Schlage Smart Lock Review: Encode Plus vs. Encode vs. Connect

When it comes to smart locks, Schlage has one of the best reputations in the business. The brand has been making residential locks for over 100 years, and their smart lock lineup combines that hardware expertise with modern connectivity. This review covers the three main Schlage smart lock models to help you decide which one fits your home.

Schlage Smart Lock Lineup Overview

Schlage currently offers three main smart lock models:

Model	Price	Connectivity	Smart Home
Schlage Encode Plus	~$300	Wi-Fi + Matter	Works with all major platforms
Schlage Encode	~$250	Wi-Fi	Alexa, Google, Ring
Schlage Connect	~$200	Z-Wave/Zigbee	Requires hub

Each runs on a keypad with touchscreen, supports access codes, and installs over your existing deadbolt in about 15-30 minutes.

Build Quality and Security

Schlage locks consistently earn the highest security ratings in the industry. The Encode and Encode Plus both carry:

• ANSI Grade 1 certification — the highest residential security rating
• BHMA Grade 1 for durability
• Built-in alarm technology that detects door attacks

The deadbolt itself is solid metal, the keypad feels premium (not hollow or plasticky), and the finish options (Satin Nickel, Aged Bronze, Matte Black) look genuinely upscale compared to competing brands.

For Florida homeowners who deal with humidity and salt air near the coast, it’s worth noting that Schlage locks are tested for weather resistance. The finish holds up well in humid conditions, though covering the keypad with an approved weatherproof cover adds extra protection in exposed locations.

Schlage Encode Plus: The Best All-Around Choice

The Schlage Encode Plus is the top-of-the-line model and the one we’d recommend for most buyers in 2025. Here’s why.

Built-In Wi-Fi and Matter Support

The Encode Plus connects directly to your Wi-Fi router — no hub required. It also supports the Matter standard, which means it works natively with:

• Apple HomeKit
• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home
• Samsung SmartThings

This future-proofs your purchase. Whether you switch smart home platforms or add new ones, your lock will still work.

Apple Home Key

The Encode Plus is one of the few locks with Apple Home Key support, letting iPhone and Apple Watch users unlock the door with a tap — no app required, just your phone near the lock. It’s fast, reliable, and elegant.

Access Codes

Store up to 100 access codes. Assign temporary codes for house cleaners or guests, and delete them when no longer needed. The app shows a history of who used which code and when.

Built-In Alarm

The alarm detects forced entry attempts and sounds an audible alert — a feature unique to Schlage that no other major smart lock brand offers at this price.

Schlage Encode: A Strong Mid-Range Option

The Schlage Encode offers the same Wi-Fi connectivity and Grade 1 security at a lower price (~$250). The main differences from the Encode Plus:

• No Matter support (works with Alexa, Google, Ring, and the Schlage Home app, but not HomeKit natively)
• No Apple Home Key
• Otherwise identical hardware and security features

If you’re an Android user with no plans to use Apple HomeKit, the standard Encode is excellent value.

Schlage Connect: For Smart Home Hub Users

The Schlage Connect uses Z-Wave or Zigbee instead of Wi-Fi, which means it requires a compatible smart home hub (Samsung SmartThings, Wink, or a Home Assistant setup with the right radio).

The advantage: Z-Wave locks tend to be more reliable in environments with crowded Wi-Fi, and they use less battery. If you’re already running Home Assistant or SmartThings, the Connect integrates deeply and allows more complex automations.

The disadvantage: you need the hub. If you don’t already have one, the Encode is simpler.

Installation

All Schlage smart locks install in roughly the same way:

1. Remove your existing deadbolt (4 screws)
2. Install the Schlage exterior and interior assemblies
3. Install batteries (4 AA batteries, included)
4. Download the Schlage Home app and follow setup
5. Connect to your smart home platform

The process is well-documented in the app with video guidance. Most people complete it in 20-30 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver.

Battery Life

Schlage advertises up to 1 year of battery life on 4 AA batteries with typical use. Real-world users typically report 6-12 months depending on usage frequency and temperature. Florida’s heat can reduce battery performance slightly. The lock gives low-battery warnings well in advance, and there’s a 9V battery terminal on the exterior for emergency power if you get locked out.

Pros and Cons

What we like:

• Unmatched security ratings and hardware build quality
• Encode Plus’s Matter support is genuinely future-proof
• Apple Home Key is fast and convenient
• Built-in alarm adds a layer of protection others don’t offer
• Up to 100 access codes, with history log

What could be better:

• Higher price point than Yale or Kwikset equivalents
• No fingerprint option (some competitors offer biometric unlock)
• Bulkier interior assembly than some competitors

Final Verdict

If security is your top priority and you want a lock that will still be relevant five years from now, the Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock you can buy for a standard residential door. Its combination of Grade 1 hardware, Matter support, and Apple Home Key makes it worth the premium price for most homeowners.