Schlage · Updated June 2026
Schlage Encode Plus: price, specs & release date
Schlage Encode Plus, released 2021. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: schlage.com verified verify in ledger
- Best for Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock via iPhone/Apple Watch is fast and genuinely convenient; Easy, standard hardware installation and quick pairing/setup.
- Skip if No backup power source and only one physical key included is a dealbreaker.
Is the Schlage Encode Plus a good buy?
At $329, the Schlage Encode Plus is #14 cheapest of the 19 smart locks we track, where the median is $249. On the spec sheet, its release of 2021 is below the median of the 16.
Evidence of Record
Our data- Independent labsmeasured it
- 1
- Physical metricsrecorded
- 1
- Outlets on record1 tested · 3 mention-only
- 4
One independent lab measured this product across 1 physical metric — setup. These numbers rest on a single hands-on source so far; 3 other outlets have it on record by mention only.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 4 reviews · 4 lab-tested · 2022-06-30–2025-06-23
Tested by Tom's Guide, PCWorld, Reviewed, TechRadar
Consistently praised
- Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock via iPhone/Apple Watch is fast and genuinely convenient · 4 sources
- Easy, standard hardware installation and quick pairing/setup · 4 sources
- Broad platform support (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit) with built-in Wi-Fi, no hub for basic use · 3 sources
Commonly flagged
- No backup power source and only one physical key included · 3 sources
- No fingerprint sensor; missing geofencing and door-open/close sensor · 2 sources
- Stores only 100 access codes, fewer than several rivals
- Bulky, larger-than-average design that can clash with existing door hardware
Where reviewers disagree Testers split on keypad legibility: PCWorld found the numbers 'easy to read in full sunlight as well as in the dark,' while Reviewed called the backlight 'quite dim and not very helpful in bright sun' and Tom's Guide described the backlighting as 'a bit jagged.'
The sources (4)
Unlocking the door with my iPhone was as simple as tapping it to the lock.
I also found its keypad to be very responsive, but the backlighting around the numbers was a bit jagged — like when you print out something using cheap ink.
The Schlage Encode Plus can store up to 100 codes; while that's a good many, it's far short of the 250 codes offered with the Yale Assure SL and the unlimited number of codes you get with the August Smart Lock.
I found this deadbolt easier to set up than many others in the field, and particularly simple for Apple HomeKit configuration without even needing to install the Schlage Home app on my iPhone.
The keypad is nice and bright on the Schlage, and includes colors to signal how the lock is working. I found the numbers easy to read in full sunlight as well as in the dark.
the Schlage lock is slightly larger on both sides of the door than some other locks we've tried.
DIY deadbolt swap install time (hands-on): 10 min
it costs more than most and offers a bit less, skipping desirable extras like geofencing and a fingerprint sensor.
Within about five minutes, my setup was complete, and I could tap my phone on the front of the Schlage to unlock it.
It was actually the first lock to support the iPhone tap-to-unlock feature.
A battery-operated smart lock was not my preference.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $329 MSRP 'From $329' confirmed on schlage.com product page. Alternate schlage.com listing shows $300 MSRP for some trim variants. |
|---|---|
| Brand | Schlage |
| Released | 2021 |
| Unlock methods | 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, Bluetooth |
| Matter | No |
| Auto lock | Yes |
| Battery type | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) |
| Finish options | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required |
Source: schlage.com (verified 2026-06-15). schlage.com product page (fetched 2026-06-15) confirms: Apple Home Key support, keypad codes, built-in Wi-Fi, Alexa/Siri/Google assistant, time-delayed auto-lock, Century and Camelot trim styles in Satin Nickel/Matte Black/Bright Chrome/Aged Bronze. 'From $329' MSRP on page. Battery type: AA confirmed as battery-powered; Schlage does not publish quantity in online spec sheets. No mention of Matter. AAA certified deadbolt, 3-year electronic / lifetime mechanical warranty. Release 2021 per launch coverage.
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth it vs cheaper smart locks?
Schlage Encode Plus against its closest cheaper and pricier smart locks on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 19 ranked
| Product | Price | Unlock methods | Connectivity | Matter | Auto lock | Battery type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus this | $329 | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth | No | Yes | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) |
| Schlage Encode | $299 | keypad access codes, smartphone app (remote), voice assistant (Alexa/Google), physical key | Wi-Fi built-in | No | Yes | AA batteries (battery-powered; quantity not published by Schlage) |
| Level Lock Pro | $349 | smartphone app (Bluetooth range), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (original hardware retained), optional keypad accessory ($79), optional key card/fob | Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 built-in, Matter over Thread; Wi-Fi via optional Level Connect bridge ($79 add-on) for remote access | Yes | Yes | CR2 |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. 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; Bulky, larger-than-average design that can clash with existing door hardware; HomeKit Wi-Fi/remote features require an Apple hub (Apple TV, HomePod mini, or iPad). (From 4 tester reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
How much does the Schlage Encode Plus cost?
The Schlage Encode Plus has a US price of $329 (MSRP 'From $329' confirmed on schlage.com product page. Alternate schlage.com listing shows $300 MSRP for some trim variants.), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Schlage Encode Plus compare on price?
At $329, the Schlage Encode Plus is #14 cheapest of the 19 smart locks we track, where the median is $249.
When was the Schlage Encode Plus released?
The Schlage Encode Plus was released 2021.
What are the Schlage Encode Plus's key specs?
Schlage Encode Plus (Schlage): unlock methods 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, Bluetooth, matter No, auto lock Yes, battery type AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage). Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $329 at schlage.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar smart locks
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Compare with
Head-to-head
- Schlage Encode Plus vs August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
- Schlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2
- Schlage Encode Plus vs Level Lock Pro
- Schlage Encode Plus vs Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Schlage Encode Plus vs Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
- Schlage Encode Plus vs Lockly Vision Elite
- Schlage Encode Plus vs Kwikset Halo Touch
Cheaper smart locks
- Schlage Encode $299
- Aqara Smart Lock U400 $269.99
- Level Lock $249
- Kwikset Halo Touch $249
- Yale Assure Lock 2 $239.99
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) $199.99
Step up
- Level Lock Pro $349
- Eufy Video Smart Lock S330 $349.99
- Schlage Sense Pro $399
- Lockly Vision $419.99
- Lockly Vision Elite $499.99
More from Schlage
- Schlage Encode $299
- Schlage Sense Pro $399
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