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Kwikset HomeConnect 620 vs Schlage Encode: Compare Hub Needs and Door Fit

Choose the HomeConnect 620 if you want a Z-Wave lock for a compatible hub, or if its listed 2-inch fit suits your door without needing Schlage's separately available thick-door kit. Choose the Schlage Encode if built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and the Schlage Home app match your setup and its standard fit range matches your door. Measure the door and check your hub or Wi-Fi plan before ordering.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-17

Source checked 2026-10-17 02:46 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Should the home's existing network setup and measured door dimensions point to the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 or the Schlage Encode?

The HomeConnect 620 uses Z-Wave and requires a compatible hub for remote access, while the Encode has built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for the Schlage Home app; thicker-door fit depends on the listed standard range and Schlage's separate kit option.

Quick verdict

Choose Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Keypad Smart Lock (Matte Black) if

  • You already use, or plan to use, a compatible Z-Wave hub and want the lock connected through that hub.
  • Your measured door is 1-7/8 to 2 inches thick and Kwikset's listed dimensions match; Schlage says doors in that range use its separately available thick-door kit, so confirm that exact kit if considering the Encode.

Choose Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Century Trim (Matte Black) if

  • You prefer a built-in Wi-Fi path managed through the Schlage Home app, your home network supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and your door dimensions meet Schlage's published requirements.
  • Your measured door is within Schlage's standard 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch thickness range and has one of its listed backsets.
When the recommendation changes
  • For a door 1-7/8 to 2 inches thick, Kwikset lists fit within its range while Schlage's manual calls for a separate thick-door kit; verify the kit and exact installation instructions before choosing Schlage.
  • If the household does not have or want a compatible Z-Wave hub, the HomeConnect 620's remote-access path may not fit; if the door is outside the Encode's standard dimensions, check the model-specific kit option before choosing it.
  • Check whether the home network supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band Schlage lists for the Encode.

The differences that matter

Network And Remote Control Path

Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Keypad Smart Lock (Matte Black)

Z-Wave 700; a compatible controller or hub is required for remote access, and Kwikset's product kit says it works with Z-Wave 700 or existing Z-Wave 500 panels and hubs.[1, 2]

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Century Trim (Matte Black)

Built-in Wi-Fi; Schlage describes remote control through Schlage Home when connected to a home 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, without additional accessories.[3]

What this changes: The buyer's existing hub and app setup determine which connection path fits.[1, 3]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Door Physical Fit

Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Keypad Smart Lock (Matte Black)

Manufacturer lists door thickness 1-3/8 to 2 inches and adjustable 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 inch backset.[1]

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Century Trim (Matte Black)

Schlage's standard listing gives 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches and backset 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches; its BE489 door-prep instructions say a separately available thick-door kit is used for 1-7/8 to 2-1/4 inch doors.[3, 4]

What this changes: Measure thickness and backset: Kwikset lists fit up to 2 inches, while Schlage lists a standard range and describes a separately available kit for 1-7/8 to 2-1/4 inch doors.[1, 3, 4]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A home already organized around a compatible Z-Wave hub

Best fit: Kwikset HomeConnect 620 Z-Wave Keypad Smart Lock (Matte Black)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The HomeConnect 620 uses Z-Wave and Kwikset states that a compatible controller or hub is required for remote access. This recommendation applies when that hub is already part of the plan.

A buyer seeking a built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi route and whose measured door is within the Encode's stated range

Best fit: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Century Trim (Matte Black)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Schlage describes built-in Wi-Fi control through the Schlage Home app on a compatible 2.4 GHz home network. Choose this route when it fits the home's setup and the measured door fits Schlage's standard dimensions or an appropriate thick-door kit is confirmed.

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

No price comparison is made; choose based on the required network path and measured fit.

Current offers and price history were not assessed; no purchase-timing guidance is provided.

Limitations

  • Manufacturer specifications describe supported dimensions and connection methods; they do not establish installation ease, security outcomes, connection reliability, or battery-life superiority.
  • Measure door thickness and backset at the lock location. If the measurements fall outside a model's listed range, check that exact model's installation instructions or ask the manufacturer before choosing it.
  • Current offers and price history were not assessed.

Questions shoppers ask

Does the Kwikset HomeConnect 620 need a hub for remote access?

Yes. Kwikset states that compatible Z-Wave controllers or hubs are required; check that your hub supports the lock before buying.

What should I measure before choosing between them?

Measure the door thickness and confirm the backset at the existing deadbolt. Kwikset lists a 2-inch maximum; Schlage's standard listing ends at 1-3/4 inches, while its BE489 instructions describe a separate thick-door kit for 1-7/8 to 2-1/4 inches. Confirm the exact kit and instructions before buying.

Which Wi-Fi band does Schlage list for the Encode?

Schlage lists compatibility with a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Check that your home network supports that band before choosing the Encode.

Methodology and sources

Compared the manufacturers' stated network requirements and door-fit dimensions. Recommendations are conditional on a buyer's existing hub or Wi-Fi setup and measured door dimensions.

AI assistance helped organize the published model information into a feature-fit comparison. No hands-on test was performed.

View 4 sources
  1. 1.Home Connect 620 Contemporary Keypad Connected Smart Lock with Z-Wave TechnologyKwikset · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 02:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product heading, variant and Specifications sections: The selected page variant is Home Connect 620 Contemporary in Matte Black. Kwikset lists Z-Wave 700, says a compatible Z-Wave controller or hub is required for remote access, and lists door thickness of 1-3/8 to 2 inches with adjustable 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 inch backset.
  2. 2.HomeConnect 620 Product Launch KitKwikset · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 02:44 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • HomeConnect 620; Advanced Z-Wave Technology; HomeConnect: Kwikset's HomeConnect 620 product kit describes the lock as using Z-Wave 700 and working with Z-Wave 700 or existing Z-Wave 500 panels and smart-home hubs. This is family-level setup context, not a retail bundle statement.
  3. 3.Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Century TrimSchlage · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 02:45 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product description, Features and Specifications (WiFi compatibility): The manufacturer page identifies the Encode BE489 deadbolt with Century trim and offers Matte Black as a finish. It describes built-in Wi-Fi and Schlage Home remote management without additional accessories, lists compatibility with a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, and lists 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch door thickness and 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset. The page describes the BE489 product family and Century trim.
  4. 4.Schlage Encode BE489 Door Preparation Instructions for Door with Existing HolesSchlage · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-17 02:46 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Page 1, Measure door thickness: The BE489 door-preparation instructions state that a thick-door kit is used for doors 1-7/8 to 2-1/4 inches thick and is available from Product Support. The document also identifies the standard backset options.