I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can make life simpler yet more secure, especially when it comes to protecting my home. That’s why I decided to explore the Schlage Encode and Schlage Encode Plus smart locks, two popular options that promise convenience and top-notch security.
In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experience comparing these locks, breaking down their key features, pros, and cons to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or just want a reliable smart lock, I’ve got you covered with an engaging, easy-to-understand analysis.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Schlage Encode | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Price (Approximate) | $249 | $299 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant, Ring | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Ring |
| Apple Home Key | No | Yes |
| Auto-Unlock | No | Yes |
| Keypad | Illuminated, touch-sensitive | Upgraded, capacitive, more responsive |
| Security Rating | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 | ANSI/BHMA Grade AAA (A156.40-2015) |
| Built-in Alarm | Yes | Yes, with enhanced sensors |
| Access Codes | Up to 100 | Up to 100 |
| Battery Life | ~6 months (4 AA batteries) | ~5-6 months (4 AA batteries) |
| Warranty | 3-year electronics, lifetime mechanical | 3-year electronics, lifetime mechanical |
My Journey With Smart Locks
When I first started researching smart locks, I was overwhelmed by the options. I wanted something that didn’t just lock my door but made my life easier—something that felt like an extension of my smart home.
Schlage caught my attention because of its reputation for durability and innovation. I’d heard about the Encode and Encode Plus, and after installing both on my front door (yes, I’m that curious), I spent months testing them.
Here’s what I learned about their features, performance, and quirks, all from the perspective of someone who’s fumbled with keys one too many times.
Key Features of Schlage Encode
The Schlage Encode is like the dependable friend who always shows up on time.
It’s a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock that doesn’t need a separate hub, which I found incredibly convenient.
With the Schlage Home app, I could lock or unlock my door from anywhere—whether I was at work or on vacation.
The app also let me create up to 100 access codes, perfect for guests or my dog walker.
The illuminated keypad was a game-changer for late-night entries.
I didn’t have to fumble in the dark, and the fingerprint-resistant touchscreen kept it looking sleek.
The lock’s ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating gave me confidence in its security, and the built-in alarm was a nice touch for deterring potential break-ins. It integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring, so I could control it with voice commands or check its status through my Ring app.
One feature I loved was the auto-lock option. I set it to lock after 30 seconds, which saved me from those “Did I lock the door?” moments. Installation was a breeze, taking me about 10 minutes with just a screwdriver.
The Encode also comes with a physical key, which I kept as a backup in case the batteries died.
Key Features of Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus feels like the Encode’s cooler, more tech-savvy sibling.
It builds on everything the Encode offers but adds features that make it a standout, especially for Apple users like me.
The biggest draw is its Apple Home Key support, which lets you unlock the door by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock.
I enabled Express Mode, and it was like magic—just a tap, and the door opened, no Face ID required.
This was a lifesaver when my hands were full of groceries.
The Encode Plus also has Bluetooth alongside Wi-Fi, which I found useful during Wi-Fi outages. It supports Apple HomeKit, so I could control it with Siri or set up automations in the Home app, like locking the door when I left the house.
The auto-unlock feature was another highlight—it detected my iPhone as I approached and unlocked the door before I even reached for the handle.
The keypad on the Encode Plus is an upgrade, with a capacitive, more responsive design that lights up instantly. It’s also got a higher security rating—ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2015 Grade AAA, the best in residential locks.
The built-in alarm is enhanced with door position sensors, reducing false locking notifications. Like the Encode, it supports up to 100 access codes and integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring.
Pros of Schlage Encode
After using the Encode for a few months, I found plenty to love:
- Affordable Price Point: At around $249, it’s more budget-friendly than the Encode Plus, making it a great entry-level smart lock.
- No Hub Required: The built-in Wi-Fi meant I didn’t need extra hardware, simplifying setup and saving money.
- Broad Compatibility: It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring, fitting well into most smart home ecosystems.
- Easy Installation: I had it up and running in 10 minutes, and the Snap ‘n Stay design made it hands-free.
