Schlage vs. Kwikset: An Objective Comparison for Homeowners

Schlage and Kwikset are both established residential lock brands with mechanical deadbolts, electronic locks, and smart-home products. Neither brand is universally better for every homeowner. The more useful comparison is between the specific models you are considering and how they differ in certification, cylinder design, rekeying, smart-home compatibility, installation requirements, and access features.

For example, Schlage's current B60 single-cylinder deadbolt carries both a residential BHMA Grade AAA rating and Grade 1 certification under a separate ANSI/BHMA standard. Kwikset's current product line also includes locks with BHMA AAA ratings, including the Halo Select Plus smart deadbolt, while other Kwikset models such as the 660 deadbolt are listed as Grade 3.

Those differences illustrate an important point: brand name alone does not establish a lock's security rating or capabilities.

This table is not a ranking. It highlights differences that may matter depending on the homeowner's priorities.

A fair Schlage-versus-Kwikset comparison requires looking at specific products rather than treating each brand as if every lock were identical.

Schlage B60

Schlage currently lists its B60 single-cylinder deadbolt with:

• ANSI/BHMA A156.40 Grade AAA for security, durability, and finish
• ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Grade 1
• A one-inch deadbolt
• A standard five-pin Schlage C keyway
• Compatibility with common residential backsets and door thicknesses

Kwikset 660 SmartKey

Kwikset currently lists its 660 SmartKey deadbolt with:

• ANSI/BHMA Grade 3
• A one-inch deadbolt throw
• SmartKey Security
• Adjustable backset for common residential door preparations
• KW1 keyway compatibility on the cited configuration

These products are not equivalent models simply because they are both mechanical deadbolts.

The certifications, cylinders, features, and intended positioning differ.

What Homeowners Should Compare

When evaluating two mechanical deadbolts, look at:

• Applicable ANSI/BHMA rating
• Bolt construction
• Cylinder type
• Keyway
• Strike hardware
• Door compatibility
• Installation requirements
• Rekeying method

"The fairest lock comparison is product to product. Two locks from competing brands may have very different certifications, cylinders, and features even if both are sold as residential deadbolts." - KeyMe Locksmiths

There is no objective brand-wide answer.

Security ratings vary within both manufacturers' catalogs.

Schlage's B60 is an example of a highly rated mechanical product. Kwikset's Halo Select Plus is an example of a current Kwikset smart deadbolt that the manufacturer lists as meeting BHMA Grade AAA standards. Kwikset's 660, by contrast, is Grade 3.

The appropriate conclusion is not:

"Schlage is more secure."

or:

"Kwikset is more secure."

Instead, compare the exact locks using:

• Independent certification
• Mechanical construction
• Cylinder technology
• Strike and installation
• Door condition
• Key-control requirements

A brand may offer products across several performance levels.

BHMA and ANSI/BHMA classifications can be confusing because different standards use different grading systems.

Residential products may use an AAA-style rating, where security, durability, and finish are evaluated separately.

Other applicable standards use Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 classifications.

Schlage's B60 illustrates how one product can carry both AAA and Grade 1 designations under separate standards.

Homeowners should therefore check:

• Which standard applies
• What the rating actually measures
• Whether competing products are being evaluated under comparable standards

Do not assume AAA and Grade 1 are simply two labels for the same test.

This is one area where the brands use notably different approaches.

Kwikset SmartKey

Kwikset SmartKey is a consumer-oriented rekeying system available on compatible products.

Kwikset states that SmartKey locks can be rekeyed repeatedly using:

• The current working key
• The SmartKey tool
• A compatible replacement key

Its current support materials also identify both KW1 and SC1 SmartKey cylinder options.

This can be useful for homeowners who expect to change their mechanical key periodically.

Schlage Conventional Rekeying

Many conventional Schlage residential cylinders can also be professionally rekeyed.

The practical difference is that conventional cylinder rekeying generally involves a different process from Kwikset's user-oriented SmartKey system.

For consumers, the appropriate question is:

Do I expect to change the working key myself, or am I comfortable having the lock professionally rekeyed when necessary?

If professional rekeying is appropriate, KeyMe provides lock rekeying for compatible locks.

Keyway compatibility matters when homeowners want several doors to use the same key.

Many traditional Schlage residential locks use a Schlage C-style keyway.

Kwikset SmartKey has historically been associated with KW1, but current Kwikset support documentation also identifies an SC1 SmartKey cylinder. Kwikset says its KW1 and SC1 SmartKey cylinders provide the same SmartKey security and convenience, although each requires the corresponding compatible key.

