Expert Pick #08

Aqara Smart Lock U100.

Aqara Smart Lock U100 — cheaper Aqara sibling: fingerprint + keypad + 8 unlock methods, AAA-powered. Home Key + Matter REQUIRE the Aqara Hub M2 or M3 (unlike the U200 which has the radio built in).

Aqara Smart Lock U100

The Verdict.

8.1/ 10

Gavler Meta-Score

The hub-paired Home Key value pick. The right Aqara household pick when an Aqara Hub M2 or M3 is already on the network; otherwise the U200 is the better all-in-one $230 value.

The Gavler Verdict

Where to Buy.

Prices checked regularly

Best price$189.99

90-day price history

Price History

Steady at $190 for the entire 90-day tracking window — no increases, no discounts, across 45 tracked days.

Tracked daily across retailers. Vote Want itabove and we’ll alert you the moment the price drops.

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Precision Engineering

8 Unlock Methods

Apple Home Key (via Aqara Hub), fingerprint, keypad PIN, Bluetooth, physical key, app, one-time guest code, remote unlock. The broadest unlock-method matrix on this list.

AAA-Powered (Long-Life Batteries)

Standard AAA batteries (vs USB-C rechargeable on the U200) — long-life-but-disposable trade-off. Convenient if buyer prefers battery swaps to USB-C charging.

Home Key + Matter Via Aqara Hub

Important: Home Key + Matter compatibility require the Aqara Hub M2 ($60) or M3 ($80). The U100 ships without the NFC secure-element + Thread radio that the U200 has built in.

Technical Specifications

Form FactorFull-replacement deadbolt
Apple Home KeyVia Aqara Hub M2 or M3 (required)
MatterVia Aqara Hub M2 or M3 (required)
BatteryAAA (long-life replaceable)
Unlock Methods8 (Home Key, fingerprint, keypad, BT, key, app, code, remote)
BHMA GradeGrade 2 (residential)
Hub DependencyAqara Hub M2 ($60) or M3 ($80)

The Scoreboard

Expert Consensus80%
Community Rating83%

Aqara's value-tier sibling to the U200. Expert consensus reflects the 8-unlock-methods + $40 savings vs the U200; community scores reflect the hub dependency (U200 has Home Key + Matter built in; U100 requires the Aqara Hub M2 / M3 to bridge to either). Brief §69 content-verification pass.

Cast Your Vote

Do you think Aqara Smart Lock U100 deserves the #8 spot in Best Smart Locks?

Global Critique

Aqara's U100 is the right value pick for Aqara households that already own an Aqara Hub M2 or M3 on the network.

PCMag

8 unlock methods is the broadest matrix at this price tier — buyers who experiment with entry methods get the most options.

Tom's Guide

If you don't already own an Aqara Hub, the U200 at $40 more is the better all-in-one Home Key pick — the U100 + Hub crosses the U200's price.

9to5Mac