The reviewer found the Encode Plus the best smart lock experience he has had, thanks to fast Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock, especially for iPhone households.
Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus has a critic score of 82 out of 100 from 4 professional reviews, including The Verge, Android Central and Tom's Guide. 4 of 4 recommend it, and scores range from 80 (The Verge) to 83 (Android Central). 1 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 3 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: smart features (2 of 4); easy setup (2 of 4). Most common complaints: app problems (2 of 4); price (2 of 4). It ranks #3 of the 3 smart locks we score.
Our verdict
4 professional reviewers tested the Schlage Encode Plus, and 4 recommend it. Most praised: smart features and easy setup. Most common complaint: app problems.
The catch: It is expensive, and its best feature works only with Apple devices.
Early score: only 4 professional reviews so far. Expect it to move as more reviews come in.
3 of these 4 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
We earn a commission if you buy through this link. It never changes a score.
What do critics say about the Schlage Encode Plus?
Named the best-style pick and a strong backup to the top choice, with built-in Wi-Fi, Home Key and a classic look.
Tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock works quickly and conveniently, making it a strong choice for Apple users.
A first-person account of living with the lock that focuses on how easy HomeKit setup was.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Not sure about the Schlage Encode Plus?
Common questions
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth it?
Most critics think so: 4 of 4 recommend it. It is expensive, and its best feature works only with Apple devices.
Do critics agree about the Schlage Encode Plus?
Agreement is medium: scores range from 80 (The Verge) to 83 (Android Central), a spread of 3 points across 4 reviews. Most reviewers land close together, with some outliers.
What do critics dislike about the Schlage Encode Plus?
App problems (2 of 4 reviews), Price (2 of 4 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Schlage Encode Plus?
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (critic score 83), best for renters.