That means some properties may have more cross-system flexibility than in the past.

However, two keys that look similar are not automatically compatible.

A locksmith should confirm:

• Keyway
• Cylinder design
• Existing keying
• Hardware compatibility
• Desired final key arrangement

If your goal is to have compatible doors operate from one key, rekeying may be one option.

Both brands now offer multiple smart-lock platforms.

This is another area where comparing "Schlage versus Kwikset" broadly can hide important model differences.

Schlage Smart Locks

Schlage's current residential smart-lock lineup includes multiple deadbolts and connected products, including Encode-family locks.

Encode Plus

The Schlage Encode Plus is a Wi-Fi smart deadbolt that supports Apple home keys, allowing compatible users to unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Depending on configuration and ecosystem, features can include:

• Keypad access
• App management
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Access codes
• Apple home keys
• Physical key access

Kwikset Smart Locks

Kwikset's current connected-lock lineup includes Halo Select Plus, Halo Select, Halo Touch, Halo, and other electronic models.

Halo Select Plus

The current Halo Select Plus supports:

• Apple home keys
• Wi-Fi
• Matter via Thread
• Amazon Alexa
• Apple Home
• Google Home
• Up to 250 access codes
• Event history
• Door-status alerts
• SmartKey Security
• Physical key backup
• BHMA Grade AAA certification

This is important because older comparisons sometimes positioned Schlage as the clearer Apple Home Key choice. That is no longer an objective distinction now that Kwikset offers Halo Select Plus with Apple home keys as well.

Both manufacturers now have current products supporting Apple home keys.

Schlage: Encode Plus supports Apple home keys through compatible iPhones and Apple Watches.

Kwikset: Halo Select Plus also supports Apple home keys using compatible iPhones and Apple Watches.

Apple-focused households should therefore compare the products on additional factors such as:

• Lock design
• Smart-home ecosystem
• Access-code management
• Connectivity
• Rekeying
• Door requirements
• Other desired features

Apple Home Key support by itself no longer clearly separates the brands.

Both brands support major smart-home platforms, but compatibility varies by product.

When comparing smart locks, verify the exact model's support for:

• Apple Home
• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home
• Matter
• Thread
• Wi-Fi
• Other platforms you use

For example, Kwikset's Halo Select Plus supports Wi-Fi and Matter via Thread and works with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home.

Schlage offers different integration sets across its smart-lock products, so homeowners should review the exact model rather than assuming all Schlage smart locks have the same connectivity.

Both brands can be used in rental environments, depending on the property's hardware and access strategy.

Relevant considerations include:

• Frequency of resident turnover
• Rekeying procedures
• Key duplication
• Smart access codes
• Maintenance
• Hardware standardization
• Number of units
• Property-wide key control

Kwikset SmartKey may be useful when a property wants compatible locks that can be rekeyed using its supported process.

Schlage's conventional cylinders can also be professionally rekeyed, and Schlage offers hardware spanning residential and multifamily applications.

For larger multifamily properties, the decision may extend beyond either consumer brand and into commercial hardware, master keying, or electronic access.

A commercial locksmith can help evaluate those requirements.

Moving into a home does not automatically require replacing every Schlage or Kwikset lock.

If the hardware is functioning correctly, changing the keying may be enough.

Potential options include:

• Rekeying a conventional compatible Schlage cylinder
• Using the SmartKey process on a functioning compatible Kwikset lock
• Professionally rekeying other compatible locks
• Replacing hardware only where condition or desired features justify it

Explore lock rekeying if your goal is to stop previous keys from operating the property.

Consider lock replacement when:

• Hardware is damaged.
• Locks operate unreliably.
• You want different features.
• You want to move to smart access.
• Existing locks cannot support the desired keying plan.

Both brands offer products designed for common residential door preparations.

Schlage lists the B60 for common 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets and residential door thicknesses from 1-3/8 inches to 1-7/8 inches.

Kwikset's 660 is also designed for common residential door preparations and uses an adjustable 2-3/8-inch to 2-3/4-inch backset.

Installation difficulty, however, depends heavily on the existing door.

Potential complications include:

• Misaligned bore holes
• Incorrect strike position
• Unusual door thickness
• Door sag
• Frame movement
• Previous mortise or specialty hardware
• Smart-lock-specific clearance requirements

If the existing opening is not compatible, professional lock installation may be appropriate.

A Schlage lock will not correct a poorly aligned door.

Neither will a Kwikset lock.

The complete opening includes:

• Door
• Frame
• Hinges
• Strike
• Deadbolt
• Cylinder
• Existing preparation

If a deadbolt works normally when the door is open but binds when the door closes, the issue may involve alignment rather than the lock brand.

