Schlage and Lockly both sell smart locks, but they solve different problems. Schlage is the safer pick for broad smart-home compatibility and traditional deadbolt reliability. Lockly is stronger if you want PIN Genie keypads, fingerprint access, and more standalone lock features.
June 2026 update: smart-lock buyer fit
Schlage remains the safer pick when the smart lock needs to fit into a broader alarm setup, especially where Z-Wave, Matter, Apple Home, or installer familiarity matters. Lockly is still stronger for standalone access control, especially homes that want fingerprint unlock, PIN Genie keypad privacy, or a lock-first feature set without building the whole security stack around the lock.
Before choosing, decide whether the lock is part of an alarm workflow or just a door-access upgrade. Alarm-first homes should start with integration depth. Door-access-first homes can give more weight to biometric unlock, keypad privacy, and built-in camera bundles.
Quick verdict
| Category | Schlage | Lockly |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Smart-home reliability and mainstream deadbolts | Fingerprint access and PIN Genie keypad privacy |
| Typical hardware cost | $199-$329 | $199-$399 |
| Subscription required | No | No for core lock features |
| Fingerprint unlock | No on most models | Yes on many models |
| Alarm-system fit | Strong with Z-Wave and mainstream integrations | Better as a standalone access-control lock |
Where Schlage wins
- Proven deadbolt hardware: Schlage is the conservative choice if lock quality and broad installer familiarity matter.
- Smart-home compatibility: Schlage models cover Wi-Fi, Apple Home, Matter, and Z-Wave options depending on the product line.
- Alarm integration: Schlage Z-Wave models are easier to pair with traditional security hubs than many lock-first brands.
Where Lockly wins
- Fingerprint access: Lockly is better for households that want biometric unlock without adding a separate keypad.
- PIN Genie keypad: The randomized keypad layout helps reduce shoulder-surfing risk for repeated codes.
- Feature depth: Many Lockly models bundle camera, doorbell, fingerprint, and Wi-Fi bridge options into the lock ecosystem.
Alarm-system fit
For a full home security setup, the lock should work with door sensors, guest codes, app alerts, and monitoring rules. Schlage is usually easier to pair with broader alarm and smart-home ecosystems. Lockly can still work well, but it is often best treated as a strong access-control device alongside a separate alarm system.
3-year cost check
| Cost item | Schlage | Lockly |
|---|---|---|
| Lock hardware | $199-$329 | $199-$399 |
| Bridge or hub | $0-$100 depending on model | $0-$80 depending on bundle |
| Subscription | $0 for lock access | $0 for lock access |
| Best paired with | Alarm hub, door sensors, and camera coverage | Door sensor, camera coverage, and access notifications |
Best choice
Choose Schlage if you want the safer long-term lock for a whole-home security system. Choose Lockly if fingerprint access and keypad privacy matter more than alarm-platform depth.
Official product sources
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With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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