- Reliable Security: The Grade 1 rating and built-in alarm gave me peace of mind, especially in a busy neighborhood.
- User-Friendly App: The Schlage Home app was intuitive, letting me manage codes and check lock status effortlessly.
- Physical Key Backup: Having a traditional key as a fallback was reassuring, especially for power outages.
Cons of Schlage Encode
But it wasn’t perfect. Here’s what bugged me:
- No Apple HomeKit Support: As an iPhone user, I missed the seamless integration with Apple HomeKit and Siri.
- No Auto-Unlock: I had to manually unlock the door every time, which felt less futuristic than I’d hoped.
- Wi-Fi Dependency: If my Wi-Fi went down, the lock was less functional, and there’s no Bluetooth fallback.
- Auto-Lock Issues: A few times, the auto-lock engaged while the door was slightly ajar, sending a “locked” notification when it wasn’t fully secure.
- Basic Keypad: The keypad worked fine, but it wasn’t as responsive as the Encode Plus, especially in bad weather.
Pros of Schlage Encode Plus
The Encode Plus stepped up the game in ways that made me smile:
- Apple Home Key: Tapping my Apple Watch to unlock the door felt like living in the future. It worked 99% of the time on the first try.
- Auto-Unlock Feature: Walking up to my door and having it unlock automatically was a game-changer, especially with my hands full.
- Bluetooth Support: This saved me during Wi-Fi outages, letting me control the lock via the Schlage Home app.
- Enhanced Keypad: The capacitive touchscreen was more responsive and easier to use in low light or rain.
- Top-Tier Security: The Grade AAA rating and improved door sensors made me feel like Fort Knox was guarding my home.
- Apple HomeKit Integration: Siri commands and Home app automations made my smart home feel truly connected.
- Long Battery Life: Despite the extra features, I got about five months of use, with the Home app showing real-time battery levels.
Cons of Schlage Encode Plus
Even the Encode Plus had its flaws:
- Higher Price: At $299, it’s $50 more than the Encode, which might not justify the upgrades for non-Apple users.
- Bulky Design: The interior unit is chunkier than I’d like, and the exterior keypad isn’t the sleekest.
- Apple-Centric Features: If you’re not in the Apple ecosystem, the Home Key and HomeKit features are useless.
- NFC Proximity Issues: Sometimes, I had to hold my iPhone or Watch closer than expected for the Home Key to trigger.
- Battery Life Trade-Off: The extra features slightly reduced battery life compared to the Encode, though not drastically.
Key Differences Between Schlage Encode And Encode Plus
- Performance in Everyday Life
Living with these locks gave me a clear sense of their real-world performance.
The Encode was my go-to for simplicity.
I’d leave for work, use the app to lock the door, and check its status during the day.
The keypad was handy for my neighbor to pop in and feed my cat, and the auto-lock feature meant I never worried about forgetting to secure the door.
But I noticed the Wi-Fi dependency was a pain when my router acted up, and the lack of auto-unlock meant I was still reaching for my phone or keypad.
The Encode Plus, on the other hand, felt like a luxury upgrade. The Home Key was a revelation—I’d tap my Apple Watch, and the door would unlock before I could even set my bags down.
The auto-unlock feature worked flawlessly 90% of the time, though it occasionally didn’t detect me if I approached from an odd angle. The Bluetooth fallback was a lifesaver during a storm that knocked out my Wi-Fi, and the HomeKit integration let me create automations like locking the door when my smart lights turned off at night.
The improved keypad was noticeably better in the rain, and the door sensors meant I never got false “locked” alerts.
- Security and Reliability
Security is non-negotiable for me, and both locks delivered. The Encode’s Grade 1 rating meant it could withstand serious force, and the built-in alarm was loud enough to startle any would-be intruder. I tested it by jiggling the lock aggressively (sorry, neighbors), and the siren worked as promised.
The Encode Plus took it further with its Grade AAA rating and advanced sensors. I felt confident that it wouldn’t just lock but lock correctly, thanks to the door position detection.
