for many codes, scheduling, temporary access, texts, and family/service-person use; single-use code absence was the main caveat.

Hub requirements split reviewers: Z-Wave was welcomed by smart-home users, while others treated the required hub as an added burden.

Reviewers strongly agreed that built-in Wi-Fi and no hub, bridge, or adapter is one of the lock’s clearest advantages.

Design was the strongest consensus attribute, with repeated praise for the sleek, minimalist, modern, key-free look.

Exterior design earned praise for style and curb appeal, but interior hardware size and appearance drew criticism.

Installation ranged from simple and thoughtfully guided to frustrating, with one reviewer blaming unclear instructions and bolt machining while others completed setup easily.

Installation was usually described as easy and quick, although programming, Wi-Fi setup, or third-party app setup could be confusing.

Reviewers valued the physical key backup, especially as protection against dead batteries or smart-function failures.

The keypad was praised for intuitive everyday locking and unlocking.

The keypad was generally praised as easy, bright, backlit, and accessible, with one reviewer noting a nighttime first-press annoyance.

A locksmith judged the cylinder well-made but not impossible to pick, making keyway quality respectable rather than exceptional.

Locking speed was mixed, with one review praising prompt Alexa locking while another noticed the lock ran a bit slower than normal.

Lock/unlock response was usually fast or instant, with one reviewer describing it as only somewhat more responsive than another lock.

The locking motor drew a clear complaint for being quite loud, even though the same review did not report jams.

Motor feedback was mixed: one reviewer found it quiet, another said it was strong, while others complained it was loud or grinding.

Locking reliability was positive overall, with reviewers reporting that auto-relock worked every time, the bolt worked fine after setup, and the mechanism did not jam.

Locking reliability was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers reporting perfect tests, flawless keyless entry, smooth unlocking, and dependable performance.

Notifications were usually useful for lock status and user activity, but reviewers noted missed battery warnings and no active invalid-code alert.

Physical attack resistance was praised because the keywayless design removes common keyed-entry attack paths.

Physical security was repeatedly praised through Grade 1/AAA ratings, reinforced hardware, and confidence against forced entry.

Pick and bump-key resistance was praised because ditching the keyway removed the risk of picking or forced entry with a bump key.

Only one review directly tied the lock’s construction to pick/key resistance, saying it would be difficult for a thief to duplicate the key.

Remote access depended heavily on the platform: it worked well through Wink in one review, but other evidence tied remote control to a more expensive hub-enabled setup.

Remote access was strongly praised for checking status, letting people in, locking from away, and fast reliable remote operation.

Security features were praised across reviews, especially SecureScreen, which reviewers said worked well and helped prevent code guessing from fingerprints.

The only direct encryption evidence was positive, with the reviewer praising the lock’s encrypted Bluetooth.

Smart-home integration was useful but ecosystem-dependent: Z-Wave, SmartThings, Wink, Alexa, and other platforms worked well in some cases, while HomeKit and Google limitations hurt compatibility.

Smart-home integration was useful with Alexa, Google, Ring, Amazon Key, and Home Assistant, but limited by HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings, Google unlock, and Ring Alarm gaps.

Touchscreen feedback was mostly positive for responsiveness and security, but reviewers also noted wake-up misses and glossy smudging.

Touchscreen feedback was mostly positive for responsiveness and cold-use practicality, though one reviewer stressed it is not a true modern glass touchscreen.

User access management varied sharply by version and platform, from strong scheduled and one-time code support to complaints about no expiring codes or no app-based code changes.

User management was praised for quick code creation, schedules, granular options, and caregiver/parent use cases.

Value was divided: some reviewers considered it expensive once hubs or non-connected limitations were included, while one YouTube reviewer called the price good for a keyless Z-Wave lock.

Value was mixed but leaned positive: several reviewers called it pricey, yet many found the security, reliability, and features worth the cost.

Voice control worked well when supported, especially Alexa locking and status checks, but other reviews emphasized that Alexa or Google control required a Z-Wave hub.

Voice control generally worked well, especially with Alexa, but Google unlocking limits lowered the overall score.

Warranty evidence was limited but positive, with one locksmith calling its electronics warranty the longest among reviewed locks.

Sun and heat exposure was a concern in one user review because the black exterior became uncomfortable for children to touch.

Wi-Fi was strongly valued for direct remote control without extra hardware, though battery drain and one weak connection were caveats.