Comparing Emtek vs Schlage head-to-head helps you figure out which of these two well-known brands produces better locks in terms of durability and materials, security features, smart home compatibility, easy-installation, customer support, and value for money. I’ve provided this comprehensive comparison guide that helps you choose the brand that better suits your needs and helps you save money and time while enhancing the security of your property.
Which is better, Emtek or Schlage? (Quick Answer to Emtek vs Schlage)
If you really care about premium quality, customization, and luxurious designs, Emtek is the go-to brand for you. On the other hand, Schlage excels when it comes to affordability, reliable security, and ease of installation. Both brands are professional manufacturers and offer interesting features, but they have their own pros and cons, you can compare them in a glance in the table below; also, if you are a very budget-conscious person, I suggest you read our Kwikset vs Schlage guide as well.
Here’s a comparison table that helps you compare Schlage vs Emtek at a glance:
| Feature | Emtek | Schlage | Winner |
| Price Range | $100 to over $1000 | $30 to $300 | Schlage |
| Materials | Solid brass, wrought steel, polished nickel brass | Zinc die-cast | Emtek |
| Customization | Extensive options for designs, finishes, and backplates | Limited customization | Emtek |
| Design and Aesthetics | Premium, luxurious designs with high customization | Practical, functional designs | Emtek |
| Security Features | High-security features but falls behind due to fewer advanced tech options | Advanced security technology and wide availability | Schlage |
| Smart Home Compatibility | EMPowered Smart Lock, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee integration, Compatible with Major Ecosystems; but may require a separate Yale module | Provides Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Z Wave integration and it’s compatible with major Ecosystems (Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home) | For Connection: Emtek For User Experience: Schlage |
| Installation | Can require professional installation for some customized models | Easy DIY installation | Schlage |
| Durability | High durability with solid construction | Durable with good performance | Emtek |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited on mechanical and finish, some finishes excluded | Lifetime limited on mechanical and finish, some finishes excluded | Tie |
| Customer Support | Responsive and helpful | Robust and extensive | Tie |
| Overall Value | High value for luxury and customization | High value for affordability and reliability | Depends on needs |
Emtek vs Schlage: Company Backgrounds
These two, are two of the best smart lock brands in the industry, let’s start with getting to know their companies better.
History and Reputation of Emtek
Emtek was founded in 1983 and has since become a well-known brand for premium, customizable products. If you care about aesthetic appeal, Emtek offers a wide range of styles and finishes that can definitely satisfy your tastes.
History and Reputation of Schlage
Founded in 1920, Schlage has over a century of experience and provides a vast range of products, including robust and feature-rich smart locks, along with reliable and well-crafted traditional locks. Their focus on innovation has made them a famous brand in both residential and commercial security. In my opinion, Schlage is the number one brand when it comes to security features.
What is the Difference Between Schlage and Emtek Door Hardware?
Emtek utilizes solid brass and other high-end finishes in its products, making it a clear winner in terms of durability and luxurious design. Schlage, on the other hand, is a good option for those seeking a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. Both brands offer good quality materials, but Emtek has the upper hand here. Here’s a closer look to compare the materials used in each brand’s products:
Materials Used by Emtek
Emtek leaves me speechless with its high-quality materials. Solid brass, wrought steel, and polished nickel brass mean you are faced with door hardware made with the finest materials. They are exceptional and unimaginably durable. If anyone asks for my consultation when looking for a long-lasting lock, my answer is Emtek, without a doubt.
Is Emtek Hardware Made in China?
Emtek hardware is assembled in the USA, although some components may be sourced globally, including from China. Overall, the craftsmanship and quality standards are high.
Materials Used by Schlage
Schlage uses zinc die-cast for its components. While this material is less expensive than Emtek’s choices, it doesn’t sacrifice durability and reliability. They don’t have the same heft as Emtek’s offerings but are still functional and trustworthy.
Emtek, with its solid brass and opulent finishes, epitomizes durability and luxury. Schlage, while balancing sturdiness and affordability, falls short of Emtek’s superior material quality
What is the Difference Between Emtek and Schlage Styles, Design & Customization?
In terms of aesthetics, Schlage and Emtek are quite different. Emtek offers a vast array of styles and finishes, allowing you to mix and match components to create any look and feel you prefer. Schlage’s design is more straightforward and accessible, but it can’t match Emtek’s level of customization.
Whether you’re looking for a modern, rustic, or classic style, Emtek lets you achieve it. You can freely mix and match components like knobs, levers, and backplates to create a unique design. Schlage’s main focus is on functionality and simplicity, offering diverse yet less customizable designs that are still attractive.
