Aqara Smart Lock U200 Review vs Yale Linus & Nuki

I have a longstanding interest in smart locks and have reviewed several models over the years. In 2019, I looked at the Yale Conexis L1 Smart Lock and the Nuki Smart Lock 2.0, which were among the few decent options available at the time.

While the market has become more competitive since then, there are still limited great options out there. One common concern with smart locks is the potential for getting locked out of your home if they don’t accept a mechanical key as a backup. I had a close call with the We.lock Smart Lock on my garage door recently when it didn’t accept my PIN code. This incident triggered anxiety about the possibility of needing an expensive locksmith callout.

Fortunately, many brands have developed locks that address this issue. I eventually settled on using the Yale Linus on my front door and the Ultion Smart Lock on my back door, which is based on Danalock technology. Recently, Aqara launched their Smart Lock U200 on Kickstarter, which is now available globally.

The Aqara Smart Lock U200 functions similarly to the Nuki, Ultion, and Yale Linus locks. It sits on top of the key slot and automatically turns the lock for you. It offers some additional features:

– It is one of the few smart locks with Matter support and the only one I know of to use Thread technology.
– It doesn’t require an Aqara hub or app to operate due to its Matter over Thread support.
– It comes with a keypad that includes a fingerprint scanner.
– It integrates with the Aqara ecosystem, which is larger than most other brands, allowing for compatibility with devices like the Video Doorbell G4.

The Aqara Smart Lock U200 has various unlocking methods, including Apple Home Keys, fingerprint, password, NFC, and more. It can be controlled via Bluetooth or Thread for remote access. The device supports temporary passwords and accommodates mechanical keys for emergencies.

In terms of security, the U200 uses AES encryption and fingerprint module encryption binding, ensuring top-level security for personal data and access points.

Installation of the Aqara Smart Lock U200 is straightforward, and the lock is compatible with Euro profiles and select Scandi cylinders.

Overall, the Aqara Smart Lock U200 offers a range of features and solid performance. Its support for Matter over Thread and Apple HomeKey make it stand out from competitors, providing excellent smart home integration and convenience.