Smart Locks · owner-verdict comparison

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: 81% of 232 owners recommend it, vs 75% of 130 for the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

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
Full owner report →

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

81%of 232 owners recommend
81% recommend · 3% neutral · 16% don't
Owners praise
  • Rock-solid, reliable operation
  • Remote code control and notifications
  • Built-in WiFi, no hub needed
Owners complain about
  • Battery drains fast on WiFi
  • Connectivity drops, occasional dead units
  • Expensive for a deadbolt
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
  • Apple users wanting HomeKey tap-to-unlock
  • Homes with existing Thread or smart-home infrastructure
  • Buyers wanting reliability with a physical-key backup
  • Those replacing less-dependable smart locks
Skip it if
  • Buyers without Thread devices for good coverage
  • Shoppers unwilling to pay a premium price
Get the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
  • Airbnb and short-term rental hosts managing guest codes
  • Apple households wanting HomeKey tap-to-unlock
  • People who want built-in WiFi without a separate hub
  • Homeowners wanting remote codes and access alerts
Skip it if
  • Buyers on a tight budget
  • Deep Home Assistant or voice-unlock power users

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.
seaessbee on Reddit
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.
smorrison0 on Reddit
This is crap you all need to record the WiFi setup
@dnldnl4880 on YouTube

What Schlage Encode 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.
seaessbee on Reddit
Smart door lock (Schlage Encode) for my mom's place. It sends notifications for each user's access codes when the door is locked or unlocked.
LionSuneater on Reddit
The Schlage encode is actually not designed to stand up to that level of humidity. I learned this after going through their customer support for each lock that stopped working.
Captain_hindsight126 on Reddit

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: frequently asked questions

Is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt or the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt better?

Real owners lean toward the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: 81% of 232 owners recommend it, vs 75% of 130 for the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt.

Who should get the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt?

Owners point the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt at apple users wanting HomeKey tap-to-unlock, and homes with existing Thread or smart-home infrastructure.

Who should get the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt?

Owners point the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt at airbnb and short-term rental hosts managing guest codes, and apple households wanting HomeKey tap-to-unlock.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is goes offline or shows no response, can't control it remotely. For the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, it's battery drains fast on WiFi.