Schlage
Schlage Encode Plus
$329
Released 2021
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
Schlage Encode Plus vs Aqara Smart Lock U100
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Aqara Smart Lock U100 is cheaper at $169.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Aqara
Aqara Smart Lock U100
$169.99Cheaper
Released 2022
Which is better: the Schlage Encode Plus or Aqara Smart Lock U100?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the cheaper at $169.99.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $329 | $169.99 |
| Brand | Schlage | Aqara |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Unlock methods | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key | fingerprint (98.6% accuracy, <0.5s recognition, 50 prints), keypad PIN (permanent/periodic/one-time), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), NFC tag (2 included), smartphone app, physical key backup |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth | Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup |
| Matter | No | Yes |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) | 4× AA |
| Finish options | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze | Shadow Gray, Silver |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors |
| Release | 2021 | 2022 |
Sources — Schlage Encode Plus: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15). Aqara Smart Lock U100: aqara.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Schlage Encode Plus and Aqara Smart Lock U100?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Unlock methods: Schlage Encode Plus Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 fingerprint (98.6% accuracy, <0.5s recognition, 50 prints), keypad PIN (permanent/periodic/one-time), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), NFC tag (2 included), smartphone app, physical key backup
- Connectivity: Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup
- Matter: Schlage Encode Plus false vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 true
- Battery type: Schlage Encode Plus AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 4× AA
- Finish options: Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Shadow Gray, Silver
- Install type: Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Schlage Encode Plus
Four whitelisted outlets (Tom's Guide, PCWorld, Reviewed/USA Today, TechRadar) reviewed this exact deadbolt hands-on. The only quantified hands-on metric was Reviewed's roughly 10-minute DIY install; no instrument benchmarks were run. All four praise the Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock and the easy, standard installation. Recurring gripes across the set: no backup power plus a single included key, a bulkier-than-average body, missing fingerprint/geofencing/door sensor, only 100 codes, and HomeKit Wi-Fi/remote access needing an Apple hub. Best suited to Apple households. (4 sourced reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
Praised: Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock via iPhone/Apple Watch is fast and genuinely convenient; Easy, standard hardware installation and quick pairing/setup; Broad platform support (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit) with built-in Wi-Fi, no hub for basic use.
Flagged: No backup power source and only one physical key included; No fingerprint sensor; missing geofencing and door-open/close sensor; Stores only 100 access codes, fewer than several rivals.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
No sourced tester review yet.