Smart Locks: Schlage Camelot Connect w/ Alarm & Accent Lever Handleset Expired

This is a deal that HD puts on every month or two, though the product selection varies. If I need something I usually wait for one of these deals because I know they come up. If you are here you know these locks are usually expensive (even on sale they are!)

This time I needed an extra deadbolt for a back door, and I ordered the $99 one. Often these only are sold as the combo with "handleset" and man those handlesets are expensive. (but they do seem to be very good quality). I didn't need another handlset (in fact I have a spare from a previous project), so it was nice to be able to buy the deadbolt at a discount on its own. I do prefer Schlage over Kwikset just from past experience and they are still very solid construction.

BTW, there are different types of these Schlage "smart" locks. The two in this deal:

Schlage Connect -- this uses Z-Wave. You need a Z-Wave hub and possibly a paid service for connectivity. I use Nexia and to use this lock it needs a paid subscription (but that covers all sorts of automation in your house, not just the lock). There are other Z-Wave hubs and software and possibly free services, but I am not familiar with those.

Schlage Sense uses bluetooth from your phone or tablet to administer it. There is no fee. If you just want control of it while in your house, that is all you need. Of course the lock continues to work with whatever codes you programmed into it even if you are not there or you don't have connectivity. However, if you want remote access and notification, you need to buy a special hub (about $50). It will then bridge your home WiFi to the bluetooth links to the lock(s) you have. It uses a proprietary app from Schlage. I use it on iPhone and iPad; I assume there is an Android version. My experience has been mixed with this system. Sometimes it just can't access the locks at all, or gives you incorrect information. For example I had problems with one and took it out completely. The app continued to update with a status even though the lock had not been connected (batteries removed) for days. Also being bluetooth-based, in a large house with multiple doors, I'm not sure if you could get connectivity from one bridge (hub) device to front and back doors, etc. Z-wave would likely have better connectivity, depending on your setup.

With either of these that you can still set codes and administer it all from the keypad using a Programming Code that is unique to each lock. You can give unique codes to different people. So they still work just as a "programmable" lock with multiple codes if you want. But of course the online connectivity is the main attraction so you need to pick the one that works within your automation infrastructure.

We have had our connects for 2+ years and zero issues.
Hooked up to smartthings and alexa in house.

If you get multiples like we have (front and back doors)
You can call schlage with the numbers on each key and they will send u a free matching culinder so u can have one emergency key for both units.

So nice not carrying any keys!

To add on to the info provided earlier. The connect series works with the Ring app. If you have a ring alarm or camera, you can add it on there and control the lock/unlock.