Aqara Smart Lock U200 Review vs Yale Linus & Nuki

I’ve been a giant fan of good locks for a number of years. Again in 2019 I reviewed the Yale Conexis L1 Good Lock and the Nuki Good Lock 2.0 and on the time they have been about the one half respectable choices you may get.

Since then, the market has turn into way more aggressive however there nonetheless will not be many nice choices on the market.

One widespread concern is wise locks that don’t settle for a mechanical key as a backup may probably lock you out of your own home. I virtually had this drawback with the We.lock Good Lock on my storage door the opposite day. It didn’t settle for my PIN code, and I used to be struggling to log in to the app to unlock it. I sorted it will definitely, however it did set off my anxiousness concerning the potential of an costly locksmith callout.

In recent times, many manufacturers have developed locks that issue on this concern. The Nuki wasn’t the primary lock I attempted that successfully labored as a wise key turner, and a few years later, I dedicated to utilizing the Yale Linus on my entrance door full time, and I even have the Ultion Good Lock in my again door which relies on Danalock.

Just lately, Aqara launched their Good Lock U200 on Kickstarter and has now launched this globally.

It really works similar to Nuki, Ultion and the Yale Linus. The gadget principally sits on high of the place your key stands out and it routinely turns the lock for you.

The Aqara Good Lock U200 has some good extra options:

• It is without doubt one of the few good locks with Matter, and it’s the solely good lock that I’m conscious of that makes use of Thread.
• As a result of it makes use of Matter over Thread, you don’t have to make use of an Aqara hub or the Aqara app to make use of the lock.
• A keypad is included as commonplace, and this contains as fingerprint scanner.
• It integrates with the Aqara ecosystem which is considerably bigger than some other manufacturers. For instance, it will possibly work with the Video Doorbell G4, when somebody presses the doorbell, you’ll be able to view the notification within the Aqara app and unlock the door.

Associated Content material

Options

• Apple house keys & Varied Unlocking Strategies: The U200 provides a spread hadiety of handy unlocking strategies, together with Apple House Keys (requires Apple 2-in-1 Matter controller & Border Router), fingerprint, password, NFC , and extra. You may management the door lock utilizing the app, both by built-in Bluetooth or through Thread for distant entry. Moreover, it helps non permanent passwords, equivalent to one-time and periodic passwords, for straightforward sharing with others. The gadget additionally accommodates mechanical keys for emergencies.
• Superior Software program Management: The U200 enhances house entry with Quiet Unlock Mode, computerized alerts, and hands-free unlocking, making certain safety and peace of thoughts by options just like the Exercise Log, computerized locking, and Anti-peep Pin Code Safety. It provides flexibility with Passage Mode, non permanent passwords together with offline passwords (One-Time Passwords), and periodic passwords accessible within the Aqara House App, together with Do Not Disturb Mode.
• Native Matter Help over Thread: The U200’s Matter over Thread help ensures it seamlessly integrates with high good house programs like Apple House and Google House, enhancing consumer comfort by prolonged battery life and environment friendly distant administration.
• Rechargeable Battery & Multi-Energy Choices: The U200’s superior engineering contains IPX5 waterproofing, an operational vary from -15°C to 66°C, and a number of energy sources: rechargeable Li-Ion for the door lock(as much as 6 months), AAA batteries for the keypad, and hard-wired capability. This ensures sturdy, dependable efficiency and adaptableness to numerous environmental challenges.
• Straightforward Set up & Broad Compatibility: Simply improve your own home safety with the U200’s hassle-free set up, which inserts over your present door lock with none drilling or modifications. This easy resolution enhances safety with minimal effort, suitable with Euro profiles and choose Scandi cylinders.(Notice: Please confirm compatibility together with your door earlier than making a purchase order.)
• Enhanced Safety Options: The U200 makes use of the AES encryption algorithm and fingerprint module encryption binding, making certain top-level safety on your private knowledge and entry factors, making it a dependable and reliable alternative for house safety.

Specification

• Wi-fi Protocols:: Thread, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
• Working Humidity:: 0 ~ 93% RH, no condensation
• IP Ranking (Keypad):: IPX5
• Keypad Dimensions:: 42.7 × 33 × 146 mm (1.7 × 1.3 × 5.7 in.)
• Door Lock Dimensions:: 62.3 × 60.6 × 152.5 mm (2.4 × 2.4 × 6 in.)
• Powering Modes:
  • Door Lock: Aqara Rechargeable Li-ion Battery 7.4V or 4 LR6 1.5V Batteries
  • Keypad: 4 LR3 AAA 1.5V Batteries or 12V-24V AC 0.5A 50/60Hz or 12V-24V DC 0.5A wired enter
• Working Temperature: -15 °C ~ 66 °C (5 °F ~ 150.8 °F)

Unboxing / Design

The U200 consists of two major parts: the lock mechanism that replaces your present inside lock, and an exterior keypad. Each elements can be found in silver or black finishes, providing a modern and trendy aesthetic that ought to complement most door kinds.

