Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro vs Schlage Encode Plus
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
If you're looking for a smart lock with high strength and durability, consider the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and the Schlage Encode Plus. These locks earn the ANSI/BHMI Grade 1 certification, which is the highest rating a lock can get. They are perfect for heavy-duty applications for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
However, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and the Schlage Encode Plus are different in some ways. Let's examine them more closely and find out which one is the best fit for your needs.
| Specs | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | Schlage Encode Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $319.98 |
| Color | Black, satin nickel, black with satin nickel | Matte black, satin nickel, aged bronze |
| Batteries Required | Yes (4 AA batteries included) | Yes (4 AA batteries included) |
| Connectivity | Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi | Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi |
| Door Thickness | 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” | 1-3/8” to 1-3/4” |
| Touchpad Type | Keypad | Touchscreen |
| Lock Type | Keyless | Keyed or keyless |
| Fingerprint | Yes | No |
| Auto-Unlock | Yes | No |
| Auto-Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Access Codes | No, 50 codes | No, 100 codes |
| Anti-peep Code | Yes | No |
| Remote Access | Yes, via U-tec App | Yes, via Schlage Home App |
| Door Sensor | Yes, included | No |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IFTTT | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit |
| Rating | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 |
| Emergency Power Back-up | Yes, microUSB | No |
| Back-up Key | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
Ultraloq is better than Schlage, as it has more features like fingerprint, geofencing-based Auto-Unlock, door sensor for Auto-Lock, and Vague Code. However, Ultraloq supports a more limited 50 access codes compared to Schlage's 100 access codes. Schlage is also compatible with HomeKit while Ultraloq doesn't.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
Extensive Features
✓ Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi
✓ Auto-lock, auto-unlock, fingerprint, door sensor
✓ Access codes max 50
✓ Back-up key and emergency power back-up
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
More Support for Apple Users
✓ Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi
✓ Auto-lock
✓ Access codes max 100
✓ Back-up key only
#1 Design
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Schlage Encode Plus are designed quite differently. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro features a physical keypad and fingerprint scanner, while the Schlage Encode Plus features a touchscreen keypad without a fingerprint scanner.
With a keyhole visible on the outside, the Schlage Encode Plus looks more like a traditional lock. However, it gives a luxurious feel with its glossy finish and curvy trim (Camelot variant) or flat trim (Century variant). On the other hand, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is more minimalistic with its square shape and matte finish.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is available in three colors: black, satin nickel, and black with satin nickel. Schlage Encode Plus is also available in three color options: satin nickel, matte black, and aged bronze. You can choose the one that matches your door and home decor the best.
#2 Connectivity
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Both the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Schlage Encode Plus have built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, so you won't need to purchase an additional hub or module to access all of their features. Both smart locks also support Alexa and Google Assistant for voice assistants, so you can easily lock and unlock your door with your voice.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is also compatible with SmartThings, IFTTT, and Apple Watch. Schlage Encode Plus on the other hand is better for Apple users, as it does not only work with Apple Watch but also Apple HomeKit and Apple home keys. This means, you can use your iPhone as your key or set up automations with other Apple HomeKit-enabled devices. For example, you can set up an automation to turn on your smart lights and adjust the thermostat when you unlock your door with your Schlage Encode Plus.
#3 Smart Features
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Schlage Encode Plus both offer a range of smart features, including the ability to create custom access codes to share with guests or family members, view access logs, remote access via their respective mobile apps, One-Touch Locking to easily lock the door on your way out, and Auto-Lock feature that will automatically relock the door after a chosen time delay or when the GPS in your smartphone detects that you're away from home.
However, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro has some more unique features that set it apart from the Schlage Encode Plus. It features a fingerprint reader for you to unlock the door with your finger in just 0.3 seconds, so you no longer need to remember codes or open the door with your smartphone. Auto-Unlock is also supported, which will automatically unlock the door for you when you approach the door carrying your smartphone with you.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro also comes with a door sensor included, so you can monitor whether your door is open or closed, and set Auto-Lock to activate whenever the sensor detects that the door is closed. Web control is also supported to manage multiple locks from a single dashboard, which is perfect if you're a property manager or an Airbnb host.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
When it comes to smart lock features, the only advantage that the Schlage Encode Plus has over the Ultraloq counterpart is that it allows a maximum of 100 access codes to be created, compared to Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro which only allows for 50 access codes at maximum. This might be an important consideration if you have a large family, frequently have guests, or if you run a business that requires a lot of people to access the lock.
#4 Security & Emergency Features
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
Both the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Schlage Encode Plus offer advanced security and emergency features. You can get a notification on your smartphone when someone enters a wrong code or tries to tamper with the lock. Schlage Encode Plus also has a built-in alarm, so it will emit a loud siren when someone tries to break the lock forcefully.
On the other hand, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro offers an additional security feature with its anti-peep tactile keypad. You can enter up to 16-digit Vague Code, which will allow you to enter a series of random numbers before or after your actual code, so that others won't be able to pry your passcode by watching your finger movements on the keypad.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
In terms of emergency features, both smart locks have a physical keyhole that you can use to manually unlock the door in case the batteries die or the lock malfunctions. In Schlage Encode Plus, the backup keyhole is clearly visible on the outside, while in the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, it is hidden behind the front panel. This means, you will have to open the panel first, but it provides more security to prevent picking or tampering.
If the batteries die and you don't have the backup key with you, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro also has a micro-USB port at the bottom, so you can temporarily power up the lock with a power bank or USB charger to unlock the door. Such a feature is not available in Schlage Encode Plus, making the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro a better option in terms of security and emergencies.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro vs Schlage Encode Plus
Final Thoughts
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Despite its higher price, Schlage Encode Plus doesn't have many advantages besides its support for Apple services. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro lacks HomeKit support, but it offers more sophisticated features including fingerprint, sensor, and auto-unlock, as well as extra security and emergency features including Vague Code, USB port, and hidden backup keyhole.
If you like to read more about Smart Home Locks, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Home Lock 2023
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs SL
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs Nest x Yale Lock
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro vs Yale Assure Lock 2
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