Yale
Yale Assure Lock 2
$239.99Cheaper
Released 2022
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs Schlage Encode Plus
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Yale Assure Lock 2 is cheaper at $239.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Schlage
Schlage Encode Plus
$329
Released 2021
Which is better: the Yale Assure Lock 2 or Schlage Encode Plus?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the cheaper at $239.99.
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 | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Schlage Encode Plus |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $239.99 | $329 |
| Brand | Yale | Schlage |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Unlock methods | touchscreen keypad, smartphone app, Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (on keyed models), voice assistant (Alexa/Google) | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi built-in (premium SKU), Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus module (optional, $80 add-on) | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth |
| Matter | No | No |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | 4× AA (9V terminal for emergency backup) | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) |
| Finish options | Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bronze | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required |
| Release | 2022 | 2021 |
Sources — Yale Assure Lock 2: digitaltrends.com (verified 2026-06-15). Schlage Encode Plus: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Schlage Encode Plus?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Unlock methods: Yale Assure Lock 2 touchscreen keypad, smartphone app, Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (on keyed models), voice assistant (Alexa/Google) vs Schlage Encode Plus Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key
- Connectivity: Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi built-in (premium SKU), Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus module (optional, $80 add-on) vs Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth
- Battery type: Yale Assure Lock 2 4× AA (9V terminal for emergency backup) vs Schlage Encode Plus AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage)
- Finish options: Yale Assure Lock 2 Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bronze vs Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze
- Install type: Yale Assure Lock 2 Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door vs Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Yale Assure Lock 2
Four whitelisted testers (Engadget, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, TechHive) hands-on-tested the Yale Assure Lock 2 (across keypad/touchscreen and Wi-Fi configurations) and all recommend it as a good-looking, reliable smart deadbolt with broad smart-home support. The most common gripes are the dated, buggy Yale Access app (TechRadar, TechHive) and an installation that can need careful attention (TechRadar, Engadget). Tom's Guide separately dinged the lack of fingerprint or tap-to-unlock. Consumer Reports and retailer reviews were excluded. (4 sourced reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
Praised: Attractive, compact design (about 30% smaller inside than the original); Reliable everyday locking and unlocking in testing; Broad smart-home support (Alexa, Google, HomeKit, plus Wi-Fi/Z-Wave/Matter modules).
Flagged: Dated, buggy Yale Access app (crashes, no battery indicator); Installation can need careful attention (~30 min, occasional troubleshooting); No fingerprint or tap-to-unlock; must press Yale logo first to use the pad.
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.