Aqara Smart Lock U100

Should you buy the Aqara Smart Lock U100?

The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the deadbolt for Apple households that want to tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door. At $139.99 it scores 77, and Apple Home Key support is the reason to buy it; it is the only lock in this category that offers it. Fingerprint, keypad and key round it out. The problem is that remote access and Alexa or Google control need an Aqara Zigbee hub, which pushes the true cost toward $185. If you are not on Apple Home, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi (86) does more for less.

Where it earns its score

• Apple Home Key. Tap an iPhone or Apple Watch on the lock, and it works even with a dead phone thanks to Express Mode power reserve.
• Plenty of other ways in. Fingerprint reader for 50 prints, keypad, app codes, NFC and a physical key.
• Reliability is the top factor at 83. The built-in gyroscope handles auto-lock, and there is USB-C emergency power on the outside if the batteries die.
• Good battery life. Four AA batteries run up to eight months.

What to know first

• The hub is not in the box. Remote access, Alexa and Google need an Aqara Zigbee hub at roughly $50. Ultraloq and Schlage have Wi-Fi built in.
• Warranty is the weakest factor. One year from Aqara scores 55, against lifetime mechanical coverage on Ultraloq and Schlage.
• Quality is 72. The hardware is fine but not in the Schlage class, and Aqara's app is more complex than most.

Questions buyers ask