Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Review

The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt aims to simplify the smart lock installation process by removing the middleman. Most smart locks on the market require a bridge or a dedicated hub to connect to your local network. This piece of hardware integrates WiFi directly into the unit. This design choice means that once it is installed on your door, it communicates directly with your router. It is built for users who want to avoid extra hardware clutter and complicated network setups.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock

$319.00

• Built-in WiFi with Schlage Home app control
• Apple HomeKit and Home Keys compatible
• Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
• Fits doors 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick with standard backsets
• Manages up to 100 access codes and lock history

WiFi-enabled smart deadbolt with keypad entry, remote access via app, and HomeKit compatibility

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Specs Analysis

When looking at the technical foundation of this lock, the primary selling point is the integrated WiFi connectivity. Typical smart locks rely on Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols, which are efficient but require a proprietary bridge to talk to your smartphone or smart home assistant. By including WiFi, Schlage allows the lock to appear on your network as a standalone device. This reduces the number of points of failure in a smart home setup. If a hub goes offline, many other locks lose their smart functionality. This lock keeps working because its connection is direct.

The hardware is designed to fit standard door thicknesses of 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”. It uses standard backsets, which means it should work with most residential doors without needing specialized carpentry. Capacity is another strong point. The device manages up to 100 individual access codes. This is significant for large households or properties that are used for short-term rentals. You can assign specific codes to different people and track the lock history to see exactly when each code was used.

For Apple users, the integration goes beyond simple app control. The Encode Plus supports Apple HomeKit and, more importantly, Apple Home Key. Home Key allows you to unlock the door simply by tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock. This uses NFC technology, which is faster and often more reliable than pulling up an app and tapping a button. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which provides flexibility if you have a mixed ecosystem of smart devices.

However, direct WiFi connectivity comes with a trade-off regarding power. WiFi is a much higher energy consumer than Z-Wave or Bluetooth. While Schlage has optimized the hardware, users should be aware that battery life might not match the multi-year longevity of low-power protocol locks. You will likely need to check battery levels more frequently than you would with a hub-based Z-Wave lock.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Direct Connectivity: The built-in WiFi eliminates the need for additional bridges or hubs, which simplifies the network architecture in a home.
• Apple Home Key Support: The ability to unlock via NFC tapping with an iPhone or Apple Watch is a high-quality feature for the Apple ecosystem.
• High Code Capacity: Managing 100 unique access codes makes it a practical choice for managing many different users or temporary guests.
• Physical Security: Schlage is a well-known brand in traditional hardware, and this lock maintains the mechanical integrity expected from a standard heavy-duty deadbolt.
• Broad Compatibility: It works across Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, making it versatile for different smart home setups.

Cons

• Battery Consumption: Because it uses WiFi rather than low-energy protocols, battery replacement will be a more regular task.
• WiFi Range Dependency: Since there is no hub to act as a repeater near the door, the performance depends entirely on the strength of your home WiFi signal at the entry point.
• Premium Position: It sits at a higher price point compared to basic WiFi locks that do not offer HomeKey or HomeKit integration.

Who It Is For

This lock is specifically designed for the Apple HomeKit user. While it works with other assistants, the inclusion of Home Key makes it a standout option for anyone heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. If you want the convenience of walking up to your door and simply tapping your watch to unlock it, this is one of the few reliable ways to achieve that.

It is also suitable for families with multiple devices or frequent visitors. The ability to create many unique codes and track their usage via the Schlage Home app provides a level of oversight that basic locks lack. For a person living in a two-story house where the router might be far from the front door, however, extra caution is needed. You must ensure your WiFi signal is strong enough at the door to prevent connectivity drops.

If you are looking to build a smart home without adding more “boxes” to your router, this is a logical choice. It keeps the setup clean and avoids the “hub fatigue” that comes with managing multiple smart home gateways.

The Verdict

The Schlage Encode Plus is a high-performance smart lock that excels in integration and simplicity. By building WiFi directly into the device, Schlage has removed the friction of installing a separate bridge. The addition of Home Key support makes it a premium tool for Apple users, providing a physical interaction that feels much more natural than navigating a mobile app.

While the higher power requirements of WiFi mean you will spend more time managing batteries, the trade-off is a much more direct and capable connection. It is a reliable, well-built piece of hardware that fits into most standard door setups without complication. If you want a smart lock that feels like a traditional lock but offers extensive remote management and high-end ecosystem support, this is a top-tier option. It is priced at a premium, but the combination of security, HomeKit features, and the lack of required extra hardware justifies it for those who value a streamlined smart home.