Aqara U100 Smart Deadbolt Lock Review

Overview: Aqara U100 is a recent high-end smart deadbolt lock that not only gives you a maximum number of unlock methods including Apple home keys and fingerprints, but also works as a part of your smart home system. 

Highlights:

• Apple Home and Home Key Support
• Built-In Fingerprint Reader (fast 0.5s unlock, 98.6% accuracy)
  - also supports pincode, NFC tag, emergency key, mobile app unlock
• Good Battery Life* (up to 8 months)
• Secure (complies with same safety standard as BHMA Level 3)
• Auto-lock & door lock status (built-in gyroscope technology)
• Remote** Unlock and Passwords
• Passage Mode (convenient entry & exit, do-not-lock mode)
• Matter standard -over- zigbee bridge* (OTA Q4'23)
• Home Automation w/ Aqara, Google Home, Alexa and IFTTT***

 

​The Aqara U100 deadbolt is a smart deadbolt lock that is known for its sleek design, ease of installation, and advanced security features. Compared to other smart deadbolts on the market, the Aqara U100 has some unique features that set it apart.

• Integrated fingerprint sensor: the Aqara U100 has a fast and accurate fingerprint sensor that is integrated into the front body of the lock. The other deadbolts either lack the fingerprint sensor or require a separate fingerprint device to be purchased and attached on the wall. 
  
  
• Low power connectivity for home automation: the Aqara U100 uses of Zigbee protocol for low power connectivity for with the hub. This is the most efficient way for a lock to be integrated into a home automation platform - as opposed to wifi or bluetooth. Wifi feature is also sometimes added as an optional purchase. The Aqara's zigbee comes with the lock and it is integrated.
  
  
• Compatibility with a wide range of smart home systems: the Aqara U100 supports Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. It is also the few that supports Apple Home Key, in addition to Apple Homekit. It will also support the Matter (IoT) standard for interoperability.

In Singapore, one can choose a variety of smart lock types to better fit the door and also the budget. Aqara U100, as a deadbolt lock,  has the distinct advantage of being more secure than a rim lock, and cheaper than mortise locks. It fits comfortably on most doors while offering a value for money proposition with it's price of $499 nett with installation included.

How does it stack up against rim and mortise locks, and also other smart deadbolts?

Aqara U100 advantages over other smart deadbolt locks:

• it has an advanced integrated fingerprint scanner 
• it has support for Apple Home Keys (in addition to Apple Homekit)
• it has support for Matter (IoT) standard allowing interoperability with Matter compatible platforms
• it works natively with established home automation platforms (Aqara and Apple Home)​

Aqara U100 advantages over alternative smart rim locks:

• it is more physically secure as it's bolt is anchored in the door frame (door jamb)
• no alteration on the wood door frame architrave 
• uses quite standard deadbolt holes locations - reusing existing and easier to replace in the future
• ideal in replacing older Singapore HDB door deadbolts with miminal hole and strike plate adjustment

Aqara U100 advantages over alternative smart mortise locks:

• it has a smaller footprint that is less ostentatious on the door
• it does not require major door and door frame alteration
• it is much cheaper​ than mortise locks
• in most cases, including rental premises, it may allow reversal to the original deadbolt key lock

Aqara U100 Review Summary:
This is a superbly crafted smart deadbolt that is leading edge in design, technology and standards adoption. It provides compelling advantages over it's rim lock and mortise lock counterparts - and it is suitable for all Singapore HDB and condominium doors.