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 U100: U400 unlocks on approach with supported hardware, U100 uses taps
The short answer
U400 is the choice for supported-device hands-free UWB and native Matter over Thread. U100 remains useful for tap-to-unlock home key and an existing Aqara Zigbee setup.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Fingerprint capacity is not the upgrade
Both document storage for 50 fingerprints.
What this is based on
U400 and U100 maker specifications each list 50 fingerprints. U400 main difference here is UWB and Thread, not a larger fingerprint roster.
Main trade-off
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Remote control and broader automations need a compatible Aqara hub.
Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Choose it for
- You have a compatible UWB phone or watch and the required Apple Thread home hub.
- You prefer rechargeable power and native Matter-over-Thread integration.
- Main trade-off
- UWB unlocking requires a compatible device and a Thread-enabled Apple home hub.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Choose it for
- Tap-to-unlock is enough and you already own a compatible Aqara hub.
- You want replaceable AA batteries or need the broader published exterior temperature range.
- Main trade-off
- Remote control and broader automations need a compatible Aqara hub.
About this comparison
Compare Aqara U400 and U100 for UWB approach access, Matter connections, battery routines and climate limits before replacing an existing deadbolt.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Compatible UWB Apple household
Only U400 provides approach unlocking.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
Want AA replacement routine
U100 uses replaceable AA cells.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Caution
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
Existing Aqara Zigbee hub
U100 can use a compatible Aqara Zigbee hub. Owning a Zigbee hub alone does not establish the Matter controller and Thread border router required for U400 connected control.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Depends
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Better fit
Need native Matter over Thread
U100 connects to Matter through a hub.
- Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black
- Better fit
- Aqara Smart Lock U100
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Fingerprint capacity is not the upgrade
Both document storage for 50 fingerprints.
How we reached this conclusion
U400 and U100 maker specifications each list 50 fingerprints. U400 main difference here is UWB and Thread, not a larger fingerprint roster.
U400 published cold limit is 30.6 F warmer
Its new radio features do not expand the specified cold range.
How we reached this conclusion
-0.4 minus -31 equals 30.6 F. U100 value applies to the outer panel. Check the exact installation environment.
An existing hub can reverse the setup advantage
U100 can reuse a suitable Aqara Zigbee hub while U400 needs a Thread-enabled Matter controller.
How we reached this conclusion
Compare native Thread on U400 with U100 Zigbee plus Matter bridge. A hub with the same brand name is not automatically the required type.
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
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
- replace my deadbolt and unlock with a fingerprint
Checked facts
- The documented door range is 1.375 to 2.17 inches thick.
- Entry options include fingerprint, home-key, keypad, phone.
- The documented platform list includes alexa, apple, google, matter.
- Installation is documented as full deadbolt replacement.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Aqara Smart Lock U400, Black | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach entry | UWB hands-free with compatible Apple device and hub | Apple home key tap, no UWB approach feature | Owning an iPhone alone does not establish U400 hands-free compatibility. |
| Matter path | Native Matter over Thread | Through a Matter-compatible Aqara hub | The existing home network determines extra hardware. |
| Battery routine | Rechargeable removable battery, interior USB-C | Replaceable AA batteries | Choose a recharge routine or keep spare cells. |
| Published temperature | -0.4 to 131 F operating range | -31 to 150 F exterior range | Compare the relevant exposed component and installation conditions. |
| Selected package | DL-D06E without M100 hub | Catalog U100 standalone configuration | Do not assume a product-family hub bundle is included. |
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 Aqara Smart Lock U100
- The entry menu is broad, but setup is more involved than a stand-alone Wi-Fi lock.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
You mainly want remote codes and direct Wi-Fi without a hub
Choose neither. Arrive supplies physical buttons, remote access and 250 codes without the UWB or Matter setup.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
For hands full at the door
U400 UWB can remove the tap step when the phone or watch and Apple home hub meet the compatibility list. Check the specific device model before paying for this feature. U100 home key still provides quick tap entry without UWB.
For an established Aqara home
A functioning U100 hub setup already provides an integration path. Moving to U400 changes the radio architecture and may add a Thread requirement. Native Matter is most useful when you actually want that network and ecosystem arrangement.
For a cold exposed doorway
Read temperature limits alongside the installation drawing. U100 exterior specification extends colder than U400 published operating range. Neither weather rating repairs a misaligned deadbolt or protects an indoor component mounted outside.
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 2 of 25 models checked match every need here: “Use it with Apple Home”, “Build around Matter”, “Have the door unlock as I arrive”, and “Tap my phone or watch to enter”.
2 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”, “Build around Matter”, “Have the door unlock as I arrive”, and “Tap my phone or watch to enter”. 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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| Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
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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 have a compatible UWB phone or watch and the required Apple Thread home hub.
See price & reviews on AmazonAqara Smart Lock U100
Tap-to-unlock is enough and you already own a compatible Aqara hub.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.