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Most Secure Smart Lock

Schlage Encode Plus Review (2026) — Most Secure Smart Lock with Keypad

By the Silent Security Editorial Team·Last updated March 2026·How we test
8.6
/10
★★★★½
Most Secure Smart Lock
Price$299.99
Security GradeANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — highest residential rating
ConnectivityBuilt-in Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) + Bluetooth — no hub needed
Entry MethodsKeypad code, Apple Home Key (NFC), physical key
Smart HomeApple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home
User CodesUp to 100 access codes
Battery4× AA batteries — approx. 6 months
Finish OptionsAged Bronze, Matte Black, Satin Nickel
Pros
  • ANSI Grade 1 — highest physical security rating in residential locks
  • Apple Home Key: tap iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock (NFC)
  • Built-in keypad means no phone required for entry
  • 100 user code slots — ideal for rental properties or large households
  • No hub or bridge required — built-in Wi-Fi
Cons
  • At $299.99, it's the most expensive option in this review roundup
  • Replaces full deadbolt exterior + interior (requires rekeying or new keys)
  • Works with HomeKit and Alexa but not Samsung SmartThings or Z-Wave
  • No Google Home Trusted Places (location-based auto-unlock) support
  • App setup can be finicky on Android — iOS experience is smoother
Buy Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon →How We Score
ℹIndependence Note: Silent Security.net tests and evaluates products independently. No brand has paid for placement or influenced this review score.
How we score: Our rating combines protection effectiveness (40%), ease of use for non-technical households (25%), value for money (20%), and privacy practices (15%). Full methodology →

Why Schlage Encode Plus Is Different

Most smart locks reviewed on this site are retrofits — they replace only the interior thumb turn. The Schlage Encode Plus replaces your entire deadbolt: exterior keypad/cylinder and interior thumb turn. This is meaningful because Schlage's bolt mechanism carries an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, the highest standard in residential hardware — tested to 250,000 cycle durability, pick resistance, and forced entry resistance.

If physical security grade matters (rental property, high-crime area, or simply wanting the best), Schlage's Grade 1 certification is unmatched in the consumer smart lock category. August, Yale, and most others are rated Grade 2 or Grade 3.

Apple Home Key — What It Actually Is

Apple Home Key is a feature that allows you to unlock a compatible HomeKit lock by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock's NFC reader — similar to a hotel key card, but with your phone. No app opening, no screen unlock required. You tap, the lock opens in under one second.

This is meaningfully faster than app-based unlock flows (August, Wyze) and works even when your phone has a low battery (Emergency SOS mode on iPhone). For frequent users who arrive at their door with hands full, this is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade worth paying for.

ℹ HomeKit Required: Apple Home Key requires an Apple Home hub (HomePod mini, HomePod, or Apple TV) to set up initially, but unlocking with NFC works locally without internet once configured.

100 User Codes for Rentals & Large Households

The Schlage Encode Plus supports up to 100 unique access codes, significantly more than August (unlimited virtual keys, but app-based only) or Yale Assure Lock 2 (250 codes). For Airbnb hosts, property managers, or large households, the built-in keypad with 100 code capacity means guests always have a physical backup entry method that doesn't require a smartphone or app installation.

Codes can be scheduled with validity windows (check-in to check-out dates), deleted remotely, and audited for entry history through the Schlage Home app. For short-term rental use cases, Schlage integrates with Airbnb, VRBO, and several property management platforms through third-party services.

Schlage vs. August vs. Yale

Against August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro ($229.99): August wins on installation simplicity (retrofit vs. full replacement) and SmartThings support. Schlage wins on physical security grade, keypad entry, Apple Home Key, and code capacity. At a $70 premium, Schlage is worth it for homeowners who want the highest security grade and a keypad.

Against Yale Assure Lock 2 ($219.99–$299.99): Yale offers a slightly lower entry price with similar keypad functionality. Schlage wins on Grade 1 certification and Apple Home Key. Yale's HomeKit support is solid but lacks NFC unlock. Both are excellent — choose Schlage for Apple users wanting Home Key, Yale for tighter budget flexibility.

Buy It If / Skip It If

Buy It If
  • Physical security grade matters — ANSI Grade 1 is the best available
  • You want Apple Home Key (tap-to-unlock with iPhone/Apple Watch)
  • A built-in keypad for code-based entry is important to you
  • You manage a rental property and need 100+ access code capacity
Skip It If
  • Budget is tight — $299.99 is the highest price in the smart lock category
  • You rent and can't replace exterior door hardware
  • You use Samsung SmartThings or Z-Wave — Schlage Encode Plus doesn't support them
  • You're on Android — the iOS app experience is significantly smoother

Company Background & Trust

HeadquartersIndianapolis, Indiana, USA (Allegion HQ: Dublin, Ireland)
Founded1920 (Schlage brand); Allegion spun off from Ingersoll Rand 2013
Parent CompanyAllegion plc — Irish-incorporated, NYSE-listed
Publicly TradedNYSE: ALLE
Hardware OriginManufactured in USA (Colorado Springs, CO) and Mexico
Audits & CertsANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified. No published digital/app security audits.
✓ Trusted

100-year-old American brand with the highest ANSI Grade 1 physical security rating. Irish parent incorporation is a corporate tax structure — Schlage design, manufacturing, and operations are US-based. No documented digital security incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Schlage Home app works on Android. However, Apple Home Key (NFC tap-to-unlock) is an Apple-only feature and does not work on Android phones. Android users can unlock via the Schlage app, Bluetooth proximity, access codes, or physical key. The keypad-based entry is the most Android-friendly quick access method.

Guest codes are added through the Schlage Home app. Go to Access, select Add Access, and create a code with an optional validity schedule. You can create up to 100 codes. Codes can be deleted remotely at any time through the app, and entry history is logged with timestamps for audit purposes.

Schlage Encode Plus works with Amazon Alexa, which allows voice locking and integration with Ring Alarm through Alexa routines. It does not natively integrate with SimpliSafe or Ring's first-party app. For SimpliSafe integration, August smart locks (which support SmartThings) offer a more connected path.

Related Guides

Best Smart Locks 2026
Our full smart lock category rankings
›
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review
Best retrofit alternative
›
Yale Assure Lock 2 Review
Grade 2 alternative at a lower price
›

Our Recommended Home Security Kit

Specific products we recommend for complete, layered home protection.

Most Secure Lock
Schlage Encode Plus
ANSI Grade 1, Apple Home Key, 100 codes
ReviewBuy on Amazon
Retrofit Alternative
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro
No exterior change needed, multi-platform
ReviewBuy on Amazon
Security System
SimpliSafe
Pairs well with smart locks via Alexa routines
ReviewBuy on Amazon
Video Doorbell
Google Nest Doorbell Wired
See who's there before unlocking
ReviewBuy on Amazon
Prices approximate. Affiliate disclosure.

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