Yale Assure Lock 2 Vs. Schlage Encode Plus: A Smart Lock Showdown

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with home security, but fumbling with keys or worrying about whether I locked the door while I’m halfway across town?

That’s a hassle I’d rather avoid. Enter smart locks, and two heavyweights stand out: the Yale Assure Lock 2 and the Schlage Encode Plus. My goal is to break down their features, weigh their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one deserves a spot on your door.

Let’s get into it and figure out which lock fits your life best.

A Brief Comparison Table

Why I Decided To Compare These Two Locks?

Smart locks have transformed how I think about home security. No more hiding keys under the doormat or panicking when I can’t find them. After testing both the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Schlage Encode Plus on my front door for months, I’ve got a clear picture of what makes each tick.

Both promise convenience, security, and smart home integration, but they cater to slightly different needs. I’ll walk you through my experience, from unboxing to daily use, to help you pick the one that aligns with your lifestyle.

• Unboxing and First Impressions

Opening the Yale Assure Lock 2 box felt like unwrapping a sleek gadget.

Its compact design and modern finishes—black, bronze, or satin nickel—gave it a premium vibe.

The touchscreen keypad (or push-button option) looked sharp, and I appreciated the keyless model’s clean aesthetic. No keyhole?

That’s bold, Yale. It’s like saying, “We trust our tech so much, you won’t need a backup.”

The Schlage Encode Plus, on the other hand, leaned more functional than flashy. Its touchscreen keypad was sturdy, with a fingerprint-resistant coating that’s a godsend for someone like me who hates smudges.

The traditional keyhole felt reassuring, but the bulkier design didn’t scream “modern” as loudly as Yale’s. Still, it had a solid, dependable feel—like it could take a beating and keep locking.

• Installation: A DIY Dream or a Nightmare?

I’m no handyman, so I was relieved that both locks were a breeze to install. The Yale took me about 20 minutes with just a screwdriver. The instructions were clear, and the modular design made it easy to swap out parts if needed.

One hiccup: aligning the DoorSense sensor (a nifty feature that checks if your door is actually closed) required some fiddling, but once set, it worked like a charm.

The Schlage Encode Plus was even quicker—around 15 minutes. Its straightforward setup felt idiot-proof, and the built-in Wi-Fi meant no extra hubs to configure.

If your door’s alignment isn’t perfect, Schlage’s robust motor powered through without complaint, unlike some cheaper locks I’ve tried that jammed.

Key Features of The Yale Assure Lock 2

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is like the Swiss Army knife of smart locks—versatile and packed with options. Here’s what stood out during my testing:

• Apple Home Key (Assure Lock 2 Plus): Tapping my iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door felt futuristic. It’s as seamless as using Apple Pay, and I loved not needing to dig for my phone.
• DoorSense: This feature is a game-changer. It alerts you if the door isn’t fully closed, preventing that “Did I lock it?” panic. I got a notification once when my kid left the door ajar—lifesaver.
• Modular Design: Yale offers Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee modules, so you can upgrade connectivity as needed. It’s future-proof, especially with Matter support on the horizon.
• Keypad: The touchscreen is responsive, with satisfying clicks. It’s great for guests or service providers, and you can set temporary codes via the Yale Access or August app.
• No Keyhole (Optional): The keyless model reduces pick risk, but it’s a gamble if the battery dies (though a 9V battery can temporarily power it).

Key Features of The Schlage Encode Plus

The Schlage Encode Plus is the reliable workhorse of smart locks, with features that prioritize ease and integration. Here’s what I noticed:

• Apple Home Key: Like Yale, it supports Home Key, letting me unlock with a tap. It’s buttery smooth and perfect for Apple ecosystem diehards like me.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: No hubs or modules needed—Schlage connects directly to your network. I could lock or unlock from anywhere without extra hardware.
• Apple Home App Integration: Creating passcodes directly in the Home app was a huge win. No third-party app needed, which streamlined my experience.
• Robust Motor: Schlage’s motor is a beast. My door sometimes sticks, but this lock powered through every time, unlike weaker models I’ve tested.
• Security Rating: With an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 and BHMA AAA rating, it’s built like a tank. I felt confident it could withstand brute-force attempts.

Pros And Cons: Yale Assure Lock 2

Pros

• Sleek Design: Its slim, modern look blends seamlessly with any door. I got compliments from neighbors on the black finish.
• DoorSense: Knowing whether the door is actually closed gave me peace of mind, especially when I’m away.
• Modular Upgrades: The ability to add Wi-Fi or Z-Wave later makes it adaptable to changing smart home setups.
• Responsive Keypad: The touchscreen is snappy and intuitive, even in the dark, thanks to the backlight.
• Keyless Option: No keyhole means no lock-picking worries, which is great for high-crime areas.

Cons

• Battery Life: I got about three months with Wi-Fi enabled, compared to six months with older Yale models. Frequent battery swaps are annoying.
• No Thread Support: Unlike Schlage, Yale lacks Thread, which could improve battery life and responsiveness.
• App Dependency: Managing codes requires the Yale Access or August app, which feels clunky compared to Schlage’s Home app integration.
• Keyless Risk: If the battery dies and you don’t have a 9V handy, you’re locked out until you get one.

Pros And Cons: Schlage Encode Plus

Pros

• Top-Tier Security: The Grade 1 rating and sturdy build made me feel like Fort Knox was guarding my door.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: No extra hubs meant less clutter and faster setup. Remote access was flawless.
• Apple Home Integration: Managing passcodes in the Home app was a breeze, and the activity log helped me track who came and went.
• Longer Battery Life: I got about eight months on a set of AA batteries, even with frequent use.
• Powerful Motor: It handled my slightly misaligned door without skipping a beat.

