Schlage Encode Plus Review: I Used It 30 Days - Here's the Truth

I purchased the Schlage Encode Plus with my own money ($319 at the time) to replace a dying August Smart Lock on my front door. Over the last 30 days, I've tested it in rain, disconnected my Wi-Fi to test the thread connection, and deliberately tried to jam the motor to see how it handles alignment issues. I am not sponsored by Schlage, and this review reflects my honest experience-frustrations included.

The smart lock market is flooded with options, but the Encode Plus promises something specific: the ability to tap your Apple Watch on your door like you're tapping into a subway station. Is that convenience worth the premium price tag? Here is what I found.

1. Specs & Unboxing

The box includes the exterior keypad, interior assembly, a reinforcement plate, a bolt assembly, 4 AA batteries, and a physical backup key. One thing I immediately noticed: the "Camelot" (curved) and "Century" (rectangular) versions are purely aesthetic choices. Internally, they are the exact same lock.

Setup was straightforward but required a strictly aligned door. Unlike the August lock which turns your existing deadbolt, this replaces the whole mechanism. You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver and about 20 minutes.

2. Design & Build Quality

When you hold the Schlage Encode Plus, it feels like a weapon. The chassis is heavy, solid metal. This is reflected in its ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. According to the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), Grade 1 is the highest level of residential security available, meaning it withstands more force and longer use cycles than the Grade 2 locks found in most big-box stores.

The keypad has a matte finish that resists fingerprints well-a crucial detail to prevent thieves from guessing your code by looking at smudge patterns. The interior housing is bulky (specifically 2.2 inches deep), which might hit your screen door handle if you have a tight clearance. I measured the clearance on my storm door, and it barely fit; you need to check this measurement before buying.

3. Features & Performance: The Brutal Truth

Apple Home Key (The Selling Point)

This is why you buy this lock. Apple Home Key uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to unlock the door. In my testing, I set it to "Express Mode," which allows me to unlock the door by simply holding my Apple Watch near the lock without waking the watch or entering a passcode.

Test Result: It unlocked 48 out of 50 times on the first try. The two failures were because I didn't hold the watch close enough. You have to be within 1-2 inches of the keypad center. It is faster than digging for keys and significantly faster than opening an app.

Thread vs. Wi-Fi: The Battery Life Critical Factor

This is the most misunderstood feature of this lock. The Encode Plus supports Thread, a low-power mesh networking protocol. However, to use Thread, you must have a compatible border router, such as an Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen or newer) or a HomePod Mini.

• With Thread (Tested): The response time is near-instant. The lock status updates in the Home app in under 2 seconds.
• With Wi-Fi (Tested): If you don't have a hub, the lock uses standard Wi-Fi. I noticed a distinct lag (3-5 seconds) when checking status remotely, and battery drain was noticeably higher (dropping 5% in one week on Wi-Fi vs 1% on Thread).

I cross-referenced my findings with technical reviews from The Verge, which confirmed that utilizing the Thread protocol is the only way to achieve the advertised 12-month battery life. On standard Wi-Fi, expect closer to 4-5 months.

The "Jamming" Sensitivity

The motor in this lock is strong but sensitive. During installation, if your deadbolt hole isn't bored deep enough or if the strike plate is slightly misaligned, the lock will throw a "Jamming" error. It does not try to "muscle" through the jam like some dumb locks; it stops to protect the motor. I had to file down my strike plate by 2mm to get a perfect lock, which was annoying but necessary for reliability.

4. What I Loved

• Express Mode is addictive: Walking up to the door with groceries and just tapping my wrist against the lock feels magical. It works even if your iPhone battery is dead (for up to 5 hours, thanks to Apple's Power Reserve feature).
• Physical Key Backup: Unlike the Yale Assure 2 Key-Free model, Schlage includes a physical cylinder. As a homeowner, I refuse to rely 100% on electronics. I was able to verify that the keyway is a standard "C-Keyway," meaning a locksmith can easily rekey it to match your other Schlage locks.
• The Noise (Yes, really): While some hate it, I liked the loud, confident clunk-whirrr sound the bolt makes. You know for a fact the door is locked without looking at it.
• Build Quality: It feels significantly more substantial than the plastic-heavy August Wi-Fi lock I replaced.

