Main trade-off
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Remote Aqara functions need compatible hub hardware.
Head-to-head
Aqara Smart Lock U100 vs Aqara Smart Lock B50: U100 adds fingerprints and home keys, B50 controls remotely without a bridge
The short answer
Choose U100 for fingerprint entry or Apple home key. Choose B50 for remote Aqara app control over built-in Wi-Fi without buying a bridge. Both provide codes, backup keys and USB-C emergency power, but Matter integration still needs compatible Aqara hardware. Decide how people will enter before comparing battery estimates.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Local entry and remote management need separate budgets
U100's fingerprints and home-key taps can justify its selection even when remote controls require extra hardware. B50 supplies its own Wi-Fi route for remote Aqara access.
What this is based on
U100 documents the fingerprint reader, Apple home key and Aqara Zigbee hub requirement for remote functions. B50 separately documents direct remote control over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
Main trade-off
Aqara Smart Lock B50
No fingerprint reader or Apple home-key support is documented.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Choose it for
- Unlock with a fingerprint instead of a code or phone
- Tap a supported iPhone or Apple Watch using Apple home key
- Main trade-off
- Remote Aqara functions need compatible hub hardware.
Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Choose it for
- Control the lock remotely through Aqara Home without an extra bridge
- Use direct Wi-Fi access with Alexa or Google Home
- Main trade-off
- No fingerprint reader or Apple home-key support is documented.
About this comparison
Compare Aqara U100 and B50 for fingerprint or Apple home-key entry, remote guest access and the hub hardware your door setup will actually need.
Choose U100 for fingerprint entry or Apple home key. Choose B50 for remote Aqara app control over built-in Wi-Fi without buying a bridge. Both provide codes, backup keys and USB-C emergency power, but Matter integration still needs compatible Aqara hardware. Decide how people will enter before comparing battery estimates.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A fingerprint is the preferred daily entry method
U100 includes a fingerprint reader. B50's documented entry methods do not.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Apple Wallet home key is essential
U100 documents the feature. B50's Matter integration is not a home-key specification.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Remote Aqara control must work without a separate bridge
B50 has built-in Wi-Fi. U100 requires compatible Aqara hub hardware for its remote path.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Better fit
Matter integration must work without any Aqara hub
Both reviewed Matter routes depend on compatible Aqara hubs.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Not suitable
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Not suitable
Visitors need to enter during a Wi-Fi outage
Both document local code or physical-key entry. Confirm code setup before the outage.
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Good
- Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Good
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Local entry and remote management need separate budgets
U100's fingerprints and home-key taps can justify its selection even when remote controls require extra hardware. B50 supplies its own Wi-Fi route for remote Aqara access.
How we reached this conclusion
U100 documents the fingerprint reader, Apple home key and Aqara Zigbee hub requirement for remote functions. B50 separately documents direct remote control over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
The battery estimates use different daily workloads
B50's stated scenario contains 10 unlocks daily, compared with 8 for U100, and mixes remote actions with codes. The two-month headline gap cannot predict a household runtime advantage.
How we reached this conclusion
5 code unlocks + 5 remote unlocks = 10 daily actions. U100's estimate uses 8 fingerprint unlocks. Radio use and entry methods differ as well as the action count.
Matter does not add the missing entry hardware
Connecting B50 through a compatible Aqara hub can expose smart-home controls. It does not add U100's fingerprint sensor or establish Apple home-key support.
How we reached this conclusion
Aqara lists B50's code, app, voice, key and offline-password entry methods. Its Matter paragraph describes integration through compatible hubs. U100 separately specifies fingerprint hardware and Apple home key.
Choice A
Aqara, DL-D01D
Smart Lock U100
The documented door range is 1.375 to 2.17 inches thick. Entry options include fingerprint, home-key, keypad, phone.
- Best matched use
- Unlock with a fingerprint instead of a code or phone
Checked facts
- Fingerprint entry: Built-in reader
- Apple home key: Supported with compatible Apple devices
- Remote Aqara connection: Compatible Aqara Zigbee hub required
- Manufacturer battery estimate: Up to 8 months, based on 8 fingerprint unlocks daily
Choice B
Aqara, DL-D12E
Smart Lock B50
A Wi-Fi keypad deadbolt for remote app control without an extra hub, with physical backup keys and optional Aqara Matter bridging.
- Best matched use
- Control the lock remotely through Aqara Home without an extra bridge
Checked facts
- Fingerprint entry: No fingerprint reader in the documented entry methods
- Apple home key: No Apple home-key support documented
- Remote Aqara connection: Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Manufacturer battery estimate: Up to 6 months, based on 5 codes plus 5 remote unlocks daily
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Aqara Smart Lock B50 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint entry | Built-in reader | No fingerprint reader in the documented entry methods | U100 provides a biometric option for people who do not want to use codes. |
| Apple home key | Supported with compatible Apple devices | No Apple home-key support documented | Matter access through a hub is not equivalent to a Wallet home key. |
| Remote Aqara connection | Compatible Aqara Zigbee hub required | Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi | B50's own app can reach the lock without a separate bridge. |
| Manufacturer battery estimate | Up to 8 months, based on 8 fingerprint unlocks daily | Up to 6 months, based on 5 codes plus 5 remote unlocks daily | The usage patterns differ, so this is not a controlled runtime comparison. |
| Matter integration | Via a compatible Aqara hub | Via a compatible Aqara hub | B50's bridge-free claim applies to direct Wi-Fi functions, not its Matter path. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Its longer battery estimate uses a different workload from B50's.
If you choose Aqara Smart Lock B50
- Matter still requires a compatible Aqara hub despite direct Wi-Fi remote control.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Fingerprint entry or Apple home key is required
Choose Aqara Smart Lock U100. U100 documents both capabilities.
Remote Aqara access must avoid a separate bridge
Choose Aqara Smart Lock B50. B50 provides direct 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi remote control.
Matter must connect without any Aqara hub
Choose neither. Both documented Matter paths require compatible Aqara hub hardware.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Start with the people at the door
Fingerprint entry and Apple home key solve specific daily-access needs on U100. B50 suits people who are comfortable using a keypad, app or physical key and want simple remote setup. A household may care more about one visitor's access method than the number of protocols listed on the packaging.
Draw the remote connection you intend to use
B50 connects directly to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network for its documented remote functions. U100 uses Zigbee and needs a compatible Aqara hub for its remote Aqara path. If Matter is the actual goal, include compatible hub hardware for either lock and verify the receiving platform's requirements. A general no-hub label does not answer every integration question.
Plan recovery and maintenance without assuming a runtime winner
The published battery estimates use different activities, so avoid turning the headline months into a promise. Keep appropriate AA batteries and the physical backup key available. Both offer temporary USB-C emergency power, but that should be a recovery plan rather than a reason to ignore low-battery warnings. Check the exact door and network conditions before purchase.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- We have not tested fingerprint accuracy, security resistance, radio range or runtime. B50's undocumented fingerprint and home-key capabilities are not assumed from a general Matter badge.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current smart locks comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
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| Aqara Smart Lock B50 |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Unlock with a fingerprint instead of a code or phone
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock B50
Control the lock remotely through Aqara Home without an extra bridge
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.