WI
“The Schlage Encode Plus is the only lock with native Home Key support, making it the best choice for iPhone/Apple Watch users”
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth it?
The Schlage Encode Plus ($319.00) is a top pick with a 9/10 consensus score across 13 expert reviews. Experts highlight native apple home key support — tap an iphone or watch to unlock and built-in wi-fi — no bridge or hub needed. Wirecutter says: "The Schlage Encode Plus is the only lock with native Home Key support, making it..." Best for: Apple HomeKit users, Home Key tappers, Security-first homeowners.
Must Buy13 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$319.00
Verified 40d ago
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Schlage Encode Plus
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Smart Locks
SHE ScoreAbove Average
SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating
6.7/10
13 expert sources
Compatibility Breadth5/10
Setup Ease6/10
Reliability8.3/10
Value Rating8.7/10
Future-Proofing5.5/10
The Schlage Encode Plus earns a SHE Score of 6.7/10, driven by strong value (8.7/10) with room to improve in compatibility breadth (5/10). Based on 13 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the SHE Score →Expert Consensus: 9/10 across 13 sources
Updated 1 week ago“The Schlage Encode Plus is the only lock with native Home Key support, making it the best choice for iPhone/Apple Watch users”
Key Features
- ✓ Apple Home Key
- ✓ Built-in Wi-Fi
- ✓ 100 access codes
- ✓ Grade 1 deadbolt
Best For
Apple HomeKit usersHome Key tappersSecurity-first homeowners
Schlage Encode Plus vs. the alternatives
How the Schlage Encode Plus stacks up against other Security options on price, expert consensus, and our proprietary SHE Score.
| Product | Price | Consensus | SHE Score | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode PlusThis page | $319.00 | 9/10 | 6.7/10 | Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa | Must Buy |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | $174.99 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | major smart home platforms | Must Buy |
| August Smart Lock Pro | $274.99 | 8.3/10 | 6.2/10 | Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa | Recommended |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | $152.85 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Matter | Recommended |
The Schlage Encode Plus ($319.00) earns a 9/10 expert consensus and a 6.7/10 SHE Score across 13 sources, versus the Eufy Security S330 Video Doorbell at $98.99 (8.7/10 consensus). It works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa.
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ Native Apple Home Key support — tap an iPhone or Watch to unlock
- ✓ Built-in Wi-Fi — no bridge or hub needed
- ✓ Up to 100 access codes
- ✓ Schlage grade 1 security (highest residential rating)
- ✓ Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Premium price
- ✗ No Z-Wave or Zigbee (Wi-Fi only)
- ✗ Battery drain faster than Z-Wave locks
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What The Experts Say
PC
“Top-tier security with the convenience of Home Key and built-in Wi-Fi — no hub required”
Ready to buy the Schlage Encode Plus?
Check Price on Amazon$319.00 · 13 expert sources · 9/10 consensus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth it?
The Schlage Encode Plus earns a 9/10 consensus score across 13 expert sources and is rated "Must Buy". At $319.00, it is best for Apple HomeKit users. Wirecutter notes: "The Schlage Encode Plus is the only lock with native Home Key support, making it the best choice for iPhone/Apple Watch users"
How much does the Schlage Encode Plus cost?
The Schlage Encode Plus is priced at $319.00. With a 9/10 score from 13 expert reviews and a "Must Buy" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Security products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Schlage Encode Plus best for?
The Schlage Encode Plus is best for Apple HomeKit users, Home Key tappers, Security-first homeowners. Experts rate it "Must Buy" with a 9/10 consensus across 13 sources.
How does the Schlage Encode Plus compare to other Security options?
Among the Security products we have aggregated, the Schlage Encode Plus ranks above average with a 9/10 score. PCMag adds: "Top-tier security with the convenience of Home Key and built-in Wi-Fi — no hub required"
What smart home systems does the Schlage Encode Plus work with?
The Schlage Encode Plus works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
Does the Schlage Encode Plus need a hub or a subscription?
No separate hub is required — it connects over Wi-Fi or your existing network, so there is no extra box to buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Schlage Encode Plus?
If the Schlage Encode Plus ($319.00, 9/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Security are August Smart Lock Pro, Yale Assure Lock 2, Wyze Lock Pro. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Schlage Encode Plus?
The main strengths of the Schlage Encode Plus are native apple home key support — tap an iphone or watch to unlock and built-in wi-fi — no bridge or hub needed. The most-cited downside is premium price. Overall, 13 expert sources rate it "Must Buy" with a 9/10 consensus score.
Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 13 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Schlage and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Schlage or any other manufacturer named in this article.