The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U100
The keypad and the fingerprint body stay in view.
Side by side
Aqara U100 vs Level Lock Pro: Level hides the smart hardware, and U100 includes fingerprints and a keypad
Quick verdict
If fingerprint entry and an integrated keypad are essential, U100 is the choice. If a conventional deadbolt appearance matters and home keys, fobs or keys cover everyday access, Level Lock Pro is. Both replace door hardware. When guests will use codes, the Level plan has to include a keypad and the required remote-control setup.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Even a clean-looking door gets replacement hardware
Inside the replacement deadbolt is where Level Lock Pro hides its electronics. U100 leaves a keypad and reader exposed.
Where this comes from
Concealed electronics are a matter of appearance and placement. They don’t make it a retrofit that keeps the old cylinder.
The catch
Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
A separate keypad comes with code entry.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Why pick it
- Rely on the built-in fingerprint reader
- Hand guests codes to enter on the supplied keypad
- The catch
- The keypad and the fingerprint body stay in view.
Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
- Why pick it
- Have a deadbolt that looks conventional
- Enter with home keys and included NFC fobs
- The catch
- A separate keypad comes with code entry.
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What this page compares
Fingerprint access, visible door hardware and guest keypad costs are what separate Aqara U100 and Level Lock Pro here.
If fingerprint entry and an integrated keypad are essential, U100 is the choice. If a conventional deadbolt appearance matters and home keys, fobs or keys cover everyday access, Level Lock Pro is. Both replace door hardware. When guests will use codes, the Level plan has to include a keypad and the required remote-control setup.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Unlock by fingerprint with no extra accessory
The reader is part of U100.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
- Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
- Not suitable
Offer code access straight from the selected box
Level depends on its separately sold keypad.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
- Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
- Caution
Retain the look of a conventional exterior deadbolt
The electronics are concealed by Level.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
- Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
- Better fit
Leave the entire existing deadbolt in place
The deadbolt is replaced under both selected packages.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
- Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Even a clean-looking door gets replacement hardware
Inside the replacement deadbolt is where Level Lock Pro hides its electronics. U100 leaves a keypad and reader exposed.
How we worked this out
Concealed electronics are a matter of appearance and placement. They don’t make it a retrofit that keeps the old cylinder.
Guest codes call for an extra Level purchase
The keypad comes with U100. For code entry on Level, the optional Level Keypad is required.
How we worked this out
The keypad accessory isn’t in the selected Lock Pro package.
Which app you choose determines remote operation
For U100 the path is through the relevant Aqara or Apple hub. Level goes through Matter over Thread or the optional Level Connect route.
How we worked this out
Both locks may offer home key, but that doesn’t mean they need the same bridge.
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
- Rely on the built-in fingerprint reader
Facts we checked
- Installation: Replaces the deadbolt, with a visible keypad body
- Keypad: Integrated
- Fingerprint access: Part of the lock
- Home connectivity: Zigbee through a supported Aqara hub, and an Apple Home path is also available
Option B
Level, Level Lock Pro
Lock Pro, Matte Black
Documented for doors 1.75 to 2 inches thick, it lists home-key, phone, touch, key-fob, physical-key among its entry options.
- Best for
- Have a deadbolt that looks conventional
Facts we checked
- Installation: Replaces the deadbolt, with the electronics hidden
- Keypad: The Level Keypad is sold separately
- Fingerprint access: No fingerprint reader is listed
- Home connectivity: Matter over Thread, with an optional Level Connect path
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Level Lock Pro, Matte Black | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Replacement deadbolt with visible keypad body | Replacement deadbolt with concealed electronics | Level keeps the visual style. The old lock hardware is replaced. |
| Keypad | Integrated | Level Keypad sold separately | Adding code access changes the accessory basket. |
| Fingerprint access | Built in | No fingerprint reader listed | U100 stands out when a biometric is required. |
| Home connectivity | Zigbee through supported Aqara hub, Apple Home path also available | Matter over Thread, optional Level Connect path | Which app you want determines the home hardware you need. |
| Apple home key | Supported | Supported | Compatible Apple tap-to-unlock use is possible with both. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Aqara Smart Lock U100
- The correct supporting hub is required for connected features.
With Level Lock Pro, Matte Black
- Fingerprint access isn’t documented.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Fingerprint entry is what my family wants
Go with Aqara Smart Lock U100. The reader is integrated on U100.
Matching the look of a conventional deadbolt matters most
Go with Level Lock Pro, Matte Black. The smart hardware is hidden by Level.
I have to keep the entire existing deadbolt
Neither model fits. Each is a replacement lock package.
Decision guide
How to decide
U100 is the answer when fingerprint entry and an integrated keypad are essential. Level Lock Pro is the answer when a conventional deadbolt appearance matters and home keys, fobs or keys cover everyday access. Both replace door hardware, and if guests will use codes the Level plan must include a keypad and the required remote-control setup.
Even a clean-looking door gets replacement hardware
Level is the choice when the look of the front door is the concern and replacing the deadbolt is permitted. If you must retain an existing cylinder or common key system, do not accept either lock before checking that mechanical requirement. U100 puts a clearly accessible keypad and biometric surface on the door itself.
Guest codes call for an extra Level purchase
When a cleaner or visitor will enter a code, compare U100 against Lock Pro plus Level Keypad. Account for a suitable mounting place on top of the accessory cost. U100 also offers a fingerprint option for enrolled users. Home key and an NFC fob do not stand in for code entry if the visitor has been promised a keypad.
Which app you choose determines remote operation
Before deciding, list the home hub you have installed and the functions you need while away. A compatible Matter over Thread setup that already exists can suit Level, while an existing Aqara installation may suit U100. Apple Home is another supported route for U100, with its own hub requirement. Verify code administration on its own, apart from basic lock and unlock commands.
What this page can’t tell you
- No head-to-head biometric, security or battery test was run.
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 |
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| Level Lock Pro, Matte Black |
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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
Rely on the built-in fingerprint reader
See price & reviews on AmazonLevel Lock Pro, Matte Black
Have a deadbolt that looks conventional
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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