I tried every Apple Home Key Lock, here’s the best
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มิ.ย. 2024
- I've tested all four smart locks available in the U.S. with Apple Home Key support, including the Aqara U100, Yale Assure Lock 2, Level Lock+, and now, Schlage Encode Plus. Discover the clear winner when it comes to speed, features, and reliability!
🔒 Schlage Encode Plus with Home Key
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Level Lock+ with Home Key
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Yale Assure Lock 2
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Aqara U100 Lock
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🏠 Full List of Current Apple Home Devices
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Schlage Encode Installation
01:52 HomeKit Setup
03:49 Schlage Performance
06:03 Home Key Comparison
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🚨 UPDATE: Got confirmation from a reliable source that the Schlage Encode Plus *does* in face have Thread. Which explains why it's the best performing Home Key lock of the four!
I agree with you on the Yale lock. I hope they can upgrade their lock with Thread, which seems to make a difference in performance.
wtf is thread ?
wtf is thread ?
@@Bewefau Thread is a low-power and low-latency wireless mesh networking protocol built using open and proven standards.
I have had the Schlage Encode Plus for about 18 months now and never had a problem. I love it!
I totally love the Schlage Encode PLus. It was a great upgrade from the previous Schlage lock I had on the door. And, yes, it does connect via Thread to the network. I find the lock to be rock-solid. I have not had any issues with it. I know some people don't want a smart lock with a key option... but I like having that option in the event the electronics happen to fail I can still get into my house. You did a nice review on this lock.
Thanks for confirming the Thread aspect, and it seems to be universally loved with reliable performance!
Most comprehensive video of this kind that I've found. Love that you kept it to HomeKey compatible locks. Crucial info for me as a big Apple user and means I didn't have to do all that searching and narrowing down myself
Glad that was helpful, thanks for watching!
I bought two Schlage Encode Plus locks not too long after they were released. Back in those days they were the ONLY lock that supported Homekey. In spite of their high price they were always backordered so it took me a couple of months just to get them. I think the build quality of the lock is exceptional because they are made by Schlage which also sets them apart a bit. It might be nice to have a fingerprint reader but with Homekey that really is not necessary. We are currently trying to sell our house (not a trivial task at the moment) and will take these locks with me when we move (bought a couple of regular Schlage Encodes with similar appearance for replacements). One additional nice thing about the Schlage is that they appear to get firmware updates directly in the Home app which is a nice touch.
Ah that’s great to know about the firmware updates too. I’ve been impressed!
I have the Aqara and so far, it’s been pretty good. While I bought it for HomeKit compatibility, I use it with a fingerprint 99% of the time.
I do like the fingerprint reader! Also great for kids who don't have a Home Key device
I have had the Schlage in Nickel since launch, and my whole family LOVES it! Battery life hasn't been too bad, about 5-6 months? I have to say that it has gotten slightly slower as it has aged, but still pretty great.
Great to hear the long-term perspective! And 5-6 months is pretty good!
Thanks for the review, the most informative of the videos I've watched as I research what smart lock to get ... Schlage it is! Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! And that's the best choice for sure
I have two Schlage locks. I got them rekeyed at the hardware store to match the key I use for other locks. Lock works great. It is thread. Reliable. Battery life is good. Easy to install. I think it is best to install them with the Schlage app and then connect to HomeKit but either way works. I haven’t used a key to get into my house or garage for a year. Absolutely made the right choice.
Nice! Schlage really seems to be universally great
Good video. Reliability and speed are super important. And I like the name recognition and look of the Schlage.
Appreciate it!
Great video. Was wondering what door handle do you use or recommended to use with the encode plus? Does the handle you have use a key or just the passage one? Thank you
Have 2 Aqaras going strong (one for our front door and the other for our side door). Got it on launch day and they are still using the batteries that were included. The app shows Battery life is high for both. They replaced Schlages enclude pluses that got terrible battery life (lasted 1-2 months). Fortunately I was able to sell the used Encodes for a nice price!
