Best Smart Locks · head-to-head

Schlage Encode Plus vs Lockly Vision Elite

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Schlage Encode Plus is cheaper at $329. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Schlage Encode Plus or Lockly Vision Elite?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Schlage Encode Plus is the cheaper at $329.

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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 Lockly Vision Elite
US price $329 $499.99
BrandSchlageLockly
Released20212022
Unlock methods Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key 3D biometric fingerprint (up to 99 prints, 0.3s recognition), PIN Genie keypad (up to 49 codes), smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Google), scan-to-open QR code, physical keys (2 included)
Connectivity Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth Bluetooth; Wi-Fi/hub via included Vision Connect Hub; no native Wi-Fi chip in lock body
Matter No No
Auto lock Yes Yes
Battery type AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) 10000mAh rechargeable lithium (2 included); solar panel charging included
Finish options Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze Matte Black, Satin Nickel
Install type Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required Replaces existing deadbolt — DIY, 30-min install; 1⅜"–2" door thickness
Release 2021 2022

Sources — Schlage Encode Plus: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15). Lockly Vision Elite: lockly.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Schlage Encode Plus and Lockly Vision Elite?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 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 Lockly Vision Elite 3D biometric fingerprint (up to 99 prints, 0.3s recognition), PIN Genie keypad (up to 49 codes), smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Google), scan-to-open QR code, physical keys (2 included)
  • Connectivity: Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth vs Lockly Vision Elite Bluetooth; Wi-Fi/hub via included Vision Connect Hub; no native Wi-Fi chip in lock body
  • Battery type: Schlage Encode Plus AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) vs Lockly Vision Elite 10000mAh rechargeable lithium (2 included); solar panel charging included
  • Finish options: Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze vs Lockly Vision Elite Matte Black, Satin Nickel
  • Install type: Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required vs Lockly Vision Elite Replaces existing deadbolt — DIY, 30-min install; 1⅜"–2" door thickness

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.

Lockly Vision Elite

No sourced tester review yet.

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