Smart Locks · owner-verdict comparison

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Yale Assure Lock 2: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: 75% of 130 owners recommend it, vs 62% of 136 for the Yale Assure Lock 2.

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 →

Yale Assure Lock 2

62%of 136 owners recommend
62% recommend · 6% neutral · 32% don't
Owners praise
  • Rock solid and reliable, especially on Z-Wave
  • Wide smart-home integration (HomeKit, HomeKey, Home Assistant)
  • Long battery life on Z-Wave or Bluetooth
Owners complain about
  • WiFi module drains batteries fast
  • Connectivity drops and goes offline
  • Fiddly, complicated setup
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 Yale Assure Lock 2 if
  • ✓Apple households wanting HomeKit and HomeKey tap-to-unlock
  • ✓Home Assistant or SmartThings users who add a Z-Wave module
  • ✓Airbnb and rental hosts needing keyless guest codes
  • ✓Buyers who want a lock that looks sleek and modern
Skip it if
  • People relying on the WiFi module for connectivity
  • Households in very cold climates using the touchscreen

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 Yale Assure Lock 2 owners say

“Few days in and I have zero complaints.”
— The_Reject_ on Reddit
“Personally I use the Yale Assure Lock 2 with the WiFi Module for the door lock and have it connected to Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings.”
— willdeliver4money on Reddit
“I bought this lock and had nothing but problems. I tried for TWO full days to get Home Key to work with no success.”
— @JustinWinchester on YouTube

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Yale Assure Lock 2: frequently asked questions

Is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt or the Yale Assure Lock 2 better?

Real owners lean toward the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: 75% of 130 owners recommend it, vs 62% of 136 for the Yale Assure Lock 2.

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 Yale Assure Lock 2?

Owners point the Yale Assure Lock 2 at apple households wanting HomeKit and HomeKey tap-to-unlock, and home Assistant or SmartThings users who add a Z-Wave module.

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 Yale Assure Lock 2, it's wiFi module drains batteries fast.