Emtek vs Schlage: Security Comparison
Forced Entry vs Non-Forced Entry
Both brands’ products are equipped with high-quality components that can withstand forced entry attempts. In my experience, Schlage’s locks are truly reliable in this regard due to their robust security features. Emtek’s locks also strike a balance between aesthetics and security. For non-forced entry scenarios such as lock picking, both brands offer reliable options, though Schlage has a slight edge here.
Lock Housing
Lock housing is crucial for standing against tampering and physical attacks. Both brands include this component in their locks, making it a tie in this area. However, in practice, I’ve found that Schlage’s locks are more robust, especially in higher-end models.
Bolt Size and Strength
Bolt size and strength are important for resisting forced attempts. Both brands provide strong bolts, but Schlage’s locks feature larger and stronger bolts, particularly in their deadbolts. Under my stress tests, Schlage’s bolts have proven to be sturdier.
Drill Resistance Plate
A drill resistance plate enhances lock security against drilling attempts. Both brands offer this feature, but Schlage provides it more commonly across its product range, while for Emtek, this feature is mostly available in their higher-end models.
Deadbolt Screws
For deadbolt screws, placement and length are crucial. Schlage uses longer, hardened screws that penetrate deep into the door frame with superior placement. Emtek also offers high-quality deadbolt screws, but Schlage’s are more robust.
Cylinder Tolerance
Cylinder tolerance refers to the movement allowed by the lock cylinder as it engages. Schlage’s locks have tighter cylinder tolerances, making them more resistant to picking or bumping. Emtek’s locks also maintain good tolerances but tend to be looser than Schlage’s products.
Security Pins
Schlage offers more security pins across a wider range of products, making their locks harder to pick. Emtek also offers security pins, but this feature is usually found in their higher-end products. Schlage has a slight edge here as well.
As you should have noticed by now, Schlage is a clear winner in terms of security features.
Installations and Ease of Use
Are Emtek Locks Hard to Install?
Installing an Emtek lock is not a super hard process, especially if you’re familiar with door hardware. However, the customizable nature of Emtek locks makes installing them a bit tricky, particularly on certain models. Another issue that makes installing Emtek locks challenging is their heavy weight, which can be bothersome when trying to align them during installation. So, while the process isn’t a total pain, hiring a professional is helpful, especially if you aren’t very handy.
Are Schlage Locks Hard to Install?
Schlage’s locks are relatively easier to install than Emtek’s. Their locks are compatible with standard pre-drilled doors, resulting in a simple installation process for homeowners. The adjustable backset latch and universal components do a great job of streamlining the installation procedure. In my experience, even people who aren’t very DIY-friendly can install a Schlage lock.
Schlage vs Emtek: User-Friendliness Comparison
Both Schlage and Emtek locks are user-friendly, but each in their own way. Emtek offers a luxurious feel and smooth operation. The tactile satisfaction you get from a well-crafted Emtek lock is a notable advantage. On the other hand, Schlage provides locks that are usually integrated with an easy-to-use keypad and are often equipped with smart home integration. Overall, Schlage’s locks are a very reliable choice for many homeowners in terms of user-friendliness.
Adjustability and Compatibility
Both Schlage and Emtek offer a wide range of products that are compatible with various door thicknesses and configurations. While this is true, Emtek’s customizable nature requires more careful adjustment. I’ve found that Schlage’s locks are more compatible with standard door setups, making them more versatile for different applications.
Which Lasts Longer, Emtek or Schlage? Emtek vs Schlage: Maintenance and Longevity
According to my experience, both Schlage and Emtek don’t need high maintenance. Both brands craft their products with high-quality materials that are reliable in the long run. However, to keep them looking their best, occasional polishing is suggested.
In my experience, both Schlage and Emtek are low-maintenance and enduring. But periodic polishing preserves their pristine appearance.
Which is Cheaper, Schlage or Emtek?
Emtek locks range from $100 to over $1000, while the typical range for Schlage locks is $30 to $300. Emtek’s high prices are justified by the premium and luxurious materials used in their products, such as solid brass. Schlage offers products that provide robust security features while being less expensive than Emtek’s locks, but the quality of materials used in Schlage’s locks isn’t as premium as Emtek’s.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
To assess the value for money of each brand, individuals must look into their own needs and requirements. If you are looking for a luxury lock with premium materials, then the high prices of Emtek locks are well-justified. But if you want a highly-secure lock, it doesn’t make sense to pay over $1000 for an Emtek lock, and Schlage is a perfect choice for you.
