The Schlage Encode and Encode Plus look nearly identical on the door and share most of their features, which is why so many buyers get stuck choosing. The honest truth from someone who installs both across New York is that the decision comes down to one question: are you an Apple household? This guide gives you the verdict up front, then explains exactly what the two share, the three real differences, and which one fits your home and budget.
Apple users should get the Encode Plus. It adds Apple HomeKit and Apple Home Key, so you can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock. Everyone else can usually choose the standard Encode because it does the same core job for less money. If no one in your home lives in the Apple ecosystem, you are paying extra for a feature you will not use.
What the two locks share
Before the differences, understand that the baseline is the same on both. You are not giving up much by choosing the cheaper model.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub required. Both connect straight to your home network for remote lock, unlock, status, and notifications through the Schlage Home app.
- Keypad and physical key backup. Both have a numeric keypad for codes and a traditional key cylinder as a fallback for power or tech failures.
- Alexa and Google support. Both work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, plus access codes you can share with family, guests, or contractors.
- Strong motor and the same Schlage build. Both use a robust deadbolt motor that handles slightly imperfect door alignment, which matters on older doors.
The 3 real differences
1. Apple HomeKit and Apple Home Key
This is the reason to spend more. The Encode Plus supports Apple HomeKit and Apple Home Key, which lets you unlock by holding an iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock over NFC, the same tap you use for Apple Pay. It even works when your device is in low-power mode.
The Encode Plus was the first smart lock in North America to support Apple Home Key. The standard Encode has none of this; Apple users are limited to the Schlage app. For an independent look at how Home Key performs on this lock, see the MacRumors Encode Plus review.
2. Connectivity: Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi plus Thread and Matter
The standard Encode is Wi-Fi only. The Encode Plus adds Thread, a low-power mesh networking protocol that improves responsiveness and battery efficiency inside a smart home, and Bluetooth alongside it. Newer Encode Plus 2.0 models from 2025 onward also add Matter support, the cross-brand smart home standard, which can let the lock connect to HomeKit without a separate Apple home hub.
If future-proofing and deep smart home integration matter to you, the Plus has the edge.
3. Price
The Encode Plus costs more than the standard Encode. For an Apple household the upgrade is usually worth it for Home Key alone. For everyone else, that extra spend buys connectivity features you may never use, which is why the standard Encode is the better value for most non-Apple buyers.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Schlage Encode | Encode Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Apple HomeKit | No | Yes |
| Apple Home Key, tap to unlock | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Thread | No | Yes |
| Matter, newer 2.0 models | No | Yes |
| Alexa and Google | Yes | Yes |
| Keypad and key backup | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Encode Plus if you and your household carry iPhones and Apple Watches, you use HomeKit, or you want Thread and Matter for a future-proofed smart home.
Choose the standard Encode if you are an Android or mixed household, you mainly want reliable Wi-Fi keypad and app access with Alexa or Google, and you would rather save the difference.
A locksmith’s take for NYC homes
Both are strong, well-built deadbolts that we are comfortable putting on a New York door, and the motor on each handles the slightly out-of-square doors common in older buildings. A few city-specific notes matter before you buy.
- Wi-Fi strength matters. Both rely on your Wi-Fi, so if your apartment has spotty coverage near the entry, that affects remote features on either model.
- The backup matters. The keypad and physical key backup on both means you are not locked out by a dead battery or an app glitch, which we consider essential.
- Use access codes wisely. If you share access with a super, a dog walker, or guests, lean on access codes rather than handing out app control, and rotate them as needed.
For the how-to, see our guides on changing the code on a Schlage lock and resetting a Schlage keypad lock.
If you are still comparing brands rather than just these two models, our Yale vs Schlage smart locks comparison and our head-to-head on the Yale Assure Lock 2 vs Schlage Encode Plus go wider. And if you are not sure a keypad lock is right for your door at all, start with the best smart locks for NYC apartments and whether keyless entry locks are safe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Schlage Encode and Encode Plus?
The Encode Plus adds Apple HomeKit and Apple Home Key, letting you tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, plus Thread and Matter connectivity. The standard Encode is Wi-Fi only and costs less.
Is the Encode Plus worth the extra money?
For Apple households, yes, mainly for Home Key. For Android or mixed households that will not use HomeKit, the standard Encode delivers the same core experience for less.
Do both locks work with Alexa and Google?
Yes. Both support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Apple HomeKit and Home Key are the Encode Plus exclusives.
Do both have a physical key backup?
Yes. Both the Encode and Encode Plus include a keypad and a traditional key cylinder so you are not locked out by a dead battery.
Get help from Rainbow Locksmith NY
Want it picked and installed right? Rainbow Locksmith NY supplies and installs Schlage Encode and Encode Plus locks across Manhattan, and sets up your codes.
Rainbow Locksmith NY | 338 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065 | Licensed and insured | NYC DCWP License. Features reflect current Schlage models; confirm Matter support on newer Encode Plus 2.0 units before buying.