The lock’s design is minimalist and unobtrusive. The keypad includes a fingerprint sensor and backlit buttons, offering straightforward visibility in low-light situations. The tactile, rubbery buttons supply a satisfying really feel when pressed.

Lock Compatibility – Euro Mortise Locks / US Deadbolt

This product is designed to work with each European commonplace mortise locks and American commonplace deadbolt locks.

European Mortise Locks:

• Suitable with Euro profile and choose Scandinavian cylinders.
• Make sure that your cylinder options an Emergency Operate*, which permits the cylinder to be unlocked from the surface with a key even when one other secret is inside.

American Deadbolt Locks:

1. Suits single-cylinder deadbolt locks.
2. Works with backsets of each 2-3/8” (60 mm) and 2-3/4” (70 mm).

Bodily Set up

Set up is simple for these with fundamental DIY abilities. Aqara supplies detailed directions, guiding customers by the method step-by-step.

One potential downside is that some customers might have extra instruments for set up, relying on their present lock setup. The guide calibration course of additionally requires the lock to be cycled twice, which may be a minor inconvenience throughout setup.

For my set up I used to be capable of reuse the Yale adjustable cylinder I had put in.

As I’m from the UK, I’ve a euro cylinder with a mutli-point locking system which requires you to push up the deal with to interact the lock.

Similar to the Yale Linus, the mounting bracket sits on high of the door deal with {hardware}. It’s partially held into place with 3M tape and there are then some tiny screws embedded into the backplate which you tighten up in opposition to the cylinder.

The primary lock it then fastened to the backplate utilizing screws that go into the prongs that stick out of the backplate. The top result’s that the lock stays firmly in place.

Set Up with Aqara House and Calibration

The preliminary set-up with the Aqara app pairs the lock utilizing Bluetooth, and you need to use the lock completely nice like this, however you gained’t have the ability to management it remotely, and a few superior options could also be lacking.

Preliminary Pairing

To start the setup course of:

1. Obtain and set up the Aqara House app out of your gadget’s app retailer.
2. Create an Aqara account for those who don’t have already got one.
3. Guarantee your smartphone’s Bluetooth is turned on.
4. Within the app, faucet the “+” icon so as to add a brand new gadget.
5. Choose “Good Lock U200” from the record of obtainable units.
6. Observe the on-screen directions to place the lock into pairing mode.

The lock ought to routinely enter pairing mode for 10 minutes after putting in the battery. If this window has handed, you’ll be able to manually activate pairing mode by urgent and holding the reset button on the lock for five seconds till you hear a beep.

Lock Calibration

Calibrating the lock is important for making certain easy operation and correct standing reporting. The U200 provides two calibration strategies:

1. Automated Calibration:
   • Within the Aqara app, go to “Settings” > “Calibrate Lock”.
   • Select “Automated Calibration”.
   • The lock will routinely decide its locked and unlocked positions.
2. Handbook Calibration:
   • Go to “Settings” > “Calibrate Lock” within the app.
   • Choose “Handbook Calibration”.
   • Observe the app’s prompts to manually set the locked and unlocked positions.

The guide calibration possibility is especially helpful if the automated course of doesn’t yield passable outcomes or if you would like extra exact management over the lock’s operation.

Configuring Fundamental Settings

After pairing and calibration, you’ll be able to configure varied settings within the Aqara app:

1. Lock Title: Assign a singular identify to your lock for straightforward identification.
2. Auto-Lock: Set the time delay for computerized locking after the door is closed.
3. Notifications: Configure alerts for low battery, unauthorized entry makes an attempt, or when the door is left unlocked.
4. Operation Mode: Select between Regular and Silent modes relying in your choice for audible suggestions.

Pairing with Aqara Hub M3 utilizing Matter over Thread

I’m not certain I’m cured in the case of Matter or if Matter has a number of teething issues.

Much like all my different evaluations of Matter-based merchandise, I had a nightmare pairing this up with the Aqara Hub M3.

Similar to different evaluations, I might put it into pairing mode, and it could day trip.