Did you bind to a hub or nah? Seems not binding may help battery life
To me Aqara’s is superior in features and prize. I have had mine for since July, when they first came out, and have not changed the batteries once. Currently on the app, it says the battery level is high. I use all the HomeKit features and my experience with the lock has been flawless.
Interesting! Did you add it to the Aqara app / hub by chance? And if so, how many walls are between it and the hub?
@@beardfm It’s the only Aqara device we own so we don’t have an Aqara hub, but did download the Aqara app when I installed the lock.
There are no walls between the lock and a HomePod mini, I don’t know if that helps.
I upgraded from the older Schlage non homekey to the Yale Assure with homekey. I absolutely love it and was surprised it wasn’t your pick. 😁
I mean I love the Yale! But Schlage is super fast and has thread!
Have had the Aqara U100 installed for a few weeks now and so far it's been fantastic. It may not be the fastest gun in the West but the responsiveness and battery have been pretty good at my end (haven't bound it to a hub, just to Apple Home). Considering the Level Lock Plus for other parts of my home for the aesthetic, but the U100 is also ridiculously cheap right now and I may just spring for an additional one of those.
Yeah you can’t beat the price. And I’m going to factory reset and just paid with Apple home to see if that helps with battery
@@beardfmi bought mine because of your review of it over the summer i think. I have yet to change the battery and it responds well to all inputs, even in the cold
They need a Schlage encode plus lever. I would buy one today.
Hey Stephen,, quick question. I'm not familiar with the Apple Home Kit and as far as I know, I don't have any hubs for it. So,, question is can I still use my watch or phone, (Apple), to open the Schlage without anything else or do I need to have some sort of Apple hub?
Absolutely love the Schlage Encode Plus. It's been nearly 100% rock solid for me. My only real complaint is that if it's unlocked and you tap your phone/watch, it locks. If you thought it was locked and were trying to unlock it, you just locked it and need to tap again to unlock it. There's no way to know the state without trying the door first. It seems unnecessary to have tap to lock when there's already a lock button on the keypad. I would prefer if tapping while unlocked just did nothing instead.
Huh didn’t even think to test that, I thought Home Key was unlock only. Interesting 🤔
I have an original Yale Assure lock and it has a privacy lock, which is nice to deactivate the keypad at night. Does the Yale plus and Schlage have this feature?
thanks for the video
helps me
i have the first assure lock 1 non plus
and im happy with it but man i wanna try the homekey because that is nice
can you come in on exactly how long it takes of the delay in HomeKit for yale ?
Home Key is super fun, for sure.
I'd say 2-3 seconds and it starts unlocking.
Do you need a HomePod mini etc for the home key to work?
I got the Yale physical keypad version which works great, prefer it over touch versions..solves all the problems with the touch keys and locking hitting the yale logo, but the keypad version doesn't have HomeKey
Yeah, the keypad version I'm sure is nice, but Home Key is so reliable on my version I rarely have to fallback to the touch screen.
I upgraded a highly degraded August Gen 3 to the Schlage. Wow! Finally, a smart lock that actually works as intended, without pulling / pushing the door. And, Home Key is a GAME CHANGER. What truly makes this number 1 is the SAF. I really like having the physical key….just in case.
On a main door I totally get the physical key thing. And Schlage is really the best 👍🏼
@@beardfm Though the August is completely useless as a smart lock, I did set it up on another door so we could see lock status in HomeKit.
Wow, thanks for this comparison! I was all set to get the Aqara but I would have been really disappointed with a slow response. Schlage it is!
You won’t be disappointed! And it’s the only Thread enabled lock too!
😂 I appreciate the excitement, Stephen.
Haha just came out!
More info on battery life would be great. I have August smart lock, that thing burns through a pair of CR23s every ~6 weeks. In 2 years roughly battery cost would have passed the cost of the lock itself.
