Head to head
Schlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2 (2026)
Schlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi: Home Key against slim Yale design, keypads, apps, and security ratings compared.
#1 in our rankings · Best overall
Schlage Encode Plus
Best for: Households that want keypad codes, remote control, and tap-to-unlock with a phone or watch, in one proven deadbolt.
#4 in our rankings · Best Yale value
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi
Best for: Buyers who want a proven Yale keypad lock with remote control, without paying for a fingerprint reader.
Our recommendation
Buy the Schlage Encode Plus if you live in an Apple household or want the strongest BHMA ratings and Home Key tap-to-unlock. Buy the Yale Assure Lock 2 if you prefer slimmer hardware, a matte smudge-resistant keypad, and a lower price, and you do not need Home Key. Both give hub-free Wi-Fi, guest codes, and remote control.
Entry methods
The Schlage adds Apple Home Key to its keypad, app, and key, which is decisive for iPhone households. The Yale counters with a cleaner keypad experience and DoorSense, but no tap-to-unlock and no fingerprint on this model. Households split by phone platform should weigh whose daily entry matters most.
Design and door fit
The Yale is the slimmer lock and sits more discreetly on the door, with a matte finish that hides fingerprints. The Schlage is chunkier inside and out, but its traditional deadbolt styling suits more door styles. Measure interior clearance, especially near trim, before choosing either.
Security ratings and app
Schlage carries the highest residential BHMA ratings across security, durability, and finish, while Yale is Grade 2, which is still a solid residential rating. The Yale Access app feels more modern and its Airbnb integration is stronger; the Schlage Home app is plainer but dependable, with equally good code scheduling.
Choose Schlage Encode Plus if…
- You use iPhones or Apple Watches and want Home Key
- Top BHMA security ratings matter to you
- You want a lock with years of proven service behind it
Choose Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi if…
- You prefer slim, discreet hardware on the door
- A smudge-resistant matte keypad matters
- You want the lower price and Airbnb guest tools
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Entry methods | Touchscreen keypad, Apple Home Key, app, physical key | Touchscreen keypad, app, Auto-Unlock, physical key |
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, no hub required | Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Power | 4 AA batteries (included) | 4 AA batteries (included) |
| Security rating | Highest residential BHMA ratings for security, durability, and finish | ANSI/BHMA Grade 2, IPX5 rated |
| In the box | Deadbolt, touchscreen exterior, interior assembly, installation hardware | Deadbolt, Wi-Fi smart module, DoorSense, mounting hardware |
| Best for | Households that want keypad codes, remote control, and tap-to-unlock with a phone or watch, in one proven deadbolt. | Buyers who want a proven Yale keypad lock with remote control, without paying for a fingerprint reader. |
| Skip if | You rent and cannot change the deadbolt, or you want fingerprint entry as well. | You want fingerprint entry, or you live in an Apple Home household and want Home Key. |
Strengths and limitations
Schlage Encode Plus
Strengths
- Apple Home Key support lets you tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, alongside the touchscreen keypad, the Schlage Home app, and a physical key.
- Built-in Wi-Fi means remote locking, guest codes, and activity history with no extra hub or bridge to buy and place.
- Schlage carries the highest residential security, durability, and finish ratings from BHMA, and the lock is backed by a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty.
Limitations
- A full deadbolt replacement, so it is not an option for renters whose lease forbids hardware changes.
- Wi-Fi connectivity draws more battery power than Bluetooth-only locks, so battery changes come round sooner on busy doors.
- No fingerprint reader, so children and guests who struggle with codes have no biometric fallback.
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi
Strengths
- The keypad-only design keeps the price down while keeping remote locking, guest codes, and scheduling in the Yale Access app.
- Same slim hardware and DoorSense door position sensing as the pricier Touch model, so nothing about fit or build feels cut down.
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home for voice control and routines, and pairs with Airbnb for scheduled guest access.
Limitations
- No fingerprint reader, so every entry is a code, a phone, or a key.
- The keypad needs a wake tap before code entry, which takes a beat longer than a fingerprint scan.
- Battery life depends heavily on Wi-Fi signal strength at the door, so a weak router connection shortens it.
How they fit the wider field
- Schlage Encode Plus: ranked #1 (Best overall) in The Best Smart Locks. Read the full Schlage Encode Plus review.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi: ranked #4 (Best Yale value) in The Best Smart Locks.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 10 picks matched to different buyers.
Questions, answered
Which lock is easier to install?
Both replace a standard deadbolt with basic tools in under an hour for most doors. The Yale is slightly easier to align thanks to its slimmer interior unit, but the difference is small.
Which has better battery life?
Similar, since both use built-in Wi-Fi and four AA batteries. Door traffic and router signal strength matter more than the brand: a weak Wi-Fi signal at the door shortens battery life on either lock.