The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Compatible hub hardware is needed for remote Aqara functions.
Side by side
Aqara Smart Lock U100 vs Aqara Smart Lock B50: B50 controls remotely with no bridge, and U100 adds fingerprints and home keys
Quick verdict
Fingerprint entry or Apple home key points to U100. Remote Aqara app control over built-in Wi-Fi, with no bridge to buy, points to B50. Codes, backup keys and USB-C emergency power come on both, but Matter integration still needs compatible Aqara hardware. Settle how people will enter before you compare battery estimates.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Budget separately for local entry and for remote management
Fingerprints and home-key taps on U100 can justify choosing it, even if remote controls require extra hardware. Remote Aqara access on B50 goes over a Wi-Fi route it supplies itself.
Where this comes from
For U100, the documentation covers the fingerprint reader, Apple home key and the Aqara Zigbee hub requirement for remote functions. B50 has separate documentation for direct remote control over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
The catch
Aqara Smart Lock B50
Neither a fingerprint reader nor Apple home-key support is documented.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Why pick it
- Use a fingerprint rather than a code or phone to unlock
- Use Apple home key by tapping a supported iPhone or Apple Watch
- The catch
- Compatible hub hardware is needed for remote Aqara functions.
Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Why pick it
- Run the lock remotely in Aqara Home with no extra bridge
- Connect straight over Wi-Fi to Alexa or Google Home
- The catch
- Neither a fingerprint reader nor Apple home-key support is documented.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Aqara U100 and B50 compared on the hub hardware your door setup needs, plus fingerprint or Apple home-key entry and remote guest access.
Fingerprint entry or Apple home key points to U100. Remote Aqara app control over built-in Wi-Fi, with no bridge to buy, points to B50. Codes, backup keys and USB-C emergency power come on both, but Matter integration still needs compatible Aqara hardware. Settle how people will enter before you compare battery estimates.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Fingerprint is the entry method preferred for every day
A fingerprint reader comes with U100, and none is among B50’s documented entry methods.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Apple Wallet home key can’t be done without
The feature is documented for U100. Matter integration on B50 isn’t a home-key specification.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Remote Aqara control has to work without a separate bridge
Wi-Fi is built into B50. For its remote path, U100 requires compatible Aqara hub hardware.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Better fit
Matter integration has to work with no Aqara hub at all
Compatible Aqara hubs underlie both Matter routes that were reviewed.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Visitors have to get in while the Wi-Fi is out
Local code or physical-key entry is documented for both. Confirm the code setup ahead of the outage.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Good
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Budget separately for local entry and for remote management
Fingerprints and home-key taps on U100 can justify choosing it, even if remote controls require extra hardware. Remote Aqara access on B50 goes over a Wi-Fi route it supplies itself.
How we worked this out
For U100, the documentation covers the fingerprint reader, Apple home key and the Aqara Zigbee hub requirement for remote functions. B50 has separate documentation for direct remote control over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Different daily workloads sit behind the battery estimates
B50’s stated scenario has 10 unlocks a day against 8 for U100, and it mixes remote actions with codes. The two-month headline gap can’t predict a runtime advantage for a household.
How we worked this out
5 code unlocks + 5 remote unlocks = 10 daily actions. The U100 estimate is based on 8 fingerprint unlocks. Radio use and entry methods differ too, along with the action count.
Matter can’t supply the entry hardware that is missing
A compatible Aqara hub can expose smart-home controls for B50. It does not add the fingerprint sensor of U100, nor does it establish Apple home-key support.
How we worked this out
B50’s code, app, voice, key and offline-password entry methods are what Aqara lists. The Matter paragraph describes integration through compatible hubs. Fingerprint hardware and Apple home key are specified separately for U100.
Option A
Aqara, DL-D01D
Smart Lock U100
Entry options listed are fingerprint, home-key, keypad and phone, and the documented door range is 1.375 to 2.17 inches thick.