I’ll have to follow up long-term, but my Yale Assure has been installed over a month and going strong.
Thanks Stephen for this great test, A question, with the Schlage Encode Plus, can you add different pin code for different persons ? and can you record history of enter in / out for each person ? I stilll hesitate with the Yale assure 2 plus wifi because of the battery life < 5 months and no thread but I prefer the design of this one. Thanks for your precious time
For the Schlage Encode Plus, if you’re using Apple Home, the answer to both questions is yes.
The Aqara in my opinion is the best one in terms of price and features. Pairing with an Aqara Hub will drain battery much faster but I just use a Apple Home Hub and Home Key and it’s perfect.
Gonna try that 🤔
Whoa, I thought the Aqara Hub was a prime requirement of the Aqara Lock?
@@davidfindley8517 their hub isn’t required, but I HIGHLY recommend the M2 hub (or M3 when it releases soon because it’ll have Matter AND Thread).
If you have a nearby HomePod or Apple TV you should be fine, but the Aqara Hub solidified my stability and responsiveness tremendously. Like its responsiveness is almost on par with my Schlage now.
Also, I haven’t had the battery drain issue that our handsome author Stephen had (guess I’m just lucky). 🙂
BTW, the “handsome” adjective is from my wife/boss who made me type that, lol.
I binded/bound ? the hub to HomeKit.
I’ve had the Encode+ since day 1. Solid, had to repair it to HomeKit once. Battery life is decent, at least 6 months. I use an Eve door/window sensor that locks the door when it is closed. Works perfect!
Great automation!
Does the encode plus fit a 2 1/4” thick door?
Hi Stephen - Excellent review. Which smart lock is the best for two important features for me - being able to see if my kid closed the door but left it unlocked - I want to see this on my smart phone even when I am not at home. And 2nd - I’d like to be able to lock and unlock the smart lock remotely.
You can do that with any of these! Thanks to HomeKit you can check the status and remotely lock/unlock int he Home app, even outside the house.
Thanks again for this comparaison, I'm still hesitating between the Yale and the Shlage, I've learnt that locks with integrated wifi, you have to change the batteries much more often, could you tell me the battery life on these 2 models? I posted 2 months ago, Thanks
The Yale battery has been great, and it was discovered the Schlage has thread built in. I think over time the Schlage will have better battery life considering that.
Stephen, have you tested the Schlage Encode Plus with family setup on an Apple Watch? For kids that do not have an iPhone but have an Apple Watch set up with family setup it would be great if a home key can be added to the kid's watch. I have seen some older online discussion that this will not work but nothing recent.
I didn't test the Schlage with family setup. but I DID test Home Key / Family sharing with the Aqara U100 and my son, who has an Apple Watch and iPad but no phone, was able to unlock with Home Key using his watch.
I bought the encode plus but haven't installed yet as my house is not finished. Can't wit to see the new tour! Do you use any other Ubiquiti products, other than UDM Pro and APs? I'm going with those plus 24 PoE switch, G4 Pro doorbell, and some G5 Pro cams. The plan is to bring everything into homekit via scrypted. Any experience with that.? I'm hoping I can get all of this stuff to work lol
I have a whole video on my Unifi setup! I actually use the Dream Machine SE. And I’ve had comments from lots of people saying their PoE cameras + Scrypted work great!
Do you have a interior smart knob that you could recommend that would work well in HomeKit
The only "interior" one I know of would be the Level Lock bolt, which is completely hidden.
Can you use the level lock plus with other hard ware and still use home key? Like the original level lock?
No, the NFC chip for Home Key is in the exterior lock, not the internal bolt. You may be able to use your own interior paddle to lock it, but you'll need Level's exterior lock.
