Smart Locks · owner-verdict comparison
Level Lock+ vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: what real owners say
Real owners lean toward the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: 75% of 130 owners recommend it, vs 41% of 133 for the Level Lock+.
Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score
41%of 133 owners recommend
41% recommend · 16% neutral · 43% don't
Owners praise
- Much more reliable after the Matter/Thread update, going from flaky to fast and solid
- Unlocks with a tap of an Apple Watch or phone via HomeKey/Apple Wallet
- Looks like a normal deadbolt, not a smart lock
Owners complain about
- Connectivity is unreliable, with frequent Bluetooth/HomeKit disconnects and drop-offs
- Firmware/Matter updates break HomeKit or HomeKey pairing and knock the lock offline
- Poor battery life, and it dies suddenly with little or no warning
75%of 130 owners recommend
75% recommend · 7% neutral · 18% don't
Owners praise
- Rock-solid and reliable, it just works
- Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch
- Long battery life, often many months between changes
Owners complain about
- Goes offline or shows no response, can't control it remotely
- Works best only with a strong Thread network or Apple hub nearby
- Drops sometimes need a router restart, factory reset, or re-pairing
What Level Lock+ owners say
“I have Level Locks and love them.”— @peterrasmussen3100 on
YouTube
“Maybe it’s fully deserved, but I like mine (Level Touch.)”
“Don’t buy this thing you can hit it with a hammer and it will unlock itself”— @shanemowery7255 on
YouTube
What Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt owners say
“I have the Schlage Encode Plus HomeKey lock. HomeKey fucking rocks. I love having my house key in wallet. It is so unbelievably slick.”
“Replaced our August Smart Lock Pro with a Schlage Encode Plus. It’s been rock solid for about 6 months now. Works quickly. Supports Homekey.”
“This is crap you all need to record the WiFi setup”