Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus: Which Should You Choose? (November 2026)

On this page (9 sections)

1. Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus: which is better?
2. Which smart home system works with each lock?
3. How many access codes do you need?
4. Which finish should you choose?
5. Which Schlage Encode model suits your door?
6. Which Schlage Encode Plus model suits your home?
7. How should you set up either lock?
8. What are the main trade-offs?
9. Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus: final choice

Choose Schlage Encode Plus for Apple home keys or up to 250 access codes. Choose standard Schlage Encode for built-in WiFi control, keypad entry and voice control through Alexa or Google Home.

That simple split will suit most buyers. If your phone is an iPhone and you want a tap at the door, the Plus line has a clear advantage.

If your home already runs around Amazon Alexa or Google Home, standard Encode will cover the daily tasks without extra complexity.

Both lines are touchscreen smart deadbolts with remote management through the Schlage Home app. You can lock and open from away, check lock history and receive notifications when the lock is paired and connected to a secure WiFi network.

They also support auto-lock, one-touch locking, customizable alarms and installation with a screwdriver on standard door sizes. That shared base matters because neither model asks you to learn a whole new way of locking your door.

Auto-lock is a good example of a small feature that changes daily habits. It can relock the door after a set delay, which helps when you are carrying bags or herding children inside.

One-touch locking from the exterior touchscreen gives you a fast way to secure the door when you leave.

The built-in alarm adds another layer. It can be customized for door movement and forced entry attempts, so the lock is not only a remote control for the bolt.

For many homes, that alert is useful even if you rarely think about it.

This comparison covers access features, smart home compatibility, code limits, finishes and daily setup. We look at who each model suits, what the limits mean in real use and where the trade-offs sit.

For broader advice, see our guide to smart door locks. Start there if you are new to keypad entry or if you want to check whether a smart deadbolt fits your door and routine before you compare these two lines.

Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus: which is better?

Encode Plus is the more capable line, while standard Encode covers the core smart-lock tasks. The Plus models add Apple Home and Apple home keys, while the standard models focus on Schlage Home app control, built-in WiFi, Alexa and Google Home.

All 4 products use a touchscreen keypad and built-in WiFi. The standard Encode models manage up to 100 access codes.

The Aged Bronze Encode Plus supports up to 250, while the Satin Nickel Encode Plus data specifies up to 100.

Both lines let you lock and open remotely, view lock history, receive notifications and manage multiple locks when paired with the Schlage Home app and a secure WiFi network. Their built-in alarms can be customized for door movement and forced-entry attempts.

Which smart home system works with each lock?

Choose Encode Plus if Apple Home is part of your home setup. It works with Apple Home and Apple home keys, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

For the related protocol details, see Matter support for Schlage Encode Plus.

Standard Encode works with Alexa and Google Home when paired with the Schlage Home app and a voice-enabled device. The features for the standard models do not include Apple Home or Apple home keys.

That difference matters most at the door. Apple home keys let you tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to lock or open an Encode Plus.

If you already use Apple devices for home access, the Plus line removes a key step from everyday entry.

The Plus models also work with Airbnb for guest management according to their product information. That can help hosts who need scheduled access codes and notifications, but check your full smart-home setup before choosing.

For more detail on the connection question, read does Schlage Encode Plus use Thread or Z-Wave?. The 4 models compared here use built-in WiFi, and the supplied product information does not identify Thread or Z-Wave support.

How many access codes do you need?

Standard Encode and the Satin Nickel Encode Plus support up to 100 codes, while the Aged Bronze Encode Plus supports up to 250. Choose by the number of household members, guests and scheduled users you expect to manage.

A 100-code limit is enough for many homes. It can cover family members, a cleaner, a dog walker and occasional guests without making the code list difficult to manage.

The 250-code Encode Plus suits a larger household or a property with frequent guest turnover. More capacity does not mean you should create codes without a plan.

Assign codes clearly, remove old access and review history regularly.

Schlage Encode lets you manage codes, view lock history and receive customizable notifications in the Schlage Home app. Encode Plus adds the same core app workflow, with either 100 or 250 codes depending on the model.

Which finish should you choose?

Choose the finish that matches your existing exterior hardware, since the main finish choices here are Satin Nickel, Matte Black and Aged Bronze. Finish can affect the look of the entry more than the small differences between models.

The standard Encode appears here in Satin Nickel with Century Trim and Matte Black with Century Trim. The Satin Nickel version has nickel material listed, while the Matte Black version has zinc material listed.

The Encode Plus options use zinc material. The Aged Bronze model has a Camelot design, while the Satin Nickel model also has a Camelot design.

The trim style is a practical detail when you are matching a handle, knob or other door hardware. Our guide to the best Schlage Encode Plus door handle can help you plan the hardware around a Plus deadbolt.

If you are considering a lever instead of a deadbolt, read does Schlage Encode Plus come as a lever lock?. The products in this comparison are deadbolt models.

Which Schlage Encode model suits your door?

Pick the standard Encode Satin Nickel model for a classic finish, or the Matte Black model when dark hardware fits your entry. Their listed access features are similar, so the finish and door style should lead this choice.

Schlage Encode Satin Nickel

The Satin Nickel model has Century Trim and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen. It fits standard doors from 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in thick with a 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset.

It uses 4 AA batteries, with up to 6 months of battery life under typical use. A low-battery indicator appears on the lock touchscreen and in the Schlage Home app.

One physical backup key is included.

Schlage Encode Matte Black

The Matte Black model also has Century Trim, a touchscreen keypad, built-in alarm and remote control through the Schlage Home app. Its listed connectivity protocols are Bluetooth and WiFi.

Like the Satin Nickel standard Encode, it fits standard doors from 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in thick and supports either a 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset. It also uses 4 AA batteries and includes one physical backup key.

