Schlage’s Sense Pro: The Smart Lock That Opens Doors Automatically
The Schlage Sense Pro is an impressive smart lock that combines style and functionality. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, it stands out as Schlage’s most advanced lock yet. Utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, it automatically unlocks as I approach my front door, eliminating the need for codes, phone taps, or fingerprints. After testing various hands-free unlocking systems that depend on geofencing and other radio technologies, I can confidently say that UWB is the most efficient and dependable option available.
Priced at $399, the Sense Pro is Schlage’s inaugural smart lock to offer ultra-wideband auto-unlock, support Matter-over-Thread, and forgo a physical keyhole. It seamlessly integrates with Apple Home Key, allowing both hands-free and tap-to-unlock access via an iPhone or Apple Watch. The front of the lock is clean, featuring only a subtle Schlage logo and a keypad that activates with a simple tap. Its futuristic look would feel right at home on a starship, yet it fits perfectly on my front door.
These enhancements are fantastic for those who embrace smart locks, which I certainly do. My family hasn’t used physical keys in nearly a decade; the ability to control my lock remotely and send digital keys to guests is invaluable.
However, this lock may be a bit too advanced for some users. With no keyway and a touchscreen keypad that disappears when not in use, it might not be immediately intuitive. Additionally, those with Android devices will need to wait for broader compatibility. While the Pro is expected to support Samsung and Google devices for hands-free and tap-to-unlock later this year, it currently only works with iPhones and Apple Watches.
The Sense Pro is one of just two residential deadbolts that support UWB hands-free unlocking through Apple Home Key, the other being a previously reviewed model. Unlike traditional hands-free unlocking solutions that rely on a mix of geofencing, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, UWB has proven to be reliable and efficient.
This technology can accurately interpret signals from the UWB antenna in the lock and the UWB radio in your phone or watch, determining not just your proximity but also your approach speed and angle. Schlage refers to this feature as Schlage Converge.
Hands-free unlocking is the primary selling point of this premium lock, but keep in mind that you’ll need an Apple Home hub to utilize it with Apple Home Key. In my experience, it performed quickly and smoothly, unlocking precisely when I needed it to, allowing me to simply turn the handle and walk in. It never unlocked prematurely or after I had entered, making it convenient when my hands were full. The experience of having my home respond to my presence feels like a glimpse into the future.
The lock consistently ignored me when I was sitting on the porch or moving around the yard, only unlocking when I approached the door. It even worked seamlessly while I was on a phone call. The only times it didn’t unlock immediately were when my phone was in my back pocket or backpack; I just had to adjust my position slightly for it to connect.
It also recognized me when I returned quickly, whether I dashed back from the car or walked back from the garage. However, if I only took a few steps away, it wouldn’t unlock, which is reassuring since it never unlocked while I was already inside.
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**Schlage Sense Pro specs**
* Price: $399
* Colors: Satin nickel or matte black
* Entry methods: Touchscreen keypad, Apple Home Key (tap-to-unlock and UWB hands-free), app, smart home control
* Works with: Matter (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant), Aliro-ready
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Thread, BLE, NFC, UWB
* Requirements for hands-free: iPhone 11 with iOS 18.5 or newer; Apple Watch Series 6 with watchOS 11.5 or newer (no SE); Thread-enabled Apple Home hub
* Battery: 4 AA; 6 months (Wi-Fi) / 9+ months (Thread only), USB-C charging port
* Security: BHMA Grade 2
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Unlocking the Schlage using other methods—tap-to-unlock, app unlock, and keypad—was also quick and efficient. The deadbolt operated smoothly without jamming, even in my older door. Response times were instantaneous, and the auto-lock feature worked reliably. I could also manually lock the door by pressing the LED light bar.
While the automatic unlocking feels almost magical, it may be intimidating for some. Fortunately, this technology is designed with security in mind. UWB unlocking employs a direct handshake between the lock and phone, avoiding cellular data or Wi-Fi, and remains functional during power outages. A Scrambled Timestamp Sequence (STS) safeguards against signal eavesdropping and tampering, and Schlage claims the lock enforces a UWB distance check to prevent relay attacks, similar to those seen with UWB-enabled car keys.