Schlage's B60, for example, includes an integrated strike reinforcer and long screws as part of its installation configuration, illustrating that the cylinder is only one component of the complete opening.

"Changing brands does not correct a door-alignment problem. Before replacing hardware, it is worth determining whether the resistance is coming from the lock, strike, hinges, frame, or door itself." - KeyMe Locksmiths

If the opening is not operating correctly, consider lock repair and installation before assuming replacement is necessary.

A Schlage product may be appropriate when the particular model offers the combination you need, such as:

• Desired ANSI/BHMA certification
• Schlage-compatible existing keyway
• Particular smart-home integrations
• Specific style or finish
• Compatibility with existing Schlage hardware
• Preferred mechanical construction

That does not mean those factors make Schlage universally preferable. They are reasons a specific Schlage product may fit a specific property.

A Kwikset product may be appropriate when the particular model offers features you need, such as:

• SmartKey rekeying
• Existing Kwikset-compatible hardware
• KW1 or SC1 SmartKey configuration
• Particular smart-home integrations
• Desired Halo features
• Preferred style or finish

Again, these are model- and application-specific reasons rather than evidence that Kwikset is universally preferable.

1. Decide Whether Replacement Is Necessary

If the current lock is functioning and you only need to change access, rekeying may solve the problem.

2. Compare Equivalent Product Types

Compare:

• Mechanical deadbolt to mechanical deadbolt
• Smart deadbolt to smart deadbolt
• Similar certification levels where possible

Avoid comparing a premium model from one manufacturer with an entry-level model from the other and drawing conclusions about the brands as a whole.

3. Review Independent Certifications

Check the applicable ANSI/BHMA ratings for each exact product.

4. Compare Rekeying Systems

Determine whether homeowner-controlled SmartKey rekeying matters to you or whether conventional professional rekeying is sufficient.

5. Check Existing Keyways

Consider whether the new lock needs to work within an existing keying arrangement.

6. Compare Smart Features

Verify the exact platforms, access methods, and connectivity you need.

7. Evaluate Door Compatibility

Make sure either product actually fits and functions correctly on the existing door.

8. Choose the Product That Matches the Application

The better choice is the specific lock that best fits:

• The door
• Required certification
• Access method
• Keying system
• Smart-home setup
• Maintenance preferences

An objective comparison does not support declaring either Schlage or Kwikset the better brand across every residential application.

Both companies offer:

• Mechanical locks
• Smart locks
• Multiple security ratings
• Different keying options
• Connected-home products
• Hardware intended for standard residential doors

The differences become meaningful when specific products are compared.

A Schlage B60 and Kwikset 660 have different published certifications and cylinder features. Schlage Encode Plus and Kwikset Halo Select Plus both now offer Apple home keys but differ in other features and ecosystems.

The most useful decision process is therefore:

Compare equivalent models.

Check independent ratings.

Understand the keyway and rekeying system.

Compare the smart features you actually plan to use.

Make sure the lock fits the door and existing access plan.

If you need help evaluating your existing hardware, KeyMe offers residential locksmith services, lock repair and installation, lock replacement, lock installation, and rekeying.

• Schlage. B60 Single Cylinder Deadbolt. Current specifications covering ANSI/BHMA certifications, keyway, door thickness, and residential applications.
  https://www.schlage.com/en/home/products/B60FFF.html
• Schlage. Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. Current information covering Apple home keys and compatible smart access.
  https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode-plus.html
• Kwikset. 660 Deadbolt Featuring SmartKey. Current specifications covering SmartKey, ANSI Grade 3, deadbolt throw, and residential door compatibility.
  https://www.kwikset.com/products/detail/660-deadbolt-keyed-one-side-featuring-smartkey
• Kwikset. Re-Key Basics. Current information covering SmartKey rekeying, KW1 and SC1 cylinders, and repeat rekeying.
  https://www.kwikset.com/support/topics/re-key-basics
• Kwikset. Halo Select Plus. Current specifications covering Apple home keys, Wi-Fi, Matter, Thread, smart-home integrations, SmartKey, access codes, and Grade AAA certification.
  https://www.kwikset.com/products/detail/halo-select-plus-touchscreen-wi-fi-and-matter-enabled-smart-lock-with-apple-home-keys
• Kwikset. Smart Locks. Current electronic and smart-lock lineup, including Halo Select Plus, Halo Select, Halo Touch, Halo, and Aura models.
  https://www.kwikset.com/products/electronic/electronic-smart-locks