Top 5 Wi-Fi Smart Locks in Canada, 2026

Like most other smart locks, the Encode Plus will automatically lock itself after a set period of time, though you can only configure this in the Schlage app; from within HomeKit, you can set the lock to automatically lock or unlock based on your location.

However, the Encode Plus does have one feature not found on many other smart locks: a built-in alarm. In the event someone tries to jimmy the Encode Plus, it will emit a siren that should at least deter someone from attempting to break in.

Unlocks via Apple Watch

The Schlage Encode Plus is a top pick with a 9/10 consensus score. Experts highlight native apple home key support — tap an iphone or watch to unlock and built-in wi-fi — no bridge or hub needed. Best for: Apple HomeKit users, Home Key tappers, Security-first homeowners.

No separate hub is required — it connects over Wi-Fi or your existing network, so there is no extra box to buy.

Remote lock/unlock is fast — typically under 3 seconds from the app. Lock status updates in real time, and the activity log keeps 30 days of access history showing who entered, when, and by which method.

The Encode Plus is built for Apple HomeKit users first. It’s one of very few smart locks with native HomeKit support — no hub, no bridge, no extra hardware.

This is a Grade 1 ANSI-certified deadbolt — the highest residential security rating available. The exterior hardware is solid metal with a satisfying heft, and the bolt mechanism feels noticeably more substantial than what you’ll find on Grade 2 locks like the August Wi-Fi...

Installation takes 20–30 minutes with a screwdriver. The Encode Plus replaces your existing deadbolt entirely — remove the old one, install Schlage’s hardware, connect the interior assembly. No professional needed.

The touchscreen keypad wakes with a tap and supports up to 100 access codes. You can create permanent codes, time-limited codes (useful for housekeepers or contractors), and recurring codes that only work on specific days and hours.

The Encode Plus has built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and handles all remote connectivity on its own — no Z-Wave hub, no SmartThings bridge, nothing extra.

HomeKit integration is as good as it gets for a smart lock. Setup is a QR code scan. Once added, it appears in the Apple Home app with full control — lock, unlock, check status, assign access codes, and build automations.

With Home — Kit, you can automatically lock the door when you leave a geofence, trigger a scene when the door unlocks (an “Arriving Home” scene that turns on lights and adjusts the thermostat), and control access through Siri on any Apple device including Apple Watch.

The supplied drilling template helps with any necessary adjustments. The lock comes with two physical keys, which remain fully functional even when the battery dies (a critical consideration that cheaper smart locks sometimes overlook).

Inside, the thumb turn has a satisfying, mechanical feel — it's clearly a lock that was designed to be a lock first, with the smart features added thoughtfully rather than bolted on as an afterthought.

The build quality is immediately noticeable. The lock is heavy, solid, and fitted precisely. There's no rattling or play in the hardware. The keypad illuminates fully when touched and the buttons register clean presses.

The Encode Plus runs on four AA batteries. In our testing, batteries lasted approximately 9–12 months with normal use. This is excellent for a Wi-Fi-connected lock.

For Home Assistant users, Matter support means direct local control once your HA instance is running a Matter controller. This is a significant advantage over older Wi-Fi locks that rely entirely on cloud APIs.

The Schlage Encode Plus was among the first smart locks to receive Matter certification, and it shows. Setup via Matter is straightforward: scan the QR code, and it pairs directly with Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa without any proprietary hub or bridge.

A "vacation mode" disables all codes temporarily, providing an extra layer of security when you're away. The keypad also auto-locks after a configurable period, and backlit keys make night-time entry effortless.

The built-in keypad is one of the Encode Plus's greatest strengths. It supports up to 100 unique access codes, each with customisable scheduling. You can create a code that works only on Monday mornings, only between certain dates, or permanently.

The Schlage keypad is also resistant to smudge attacks (where an attacker tries to read which digits were most frequently pressed). After entering a code, the lock illuminates the entire keypad briefly to mask which numbers were touched.

The power and signal cable for the Encode Plus is designed to be easy and obvious to connect the right way.

Installing the lock hardware is as straightforward as any I’ve tried. The kit comes with the deadbolt and strike plate, keypad and interior electronics assembly, batteries, a key, and all the screws and bolts you need.

The keypad is nice and bright on the Schlage, and includes colors to signal how the lock is working. I found the numbers easy to read in full sunlight as well as in the dark.

On top of the support for Apple, Google, and Amazon Alexa, the lock works with the Airbnb vacation rental system.

The Encode Plus setup on iPhone is easy and mostly automated.

It's the highest residential rating from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association for cycle durability and forced-entry resistance — the standard insurers and property managers look for.

No. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so basic remote unlock and smart-app control work out of the box without a Thread border router. That's a real advantage over hub-dependent locks if your home doesn't already have a HomePod or a newer Echo acting as a Thread border router.

The highest residential grade for physical durability and forced-entry resistance — the one independently-confirmable Grade 1 pick on this list.

Built-in Wi-Fi means no Thread border router is required for basic Wi-Fi smart-app and remote unlock — Schlage advantage if the network lacks a HomePod or newer Echo.