The catch
Aqara Smart Lock U50
An extra hub is needed for remote Aqara control.
Side by side
Aqara U50 vs B50: B50 controls remotely with no Aqara hub, and U50 adds home-key taps
Quick verdict
Apple Home Key and door-motion-based locking point to U50. B50 is for keypad households that want remote Aqara app control over Wi-Fi and do not want to buy a hub.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A hub can turn the apparent saving around
Compare the cost of the installed system, counting the Aqara hub that U50 needs for remote Aqara access.
Where this comes from
B50 has built-in Wi-Fi, whereas U50 relies on Zigbee for Aqara remote control. That difference means a separate hardware purchase for a new U50 household.
The catch
Aqara Smart Lock B50
Lacks Apple Home Key.
Aqara Smart Lock U50
- Why pick it
- Home Key on an iPhone or Apple Watch is how you unlock.
- A gyroscope should trigger the locking once the door closes.
- The catch
- An extra hub is needed for remote Aqara control.
Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Why pick it
- Remote Aqara app access over the Wi-Fi you already have is what you want.
- Codes and physical keys work fine for your household.
- The catch
- Lacks Apple Home Key.
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What this page compares
Before you replace your front-door deadbolt, see how Aqara U50 and B50 differ on Apple Home Key, remote guest access, hub costs and automatic locking.
Apple Home Key and door-motion-based locking point to U50. B50 is for keypad households that want remote Aqara app control over Wi-Fi and do not want to buy a hub.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Home Key on Apple Watch is a requirement
Home Key works on U50 but not on B50.
- Aqara Smart Lock U50
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Remote Aqara control and no extra hub
For this specific path, U50 needs its Zigbee hub. B50 relies on built-in Wi-Fi.
- Aqara Smart Lock U50
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Better fit
Visitors are meant to type in a keypad code
Keypad entry and guest access features are on both.
- Aqara Smart Lock U50
- Similar
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Similar
A mortise lock is on the door
Each is aimed at deadbolt installations. Before recommending either, you need the exact mortise hardware and an adapter assessment.
- Aqara Smart Lock U50
- Depends
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
A hub can turn the apparent saving around
Compare the cost of the installed system, counting the Aqara hub that U50 needs for remote Aqara access.
How we worked this out
B50 has built-in Wi-Fi, whereas U50 relies on Zigbee for Aqara remote control. That difference means a separate hardware purchase for a new U50 household.
Adding a bridge won’t give you Home Key
The tap-to-unlock hardware in U50 isn’t something a Matter bridge gives B50.
How we worked this out
Home Key is missing from B50’s supported entry methods. Bridging its lock state to Matter leaves the keypad’s physical capabilities unchanged.
Closure of the door and elapsed time are separate triggers
When household members leave the door ajar, U50 has the more relevant trigger.
How we worked this out
Closure-based auto-locking on U50 relies on a gyroscope. B50’s timer can run out regardless of the door position. Correct alignment is still needed with either.
Option A
Aqara, DL-D05D
Smart Lock U50
This keypad deadbolt supports Apple Home Key and comes with physical backup keys. Adding a Zigbee hub extends it to remote access and smart-home routines.
- Best for
- Apple Watch users who can do without a fingerprint reader
Facts we checked
- The manufacturer estimates up to six months on the four AA batteries that power the lock.
- Entry works through Apple Home Key, the keypad, Bluetooth app access or physical keys.
- The lock locks itself after the door closes, aided by a built-in gyroscope.
- IPX5 is the water-resistance rating of the exterior.
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
- giving guests access remotely over home Wi-Fi
Facts we checked
- Remote control through the Aqara Home app comes from built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6.
- The manufacturer's estimate for four AA batteries is up to six months.
- IPX3 is the exterior's rating.
- It covers doors 35 to 54 mm thick and a 60 or 70 mm backset.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Aqara Smart Lock U50 | Aqara Smart Lock B50 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote connection | Zigbee through compatible Aqara hub | Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 6 | Remote app access on B50 needs no additional Aqara bridge. |
| Apple Home Key | Supported | Not supported | To tap with a compatible iPhone or Watch, U50 is the option. |
| Automatic locking | Gyroscope detects door closure | Timed automatic locking | A timer can’t verify that the door has really closed. |
| Exterior water rating | IPX5 | IPX3 | Water-test conditions differ between the ratings. Stick to placement limits and don’t treat either lock as waterproof. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Aqara Smart Lock U50
- Lacks a fingerprint reader.
With Aqara Smart Lock B50
- A timed lock can’t confirm door closure.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You conclude that tap-to-unlock is essential
Go with Aqara Smart Lock U50. B50 lacks the hardware capability for Home Key.
You won’t be adding an Aqara hub for remote app control
Go with Aqara Smart Lock B50. B50 supplies Wi-Fi connectivity of its own.
The door you have isn’t prepared for a compatible deadbolt
Neither model fits. Check the door first and then pick hardware that suits it, instead of forcing either deadbolt into the wrong cutout.
Decision guide
How to decide
For Apple Home Key and door-motion-based locking, choose U50. For remote Aqara app control over Wi-Fi without buying a hub, B50 suits keypad households.
Which phone your family carries
When everyone already uses Apple Home Key, U50 keeps that daily action intact. The B50 app and keypad handle remote access and guest codes, yet tapping a Watch is not something it can do.
A lock for a second property
B50 connects straight to the property's 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. U50 puts a compatible Aqara hub on the list of equipment you must power, place and maintain there.
A door that does not close cleanly
Before choosing either lock, fix a rubbing bolt or a loose latch. U50's motion sensing gives automatic locking useful context, whereas B50's timer is simpler and cannot physically pull a door shut.
What this page can’t tell you
- Published hardware and supported features are what this compares, and neither lock was tested for access reliability or forced entry.
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 1 of the 25 models checked meet every need here: “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”, “Run it remotely without needing a hub”, “Hand a code to family and guests”, and “Pair it with Apple Home”.
1 model fits, out of 25 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Get in by tapping my phone or watch”, “Run it remotely without needing a hub”, “Hand a code to family and guests”, and “Pair it with Apple Home”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U50 |
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| Aqara Smart Lock B50 |
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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 U50
Home Key on an iPhone or Apple Watch is how you unlock.
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock B50
Remote Aqara app access over the Wi-Fi you already have is what you want.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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