Emtek vs Schlage: Smart Home Compatibility
Emtek brings its smart locks to the market in a line of products called EMPowered locks. These locks either come with August’s module pre-installed, allowing users to control the smart lock through the August app, or they can be integrated with Yale’s module (purchased separately) to become a smart lock. Schlage, on the other hand, has various series of smart locks that can be controlled via the Schlage app and don’t have the complexities of Emtek locks.
Comparing Emtek vs Schlage in terms of smart home features and compatibility gives you a good idea about choosing the brand and product that matches your smart setup and your taste for smart features. Since Emtek’s EMPowered locks are the line of Emtek locks that are actually “smart locks,” every time I mention Emtek smart locks and compare them with Schlage smart locks, I mean their EMPowered locks. Here’s what to know:
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Both brands offer Wi-Fi connection as a main approach for connectivity and remote access through their apps (Emtek through August or Yale app, and Schlage through its Schlage Connect app).
- Z Wave: Certain Schlage series like the Schlage Connect support Z Wave. Emtek’s EMPowered locks require a Yale module for Z Wave connectivity; the August module doesn’t support Z Wave.
- Zigbee: Schlage smart locks don’t support Zigbee protocol. On the Emtek EMPowered locks, those with August modules don’t support Zigbee, but Yale modules do.
- Bluetooth: The Schlage Sense series supports Bluetooth. Emtek smart locks support Bluetooth through the August module, with no Bluetooth support through the Yale module.
For connectivity, Schlage is the better brand because they provide a more straightforward approach for connectivity. You get Wi-Fi, Z Wave, or Bluetooth on certain models according to your preferences. On the other hand, Emtek locks require a separate Yale module for Z Wave connection. So, if you prefer seamless connection, Schlage is the better choice, but if you have a setup that relies on Zigbee, Emtek must be your choice as Schlage locks don’t support that.
Also Read:
Smart Features
- Remote Access: Both brands offer remote access; Schlage through its Schlage Home app and Emtek through the August or Yale app.
- Voice Control: Both brands offer voice control with major assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri).
- Auto Lock/Unlock: Some Schlage models including Schlage Sense and Schlage Encode offer an auto-lock feature that locks the door after a set period of time. Emtek’s August-integrated smart locks can lock or unlock the door based on proximity.
- Guest Access Management: On Schlage smart locks, you can create up to 30 unique access codes with scheduling capabilities. Emtek’s guest access management feature is more detailed, providing temporary or permanent digital keys and scheduled access.
- Activity Monitoring: Both brands offer activity monitoring to let you know who opened the door and when, providing a history log (Schlage on its app and Emtek through Yale or August app).
- Built-in Alarm Technology: Some Schlage models offer a built-in alarm that goes off when a forced entry is attempted. Emtek’s smart locks don’t feature this technology.
- DoorSense Technology: This feature is specific to Emtek’s August-integrated locks and isn’t available on Schlage. It verifies the door is securely closed and locked.
Smart features aren’t so different when comparing the two brands; they both have the main functionalities most individuals want when buying a smart lock. However, due to the complexities that EMPowered locks create, I think Schlage is the winner in terms of smart home compatibility, offering models for every setup and ecosystem without the need for a separate module.
Both brands offer comparable smart features, but Schlage excels in seamless compatibility with diverse smart home systems, unlike the intricate EMPowered locks.
Emtek vs Schlage: Warranty and Customer Support
Both brands offer a lifetime limited warranty on their mechanical components and finish. However, it’s important to note that certain finishes like Oil Rubbed Bronze on Emtek locks or Aged Bronze on Schlage locks are excluded from this warranty since they naturally tend to change over time. Both brands have reliable customer support and have always helped with installation and troubleshooting procedures.
Conclusion
I wrote this Emtek vs Schlage guide to give you a good idea about both brands’ pros and cons in the lock manufacturing industry. Although I tried to stay neutral, I personally believe Schlage is the better brand and suggest it to my customers. Their security is robust, and the user experience is better than Emtek’s locks. In a battle of Schlage vs Emtek, I think Schlage is the winner.
FAQs
Are Schlage and Emtek Keys Compatible?
Yes, Emtek keys are compatible with Schlage’s. This is because Emtek often uses the Schlage C keyway, making this compatibility possible.
Is Emtek Better Than Schlage?
The better option depends on one’s needs and preferences. If you want a luxurious look and high customization possibilities, go with Emtek. But if you want more budget-friendly locks with higher security, choose Schlage.
Is Emtek Made in the USA?
Yes, Emtek locks are assembled in the USA.
Which is Better for Interior Doors, Schlage or Emtek?
For those seeking stylish, customizable designs, Emtek is the ideal choice. However, Schlage is a more budget-friendly option.