I juts bought an installed the Aqara U100 and say that it is faster compared to the Schlage encode in your video. Granted, I am comparing my lock in real life to the lock in your video. I was always true to the Kwikset smart locks because they have the SmartKey to easily rekey to match all my other doors but have to replace the lock every few years because of various different issues with the electrical. Also, the Kwikset always seems to latch always seemed to feel as it would catch on something causing the battery life to drain quicker. Back to your statements, I honestly think the Aqara is faster to lock/unlock compared to the Schlage (comparing your video to my lock), it has more ways to lock/unlock. The Aqara has the ability to turn on "Swipe to Lock" which all you have to do is close the door and swipe your hand in front of it and it locks versus pushing a butting I also like that the Aqara's buttons are always visible and they are clearer and crisp compared to the Schlage. I fear that at some point the number display may stop working, causing the look to lose the ability to be opened via combo. Last, it has the option for finger print recognition which is super fast and is the main method I use to unlock and that it cost almost half the price of the Schlage... I think the Aqara is the clear cut winner. I noticed in your video that they offer a $50 coupon which at the time of my purchase was not available but is available now so I am getting a refund which makes it even cheaper. I hope it holds up and if it does, I am ordering another to replace my Kwikset at my kitchen door.
I have the Schlage encode and personally it’s the most frustrating lock to program. It will NOT connect to my wifi network and it will NOT connect to Apple home kit or Google Home. I’ve been battling with the company for weeks now and I’m so frustrated. I’m going to get rid of this thing and get the Yale model.
Hey Stephen great video! Does the Schlage lock work with HomeKit upgraded Architecture to Matter?
Thanks! Schlage doesn't have matter specifically, but it does with with the upgraded architecture in the home app. And it had thread! confirmed after the video, which is why it works so well.
@@beardfm thank you!
I tried to find this answer already in the comments. You mentioned the Schlage can turn the volume off, but can you turn the volume off on the Yale? Thanks
You can! But you need to download and pair it with the Yale app in order to do so.
Hello how do these locks handle heat? My home faces due West and in the evening you could probably fry an egg on the front door. I’m concerned about how these uphold to heat. Thanks!
I live in Florida which gets pretty hot, but they were under a shaded patio so I'm not sure I can attest to that.
is there any real keyless solution for glass main door? if there is always physical key indoor, anybody can break glass and open the door with key..??
As a very happy Schlage Sense user I know I’d love the encode but I can’t justify spending the money to get the new locks, then rekey to match my door knobs just for home key and thread. I’ll live vicariously through the other people I set this stuff up for l…
One day!
Which is best via WiFi, locking unlocking remotely?
Schlage is still No 1 probably, with Yale Assure + Wifi module a close second.
Great video!! Thank you for making video and share your opinion :)
My pleasure!
volume levels compared to the August lock? I want the Home Key, but the loudness of others that I have tried, just prevent me from trying anything else.
None of them are quiet, but the Level Lock+ is the quietest I believe.
Anyone, perhaps with an EE background, know why every smart lock hasn't moved to Thread yet? Same radio as Bluetooth (and Zigbee) no?
are there any locks that you can run a electric line to or POE so you don't have to deal with batteries?
Not that I have found here in the U.S.
I have two Schlage Smart Locks. The difference between Schlage and some of the others is that the others are smart locks while Schlage makes LOCKS that are smart. Meaning it has to serve its main purpose first and foremost. A lock without a key is too risky. A lock that doesn’t have a matching latch set is kind of ugly, especially when people spend thousands on doors that are esthetically pleasing. A lock that doesn’t have the highest security rating is also a risk. Maybe Yale, as a traditional lock company, can do like Schlage and make a traditional style lock set at a competitive price.
Good point. Plus it’s the only one with Thread!
You see that’s where you’re wrong having a physical key on a smart lock is actually a huge issue because physical keys are incredibly easily to break into the smart locks are a lot more secure Without the key
@@BK-pc3ei what do you do when the smarts fail and there no way to unlock the smart lock?
