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 U100: U100 uses taps, while U400 unlocks on approach with supported hardware
Quick verdict
For hands-free UWB on a supported device and native Matter over Thread, U400 is the pick. U100 still makes sense for tap-to-unlock home key and an existing Aqara Zigbee setup.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The upgrade isn’t fingerprint capacity
Each documents room for 50 fingerprints.
Where this comes from
The maker specifications for U400 and U100 each list 50 fingerprints. What mainly sets U400 apart here is UWB and Thread. The fingerprint roster is the same size.
The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U100
You need a compatible Aqara hub for remote control and wider automations.
Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Why pick it
- A compatible UWB phone or watch and the required Apple Thread home hub are already yours.
- You like rechargeable power and native Matter-over-Thread integration better.
- The catch
- A compatible device and a Thread-enabled Apple home hub are both required for UWB unlocking.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Why pick it
- A compatible Aqara hub is already yours, and tap-to-unlock is all you need.
- Replaceable AA batteries matter to you, or you need the broader published exterior temperature range.
- The catch
- You need a compatible Aqara hub for remote control and wider automations.
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What this page compares
Before you replace an existing deadbolt, see how Aqara U400 and U100 compare on UWB approach access, Matter connections, battery routines and climate limits.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Apple household with compatible UWB
Approach unlocking comes only from U400.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
Prefer swapping in AA cells
Replaceable AA cells power U100.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Caution
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
Aqara Zigbee hub already owned
A compatible Aqara Zigbee hub works with U100. A Zigbee hub by itself doesn’t mean you have the Matter controller and Thread border router required for U400 connected control.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Depends
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
Require native Matter over Thread
A hub is how U100 reaches Matter.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
The upgrade isn’t fingerprint capacity
Each documents room for 50 fingerprints.
How we worked this out
The maker specifications for U400 and U100 each list 50 fingerprints. What mainly sets U400 apart here is UWB and Thread. The fingerprint roster is the same size.
The cold limit published for U400 is 30.6 F warmer
The specified cold range doesn’t widen with its new radio features.
How we worked this out
-0.4 minus -31 is 30.6 F. The U100 value is for the outer panel. Check the exact installation environment.
A hub you already own can flip the setup advantage
U400 needs a Thread-enabled Matter controller, but U100 can reuse a suitable Aqara Zigbee hub.
How we worked this out
Set native Thread on U400 against Zigbee plus a Matter bridge on U100. A hub carrying the same brand name isn’t automatically the type required.
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
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
- unlock with a fingerprint on a replacement for my deadbolt
Facts we checked
- The documented door range is 1.375 to 2.17 inches thick.
- Entry options include fingerprint, home-key, keypad, phone.
- The documented platform list includes alexa, apple, google, matter.
- The documented installation is a full deadbolt replacement.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach entry | UWB hands-free with compatible Apple device and hub | Apple home key tap, no UWB approach feature | An iPhone by itself doesn’t guarantee hands-free compatibility with U400. |
| Matter path | Native Matter over Thread | Through a Matter-compatible Aqara hub | Extra hardware depends on the home network already in place. |
| Battery routine | Rechargeable removable battery, interior USB-C | Replaceable AA batteries | Pick a recharging routine, or keep spares on hand. |
| Published temperature | -0.4 to 131 F operating range | -31 to 150 F exterior range | Look at the exposed component that matters and at the installation conditions. |
| Selected package | DL-D06E without M100 hub | Catalog U100 standalone configuration | A product-family hub bundle shouldn’t be assumed to be included. |
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 Aqara Smart Lock U100
- There are plenty of ways to get in, though setup takes more effort than with a stand-alone Wi-Fi lock.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Remote codes and direct Wi-Fi with no hub are the main things you want
Neither model fits. Arrive brings physical buttons, remote access and 250 codes, and skips the UWB or Matter setup.
Decision guide
How to decide
Supported-device hands-free UWB and native Matter over Thread point to U400. If you want tap-to-unlock home key or already run an Aqara Zigbee setup, U100 remains useful.
When you arrive with full hands
UWB on the U400 can remove the tap step, provided the phone or watch and the Apple home hub are on the compatibility list. Check the specific device model before paying for this feature. U100 home key still gives you quick tap entry without UWB.
If you already run an Aqara home
A U100 hub setup that already works gives you a way to integrate. Switching to U400 changes the radio architecture and may bring in a Thread requirement. Native Matter is most useful when you really want that network and ecosystem arrangement.
If the doorway is exposed to cold
Read the temperature limits next to the installation drawing. The U100 exterior specification reaches colder than the published U400 operating range. Neither weather rating fixes a misaligned deadbolt or protects an indoor component that has been mounted outside.
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 2 of the 25 models checked meet every need here: “Pair it with Apple Home”, “Base the setup on Matter”, “Walk up and let the door unlock itself”, and “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”.
2 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”, “Base the setup on Matter”, “Walk up and let the door unlock itself”, and “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”. 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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| Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
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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
A compatible UWB phone or watch and the required Apple Thread home hub are already yours.
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock U100
A compatible Aqara hub is already yours, and tap-to-unlock is all you need.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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