Schlage
Schlage Encode Plus
$329
Released 2021
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
Schlage Encode Plus vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is cheaper at $179.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Ultraloq
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
$179.99Cheaper
Released 2021
Which is better: the Schlage Encode Plus or Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is the cheaper at $179.99.
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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 | 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 |
| Release | 2021 | 2021 |
Sources — Schlage Encode Plus: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15). Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi: u-tec.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Schlage Encode Plus and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi?
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 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
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.
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, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Fingerprint reader is fast and reliable; Easy, tool-light installation (roughly 10-20 min deadbolt swap); Multiple entry methods with flexible user management.
Flagged: 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi, no dual-band support; No Apple HomeKit or Amazon Key support; So-so battery life on 4 AA cells (3-6 months claimed).