Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock Feature Scores
Explore all 32 feature scores for Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock, organized into pros and cons.
Scores by Feature
Summary
32 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.05 (16%)
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Positive 3.5-4.414 (44%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.47 (22%)
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Negative 1.5-2.46 (19%)
Pros
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Notifications were praised when they identified who unlocked the door, especially through Apple devices and Home Key alerts.
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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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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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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Warranty coverage received strong praise, with one reviewer calling the warranty superb alongside the lock's basic feature set.
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Keyway quality was supported by positive rekeying comments, especially for homes with existing Schlage five-pin keys.
Cons
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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.
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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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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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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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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.