- Best for
- Use a fingerprint rather than a code or phone to unlock
Facts we checked
- Fingerprint entry: Built-in reader
- Apple home key: Supported with compatible Apple devices
- Remote Aqara connection: Compatible Aqara Zigbee hub required
- Manufacturer battery estimate: Up to 8 months, based on 8 fingerprint unlocks daily
Option B
Aqara, DL-D12E
Smart Lock B50
Remote app control works without an extra hub on this Wi-Fi keypad deadbolt, which also has physical backup keys and optional Aqara Matter bridging.
- Best for
- Run the lock remotely in Aqara Home with no extra bridge
Facts we checked
- Fingerprint entry: No fingerprint reader in the documented entry methods
- Apple home key: No Apple home-key support documented
- Remote Aqara connection: Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Manufacturer battery estimate: Up to 6 months, based on 5 codes plus 5 remote unlocks daily
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Aqara Smart Lock B50 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint entry | Built-in reader | No fingerprint reader in the documented entry methods | People who don’t want to use codes get a biometric option with U100. |
| Apple home key | Supported with compatible Apple devices | No Apple home-key support documented | A Wallet home key isn’t the same as Matter access through a hub. |
| Remote Aqara connection | Compatible Aqara Zigbee hub required | Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | The lock is reachable from B50’s own app with no separate bridge. |
| Manufacturer battery estimate | Up to 8 months, based on 8 fingerprint unlocks daily | Up to 6 months, based on 5 codes plus 5 remote unlocks daily | Because usage patterns differ, this isn’t a controlled runtime comparison. |
| Matter integration | Via a compatible Aqara hub | Via a compatible Aqara hub | The bridge-free claim for B50 covers direct Wi-Fi functions and not its Matter path. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Aqara Smart Lock U100
- The longer battery estimate for it is based on a workload unlike B50’s.
With Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Even with direct Wi-Fi remote control, Matter still requires a compatible Aqara hub.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
A requirement for fingerprint entry or Apple home key
Go with Aqara Smart Lock U100. Both capabilities are documented for U100.
Remote Aqara access has to work without a separate bridge
Go with Aqara Smart Lock B50. B50 offers remote control over direct 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Matter has to connect with no Aqara hub at all
Neither model fits. Compatible Aqara hub hardware is required by both documented Matter paths.
Decision guide
How to decide
U100 is the lock for fingerprint entry or Apple home key. B50 is the lock for remote Aqara app control over built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge to buy. Both provide codes, backup keys and USB-C emergency power, though Matter integration still needs compatible Aqara hardware. Before comparing battery estimates, decide how people will enter.
Begin with who will use the door
On U100, fingerprint entry and Apple home key answer specific daily-access needs. B50 is for people who are comfortable with a keypad, app or physical key and want a simple remote setup. A household may care more about how one particular visitor gets in than about the number of protocols on the packaging.
Map out the remote connection you plan to use
For its documented remote functions, B50 connects directly to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. U100 uses Zigbee and needs a compatible Aqara hub for its remote Aqara path. If Matter is the real goal, include compatible hub hardware for either lock and check the requirements of the receiving platform. A general no-hub label does not settle every integration question.
Plan recovery and upkeep without presuming a battery-life winner
Because the published battery estimates rest on different activities, do not turn the headline months into a promise. Keep suitable AA batteries and the physical backup key on hand. Temporary USB-C emergency power is available on both, but treat it as a recovery plan and not a reason to ignore low-battery warnings. Check the exact door and network conditions before you buy.
What this page can’t tell you
- Fingerprint accuracy, security resistance, radio range and runtime have not been tested by us. B50's fingerprint and home-key capabilities are undocumented, and a general Matter badge is not treated as evidence of them.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the smart locks we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
|
| |
| Aqara Smart Lock B50 |
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Use a fingerprint rather than a code or phone to unlock
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock B50
Run the lock remotely in Aqara Home with no extra bridge
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money