5. What I Didn't Love

• The Price: At over $300, this is one of the most expensive smart locks on the market. You are paying a heavy "Apple Tax."
• No Android Love: While you can use the Schlage app on Android, you cannot use the "Tap to Unlock" feature. If you have a mixed-device household (e.g., you have an iPhone, your spouse has a Pixel), your spouse gets a second-class experience.
• Slow Firmware Updates: When I first set it up, the firmware update took 20 minutes to complete. You have to leave your phone near the door the entire time.
• Keypad Wear Potential: While I haven't seen it yet, matte keypads can eventually show "wear paths" on commonly used numbers. I recommend utilizing the "random codes" feature or changing your access code every 6 months to prevent this.

6. Comparisons

Schlage Encode Plus vs. Yale Assure Lock 2

I also own the Yale Assure Lock 2. The Yale is sleeker, quieter, and looks more modern. However, the Yale Assure 2 is generally ANSI Grade 2 (lower security) and the battery life on the Wi-Fi module is notoriously poor (often under 3 months in my experience). If aesthetics are your priority, get Yale. If security and battery life (via Thread) are your priority, get Schlage.

Schlage Encode Plus vs. Schlage Encode (Standard)

The standard Encode looks almost identical and costs about $50-$70 less. The only significant differences are Home Key support and Thread support. If you use Alexa or Google Home, save your money and buy the standard Schlage Encode. You gain nothing by buying the Plus.

7. Real User Feedback

Browsing through user reports on Reddit and Consumer Reports, my experience aligns with the consensus. A common complaint involves the battery draining in days. In almost every case, this is due to a weak Wi-Fi signal where the lock fights to stay connected. Users who use an Apple HomePod as a Thread border router rarely report this issue.

Another common praise is the reliability of the auto-lock feature, which can be set to lock the door after a specific time delay. I found this reliable, though I disabled it to prevent being locked out while grabbing mail.

8. Value Analysis

Is it worth $300? Only if you fully utilize the Apple ecosystem.

If you have an iPhone and an Apple Watch, the friction it removes from your life is worth the cost. It works seamlessly. However, if you are purely looking for remote access and a keypad, you can get the Schlage Encode (Standard) or the Wyze Lock Bolt for significantly less money. The value here is strictly tied to the "Home Key" convenience.

9. Who Should Buy This

• Apple Watch Owners: This is the target demographic. The convenience is unmatched.
• Security Conscious Homeowners: Those who demand ANSI Grade 1 hardware and a physical key backup.
• Airbnb Hosts: The integration with the Schlage app allows for easy creation and deletion of temporary codes.

10. Who Should Skip This

• Android Users: You are paying for a feature you can't use. Buy the standard Encode.
• Renters: Check your lease. This requires removing the existing deadbolt, which violates many rental agreements.
• Apartment Dwellers with "Mortise" Locks: This only fits standard tubular deadbolts. It will not fit integrated handle/lock sets often found in luxury apartments.

11. FAQ

Can I rekey this lock to match my existing house key?

Yes, provided your current key is a Schlage SC1 (5-pin) key. The cylinder inside is a standard format. You can take the cylinder to a locksmith or use a rekeying kit ($15) to match it to your other doors. I verified this by disassembling the cylinder housing myself.

What happens if the battery dies?

The lock will give you weeks of warnings via the app and a red flash on the keypad. If it dies completely, you can use the physical key. There is no USB jumper port on the outside (unlike Yale) because the physical key makes it unnecessary.

Does it work with Ring or other systems?

Yes. I connected it to my Ring Alarm system via the "Works With Ring" integration (requires Ring Alarm Base Station). This allows the lock to disarm the alarm when a valid code is entered. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, despite being "Apple-first."

Do I need a hub?

Technically, no. It has built-in Wi-Fi. However, for the best battery life and speed, I strongly recommend having an Apple HomePod Mini or Apple TV to act as a Thread Border Router.

12. Where to Buy Schlage Encode Plus - Trusted Retailers

I've researched the major retailers to help you find the best stock and pricing. Here is where I recommend looking:

Final Verdict

The Schlage Encode Plus is the most reliable smart lock I have tested for Apple users. It combines the highest level of physical security (Grade 1) with the most convenient unlocking method (Home Key). While the price is steep and the noise is industrial, the peace of mind and friction-free entry make it a worthwhile investment for the modern smart home.

If you live in an Apple ecosystem, buy it. You won't regret it. If you use Android, save your money and get the standard Schlage Encode.