Want weekly shortcuts like this?
Join the Shortcuts community.
Join
The Schlage Sense Pro is the latest smart lock to hit the market, bringing Matter over Thread support and a built-in digital keypad. Most importantly, it is now the second lock available that supports ultra-wideband (UWB) hands-free unlocking for Apple Home. At $399, it is one of the most expensive locks you can buy. Let's see if it justifies that price tag.
In the box, you get everything needed to get going: screws, a strike plate, and the deadbolt itself. You do have to scan a QR code to pull up the installation instructions on their website, but the physical install is incredibly fast.
One detail that stands out is the deadbolt shape. If you've used a lock with a perfectly round deadbolt, like the Level Lock, you might have experienced jamming if your door alignment isn't perfect. The Schlage Sense Pro deadbolt has flattened left and right edges. This small design choice makes it much more forgiving in standard door jambs, allowing it to lock smoothly without you needing to push or pull the door.
Once installed, setup is seamless. Because it uses Matter over Thread, you can connect it directly to the Apple Home app without even downloading the Schlage app first. It quickly pulls in all your existing pin codes, sets up Apple Home Key, and configures the UWB approach to unlock feature.
When it comes to actually getting into your house, the Schlage Sense Pro is phenomenal. In fact, it beats out its main competitor, the Aqara U400, on pure speed.
Whether you are tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch using Home Key, or just walking up to the door relying on the UWB approach feature, it reacts instantly. You can even customize the approach direction in the Apple Home app, telling the lock if you typically approach from the Left, Right, or Front.
The UWB technology is also smart enough to know which side of the door you are on. If you walk right up to the lock from the inside of your house, it will not unlock. It only triggers when you approach from the outside.
Your approach speed also affects the lock. If you are walking briskly toward the door, it detects your intent and unlocks sooner, meaning you don't even have to break your stride. If you only have your Apple Watch on you and left your phone behind, the Schlage is noticeably better at detecting your approach than the Aqara lock.
You can handle a lot of daily management directly in the Apple Home app. This includes setting up an Automatic Lock timer and creating guest pin codes under Manage Access. However, you will need to download the native Schlage app for a few specific settings.
Once you grant the Schlage app access to your Home data, the lock will appear automatically. From the Lock Settings menu, you can adjust:
Since these are the two main UWB locks on the market, it is worth comparing them directly. The Schlage Sense Pro takes the crown for raw unlocking speed and Apple Watch detection reliability. It also has a much sleeker, smaller footprint on the outside of your door.
However, the Schlage lacks two major hardware features found on the Aqara U400: a fingerprint sensor and a hidden physical keyhole. If you want a biometric backup or the peace of mind of a traditional key, the Aqara is your only choice between the two.
For power, the Schlage uses four standard AA batteries, while the Aqara uses a rechargeable battery pack. If the Schlage batteries completely die while you are out, there is a USB-C port on the bottom of the exterior keypad. You can plug in a portable power bank to give it enough juice for an emergency unlock.
If you want the absolute best ultra-wideband unlocking experience for Apple Home, the Schlage Sense Pro is the lock to get. It is incredibly fast, reliable, and integrates beautifully with iOS out of the box. The lack of a physical key or fingerprint sensor might be a dealbreaker for some, and the $399 price tag is steep. But if you value seamless, hands-free entry above all else, this lock delivers.