Our best Schlage keyless entry door lock guide is useful if you are comparing more Schlage keypad options beyond these 2 Century Trim models.

Which Schlage Encode Plus model suits your home?

Pick Aged Bronze Encode Plus for the larger 250-code capacity, or Satin Nickel Encode Plus when Apple Home access and a lighter finish fit your needs. Both Plus models add Apple home keys, but their code limits differ.

Schlage Encode Plus Aged Bronze

This model uses the Camelot design and supports Apple Home, Apple home keys, Alexa and Google Home. You can tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to lock or open, or use keypad access and the Schlage Home app.

It fits standard doors from 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in thick with a 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset. The lock includes installation hardware and instructions, and installation requires a screwdriver without hardwiring.

Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel

This Plus model has Camelot styling, a Satin Nickel finish and a touchscreen keypad. It supports built-in WiFi, Apple Home, Apple home keys, Alexa and Google Assistant.

The listed product information gives it a capacity of up to 100 access codes. It also supports lock history, customizable notifications, multiple-lock management and remote control through the Schlage Home app.

For installation, measure your door before ordering. The model fits standard doors from 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in thick and uses either a 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset.

How should you set up either lock?

Start by checking door thickness, backset and WiFi placement before installation. All 4 products are designed for screwdriver installation and include installation hardware and instructions.

Measure the door thickness at the installation point. Confirm it falls between 1-3/8 in and 1-3/4 in, then check whether the backset is 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in.

Follow the installation instructions for the exact model. The Snap ‘n Stay design helps keep the lock on the door while you work, leaving both hands free during installation.

After installation, pair the lock with the Schlage Home app and connect it to your home WiFi. Encode Plus remote features require a 2.4 GHz home WiFi connection according to the product information.

Set auto-lock only if its timing fits your household. One-touch locking can help when leaving, while a physical backup key gives you another entry method on the standard Encode models.

For daily use instructions, see how to use Schlage Encode Plus. The same general habits apply to both lines: keep codes organized, review access and respond to low-battery alerts.

What are the main trade-offs?

Standard Encode gives you the core WiFi and keypad experience, while Encode Plus gives you Apple access and a higher code ceiling on one model. The right choice depends on your devices and how many people need access.

Choose standard Encode when:

• You use Alexa or Google Home instead of Apple Home.
• Up to 100 access codes is enough.
• You want Satin Nickel or Matte Black Century Trim.
• You want a physical backup key included with the standard model.

Choose Encode Plus when:

• You want Apple home keys with an iPhone or Apple Watch.
• You use Apple Home alongside Alexa or Google Home.
• You need up to 250 codes and choose the Aged Bronze model.
• You want Apple access in either Aged Bronze or Satin Nickel.

The product data does not make a general claim that one line has better everyday battery performance. Standard Encode specifies 4 AA batteries and up to 6 months of typical use for the 2 listed models.

Choose based on the features you will use, then keep the lock's battery alerts enabled.

If your comparison includes cameras as well as locks, our Ring Floodlight Camera Plus vs Pro comparison covers a different smart-home choice.

Schlage Encode vs Encode Plus: final choice

Choose Schlage Encode Plus if Apple home keys or a 250-code capacity will help you. Choose standard Schlage Encode if you only need WiFi app control, keypad entry, Alexa and Google Home.

Start with your phone. If you use an iPhone or Apple Watch and want to tap to lock or open, Encode Plus is the direct fit.

Standard Encode does not list Apple Home or Apple home keys in its features, so it will not give you that tap experience.

Then look at the number of people who need access. The Aged Bronze Encode Plus is the clearest choice for larger access lists because it supports up to 250 access codes.

That extra room can help a busy household, a rental with regular guests or a home with several regular helpers.

The Satin Nickel Encode Plus is better when Apple access matters but 100 codes is enough. It keeps the code limit in line with standard Encode while adding Apple Home support and Apple home keys.

For a smaller household, that balance may be easier to manage.

For standard Encode, choose Satin Nickel or Matte Black by the hardware already on your door. The smart-lock experience is centered on the Schlage Home app, built-in WiFi and keypad access, so the finish may be the deciding detail.

Think about care as well as features. Standard Encode uses four AA batteries with up to six months of battery life under typical use, and it includes a low-battery indicator and one physical backup key.

Keep those alerts on, replace batteries before they run low and store the backup key somewhere secure.

Do not pay for capacity you will not use. If 100 codes will never be near full, the simpler choice may suit you better.

If Apple tap entry will save you time every day, the Plus is worth choosing for that reason alone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Schlage Encode and Encode Plus?

Schlage Encode Plus adds Apple Home support and Apple home keys, so an iPhone or Apple Watch can tap to lock or open. Standard Schlage Encode focuses on built-in WiFi, Schlage Home app control, keypad access, Alexa and Google Home.

Both lines support remote management and built-in alarm features.

Is Schlage Encode Plus worth it over Encode?

Encode Plus is worth choosing when Apple home keys matter or when you need the 250-code version. Standard Encode is the better match when Alexa, Google Home and Schlage Home app control cover your needs.

Your phone ecosystem and access-code count should decide the upgrade.

Do Schlage Encode and Encode Plus need a hub?

The listed Schlage Encode and Encode Plus models have built-in WiFi, so their remote app control does not require an extra hub. Connect the lock to your home WiFi through the Schlage Home app.

Encode Plus product information specifies a 2.4 GHz home WiFi connection for its remote features.

Can Schlage Encode Plus open with an iPhone?

Yes. Schlage Encode Plus works with Apple Home and Apple home keys.

With home keys, you can tap to lock or open using an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Standard Encode models in this comparison include Alexa and Google Home support, but their features do not include Apple home keys.