# Schlage Encode Plus vs Kwikset Halo Touch: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Schlage Encode Plus (Schlage) and Kwikset Halo Touch (Kwikset) among smart locks. Kwikset Halo Touch is the cheaper of the two at $249.

## Side by side

| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Kwikset Halo Touch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $329 | $249 |
| Brand | Schlage | Kwikset |
| Released | 2021 | 2020 |
| Unlock methods | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key | fingerprint (up to 100 fingerprints / 50 users), smartphone app (Kwikset app), voice assistant (Alexa/Google), physical key (SmartKey re-keyable backup) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi built-in 2.4GHz (no hub required), Bluetooth |
| Matter | No | No |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) | — |
| Finish options | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Venetian Bronze |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY install |

## Key differences

- 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 Kwikset Halo Touch fingerprint (up to 100 fingerprints / 50 users), smartphone app (Kwikset app), voice assistant (Alexa/Google), physical key (SmartKey re-keyable backup)
- Connectivity: Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth vs Kwikset Halo Touch Wi-Fi built-in 2.4GHz (no hub required), Bluetooth
- Finish options: Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze vs Kwikset Halo Touch Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Venetian Bronze
- Install type: Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required vs Kwikset Halo Touch Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY install

## What reviewers say

**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.)

## Sources

- Schlage Encode Plus: https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode-plus.html (schlage.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Kwikset Halo Touch: https://www.kwikset.com/halo-touch (kwikset.com, verified 2026-07-10)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/schlage-encode-plus-vs-kwikset-halo-touch/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Schlage Encode Plus ($329) vs Kwikset Halo Touch ($249) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/schlage-encode-plus-vs-kwikset-halo-touch/
License: CC BY 4.0.