For those concerned about the lock unlocking too soon, Schlage offers two alternative modes: Touch, which requires you to touch the lock before it unlocks, and Delay, which introduces a brief pause before unlocking.
Another potential concern is that someone with access to your phone could unlock your door. Using UWB unlocking in Apple Wallet necessitates Express Mode, which bypasses Face ID or Touch ID for hands-free access. Thus, if someone has your phone, they could unlock your door, just as they could with a physical key. However, Express Mode only functions if your phone has been unlocked by you within the last day.
My main issue with UWB unlocking is the necessity of having your phone or watch on you. This was particularly frustrating for my husband, who often works in the garden and garage without his phone and doesn’t own an Apple Watch, so he primarily relies on the keypad.
For those in similar situations, a lock with fingerprint or facial recognition might be a quicker alternative than entering a code, as you always have your finger or face with you.
If you’re looking for a balance, the Aqara U400 could be a better choice. It features a keypad and UWB hands-free unlocking with Apple Home Key, similar to the Schlage, but also includes a fingerprint reader and a physical keyway. At $270, the U400 is still a premium smart lock but is more affordable than the Schlage and offers a door sense feature that the Sense Pro lacks.
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**What is Aliro?**
The Schlage Sense Pro is compatible with Aliro, a new open standard for cross-platform digital keys developed by major tech companies and lock manufacturers. Managed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, which is behind Matter, Aliro aims to allow any authorized smartphone or smartwatch to unlock an Aliro-compatible lock, regardless of the manufacturer.
The Aliro standard encompasses NFC tap-to-unlock, Bluetooth unlock (via an app), and hands-free unlocking for locks like the Sense Pro equipped with UWB radios.
The first Aliro specification was released in February, with Apple adopting it, Samsung partially adopting it, and Google yet to fully embrace it—though Google Wallet has recently received Aliro certification, indicating progress.
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However, the U400 is significantly bulkier than the Sense Pro and lacks its elegant design; it uses a large rechargeable battery that necessitates a more substantial rear housing, while the Pro operates on four AA batteries. The Pro feels more premium overall, featuring an all-metal design and a higher BHMA physical security rating. Additionally, the Pro includes built-in Wi-Fi, which the Aqara lock does not, requiring a separate hub for remote access.
I compared the auto-unlock capabilities of the Schlage and Aqara side by side, and their performance was largely similar (including the occasional back-pocket issue), with the Pro being slightly faster. The only exception was when testing the claim that UWB can detect speed and unlock more quickly if you approach faster; the Aqara unlocked as I reached the door, while the Schlage took a moment longer.
Setting up the Sense Pro was somewhat challenging. While the physical installation was straightforward and connecting to the Schlage app was easy, pairing it with Apple Home was problematic. You can control the lock with either app or both, but the Apple Home app is essential for hands-free unlocking.
The issue seemed to stem from Thread connectivity, which I eventually resolved with the help of the Thread Tools app, several reboots of the Thread border router, and relocating a Thread smart plug near the door. This felt like an excessive requirement just to set up a smart lock. However, once connected, it has been reliable and responds instantly to app commands.
The Schlage Sense Pro excels in UWB hands-free unlocking. It’s quick, dependable, and finally offers what geofencing could not: a lock that distinguishes between my arrival and casual movements on the porch. Its understated design, Matter-over-Thread reliability, and Schlage’s quality make it an outstanding smart lock—if you’re an iPhone user willing to invest $400.
For everyone else, it might be wise to hold off. Currently, the Sense Pro is only compatible with Apple Home Key, leaving Android users without access to its standout feature. Schlage has indicated that support for Samsung and Google devices is on the way later this year through Aliro. The Aqara U400 supports tap-to-unlock on Samsung phones and is a more budget-friendly option.
Nonetheless, the Sense Pro is the first device I’ve encountered that successfully integrates cutting-edge technology into a lock that doesn’t resemble a traditional lock at all. If you’ve been waiting for such innovation, the Schlage Sense Pro is worth considering.