@@BK-pc3ei Where I live, the only pick anyone is using is usually a 12D or E wide.
@@DannyTammarohe didn't mention it in this video but there are 2 contacts on the bottom of the yale where you can put a 9 volt battery to unlock the device in the event the batteries die and you need to get inside.
I want to know which is the best with condos??😂😂 I don’t like neighbours 👂 my lock every time… do u tested is those four of them which is the most most quiet one ?? ❤❤❤❤
Is probably Level Lock, everything happens in the door as opposed to large parts of the lock on the inside and outside.
Does Yale assure let you know battery percentage in the app?
I don't see it in the Yale app, but I do get a percentage in the Home app!
Great video. I’m currently in the research stage. Do all of the locks provide a code for a housekeeper etc? Temporary code? Can all locks be opened remotely?
Temporary codes will need to be done in the lock’s brand app, but yes you can do that with Yale, Schlage, and Aqara (Level Lock you can but pin pad is purchased separately). And they can all be opened remotely via the home app
Are any of these compatible with the Ring Alarm?
No, unfortunately
Is the Schlage easy to re-key? My husband and I are purchasing a home that might need two locks, and having them use the same key would just be easier…
I haven’t re-keyed personally but several commenters said they had theirs re-keyed at a Lowe’s or Home Depot
Could home kit be used for renters or is it too hard to set up every time? Would be nice if we just set it up ourselves and we invite them to join so it's already set up for them
Actually Apple just announced at WWDC the ability to offer guest access for locks and garage doors in iOS 18, so it may be more useable for that this Fall!
I just ordered my Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon, Camelot aged bronze for $266. Time will tell.
Nice! It's the only lock with Thread and the fastest to respond.
Does anyone know if I made a guest key...can I restrict it to ONLY work from 5p to 9p?
You can do that in the 3rd-party apps from Level Lock and Schlage.
So do these also function with android? Wife and I have android, ios respectively. Need something that works for both
These all work with Google Home and offer branded apps for Android.
I am not sure what went wrong with your Aqara U100 setup. I bought the Aqara Smart Hub M2 along with the U100 lock. It is working flawlessly for almost 4 weeks and my battery is still showing 100%. Apple key also working really well and very fast response time. I rarely use the apple key as the finger print function works amazingly well. Much easier to unlock over all others unlocking methods. Aqara U100 is super quiet when it is in operations. It came with two keys and USB-C back up power. The Autolocking is super fast and 99.9% reliable. There is no way other Home Kit lock can match the pricing with the Aqara U100 and the possibility to take full advantage with the Aqara full line of home security and home automation addons. I strongly recommand the Aqara U100 for all my friend and families. I have done lots of reseach on all other smart lock options. I am so surprised you ranked it the last and complaint about the battery life. I thought this lock has one of the best battery life. I use my lock at least 50 times a day going in and out and still showing 100% after 3.5 weeks. Go test a new set and let us know your findings.
That’s a unique experience as others have bad battery life as well. How close is the hub to your lock?
@@beardfm fairly close, about 10 feet away.
Stephen, my Schlage installation went flawlessly, especially with your cautionary moves. However, I am struggling with why the Access Code I established doesn't work. Maybe I named it wrong? Second, Although the final step was adding it to HomeKit I still don't understand how I can get to work with my watch. Maybe setting it up as Express was a mistake.
Are you inputting access codes into the Home app or Schlage? Also, which app did you pair it with first? Express mode should enable Home Key on your watch so that was correct.
I followed your tip to begin in Schlage. Now I see it is working and I jumped the gun. But I am having issues getting the code input to work for the reasons you pointed out as to where to first touch to get the numbers to appear. Accordingly, the recorded input is distorted b/c my first touch is wrong. BTW is your code used by others in your family or do you have individual assigned codes?
@@beardfm
Can you avoid mis-coding the lock by touching the Lock Screen in a specific place?