• The primary mistake I used to be making was when it says to press the set button, it’s a single press. Don’t maintain the button. It’s a little complicated as a result of usually if you put one thing into pairing it should notify you it’s in pairing, this didn’t.
• You want IPV6 enabled in your router (mine already was).
• One widespread subject/resolution is that you just want the hub, gadget, and cellphone to be all shut by because it makes use of Bluetooth for onboarding. Fortunately, because the Hub M3 makes use of POE, I used to be capable of briefly run an extended Ethernet cable to close the place the lock was, however that didn’t appear to assist.
• Some individuals have recommended ensuring some other Thread Border Router is powered down to verify there are not any points (although this shouldn’t be an issue in any respect, Thread Border Routers ought to discuss to one another, that’s the entire level).
• Lastly, one resolution was to pop the battery out after you calibrate the lock. Whenever you scan the Matter code, pop it again in.
  • This virtually labored instantly. The Aqara app recognized and related to the gadget however failed on community connectivity.I retried a number of instances, and in subsequent makes an attempt, I didn’t must pop the battery out.
  • Lastly, I switched to my Honor Magic6 Professional to try to rule out my Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely. I nonetheless had points however on the third try it really works.

I can’t say for certain what labored and what didn’t, popping the battery out undoubtedly made one thing occur and from there you simply have to be affected person and maintain retrying.

It has additionally been recommended that binding to the M3 may have been a firmware subject and this can be fastened now. I didn’t improve the firmware earlier than attempting to bind, which, in hindsight, was a bit silly.

Keypad Set Up with Passcode, Fingerprints, and NFC Tags

The Aqara Good Lock U200’s keypad is a central characteristic, providing a number of entry strategies. Establishing these varied entry choices is usually easy, although it does require a while funding to totally configure.

Passcode Setup

The U200 helps as much as 100 distinctive passcodes, offering ample flexibility for various customers or eventualities. To arrange a passcode:

1. Open the Aqara House app and choose the U200 lock.
2. Navigate to the ‘Entry’ part.
3. Select ‘Add Passcode’ and comply with the prompts.
4. You may set passcodes as everlasting, non permanent, or one-time use.
5. For added safety, passcodes have to be 6-10 digits lengthy.

The method is intuitive, and the app guides you thru every step. You can too set schedules for when sure passcodes are lively, which is beneficial for proscribing entry for family employees or short-term visitors.

One minor downside is that you would be able to’t set customized names for passcodes throughout the app, which could make managing a number of codes barely much less handy.

Fingerprint Registration

The U200 can retailer as much as 50 fingerprints. The fingerprint sensor is positioned on the high of the keypad, making it simply accessible. To register a fingerprint:

1. Within the Aqara House app, go to the ‘Entry’ part of the U200 lock.
2. Choose ‘Add Fingerprint’.
3. Observe the on-screen directions, which usually contain inserting your finger on the sensor a number of instances from totally different angles.

The registration course of is thorough, requiring a number of scans to make sure correct recognition. This consideration to element pays off in every day use, because the fingerprint sensor proves to be dependable and fast to reply.

Customers report that the sensor works nicely even with barely damp or soiled fingers, which is a major benefit for a tool used open air.

NFC Tag Configuration

The U200 helps NFC tags for contactless entry, which is usually a handy possibility for customers preferring to not memorize codes or use their smartphones. To arrange an NFC tag:

1. Within the Aqara House app, navigate to the ‘Entry’ part of the U200.
2. Select ‘Add NFC Card’.
3. Maintain the NFC tag near the lock when prompted.
4. Title the tag within the app for straightforward administration.

The lock helps most traditional NFC tags, together with key fobs and playing cards. This flexibility permits customers to decide on a kind issue that fits their preferences.

Whereas the NFC performance is usually dependable, some customers have reported occasional points with tag recognition. These issues appear to be intermittent and could also be addressed in future firmware updates.

Common Keypad Utilization

The keypad’s backlit buttons activate when touched, making it straightforward to make use of in low-light situations. The buttons have a satisfying tactile really feel, offering clear suggestions when pressed.

One potential subject is the keypad’s dimension. Whereas its compact design contributes to the lock’s modern look, customers with bigger fingers would possibly discover it barely cramped.

The keypad additionally includes a privateness mode, activated by urgent and holding the lock button. This briefly disables all digital entry strategies, offering an additional layer of safety when wanted.

Third-Celebration Integration – House Assistant

The U200’s help for Matter over Thread is a standout characteristic. This permits for seamless integration with main good house platforms, together with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google House. The lock could be managed by these platforms’ respective apps and voice assistants.

For Apple customers, the HomeKey characteristic is a major draw. The power to unlock your door with a easy faucet of your iPhone or Apple Watch provides a layer of comfort that many will recognize. It’s value noting that HomeKey requires an Apple house hub (HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV) to operate.

The Aqara House app supplies extra performance and customization choices. Customers can handle entry codes, view exercise logs, and modify varied settings by the app. Whereas the app is usually user-friendly, some customers would possibly discover the interface a bit cluttered as a result of wealth of choices accessible.

Safety

Safety is paramount for any good lock, and the U200 doesn’t disappoint. The lock makes use of AES-128 encryption for its wi-fi communications, offering strong safety in opposition to potential hacking makes an attempt.

