Main trade-off
Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
UWB unlocking requires a compatible device and a Thread-enabled Apple home hub.
Head-to-head
Aqara U400 vs Encode Plus: U400 adds supported UWB approach entry, Schlage has direct Wi-Fi control
The short answer
U400 adds compatible-device UWB, fingerprint access and Matter over Thread. Encode Plus offers Apple home key with a direct-Wi-Fi route for Schlage remote control.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
A shared Apple logo hides different entry behavior
Only one can remove the tap step with compatible UWB hardware.
What this is based on
Both list Apple home key. Only U400 lists UWB approach unlocking, which also requires compatible device and hub.
Main trade-off
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
Its main advantage is strongest for Apple users, so Android-only homes may not use the feature that separates it from Encode.
Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Choose it for
- You want fingerprint entry alongside Apple home key.
- You have the required Thread infrastructure and want approach unlocking.
- Main trade-off
- UWB unlocking requires a compatible device and a Thread-enabled Apple home hub.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Choose it for
- You want Schlage remote access through direct Wi-Fi.
- Home key tapping and replaceable AA batteries suit your routine.
- Main trade-off
- Its main advantage is strongest for Apple users, so Android-only homes may not use the feature that separates it from Encode.
About this comparison
Compare Aqara U400 and Schlage Encode Plus for Apple entry, hub requirements, fingerprints and battery care, keeping home key separate from UWB.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Need fingerprint access
Only U400 has a fingerprint reader.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Caution
Want direct-Wi-Fi remote control
Encode Plus uses Schlage Home over Wi-Fi.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Caution
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Better fit
Want Matter interoperability
U400 is Matter over Thread.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Caution
Only need Apple tap entry
Both support home key with appropriate setup.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Good
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- Good
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
A shared Apple logo hides different entry behavior
Only one can remove the tap step with compatible UWB hardware.
How we reached this conclusion
Both list Apple home key. Only U400 lists UWB approach unlocking, which also requires compatible device and hub.
The simplest remote route is not the same as the widest protocol support
Encode Plus connects its remote-control app through Wi-Fi while U400 connects ecosystems through Thread.
How we reached this conclusion
Compare direct Wi-Fi Schlage Home with U400 required Thread-enabled Matter controller. A separate Apple home hub is still relevant to Apple automations.
Fingerprint is an independent reason to choose U400
It remains useful for a household member without a compatible wallet device.
How we reached this conclusion
U400 lists keypad, physical key and fingerprint in addition to wallet entry. Encode Plus lists keypad and key, without fingerprint.
Choice A
Aqara, DL-D06E
Smart Lock U400, Black
A Matter-over-Thread deadbolt with fingerprint access, Apple home key and supported-device UWB approach unlocking.
- Best matched use
- A home with a suitable Thread controller and a compatible phone or watch
Checked facts
- The manufacturer lists fingerprint, keypad, mechanical key, NFC and supported wallet entry.
- The rechargeable battery can be charged through the interior USB-C port.
- The exterior panel is IP65 rated and the lock uses an internal gyro for door-close auto-lock.
- The selected Amazon model is DL-D06E, not a hub bundle.
Choice B
Schlage, BE499WB CAM 619
Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
The documented door range is 1.375 to 1.75 inches thick. Entry options include home-key, keypad, phone.
- Best matched use
- replace my deadbolt and give family and guests a code
Checked facts
- The documented door range is 1.375 to 1.75 inches thick.
- Entry options include home-key, keypad, phone.
- The documented platform list includes alexa, apple, google.
- Installation is documented as full deadbolt replacement.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands-free entry | UWB with supported Apple device and Thread home hub | Home key tap, no UWB approach unlocking | Tap access and hands-free approach are different actions. |
| Fingerprint | Built-in reader | No fingerprint reader | U400 adds a phone-free biometric option. |
| Network route | Matter over Thread controller required for ecosystem connection | Direct Wi-Fi for Schlage Home remote control | Schlage needs fewer separate components for that remote-control path. |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium battery | Four AA batteries | Charging and replacing cells require different upkeep. |
| Matter | Native Matter over Thread | Not documented as a Matter lock | Apple compatibility alone does not imply Matter. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- This DL-D06E package does not include the M100 hub found in some other U400 bundles.
If you choose Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
- There is no fingerprint reader.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
You want fingerprint and home key entry using an existing compatible Aqara Zigbee hub
Choose neither. U100 combines these entry methods with the Aqara Zigbee bridge path. U400 instead needs the appropriate Matter and Thread setup for connected control.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
For mixed device generations
A household can own Apple devices that support home key tapping yet do not support UWB approach entry. Check each person separately. U400 fingerprint provides another convenient route, so an unsupported phone need not become the only way to enter.
For the first smart lock
Encode Plus direct Wi-Fi route can simplify remote access through Schlage Home. U400 setup needs the right Matter controller and Thread network. Include those components in the plan before comparing only the lock price.
For long-term battery care
U400 can recharge from its interior USB-C port. Encode Plus uses AA cells that can be kept as spares. The relevant preference is which routine you will reliably follow, since neither advertised battery duration guarantees your actual replacement interval.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- This is a feature and installation comparison, not a destructive security test.
- Remote and wallet features depend on compatible hubs, software and devices.
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.
Compared set
Only 4 of 25 models checked match every need here: “Use it with Apple Home”, “Unlock with a fingerprint”, “Tap my phone or watch to enter”, and “Build around Matter”.
4 matching models from 25 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “Use it with Apple Home”, “Unlock with a fingerprint”, “Tap my phone or watch to enter”, and “Build around Matter”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black |
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| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim |
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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 U400, Black
You want fingerprint entry alongside Apple home key.
See price & reviews on AmazonSchlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot trim
You want Schlage remote access through direct Wi-Fi.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.