# Schlage Encode Plus vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Schlage Encode Plus (Schlage) and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi (Ultraloq) among smart locks. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is the cheaper of the two at $179.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $329 | $179.99 |
| Brand | Schlage | Ultraloq |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Unlock methods | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key | fingerprint (100 fingerprints, 0.3s recognition), keypad PIN (up to 50 codes), smartphone app (iOS/Android), Apple Watch, auto-unlock (geofence), physical key override |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n built-in, Bluetooth; also available in Z-Wave Plus and Matter over Thread variants |
| Matter | No | No |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) | 4× AA (alkaline or lithium) |
| Finish options | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze | Matte Black, Satin Nickel (inferred from product line; specific finishes not enumerated on page accessed) |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore 2-1/8" door, DIY 4-screw 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 Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi fingerprint (100 fingerprints, 0.3s recognition), keypad PIN (up to 50 codes), smartphone app (iOS/Android), Apple Watch, auto-unlock (geofence), physical key override
- Connectivity: Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n built-in, Bluetooth; also available in Z-Wave Plus and Matter over Thread variants
- Battery type: Schlage Encode Plus AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi 4× AA (alkaline or lithium)
- Finish options: Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Matte Black, Satin Nickel (inferred from product line; specific finishes not enumerated on page accessed)
- Install type: Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore 2-1/8" door, DIY 4-screw 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.)

**Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi** — Two hands-on testers reviewed this exact model: TechHive (Christopher Null) and Reviewed/USA Today (Rick Broida). Both praise the fingerprint reader, easy installation, multiple entry methods, and built-in Wi-Fi that needs no separate bridge. Both flag the strict 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi with no dual-band support. They split on Wi-Fi setup reliability: TechHive called the built-in Wi-Fi 'half-baked' after it refused to join a mesh network, while Reviewed's app connected in seconds. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Schlage Encode Plus: https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode-plus.html (schlage.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi: https://www.u-tec.com/products/ultraloq-u-bolt-pro-wifi (u-tec.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/schlage-encode-plus-vs-ultraloq-u-bolt-pro-wifi/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Schlage Encode Plus ($329) vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi ($179.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/schlage-encode-plus-vs-ultraloq-u-bolt-pro-wifi/
License: CC BY 4.0.