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Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on reliable locking, easy install, durability. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt wins on app & smart home.
The biggest complaint about the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt is slow app, settings only in bluetooth range; for the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt it's homekit setup trade-offs and connection issues. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart locks | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Keypad deadbolt | Keypad deadbolt |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 14% | 25% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 3.8 |
| Reliable locking | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Battery life | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| App & smart home | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Easy install | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Slow app, settings only in Bluetooth range
Wirecutter says it has never enjoyed the Schlage app: it is slower than others and still tedious after two major updates, and settings such as adding a user can be changed only within Bluetooth range. PCWorld, by contrast, found the redesigned app cleaner.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCWorld review - Wi-Fi and Google Home hiccups, no Apple Home
In Wirecutter's tests Google Home showed the lock out of sync, saying it was locked when it wasn't, and unlocking from the app then failed. Amazon's summary says Wi-Fi connectivity is mixed, with some owners reporting frequent disconnections. PCWorld notes it has no Apple Home or Matter support and uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
- Missing door sensor and alarm
Wirecutter and PCWorld note there's no door open/close sensor, so auto-lock will lock even if the door is left open. Wirecutter also notes there's no tamper or impact alarm. PCWorld says Wi-Fi shortens battery life and calls the price a bit high for the features. Amazon owners are split on battery life and value.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- HomeKit setup trade-offs and connection issues
Tom's Guide says that if you set it up through HomeKit first, you can't use the Schlage app's features afterward, such as scheduled guest codes, Wi-Fi, the alarm and history. Amazon's summary says some owners report persistent Wi-Fi problems and trouble with HomeKit.
- Mixed reliability reports
Amazon's summary says reliability and quality get mixed feedback, with some owners finding it unreliable or of poor quality. A quarter of its Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
- Pricey, and no emergency power
Tom's Guide reviewed it at $299, and PCWorld lists it at $329. Tom's Guide notes there's no way to power it from outside if the batteries die, unlike Yale's 9V contacts. Amazon owners are split on whether it's worth the extra cost.
Who should pick which
Pick the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
A simple, sturdy keypad lock for the whole household
Alexa or Google Home users
Wi-Fi without a plug-in hub
Skip it if: You use Apple Home; You want a door-open sensor or alarm; You want a polished, fast app
Pick the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
iPhone and Apple Watch owners (Home Key)
A lock with a built-in alarm
Alexa, Google and Apple Home in one lock
Skip it if: You don't use Apple devices; You want a budget lock; You want a backup power terminal for dead batteries
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