- Better: code capacity The August Smart Lock is favored for unlimited codes versus the Encode Plus limit.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock Review
Bottom Line
Choose it for Apple Home Key, fast unlocking, easy install, and strong HomeKit convenience. Skip it if you need fingerprint access, clear keypad visibility, simple app management, or predictable long battery life.
Best for
Best for Apple households that want to unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch and value easy installation, quiet operation, guest codes, and HomeKit notifications.
Not for
Not ideal for shoppers who want fingerprint unlocking, geofencing without Apple caveats, door-open sensing, a highly visible keypad, or the strongest feature set for the price.
Verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus earns its strongest praise from Apple-focused reviewers: Home Key is fast, convenient, and often described as the reason to buy the lock. Installation is usually easy, the motor is quiet, and smart-home support spans Apple, Alexa, and Google. The tradeoff is that the premium price buys convenience more than a complete feature set. Reviewers repeatedly flagged hard-to-see keypad numbers, app and HomeKit management quirks, missing fingerprint and door-sense features, hub requirements for some Apple use, and mixed battery results. It is a polished HomeKit-first lock, but less compelling for buyers who prize biometric access or the broadest feature list per dollar.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Schlage Encode
- Older model: smart-home platform support and usability The Plus version is described as addressing the prior Encode's smart-home support concerns.
- Cheaper: price The Encode Plus was listed as costing $50 more than the Schlage Encode.
Yale assure SL
- Better: status indicator and keypad quality The Yale assure SL is cited as having a status indicator and a better-feeling keypad.
- Better: code capacity and backup power The Yale Assure SL is cited as offering more codes and emergency battery contacts.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
32 reviewed features- Very positive 4.5-5.0 16% 5 features
- Positive 3.5-4.4 44% 14 features
- Neutral 2.5-3.4 22% 7 features
- Negative 1.5-2.4 19% 6 features
- Very negative below 1.5 0% 0 features
Pros
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Reliability was a major strength in hands-on reviews, with reviewers describing the lock as dependable, fast, and easy to live with.
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Locking and unlocking speed earned strong praise, with multiple reviewers describing Home Key, app, voice, or Thread responses as very quick or nearly instant.
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Access logs were praised by reviewers who liked being able to see lock history and how the lock was opened or closed.
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Wi-Fi performed well in the reviews that tested it, and integrated Wi-Fi was praised for reducing bridge dependence, though Apple users may still need a hub for remote features.
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Warranty coverage received strong praise, with one reviewer calling the warranty superb alongside the lock's basic feature set.
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Build quality received strong praise from reviewers who described the lock as solid, secure-feeling, and backed by Schlage's reputation for durable hardware.
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Reviewers consistently found the hardware installation easy, often describing setup as quick, smooth, or straightforward, though Apple/Home app setup could add complexity for some users.
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Voice control was described as fast and broadly supported across platforms, with Siri confirmation treated as an appropriate security behavior when unlocking.
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The lock motor was repeatedly praised as smooth, fast, and quieter than prior Schlage or Nest/Yale locks, making everyday locking less disruptive.
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The strongest praise centered on Apple Home Key and broad smart-home support, with reviewers calling Home Key fast and convenient, especially for iPhone and Apple Watch users.
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Notifications were praised when they identified who unlocked the door, especially through Apple devices and Home Key alerts.
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Auto-lock received positive comments as a useful safety net, especially for users who want the door to relock after a delay or when the last person leaves.
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Failed-code lockout behavior was treated as a useful security deterrent because repeated wrong entries frustrate brute-force attempts.
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Keyway quality was supported by positive rekeying comments, especially for homes with existing Schlage five-pin keys.
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Guest access was praised for schedules, renter use, and easy code sharing, but one reviewer criticized the 100-code limit versus competing locks with more capacity.
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Value depended heavily on Apple/HomeKit use: many reviewers called it worth the high price for Home Key, while others felt it costs more while missing some rival features.
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Reviewers liked the styling and finish options when they matched existing hardware, but some noted that the interior/exterior lock body is larger and less discreet than slimmer rivals.
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User access management was praised for admin keys and code toggles, but reviewers also reported Home app and Schlage app code-management limitations.
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Reviewers liked that the lock can avoid a separate bridge, but Apple/HomeKit users still saw hub requirements as important for remote control, Thread performance, or battery life.
