Schlage Encode vs Yale Assure is the matchup most shoppers hit when they decide to replace a traditional deadbolt with a keypad lock that also connects to Wi-Fi. Both brands are long-established lock makers, and both sell touchscreen deadbolts that work with Alexa and Google Home.
The differences are in the details. Schlage builds Wi-Fi straight into the Encode Plus and leans on a top-tier security rating. Yale takes a modular approach with the Assure Lock 2, letting you pick the connectivity module that fits your setup.
Here is how the two compare on security, setup, smart home support, and everyday use, so you can match the right lock to your door.
How We Picked
We compared official spec sheets and certification listings from Schlage and Yale, cross-checked them against independent smart lock reviews, and looked at patterns in verified owner feedback. We focused on each brand’s Wi-Fi touchscreen deadbolt, since that is the most direct head-to-head. We have not lab-tested these locks ourselves.
Schlage Encode vs Yale Assure, At a Glance
| Smart Lock | Price | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Check price | Highest security and built-in Wi-Fi | 4.6 / 5 |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi) | Check price | Flexible connectivity and finishes | 4.4 / 5 |
Both locks sit in the mid-to-premium range for smart deadbolts. The Yale’s final cost depends on which connectivity module you pick, so compare complete configurations rather than base prices.
1. Schlage Encode Plus, Best for Security and Simplicity
The Schlage Encode Plus is built around two things: a strong lock and a simple setup. It carries an ANSI Grade 1 rating, the top residential tier for resisting forced entry, which is the main reason many buyers choose it over competing smart locks.
Wi-Fi is built in. You connect the lock to your home network through the Schlage app, and remote locking, unlocking, and activity alerts work without a hub or bridge.
The touchscreen keypad supports up to 100 access codes, handy if you have family, a dog walker, or a cleaner who each need their own code. The lock keeps a history of who used which code and when.
Smart home support is broad. The Encode Plus works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring, and it supports Apple Home Key, so an iPhone or Apple Watch tap can unlock the door.
Because it replaces your existing deadbolt, installation takes a bit longer than a retrofit lock. Most owners with a standard pre-drilled door report finishing in under an hour with a screwdriver.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- ANSI Grade 1 / BHMA AAA security rating for pick and kick-in resistance
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required, plus Apple Home Key support
- Touchscreen keypad with up to 100 access codes and an activity history
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, and Ring
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2. Yale Assure Lock 2, Best for Flexible Connectivity
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is designed to adapt to your smart home. Instead of locking you into one wireless standard, it uses swappable modules, so you can choose Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee depending on what your home already runs.
That is a real advantage if you already use a Z-Wave or Zigbee hub. It also means the Wi-Fi version costs a bit more than the base lock, because the module is a separate piece.
The backlit touchscreen keypad comes in keyed and fully keyless versions, along with several finishes, so it is easier to match to existing door hardware. A keyless version removes the exterior keyhole entirely, which some buyers prefer for appearance and for avoiding pick attempts.
Yale supports Alexa and Google Assistant, and its app handles remote control, user codes, and activity alerts. Apple Home Key is available on Yale’s Assure Lock 2 Plus rather than the standard model, so double-check the listing you choose.
On security, the Assure Lock 2 is rated ANSI Grade 2. That is a respectable rating for a home deadbolt, but it sits one step below Schlage’s Grade 1.
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Modular design lets you choose Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee connectivity
- Backlit touchscreen keypad, available keyed or fully keyless
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, with Apple Home support on select versions
- Multiple finish options to match your existing door hardware
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Pros
- Schlage Encode Plus carries an ANSI Grade 1 rating, the highest tier for residential deadbolts
- Encode Plus has Wi-Fi built in, so there is no hub, bridge, or add-on module to buy
- Yale Assure Lock 2 offers swappable connectivity modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee) to match your smart home
- Both locks work with Alexa and Google Home and offer a backlit touchscreen keypad
- Both support multiple user codes, so you can give family or guests their own entry code
Cons
- Yale's Wi-Fi version needs a separate module, which adds cost and one more thing to install
- Yale Assure Lock 2 is rated ANSI Grade 2, a step below Schlage's Grade 1
- Both locks replace your whole deadbolt, so they are a poor fit for renters who cannot change hardware
- Both run on AA batteries, so you will need to swap them a few times a year
Smart Home and App Differences
Both apps cover the basics well: add and delete codes, set schedules for guests, lock or unlock remotely, and review activity. Both let you set auto-lock timers so the door secures itself after you walk through.
Schlage’s advantage is that everything is in the lock from day one, with fewer parts to configure. Yale’s advantage is choice. If you run a Z-Wave hub, the Yale fits straight into that network, while the Schlage Wi-Fi model relies on your router and its own cloud service.
How to Choose Between Schlage Encode and Yale Assure
Start with your smart home setup. If you use Wi-Fi only and want the fewest accessories, the Schlage is simpler. If you already have a Z-Wave or Zigbee hub, the Yale’s module system may fit better.
Decide how much the security rating matters. Grade 1 is the stronger published rating. For many homes Grade 2 is plenty, but if you want the highest tier, choose Schlage.
Check Apple Home needs. If tap-to-unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch matters, confirm that the exact Yale model supports Home Key before you buy.
Look at finish and style. Yale’s wider range of finishes and keyed or keyless options may help you match existing hardware.
Measure your door. Both locks replace the full deadbolt, so confirm your door’s bore hole and backset match standard sizes.
Our Verdict
For most homeowners, the Schlage Encode Plus is the better all-around pick. It pairs the highest residential security rating with built-in Wi-Fi, Apple Home Key support, and a simple setup, with no extra modules to buy.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the right call if you want flexibility. If you run a Z-Wave or Zigbee system, or you want more finish and keyed or keyless options, its modular design is a real benefit.
Check the latest price on Amazon before you decide, since bundles and seasonal deals change the value picture on both locks. If you are building out your entry setup, pair either lock with a video doorbell without a subscription or a few smart plugs for Alexa.