Cons

• Pricey: At $300+, it’s a bigger investment than Yale, which might sting for budget-conscious buyers.
• Bulkier Design: It’s not as sleek as Yale, and the traditional keyhole makes it look less modern.
• No DoorSense: I missed Yale’s door-closure alerts. Schlage shows the lock status, but not whether the door is latched.
• Limited Finishes: Fewer style options compared to Yale’s variety of finishes and keypad types.

Smart Home Integration: Who Plays Nicer?

Both locks are smart home champs, but they cater to different ecosystems.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a chameleon, working with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.

Its modular design lets you add Z-Wave or Zigbee for custom setups, like pairing with an alarm panel.

The promise of Matter support is exciting, though it’s not here yet.

I used it with HomeKit and Alexa, and both were responsive, but Bluetooth-only mode limited range until I added the Wi-Fi module.

Schlage Encode Plus is the Apple fan’s dream. Its Home Key and Home app integration are unmatched, and built-in Wi-Fi made remote control a snap. It also supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings, and its Thread support (via a compatible hub like an eero 6+) improved responsiveness and battery life.

I loved locking the door with Siri from my Apple Watch, and the Ring app integration let me unlock it when my delivery guy rang the doorbell.

Security: Which Lock Feels Safer?

Security is non-negotiable, and Schlage takes the crown here. Its ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating is the highest for residential locks, designed to withstand 10 strikes of 75 pounds and a million cycles.

The built-in alarm, which sounds during tampering, added an extra layer of confidence. I tested it by trying to force the bolt (don’t try this at home), and it didn’t budge.

Yale’s ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 rating is solid but a step below, enduring five strikes of 75 pounds and 800,000 cycles. Its alarm disables the keypad after too many wrong codes, which is handy, but it’s not as robust as Schlage’s.

The keyless model’s lack of a keyhole is a double-edged sword: great for pick resistance, but risky if tech fails. I felt secure with Yale, but Schlage’s tank-like build gave me that extra peace of mind.

Battery Life And Maintenance

Battery life is where I noticed a stark difference. The Yale Assure Lock 2 lasted about three months with Wi-Fi, stretching to nine with Bluetooth only. That’s decent, but swapping batteries quarterly got old fast.

Yale’s low-battery alerts were helpful, and the 9V backup saved me once when I ignored them too long.

Schlage Encode Plus was the clear winner, giving me eight months of moderate use on four AA batteries. Thread support helped stretch it further when I paired it with my eero 6+.

The app’s battery alerts were precise, showing exact percentages, so I never got caught off guard. Maintenance for both was minimal—just occasional cleaning to keep the keypads smudge-free.

User Experience: Day-to-Day Life With Each Lock

Using the Yale Assure Lock 2 felt like living in the future. The Home Key was magic—tap, unlock, done. The keypad was a hit with my dog walker, who used a temporary code I set via the app.

DoorSense caught a few “oops” moments when my door didn’t latch properly. My only gripe was the app’s clunky interface; setting codes felt less intuitive than I’d hoped.

Schlage Encode Plus was all about simplicity. The Home Key worked flawlessly, and managing codes in the Home app was a dream. I loved checking the activity log to see when my kids got home from school.

The motor’s reliability meant I never worried about jams, but I wished it had Yale’s door-closure alerts. Aesthetically, it didn’t wow me, but it got the job done.

Is Schlage Worth The Premium?

At $159.99–$209.99, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is a steal for its features.

The modular design means you can start basic and upgrade later, keeping costs down.

DoorSense and the keyless option add unique value, making it ideal for budget-conscious tech lovers.

Schlage Encode Plus, at $300–$350, is a splurge.

The built-in Wi-Fi, Grade 1 security, and seamless Apple integration justify the price if you’re all-in on Apple or prioritize robustness. For me, the longer battery life and Home app convenience tipped the scales, but Yale’s affordability is hard to beat.

Who Should Buy the Yale Assure Lock 2?

Yale is your pick if you want a sleek, customizable lock that grows with your smart home. It’s perfect for:

• Budget shoppers who don’t want to sacrifice features.
• Apple users who love Home Key but don’t need full Home app integration.
• Anyone paranoid about lock picking (go keyless!).
• Smart home tinkerers who want modular upgrades like Z-Wave or Matter.

Who Should Buy the Schlage Encode Plus?

Schlage is the way to go if you prioritize security and Apple ecosystem integration. It’s ideal for:

• Apple diehards who live in the Home app and want passcode management there.
• Homeowners with slightly misaligned doors (that motor is a beast).
• Anyone willing to pay for top-tier security and longer battery life.
• Users who want hub-free Wi-Fi and Thread support.

Which Lock Wins?

After months of testing, I’m torn. Yale Assure Lock 2 won me over with its sleek design, DoorSense, and affordability. It’s the lock I’d recommend for most people, especially if you’re dipping your toes into smart locks.

But Schlage Encode Plus stole my heart with its bulletproof security, longer battery life, and Home app integration. If I had to pick one for my door, Schlage edges out for its reliability and Apple-centric features, but Yale’s value is undeniable.

You can’t go wrong with either, but think about what matters most: affordability and flexibility (Yale) or premium security and Apple integration (Schlage). Whichever you choose, you’ll wonder how you ever lived with a regular lock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping Up

You’re standing at your front door, keys nowhere in sight, but with the Yale Assure Lock 2 or Schlage Encode Plus, that’s no problem. I’ve laid out everything I learned from testing these locks—design, features, security, and quirks—so you can make an informed choice.

Yale’s affordability and DoorSense make it a crowd-pleaser, while Schlage’s robust security and Apple integration cater to premium buyers. Pick the one that fits your life, and you’ll never look back at traditional locks.

Let me know if you need help deciding—I’m here to help you secure your home.