The power to create non permanent entry codes provides an additional layer of safety and comfort. You may present time-limited entry to visitors or service suppliers with out compromising your major entry strategies.

The auto-lock characteristic and low battery alerts assist stop conditions the place your door may be left unsecured. The exercise log additionally permits you to monitor who has accessed your door and when, including an additional layer of safety consciousness.

In Use

Unlocking Efficiency (Passcode / NFC tag / Bluetooth / Distant / Short-term Passcode)

In day-to-day use, the U200 performs reliably throughout its varied capabilities. The fingerprint sensor is especially noteworthy, providing fast and correct recognition even with barely soiled fingers – a typical subject with another good locks.

The lock’s response time is usually quick, whether or not utilizing the fingerprint sensor, passcode, or HomeKey. Nevertheless, some customers have famous that the precise unlocking mechanism is usually a bit sluggish in comparison with different good locks. This minor delay may be noticeable for those who’re used to a faster entry course of.

Thread connectivity supplies a steady and responsive connection to good house programs. This can be a important benefit over Wi-Fi-based locks, as they devour much less energy and supply higher vary and reliability.

Battery life is spectacular, with Aqara claiming as much as six months of use and a mean of eight every day operations. Actual-world utilization could range, however most customers ought to discover the battery life greater than sufficient.

The auto-lock characteristic works as anticipated, however it has restricted performance within the UK. For those who can keep in mind to elevate the deal with to interact the multi-point locks, you then typically keep in mind to lock the door. For those who neglect to elevate the deal with to interact the lock, the auto lock is not going to work.

The quiet mode can also be efficient, lowering operational noise considerably.

Battery Life / Recharging

Considered one of my considerations with the Aqara Good Lock U200 is that it is just reported to have a 6-month battery life. Most competing choices I’ve tried have a 12 month battery life.

Aqara claims that is primarily based on efficiency primarily based on as much as 8 every day unlocking and locking actions through fingerprint/NFC, so I anticipate I might get longer.

One saving grace is that the good lock itself makes use of a chargeable battery and Aqara have thoughtfully designed it so you’ll be able to cost the lock with out eradicating the battery. The USB-C port is uncovered if you take away the entrance panel, and so they present a bit carry case which lets you cost the lock utilizing an influence financial institution hanging from the door deal with.

It’s a little bit of an odd solution to do issues, however it’s a lot better than having to take away the battery from the lock till it’s charged.

Worth and Various Choices

The Aqara Good Lock U200 is on the market instantly from Aqara for £279. This feature features a replaceable entrance panel in wooden impact, an NFC tag and an AA battery adaptor.

It’s then accessible from Amazon for £270 with out these additions.

It’s value noting that whereas the Aqara features a keypad, you will have an Aqara M3 hub or different Matter-equipped Thread Border Router to make use of it remotely.

There are a number of competing choices these days. Virtually all of the choices lack a keypad, however some have the choice to purchase one, and lots of lack Matter/Thread for straightforward integration with third-party ecosystems

• SwitchBot Good Lock Professional + Contact pad
  • When paired with Hub 2 it should help matter.
• Nuki Good Lock Professional (4th era)
  • Makes use of WiFi and works with Matter. Lacks a keypad however you should purchase one for £145.
• Nuki Good Lock (4th era)
  • The identical because the Professional however lacks WiFi or the Nuki Energy Pack
• WELOCK Good Fingerprint Door Lock
  • Lacks the choice to make use of your key, no keypad on this mannequin, WiFI bridge offered individually.
• Yale Linus Good Lock Bundle
  • The bundle features a WiFi bridge and keypad. I’ve personally used this the previous couple fo years and it has labored nicely, my companion hates the app (on iPhone).

Verdict

I’ve largely been pleased with my Yale Linus good lock so there was some reluctance swapping it out with the Aqara.

I had some teething points setting it up however as soon as it was working it has carried out flawlessly.

And, I had some considerations concerning the £270 price ticket. Nevertheless, after trying on the competing choices it’s a comparable value level as different choices if you issue within the keypad. You may choose up the Yale Linus for simply £120 for the lock itself, however the WiFi bridge is £50 and the keypad is £45.

Minor points apart, I’ve been very pleased with the Aqara Good Lock U200. Extra importantly, my companion has been pleased with it too. The keypad and fingerprint scanner has labored completely for her, and it’s a massive enchancment over the Yale app.

Its help for Matter over Thread and Apple HomeKey units it other than many opponents, offering glorious good house integration and comfort.

For individuals looking for a feature-rich, extremely built-in good lock – notably these within the Apple ecosystem who need HomeKey help, or present Aqara customers, the Aqara Good Lock U200 is a wonderful alternative.

Final replace on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photos from Amazon Product Promoting API