Last Updated: June 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes
The Schlage Encode Plus has been on the market since 2022, but it’s held its ground against newer competition in a way that few smart locks manage. After several months of daily use — in a household with three different users, varying schedules, and the occasional lockout — this Schlage Encode Plus review covers what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s still worth $250 in 2026.
Who the Schlage Encode Plus Is For
The Encode Plus is built for Apple HomeKit users first. It’s one of very few smart locks with native HomeKit support — no hub, no bridge, no extra hardware. If your home runs on Apple devices and you want to unlock your door from your iPhone, assign access codes via the Home app, and trigger automations from the front door, this lock does all of that without friction.
It also works with Alexa and Google Home. But the HomeKit integration is the standout feature, and it’s what separates the Encode Plus from competitors at the same price point. If you’re not in the Apple ecosystem, the value proposition weakens considerably.
Build Quality and Installation
This is a Grade 1 ANSI-certified deadbolt — the highest residential security rating available. The exterior hardware is solid metal with a satisfying heft, and the bolt mechanism feels noticeably more substantial than what you’ll find on Grade 2 locks like the August Wi-Fi or most Kwikset models.
Installation takes 20–30 minutes with a screwdriver. The Encode Plus replaces your existing deadbolt entirely — remove the old one, install Schlage’s hardware, connect the interior assembly. No professional needed. The Schlage Home app walks you through setup step by step after installation.
One thing to check before buying: the Encode Plus requires a standard 2 1/8″ bore hole and won’t fit doors thicker than 2 1/4″. Most American exterior doors fit, but older European doors sometimes don’t — measure first.
Keypad and Access Codes
The touchscreen keypad wakes with a tap and supports up to 100 access codes. You can create permanent codes, time-limited codes (useful for housekeepers or contractors), and recurring codes that only work on specific days and hours. All code management happens through the Schlage Home app or Apple Home app — no web portal required.
The capacitive keypad works whether your hands are wet or dry. In sub-zero temperatures, some users report a slight response delay, but it’s never failed to wake in testing. The numeric display is bright enough to read at night without eye strain.
Connectivity: Built-In Wi-Fi, No Hub Required
The Encode Plus has built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and handles all remote connectivity on its own — no Z-Wave hub, no SmartThings bridge, nothing extra. This is a significant practical advantage over locks like the Yale Assure or August Smart Lock Pro, which need a separate hub for remote access.
Remote lock/unlock is fast — typically under 3 seconds from the app. Lock status updates in real time, and the activity log keeps 30 days of access history showing who entered, when, and by which method. You’ll get push notifications when the door is locked or unlocked from any method.
Apple HomeKit Integration: The Best Part
HomeKit integration is as good as it gets for a smart lock. Setup is a QR code scan. Once added, it appears in the Apple Home app with full control — lock, unlock, check status, assign access codes, and build automations.
With HomeKit, you can automatically lock the door when you leave a geofence, trigger a scene when the door unlocks (an “Arriving Home” scene that turns on lights and adjusts the thermostat), and control access through Siri on any Apple device including Apple Watch. None of this requires anything beyond the lock itself and a home hub.
The Google Home and Alexa integrations are functional but more limited. Voice commands work for locking, but both require a confirmation PIN for unlocking by voice — a reasonable security measure, though it removes some of the convenience.
Battery Life
The Encode Plus runs on 4 AA batteries. Schlage claims 6 months of average use — in practice, closer to 5 months with daily use by three people. The app notifies you when battery drops below 20%, and there’s a 9V terminal on the bottom of the exterior keypad for emergency power if batteries die before you can replace them.
What the Encode Plus Gets Wrong
No fingerprint reader. At this price point in 2026, that’s a noticeable gap — the Eufy Smart Lock S330 ($180) and Aqara Smart Lock U400 ($200) both offer fingerprint authentication at lower prices. If biometrics matter to you, the Encode Plus isn’t the answer.
The app also requires re-authentication every 2–3 weeks, which is annoying. And Schlage has been slow to add Matter support — it’s been “coming soon” for over a year. If you’re building a Matter-first smart home, wait for the next hardware revision before committing.
Schlage Encode Plus vs. Competitors
| Feature | Schlage Encode Plus | Eufy S330 | Yale Assure Lock 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ (hub needed) |
| Apple HomeKit | ✓ (native) | ✗ | ✓ (with module) |
| Fingerprint | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| ANSI Grade | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 2 |
| Price (2026) | ~$250 | ~$180 | ~$200 |
| Matter Support | Pending | ✗ | ✓ |
Verdict: The Best Smart Lock for Apple Homes
If you use Apple HomeKit, the Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock you can buy right now. The Grade 1 security rating, native HomeKit support, and no-hub Wi-Fi connectivity put it ahead of every competitor in that specific use case. None of the alternatives match all three simultaneously.
If you’re not in the Apple ecosystem — or if fingerprint access matters — the Eufy S330 at $70 less is worth a serious look. We cover both locks in detail on our smart locks hub, where you can compare specs and real-world performance side by side.
The lock isn’t perfect. Missing biometrics and stalled Matter support are real complaints. But for daily reliability, installation simplicity, and Apple ecosystem depth, it delivers. Check the current price before deciding — it goes on sale frequently, and at $200 or under, it becomes an even clearer choice than this Schlage Encode Plus review suggests at full price.
We test every lock we review at Smart Home Secured on a real door with real daily use. Read our review process to understand what our ratings actually measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Schlage Encode Plus work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. The keypad, physical key, and locally stored access codes all work without internet. Wi-Fi is only required for remote access, app-based code management, and real-time notifications.
What’s the difference between the Schlage Encode and Encode Plus?
The original Encode doesn’t support Apple HomeKit — it’s Alexa and Google Home only. The Encode Plus added HomeKit compatibility along with a redesigned keypad. If HomeKit matters to you, always buy the Plus version. They’re often priced within $20 of each other, so it’s rarely worth saving the small difference.
Can the Schlage Encode Plus be hacked?
No smart lock is immune to theoretical attack, but the Encode Plus uses TLS 1.2 for cloud communication and doesn’t expose the lock directly to the internet. HomeKit uses end-to-end encryption. For a residential lock, the security model is solid — and the Grade 1 physical deadbolt means physical attacks are the bigger concern than software vulnerabilities anyway.