Reliability-wise, the Encode was rock-solid as long as Wi-Fi was stable. The Encode Plus was even more dependable because of Bluetooth and the robust Home Key feature. In three months, the Home Key failed only once, and the app always kept me updated on battery levels, so I was never caught off guard.
- Smart Home Integration
Smart home compatibility was a big factor for me. The Encode fit perfectly into my Alexa and Ring setup. I could say, “Alexa, lock the front door,” or use the Ring app to check the lock while viewing my doorbell camera.
But as an iPhone user, I felt left out without HomeKit support.
The Encode Plus bridged that gap. I could tell Siri to unlock the door or set up a HomeKit automation to lock it when I left my geofenced “home” area (though this required an Apple TV or HomePod as a hub).
The integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring was just as smooth as the Encode, making it a versatile choice for mixed-device households.
- Installation and Setup
Installing both locks was straightforward, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a DIY guru. The Encode’s Snap ‘n Stay design held the lock in place while I screwed it in, and the clear instructions made it foolproof.
The app setup was equally easy—I scanned a QR code, connected to Wi-Fi, and was done in minutes.
The Encode Plus was nearly identical, with the added step of pairing with HomeKit. I scanned the HomeKit code, set up the Home Key in my Apple Wallet, and tested it within 15 minutes.
The only hiccup was ensuring my door was perfectly aligned, as the Encode Plus’s sensors are pickier about proper closure.
- Design and Aesthetics
Design matters when it’s on your front door. The Encode looks modern, with a choice of Camelot or Century trims and finishes like Satin Nickel or Matte Black. But the interior unit is bulky, and the plastic battery cover feels a bit cheap compared to the lock’s premium price.
The Encode Plus is similar but not much better. The keypad is slightly more refined, but the overall look is still functional over fashionable. I went with the Century trim in Matte Black, which looked sharp but didn’t blend as seamlessly as sleeker options like the Level Lock+.
If aesthetics are your priority, both locks might disappoint compared to more minimalist designs.
- Price and Value
At $249, the Encode is a solid value for what you get: a hub-free, Wi-Fi smart lock with strong security and broad compatibility. It’s ideal if you’re not tied to Apple’s ecosystem and want a reliable lock without breaking the bank.
The Encode Plus, at $299, is pricier but justifies the cost for Apple users. The Home Key, auto-unlock, and HomeKit support add convenience that’s hard to beat. However, if you’re on Android or don’t care about Apple features, the extra $50 might not feel worth it.
Who Should Choose Which?
After months of testing, here’s my take on who these locks are for. The Encode is perfect if you want a straightforward, budget-friendly smart lock that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Ring. It’s great for renters or homeowners who don’t need Apple-specific features and value simplicity.
The Encode Plus is the way to go if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem. The Home Key and HomeKit integration make it feel like a natural extension of your iPhone or Apple Watch.
It’s also ideal if you want the latest tech, like auto-unlock and Bluetooth, or need the highest security rating available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Schlage Encode is a Wi-Fi smart lock with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring compatibility, while the Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key, HomeKit, Bluetooth, auto-unlock, and a higher Grade AAA security rating.
High demand, especially among Apple users, and limited production runs often cause stock shortages. Check Schlage’s website or retailers like Amazon for restocks.
Yes, the Encode Plus supports Bluetooth, allowing local control via the Schlage Home app, even during Wi-Fi outages.
Yes, Schlage locks have varying ANSI/BHMA grades. The Encode is Grade 1 (highest residential), while the Encode Plus is Grade AAA (A156.40-2015), the top residential standard.
Wrapping Up
After living with both the Schlage Encode and Encode Plus, I’m convinced they’re among the best smart locks out there, but your choice depends on your needs.
The Encode is a reliable, affordable option that’ll keep your home secure and connected, while the Encode Plus is a premium pick for Apple fans craving cutting-edge convenience.
I hope my experience helps you pick the lock that makes your life easier and safer. Got questions or need advice? Let me know—I’m here to help you secure your home with confidence.