Schlage
Schlage Encode Plus
$329
Released 2021
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
Schlage Encode Plus vs Kwikset Halo Touch
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kwikset Halo Touch is cheaper at $249. Every spec and price links to its source.
Kwikset
Kwikset Halo Touch
$249Cheaper
Released 2020
Which is better: the Schlage Encode Plus or Kwikset Halo Touch?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Kwikset Halo Touch is the cheaper at $249.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2021 | 2020 |
Sources — Schlage Encode Plus: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15). Kwikset Halo Touch: kwikset.com (verified 2026-07-10).
What's the difference between the Schlage Encode Plus and Kwikset Halo Touch?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 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 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
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.
Kwikset Halo Touch
No sourced tester review yet.