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Schlage Encode Plus Deadbolt Review (2025): Trusted, Apple Home Key-ready security

John Carter Doe

September 3, 2025

9.2

Excellent

Our takeaway after living with this lock

The upshot

Look, if you're in the market for a Schlage and *really* want Apple Home Key, this is still the simplest way to get it. You get that tap-to-unlock magic without giving up the feel of a solid, familiar lock. And here's the thing, the built-in Wi-Fi means you don't need another hub plugged in somewhere. The keypad is quick, and Home Key just works, every time, on our iPhones and Apple Watches. Day-to-day, it really just feels like a classic Schlage deadbolt, but a whole lot smarter. Now, the trade-offs are real. The battery life isn't the best out there, especially if you're using Wi-Fi and Home Key all the time. And believe it or not, there's still no Matter support. Plus, Android users don't get that cool tap-to-unlock feature. But if you can live with that? It's a fantastic choice for any home running on Apple.

Our takeaway after living with this lock

Who is this actually for?

This lock is pretty much a no-brainer for anyone deep in the Apple ecosystem who wants that seamless tap-to-unlock experience with their iPhone or Watch. It's also perfect for households that still want the reassurance of a physical keypad and, yeah, an actual key just in case. We think it's great for renters and homeowners alike, especially since you can control it remotely and send out guest codes without needing a separate hub. And honestly? It's for anyone who just appreciates the sturdy, substantial feel of a traditional deadbolt over those super-sleek, minimalist designs.

Now, it's not perfect. The lack of Matter support is a head-scratcher and it does limit your options if you think you might switch smart home systems down the road. The battery can also drain a bit quick if you’re a heavy user of the Wi-Fi and Home Key features—our advice is to use good alkaline batteries and be smart with your auto-lock settings. And it's a bit of a bummer for Android folks, since they miss out on the tap-to-unlock convenience. If future-proofing with Matter is your top priority, you should probably take a look at something like the Yale Assure 2 with its Matter module. And if you're all about that sleek, invisible look, the Level locks are still the ones to beat on aesthetics, just know you'll be making some trade-offs on features.