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Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on reliable locking, easy install.
The biggest complaint about the Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad is needs a plug-in wi-fi bridge; 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
| Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart locks | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $ | $$$ |
| Type | Retrofit | Keypad deadbolt |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 24% | 25% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Reliable locking | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Battery life | — | 3.0 |
| App & smart home | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Easy install | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Durability | — | 4.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $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
Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad
- Needs a plug-in Wi-Fi bridge
Without the included Yale Connect bridge it works only over Bluetooth. The bridge takes up an outlet and is larger than most smart plugs (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide). Tom's Guide says Wi-Fi would be better built into the lock, as on the August.
- No Apple Home
Wirecutter and Tom's Guide both note it doesn't support Apple Home. Tom's Guide says Matter support was promised by software update.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Tom's Guide review - Noisy motor
Tom's Guide lists a noisy motor as a reason to avoid it, in both its review and its buying guide.
Source: Tom's Guide review, Tom's Guide
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 Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad if
Keeping your existing deadbolt and keys
A slim retrofit on a budget
Alexa, Google Home or SmartThings users
Skip it if: You use Apple Home; You have no free outlet near the door for the bridge; You want a quiet motor
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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.