Schlage has introduced a new keypad lock that doesn’t require an intermediary hub to connect to your wifi. It’s called the Encode. Currently it’s available at Amazon and the big box stores for about $250. Smaller retailers can’t get their hands on it yet. I would wait at least until the end of 2019 before buying one so the manufacturers can work out the kinks, but I’m happy with what I’ve seen so far. The motor sounds healthier than the one found in Schlage’s Connect and Sense models. It also has a more compact design despite the increased functionality.  And supposedly it is designed to integrate well with that creepy system that lets Amazon deliverymen walk into your house.

The only negative thing I’ve noticed about it so far is that the sticker with the random factory-assigned user codes is just under the battery cover. On other models this sticker is only accessible if you have a screwdriver; with this one, a visitor to your home could remove that battery cover and photograph the sticker in a matter of seconds. So if you buy this lock, make sure to move that sticker before putting it into commission. Otherwise, it looks like it will be a pretty good lock.