Cons
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Keypad feedback was split: some reviewers praised responsiveness and readability, while several complained that the numbers are hard to see or that the touch keypad feels lower quality.
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Door fit mattered because reviewers warned that smart locks dislike resistance and may have battery or operation issues if the deadbolt does not move smoothly.
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Battery impressions were mixed: one long-term user reported jams near low battery, one called two-month life terrible, while another early reviewer projected strong life.
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The app experience was mixed because the Schlage app exposes useful settings, but Apple Home app limitations and sync quirks made access-code and HomeKit management confusing.
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Touchscreen opinions were mixed to negative: reviewers liked some visual and audio cues but complained about no haptics, weak feedback, and a flawed touch keypad.
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Geofencing and arrival automation were weaker points because one reviewer found Apple Watch confirmation prompts frustrating instead of seamless.
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Remote access was limited in Apple Home setups without a hub, which reviewers treated as an important caveat despite the lock's built-in Wi-Fi.
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The built-in alarm was criticized as too quiet, even by reviewers who liked having forced-entry detection available.
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Bluetooth was treated as a weaker fallback than Thread because of slower response and shorter range.
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Door-sense capability was criticized as absent, with a reviewer saying an open/closed door sensor would still be useful despite lock/unlock notifications.
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Fingerprint unlocking was a notable missing feature, especially because reviewers compared it unfavorably with lower-priced competing locks that include it.
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Two-factor authentication was criticized as missing from the Schlage app, reducing account-security confidence compared with some rival smart-lock apps.
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Weather resistance drew criticism from one reviewer who wanted stronger sealing and said the lock did not meet weather-resistant expectations.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Smart Locks, this product is above average in Warranty and support, below average in Weather resistance, Fingerprint, Remote access.
Summary
8 compared features- Above average 0.4+ pts higher 13% 1 feature
- Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
- Below average 0.4+ pts lower 88% 7 features
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather resistance | 2.0 | 4.3 | -2.3 |
| Fingerprint | 2.0 | 4.0 | -2.0 |
| Remote access | 2.5 | 4.1 | -1.6 |
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| App | 2.7 | 4.1 | -1.3 |
| Two-factor authentication availability | 2.0 | 3.3 | -1.3 |
| Warranty and support | 4.5 | 3.3 | +1.2 |
| Touchscreen | 2.7 | 3.8 | -1.1 |
FAQ
Is the Schlage Encode Plus best for Apple users?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly said Apple Home Key is the main draw, and several framed the lock as especially worthwhile for iPhone, Apple Watch, and HomeKit households.
How easy is it to install?
Most reviewers found the hardware installation easy, often taking around 10 minutes or describing it as straightforward. Setup can become more confusing when balancing the Schlage app with Apple Home.
Does the keypad work well?
It works, but opinions are mixed. Some reviewers found it responsive and readable, while others said the numbers are faint, hard to see in sunlight, or lacking strong tactile feedback.
How is battery life?
Battery feedback is mixed. One reviewer expected strong life, another estimated normal use around several months, and one long-term user called two-month battery life terrible.
Does it need a hub or bridge?
It does not need a separate Schlage bridge, and integrated Wi-Fi was praised. Apple users may still need a HomePod, Apple TV, or similar HomeKit hub for remote access, Thread benefits, or automations.
What major features are missing?
Reviewers most often pointed to missing fingerprint unlocking, door-sense/open-close detection, stronger geofencing, two-factor authentication in the app, and better keypad visibility.
Is it worth the high price?
Reviewers generally found it worth the price for HomeKit and Home Key users, but several said non-Apple users can get more features for less from competing locks.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
Schlage Encode Plus! Is this new HomeKit compatible smart lock worth the upgrade from Schlage Sense?
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 4.1/5
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 3.6/5
Article Reviews
reviewed.com
- Review score
- 2.5/5
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 3.6/5
macrumors.com
- Review score
- 3.8/5
Consider This Instead
If you want better Fingerprint
Choose myQ Secure View 3-in-1 Smart Lock. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Fingerprint, with a 4.3 overall score.
If you want better Bluetooth
Choose Schlage Encode Smart Lock. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Bluetooth, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Weather resistance
Choose eufy Video Smart Lock E330. It scores 4.8 vs 2.0 for Weather resistance, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Remote access
Choose eufy Video Smart Lock S330. It scores 5.0 vs 2.5 for Remote access, with a 4.2 overall score.
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