Kwikset Premis and Schlage Sense both come from companies that have been making locks for decades. Schlage started manufacturing locks in 1920, while Kwikset began operations in 1946.
Smart locks have been getting more and more attention during the past few years. It is a more convenient way to lock and unlock your doors. They allow you to connect your lock with other devices, too. You can even give access codes to different people at different times so that they can get into your house only when they need to. Smart locks are also more secure than traditional ones. You will no longer worry about thieves attempting to force their way in or even picking your locks. And if they try, you can set your smart lock to alert you.
Is it any wonder why both traditional American lock manufacturers are now shifting their focus to smart locks?
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What you can do with HomeKit
HomeKit is Apple’s home automation platform that allows you to connect compatible products. You can control your devices using your iPhone, iPad, and other iOS devices. You no longer need separate apps for HomeKit lights, thermostats, and smart locks. HomeKit also allows you to operate a group of devices together. You can say “good morning” and this will turn off your lights, start your coffeemaker, and turn up the cooling around your house.
With smart locks, HomeKit can turn your security camera on whenever the smart lock is unlocked. Or it can turn on the light when you key in your passcode. In the past, you needed an Apple TV for HomeKit to work remotely. Now, you can use the Apple HomePod speaker.
If you are one of the 1.3 billion people who use an Apple device and you would want to use it to control your smart home, consider getting HomeKit-compatible devices such as the Schlage Sense or Kwikset Premis.
Kwikset Premis
The Kwikset Premis is a HomeKit-enabled smart lock that you can operate using Siri’s voice controls. This smart lock allows you to create time-sensitive entry codes that you can assign to different users. This feature is very useful if you have a housekeeper, a dog walker, or other people coming into the house at specific times. For instance, your cleaning lady can use her entry codes when she is scheduled to come and clean your house on weekdays but not at night or during weekends.
The Kwikset Premis costs around $200 to $220. Check out the latest rates here!
Design
The Kwikset Premis does not have a unique or groundbreaking design. It looks just like other touchpad locks that are available out there. It works like the others, as well, but instead of a Z-wave radio, the Kwikset Premis has the HomeKit chipset and Bluetooth.
The Premis is easy to install. You need to make sure that the lock aligns perfectly with the deadbolt. You should also check to see that it locks without hitches because once it is installed, the Kwikset Premis will be locking the door on its own and you do not want it to be jammed. All installation instructions are available on the mobile app. The app provides you with easy-to-follow and step-by-step instructions.
After installing the lock, you would need to pair it with your mobile app. You could quickly get everything up and running. You can control the Kwikset lock on both Apple Home and the manufacturer’s companion app.
Features
With the companion app, you will be able to access all the features offered by the Kwikset Premis. For one, the app allows you to set up controls for a variety of users. You can give different users different codes and then set a time when these codes are accepted by the lock. The Kwikset Premis allows you to add more users without charging you anything.
The lock also has an excellent way to make sure that burglars cannot figure out your passcode by merely looking at the fingerprint smudges left on your touchpad. It features a randomizer that would display two random digits onscreen. You will need to press these digits before you enter your passcode to unlock the Premis.
The Kwikset Premis also has a SmartKey, which allows you to re-key the lock so that you could use your current housekeys to work with it. This one is a good feature because the Premis also has a “code disabled” mode that would, as the name suggests, disable all codes. When this mode is on, you can only enter your home using your keys.
What you would like about the Kwikset Premis
This deadbolt is very hardy as it can resist brute-force attacks and cannot be picked. What’s more, you can ask Siri if your front door is locked or not. You will also know who is home by checking whose passcodes have been entered. You can limit the passcode’s validity to single use, or by schedule. This means that you can have the delivery guy enter your home to leave a package and not worry about him coming back later and entering the same passcode.
What could be better
The touchscreen pad on the Kwikset Premis might sometimes be a little less responsive. You would need to press it with a bit more pressure than what you are used to. Also, you can only control the Premis when you are within Bluetooth range. If you want to control your smart lock remotely, you would need to have an Apple TV. The good news is that if you have a lot of HomeKit devices, having an Apple TV is a good way to control all of these devices remotely.
Schlage Sense
The Schlage Sense is another HomeKit-compatible smart lock worth considering. The Schlage Sense comes in a variety of color options. You can choose from satin nickel, aged bronze, or matte black. You can also choose from a Camelot trim or Century trim. This means that you can get a color and trim combination that would blend well with your door’s aesthetics.
With the Schlage Sense, you can open your front door using your smartphone. Or you can key in your passcode. The good news is that you can add a Wi-Fi adapter to control your Schlage Sense from anywhere. The Wi-Fi Adapter costs around $55 on Amazon.
The Schlage Sense offers a lot of home automation integrations. It works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to unlock or lock your deadbolt.
What you would like about the Schlage Sense
The Schlage Sense is straightforward to use. You can quickly lock or unlock the front door using the keypad, your smartphone or via voice commands. Even when you are using Amazon Alexa to open your door, you would need to also mention the PIN. Without the PIN, Alexa would not lock or unlock your door.
What could be better
The Schlage Sense is a big lock. If you are coming from a traditional lock and key, this will take a little getting used to. What’s more, the Sense needs the Wi-Fi adapter for its connected features to work.
Comparing the Schlage Sense and the Kwikset Premis
How are the Schlage Sense and the Kwikset Premis compare to one another?
Setup
Both the Schlage Sense and Kwikset Premis can replace your current locks. Each of these has easy-to-follow instructions, allowing for some DIY installation.
Unlocking and locking your lock
You can unlock and lock your Schlage Sense and Kwikset Premis by using the app, telling Siri, entering a passcode, or using keys. However, Schlage Sense also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, in addition to Siri. One complaint is that the Schlage Sense can be quite noisy when it is locking or unlocking.
Indoor design
This is where the Kwikset Premis wins. The indoor part of the lock is more compact and looks elegant. It will not take up too much space. The Schlage Sense’s indoor unit design is huge and unsightly.
Outdoor design
Thankfully, on the outer side of your door, the Schlage Sense and the Kwikset Premis both look elegant. Both have a touchscreen pad that makes it easier to key in your passcode even in the dark. The touchpad on the Kwikset Premis, however, can be quite slow to respond. The Sense has a keypad that works well.
Pricing
The prices for the Schlage Sense range from $150 to $205 on Amazon (check out the latest rates here!), depending on the color and trim that you choose. This pricing makes the Schlage Sense generally cheaper than the Kwikset Premis.
Final Say: Kwikset Premis vs. the Schlage Sense
Both the Kwikset Premis and the Schlage Sense offer secure and convenient smart locks that you can use to secure your front door. In fact, for the most part, the Kwikset Premis and the Schlage Sense can rival each other as they offer the same features.
However, if you want a smart lock that consistently works well, get the Schlage Sense. But, if aesthetics is more important to you, then get the Kwikset Premis. The Premis might be a little quirky, and you would need to push on the touchscreen with more pressure, but it looks a lot better than the Sense.
Read more about Schlage vs Kwikset Smart Locks!
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