The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
A compatible device and a Thread-enabled Apple home hub are both required for UWB unlocking.
Side by side
Aqara U400 vs Encode Plus: Schlage controls directly over Wi-Fi, and U400 adds supported UWB approach entry
Quick verdict
Compatible-device UWB, fingerprint access and Matter over Thread come with U400. Encode Plus gives you Apple home key plus a direct-Wi-Fi route to Schlage remote control.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The Apple logo they share masks different entry behavior
Only one drops the tap step, given compatible UWB hardware.
Where this comes from
Apple home key appears on both lists. UWB approach unlocking is listed only for U400, and it also requires a compatible device and hub.
The catch
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Android-only homes may never use the feature that sets it apart from Encode, because its main advantage is strongest for Apple users.
Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Why pick it
- Fingerprint entry next to Apple home key is what you want.
- Approach unlocking appeals to you, and the Thread infrastructure it requires is in place.
- The catch
- A compatible device and a Thread-enabled Apple home hub are both required for UWB unlocking.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Why pick it
- You want to reach the lock remotely via Schlage, over direct Wi-Fi.
- Your routine fits home key tapping and replaceable AA batteries.
- The catch
- Android-only homes may never use the feature that sets it apart from Encode, because its main advantage is strongest for Apple users.
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What this page compares
Aqara U400 and Schlage Encode Plus are compared on Apple entry, hub requirements, fingerprints and battery care, with home key treated separately from UWB.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Want to unlock by fingerprint
A fingerprint reader is on U400 alone.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Caution
Want remote control over direct Wi-Fi
Encode Plus works with Schlage Home across Wi-Fi.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Caution
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Better fit
Want Matter-based interoperability
U400 runs Matter over Thread.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Caution
Just need to tap in with Apple
Home key works on both once set up appropriately.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Good
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
The Apple logo they share masks different entry behavior
Only one drops the tap step, given compatible UWB hardware.
How we worked this out
Apple home key appears on both lists. UWB approach unlocking is listed only for U400, and it also requires a compatible device and hub.
Simplest remote access and widest protocol support are not the same thing
Remote-control app access on Encode Plus goes through Wi-Fi, whereas U400 links ecosystems through Thread.
How we worked this out
Set direct Wi-Fi Schlage Home against the Thread-enabled Matter controller that U400 requires. A separate Apple home hub still matters for Apple automations.
Fingerprint is reason enough on its own to choose U400
A household member with no compatible wallet device still gets use out of it.
How we worked this out
Besides wallet entry, U400 lists keypad, physical key and fingerprint. Encode Plus lists keypad and key but no fingerprint.
Option A
Aqara, DL-D06E
Smart Lock U400, Black
Fingerprint access, Apple home key and UWB approach unlocking on supported devices come together in this Matter-over-Thread deadbolt.
- Best for
- A household with a suitable Thread controller plus a compatible phone or watch
Facts we checked
- Entry options the manufacturer lists are fingerprint, keypad, mechanical key, NFC and supported wallet.
- You charge the rechargeable battery through the interior USB-C port.
- An internal gyro handles door-close auto-lock, and the exterior panel is rated IP65.
- The Amazon model selected is the DL-D06E, rather than a hub bundle.
Option B
Schlage, BE499WB CAM 619
Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Documented to fit doors 1.375 to 1.75 inches thick, with home-key, keypad and phone listed as entry options.
- Best for
- give family and guests a code, while replacing my deadbolt
Facts we checked
- Documented to fit doors 1.375 to 1.75 inches thick.
- Home-key, keypad and phone are listed as entry options.
- Platforms documented include alexa, apple, google.
- The documented installation is a full deadbolt replacement.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands-free entry | UWB with supported Apple device and Thread home hub | Home key tap, no UWB approach unlocking | Tapping and hands-free approach are not the same action. |
| Fingerprint | Built-in reader | No fingerprint reader | U400 gives a biometric option with no phone. |
| Network route | Matter over Thread controller required for ecosystem connection | Direct Wi-Fi for Schlage Home remote control | That remote-control path takes fewer separate components with Schlage. |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium battery | Four AA batteries | Upkeep for charging is different from upkeep for replacing cells. |
| Matter | Native Matter over Thread | Not documented as a Matter lock | Being Apple-compatible doesn’t by itself mean Matter. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Some other U400 bundles come with the M100 hub, but this DL-D06E package does not.
With Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- A fingerprint reader is not included.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Fingerprint and home key entry are what you want, and you already have a compatible Aqara Zigbee hub
Neither model fits. U100 pairs these entry methods with the Aqara Zigbee bridge path. For connected control, U400 needs the right Matter and Thread setup instead.
Decision guide
How to decide
For compatible-device UWB, fingerprint access and Matter over Thread, go with U400. For Apple home key with a direct-Wi-Fi route to Schlage remote control, go with Encode Plus.
When devices span generations
Some Apple devices in a household may support home key tapping but not UWB approach entry, so check each person separately. The U400 fingerprint reader is another convenient route, which means an unsupported phone does not have to be the only way in.
If this is a first smart lock
Remote access through Schlage Home can be simpler with the direct Wi-Fi route on Encode Plus. Setting up U400 needs the right Matter controller and Thread network. Put those components in the plan before you compare lock prices alone.
Battery care for the long term
U400 recharges through a USB-C port on the interior side, while Encode Plus takes AA cells you can keep on hand as spares. What matters is which routine you will reliably follow, because neither advertised battery duration guarantees how often you will need to replace them.
What this page can’t tell you
- This page compares features and installation. It is not a destructive security test.
- Compatible hubs, software and devices are what remote and wallet features depend on.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the smart locks we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 4 of the 25 models checked meet every need here: “Pair it with Apple Home”, “Use a fingerprint to unlock”, “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”, and “Base the setup on Matter”.
4 models fit, out of 25 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Pair it with Apple Home”, “Use a fingerprint to unlock”, “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”, and “Base the setup on Matter”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black |
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| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim |
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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 U400, Black
Fingerprint entry next to Apple home key is what you want.
See price & reviews on AmazonSchlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
You want to reach the lock remotely via Schlage, over direct Wi-Fi.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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