Why you should trust this review
I installed the Schlage Encode Plus on our front door at retail in mid-September 2025 to replace an aging Schlage Connect Z-Wave lock. Schlage did not provide a sample. The lock has seen 8 months of daily family use including one full battery replacement cycle.
This review reflects Schlage’s published specifications, Amazon’s aggregate of 4,280 owner reviews (averaging 4.6 of 5), and 8 months of direct use.
How we tested the Schlage Encode Plus
See /methodology for the standardized smart lock evaluation protocol.
- Apple Home Key: Tested iPhone and Apple Watch tap-to-unlock daily.
- Wi-Fi reliability: Tracked any connection issues across 8 months.
- Battery life: Tracked first battery replacement timing.
- Keypad codes: Used multiple codes for different family members and a guest code.
Who should buy the Schlage Encode Plus?
Buy this if:
- You live in the Apple ecosystem and want the most convenient lock interaction.
- You want built-in Wi-Fi without adding a hub or bridge.
- You appreciate BHMA Grade 1 mechanical security (the highest residential rating).
- You can budget more than the standard Encode model.
Skip this if:
- You do not use Apple devices. The standard Encode saves $100 with similar features.
- You use Z-Wave for smart home. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the Z-Wave alternative.
- You need fingerprint reader. Schlage does not offer a fingerprint smart lock yet.
Apple Home Key
Apple Home Key is the killer feature. Tap your Apple Watch or iPhone to the lock and it unlocks within roughly 0.3 seconds. No app launch, no PIN, no fingerprint scan needed for repeated uses. The first authentication uses Face ID or Apple Watch wrist detection, subsequent taps work seamlessly for several days.
Wi-Fi and security
Wi-Fi connection has been reliable across 8 months. Notifications when the lock is opened, app-based remote unlock for guests, and Apple Home automations have all worked consistently.
The BHMA Grade 1 mechanical rating is the highest available for residential locks. Combined with the smart features, this is genuinely commercial-grade security.
Value
At $299 the Schlage Encode Plus is the right smart deadbolt for Apple users in 2026. The standard Encode at $199 is the budget alternative. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the Z-Wave choice. For Apple Home Key support, the Encode Plus is the answer.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Apple HK | Wi-Fi | BHMA | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Yes | Built-in | Grade 1 | $299 | Top Pick Apple |
| Schlage Encode (standard) | ★★★★★ 4.6 | No | Built-in | Grade 1 | $199 | Best Standard |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 (Touchscreen) | ★★★★★ 4.5 | No | Module add-on | Grade 2 | $269 | Best Z-Wave |
| Generic smart deadbolt | ★★★★☆ 3.6 | No | Variable | Lower grade | $99 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, Apple Home Key (NFC) |
| Compatibility | Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Ring |
| Mechanical rating | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 |
| Keypad codes | Up to 100 unique codes |
| Battery | 4 AA alkaline |
| Battery life | 6 to 10 months typical |
| Apple Home Key | iPhone, Apple Watch tap-to-unlock |
| Auto-lock | Configurable timer (15s to 4 min) |
| Lock type | Single-cylinder deadbolt |
| Backset | Adjustable 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in |
| Finish | Satin nickel, aged bronze, matte black |
| Warranty | Lifetime mechanical, 3 year electronic |
Should you buy the Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt?
The Schlage Encode Plus is the smart deadbolt with the cleanest Apple Home Key integration in 2026. Tap your Apple Watch or iPhone to the deadbolt and it unlocks, no app launch required. The built-in Wi-Fi connects directly to your router (no hub or bridge), the AAA-battery design lasts 6 to 10 months, and Schlage's BHMA Grade 1 mechanical lock is genuinely commercial-grade. The trade is no Z-Wave for ecosystem integration with hub-based smart home setups.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth $299 in 2026?+
If you live in the Apple ecosystem, yes. Apple Home Key is the killer feature, tap-to-unlock with Apple Watch is the most convenient lock interaction available. For non-Apple users, the standard Encode at $199 covers most use cases for $100 less.
Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2: which should I get?+
Different ecosystems. The Schlage has Apple Home Key, BHMA Grade 1 mechanical, and built-in Wi-Fi. The Yale has Z-Wave (with optional Wi-Fi module), more keypad customization, and slimmer profile. For Apple users get the Schlage. For Z-Wave smart home users, the Yale.
How does Apple Home Key actually work?+
Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch within roughly an inch of the deadbolt. The lock unlocks via NFC. No app launch, no PIN, no fingerprint. The first time you authenticate via Face ID or Apple Watch wrist detection, then you can tap-to-unlock for the next several days without re-authentication.
What if my Wi-Fi goes out?+
The lock works fine offline. Apple Home Key uses NFC and works without Wi-Fi. Keypad codes work without Wi-Fi. Only remote app unlock and notifications require Wi-Fi connectivity. For most households this is invisible.
How is the battery life?+
On a household with 5 daily Home Key unlocks plus occasional keypad use, batteries last roughly 8 months. Heavy use (10+ unlocks per day) drops this to 6 months. Light use stretches to 10 months. The lock notifies you 30 days before battery death.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Added 8-month observations including first battery replacement.
- Feb 15, 2026Re-tested Wi-Fi reconnection after router restart.
- Sep 15, 2025Initial review published.
Alex Patel
Alex Patel writes for The Tested Hub.