I wish they'd made a Schlage Sense Plus instead. The two buttons on either side of the 0 are so ugly. I like having the singular Schlage button instead to both lock & light up the keypad.
Can you use it with Alexa and the home app as well ?
Some locks allow you to do that, but I don't have an Alexa to test.
Schlage Encode Plus is the GOAT.
For real
Does the yale assure lock 2 deadbolt work with home key ?
It does!
@beardfm wow. I'm having a hard time setting it up with my iPhone. I bought an homepod mini as a hub and it's still not working.
Schlage encode is the best but you like Yale better? Or did i misunderstand? 😕
I should have explained more, but yes. The Schlage is the most reliable and fastest to respond, due to having a Thread radio built-in (I got confirmation after the video posted). But for my needs, I don't require a physical key, and I like the compact nature of the Yale. Plus, I use Home Key almost exclusively, so the weirdness with the keypad on the Yale isn't a big deal for me. And it's cheaper.
@@beardfm gotcha! I appreciate the reply! I've yet to use a smart lock so i think i like the physical key emergency option in case it stops working for whatever reason (especially since i have airbnb guests stay with me)
Is it self locking?
You can set it to do that in the Schlage app
Which one doesn’t drain the battery in a week?
Yale and Schlage. U100 eats batteries
What is thread?
Schlage Encode is thread, yes!
What knob do you have
It's a modern something from Lowe's I believe!
You see that’s where you’re wrong having a physical key on a smart lock is actually a huge issue because physical keys are incredibly easily to break into the smart locks are a lot more secure Without the key
Je possède la serrure Schlage et les batteries doivent être changées après 60 à 80 jours. Elle est connectée par Wifi et Threads. J’ai eu un problème après 1 mois et demi. Le circuit électronique a fait défaut. Je suis canadien et le problème est survenue lors d’un mois très froid. La compagnie a accepté de la changer mais ce fut compliqué.
Sorry to hear about that experience! Being in Florida I can't test the cold sensitive of these locks 😅
My Eufy smart lock is garbage.
I’ll try the Schlage instead!
Schlage is solid! And only one with thread
Need one with a camera
Logitech Circle View is my doorbell camera and it’s great
Wtf U100 is not available in EU XD I need that fingerprint sensor :S
I have battery life anxiety. Why is that fear unfounded?
I get it, but if that’s the case Yale and Schlage are the way to go.
Don't buy the assure lock 2 if you are in Australia
Does it not work there?
@@beardfmAssa Abloy says that you can't install the app or use it without a VPN, that the company that makes them is no longer associated with Assa Abloy and you will get no support from them. Basically an expensive paper weight.
You and a couple commenters seem to be all excited about the fact that the lock supports Thread. But you don’t tell those of us new to smart locks what the #%^* Thread is!
ah sorry about that! It's a new smart home protocol that's very low energy and more reliable than bluetooth and wifi. So you get faster response times and better battery life!
A Schlage Encode Plus lock can be opened by using…
Another Schlage Encode Plus lock
How so?
@@beardfm it’s just a joke. I’m into locksport and locksmithing. One yt channel I like watch as a running joke with master lock. Were you bang one master lock with another it opens because of Kinetic force the spring are cheap made thus forcing the lock open. On the serious side I’d love to pick one these lock to see apple have cheaped out on the lock mechanisms. If your spend hundreds of dollar on a lock you at least to secure
@@beardfm is the key hole made out of plastic or metal?
I don't know what I expected, but nothing about lock security? And minimal info about battery life? Gotta dislike this one...
Security wise all the deadbolts have similar strength ratings. Schlage may have an edge there. And battery life is also similar. My Yale has gone months without needing batteries. But the Aqara U100 eats throw them for some reason.
@@beardfmUhm, some of these locks can easily be picked.
Pronounce it like Leg but with Sh in front of it. Shleg.
Ah I think I said it like that at least once 😅