Smart Lock vs Smart Door Handle: Which Upgrade Fits Your Door?
A smart lock replaces the deadbolt on your door, while a smart door handle replaces the lever or knob and latch assembly, and the two solve different problems. Choosing between them comes down to whether you want keyless entry at the deadbolt, a full handle upgrade with built-in keypad, or both working together on the same door.
Quick answer
A smart deadbolt lock wins for most US homes because it secures the primary locking point, integrates with more smart home platforms, and costs less than a full smart handle set.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Checked specifications against manufacturer documentation before publishing
- We compare lock grades, ANSI/BHMA ratings, wireless protocols, and battery life from manufacturer spec sheets rather than retailer marketing copy.
Research updated September 2026.
| Factor | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever |
|---|---|---|
| Factor | Schlage Encode Plus Deadbolt | Schlage Encode Smart Lever |
| Primary function | Secures deadbolt | Secures latch via lever |
| Security rating | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 | Residential grade lever |
| Smart home support | HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Thread | Alexa, Google, Schlage app |
| Hub required | No | No |
| Best for | Front doors with a deadbolt | Doors without a deadbolt or side entries |
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Best overall smart lockPros
- Built-in WiFi means no separate hub or bridge
- Supports Apple home keys and Thread for HomeKit users
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 residential security rating
Cons
- Premium price compared with basic keypad deadbolts
- Bulky interior escutcheon may not suit every door
The Encode Plus is one of the few deadbolts with WiFi built in, so it connects directly to your router without a hub. It keeps a physical keyway for backup and works with the major voice assistants plus Apple Home. Based on manufacturer specifications, it is a strong pick if you want the deadbolt itself to be the smart component.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever
Best smart door handlePros
- Keypad and lever in one unit, good for doors without a separate deadbolt
- Built-in WiFi for remote access and scheduling
- Fits standard bore holes for easier retrofit
Cons
- Lever alone offers less forced-entry resistance than a deadbolt
- Fewer smart home integrations than the Encode Plus deadbolt
This is the handle-side answer to the same question: a lever with a built-in keypad and WiFi radio. It suits side doors, garage entry doors, or interior doors where a deadbolt is not present or practical. Based on manufacturer specifications, it delivers keyless convenience but does not match the security of a Grade 1 deadbolt.
Where Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Wins
The Encode Plus deadbolt wins on security and ecosystem. A deadbolt is the locking point that resists forced entry, and this model carries a Grade 1 rating plus the widest smart home support of the two, including Apple home keys. If your front door already has a deadbolt, upgrading it is the higher-impact move.
Where Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever Wins
The Encode Smart Lever wins on fit and simplicity. It replaces the handle and latch in one step, which is useful on doors that never had a deadbolt, like some side or garage entry doors. It also keeps the same keyless keypad convenience without requiring a second cutout.
FAQs
Can I use a smart lock and a smart door handle on the same door?
Yes, but most homes only need one smart component. A common setup is a smart deadbolt paired with a standard handle, or a smart handle on a door that has no deadbolt.
Is a smart door handle as secure as a smart deadbolt?
Generally no. A deadbolt engages the door frame with a solid bolt, while a handle latch is shorter and easier to defeat. For exterior entry doors, a deadbolt is the stronger choice.
Do smart locks and smart handles need a hub?
Not always. Models with built-in WiFi, like the Schlage Encode line, connect directly to your router. Others use Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee and may need a hub or bridge.
Will a smart door handle fit my existing door?
Most replace standard US bore holes, but check the backset and door thickness in the spec sheet. Some handles require a specific latch size or faceplate.
How long do batteries last in these devices?
Many WiFi smart locks are rated around four to six months on AA batteries, though cold weather, frequent use, and WiFi activity can shorten that. Battery life varies by model and usage.
Can I still use a physical key with a smart lock?
Many smart deadbolts, including the Schlage Encode Plus, keep a keyway for backup. Some smart handles are keypad only, so check before buying if key access matters to you.
Our verdict
For most US front doors, a smart deadbolt like the Schlage Encode Plus is the better upgrade because it secures the main locking point and offers broader smart home support. A smart door handle makes sense on side or interior doors that lack a deadbolt, or when you want keypad entry without adding a second lock. If security is the priority, start with the deadbolt.