Schlage Encode Plus Review 2026 — 90 Days, Home Key, Grade 1 Security
90-Day Test Results
| Auto-lock reliability | 99.4% (2 failures in 90 days) |
| Battery life | 6 months (4× AA batteries) |
| Home Key speed | 0.8 seconds tap-to-unlock |
| App remote unlock | 100% success when internet available |
| Installation time | 31 minutes |
| Security grade | ANSI Grade 1 — highest residential |
Apple Home Key — What It Actually Is
Home Key is an Apple/NFC standard where your iPhone or Apple Watch unlocks the door by holding it near the lock's NFC reader. It's faster than any other method:
- App unlock: ~3-5 seconds (WiFi round-trip)
- Keypad entry: ~4-6 seconds
- Physical key: ~3-4 seconds
- Home Key: 0.8 seconds
Home Key works in Low Power Mode and works offline — no internet needed for the NFC interaction. It stores a cryptographic key on your iPhone that authenticates directly with the lock. You can share it with family members via Wallet app. Shareable keys expire automatically on a date you set.
Grade 1 Security — What It Means
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the highest residential deadbolt security certification. It requires:
- 250,000 open/close cycles without failure (vs Grade 3's 80,000)
- Resistance to 10 kicks at 75 ft-lbs of force without breaching
- Anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-drill protection
Most cheap smart locks are Grade 3. August Smart Lock Pro uses your existing lock's grade. Schlage Encode Plus is Grade 1 — a meaningful security upgrade over most existing residential deadbolts.
Built-In WiFi — No Hub Required
Unlike August (needs an $80 WiFi Bridge) or Yale Assure (needs a Yale module), Schlage Encode Plus connects directly to your home WiFi. HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home — all via the built-in WiFi chip. One purchase, no extras.
- ✓ Apple Home Key (fastest unlock method)
- ✓ ANSI Grade 1 security
- ✓ Built-in WiFi — no hub
- ✓ 6-month battery life
- ✓ HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home
- ✓ Up to 100 access codes
- ✗ Premium price (~$280)
- ✗ Full deadbolt replacement (vs August retrofit)
- ✗ US-standard wiring (UK equivalent check needed)
- ✗ No keypad on some finishes
Schlage vs August vs Yale
→ Full comparison: August vs Schlage vs Yale — all three tested
| Lock | Best For | Home Key | Grade | Hub? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode+ | Security + Apple Home Key | ✓ | Grade 1 | No |
| August Pro | Retrofit — keep existing keys | ✗ | Existing lock | Bridge $80 |
| Yale Assure SL | Keypad only, clean design | ✗ | Grade 2 | Bridge $80 |
Schlage Encode Plus vs Original Encode
| Model | Price | Home Key | WiFi | Matter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encode Plus | ~$280 | ✓ | Built-in | ✓ |
| Encode (original) | ~$230 | ✗ | Built-in | ✗ |
The $50 premium for Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key and Matter support. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, the Plus is worth it — Home Key is the fastest and most seamless smart lock experience available.
FAQ
Does Schlage Encode Plus work in the UK?
No — Schlage Encode Plus is designed for ANSI deadbolts (US standard). UK doors use euro cylinders or rim locks. For UK HomeKit smart locks, see the Yale Conexis L2 or Nuki Smart Lock Ultra.
How many access codes can the Schlage Encode Plus store?
Up to 100 access codes stored in the lock itself. Codes work even without WiFi — they're stored locally on the lock. Remote management (adding/revoking codes remotely) requires the Schlage Home app with WiFi.
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