Aqara - Smart Lock U100 Kit - Fingerprint Keyless Door Lock with Apple Home Key Unlocking/ Extra Hub and NFC Card Included - Silver

Love it! Very easy to set-up, did not have to make any mods to my door for it to fit. Easy to setup the app, as well as link to Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google account. Easy to setup fingerprints, entry code, NFCs, Apple home keys. Seriously awesome

I looked for a long time to find a product like this. It has fingerprint, passcode, nfc key fob, proximity, and guest access features. It has remained rock-solidly connected on my WiFi for about a month now. The only complaint I have is that it uses AA batteries instead of having a rechargeable one.

This Aqara U100 smart lock is very well made and looks nice. The square shape is sleek and the silver color will go well with modern designs. It came nicely packed and to my surprise it included a wireless hub (Hub E1). The hub is not necessary to use the device, however it is needed if you want the remote capabilities and automations. This lock works on Bluetooth and Zigbee technology. Despite it having Zigbee, after several tries it did not pair with my Smartthing. Installation was not hard at all, it took me about 10 min. However, in the packaging it does not include an installation guide. There’s a QR code in the supposed to be user manual which will take you to an installation video, and the actual user manual is another QR code. The reason for my quick installation was because I did not have to remove the deadbolt or the strike plate. Maybe because it was from another smart lock, but either way that would only add up another 5 to 10 minutes. Once the lock is installed you’ll need to download the Aqara app to set things up. The app was simple to use and to navigate. If you end up setting the hub first, from the hub settings you can bind and set up the lock at the same time. This lock has plenty of features, one of my favorites is the auto lock right after you close the door. No need to do anything, just close the door and it will lock immediately. That being said my least favorite was the normal way of locking. You have to press the and hold the lock symbol for a few seconds. I found that to be annoying coming from another smart lock with fingerprint locking and unlocking. Not even entering your code will lock the device. In other words you will depend on the auto lock features, and that has to be enabled manually. I’m pretty sure that can be fixed with a firmware update. There are several ways to unlock, either with a physical key, key pad, remotely, fingerprint and NFC tags. The fingerprint scanner works like a charm, I just had a few missed reads here and the but for the most part was very responsive. You can add multiple fingers too. The locking mechanism was fast, one of the fastest I've used and I own several smart locks from different brands. By sliding down the cover underneath the keypad, it will reveal the keyhole. It will work just as you expect from any other lock. This lock can be used with automated features; the problem is you will need to either have more Aqara devices, or ink the E1 hub with Smartthing or IFTTT. You can link your Aqara account to Google Assistant and Alexa. But to be honest they are both limited in what they can do when it comes to automation. You can definitely control this lock with a voice assistant. For those with Apple homekit you are in luck. You will be able to use your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door right out of the box. I tried doing the same thing with Android phones and smartwatches and it did not work. The closest one was the Galaxy phone, I was able to add a keypass to the Samsung Wallet, however it didn’t work. Last but not least the included NFC tags work beautifully. All you need to do is present the tag to the door and it will lock and unlock the device. The lock has a built-in speaker and is kind of loud too. I like the sound of the alarm when you enter the wrong code. This device uses 4 AA batteries and they are included. Manufacturer claims they will last approx 8 months and of course that all depends on the usage. Comparing it to my other devices I would say in the real world it will last around 4-5 months which is still great. The included E1 hub is a small USB dongle that can be plugged anywhere in the house. It works on Zigbee, 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi band and just recently they added Matter support. However, Matter seems to be limited. After pairing the Hub via Matter to my Smartthing I was only able to see the lock, not the other devices connected to the Hub. This hub will add automations and the ability to control the lock away from home. You can bind other Aqara products to this hub as well. I really like this hub due to its minimal design and capabilities and pair with the Aqara app automations are easy to create. Overall I am very impressed with this smart lock and its potential, not to mention the included hub that supports Matter. Is very well built, easy to install, is modern and elegant, and supports plenty of smart integrations to include Homekit out of the box. With the included NFC tags makes this another convenient way of unlocking your door. I am very excited that Aqara is finally becoming a competitor in the smart home arena and am eager to see their 3 point smart lock in the US market. In the box you get the lock, 4 AA batteries, 2 NFC tags, 2 keys, USB Hub (E1), installation kit and user guide.