Compared: Aqara U50 vs U100 vs U200 - Good, better, best in Apple Home security

Smart home product manufacturers are a dime a dozen, but they are not all equal in their execution. Aqara's 13 years of experience has led to over 1,000 smart home devices in more than 30 categories, and they are a leader in Apple Home products.

Internet-connected smart locks are some of the most critical smart home products you can buy — so trust is paramount. The U50, U100, and U200 smart locks from Aqara offer a range of features at affordable prices.

For Apple Home users, Home Key support is one of the most important features to look for, and all three of Aqara's locks support it. That means you can unlock your door with a tap from your iPhone or Apple Watch using a card in Apple Wallet, even when the battery is exhausted.

Here's how the locks compare:

Aqara U50

The simplest of the three smart locks is the Aqara U50. However, simple doesn't mean it is lacking features.

Everything you'd expect from an Apple Home compatible smart lock with Home Key support is here. It has a keypad for entering a PIN that is also NFC compatible, but it is a total replacement for your existing lock hardware.

Even if you're not an Apple Home fan, all of the Aqara smart locks support other ecosystems with the Matter protocol. Google Home, Alexa, IFTTT, Google Assistant voice control, Siri, and other integrations are available too.

An internal gyroscope will help alert users if the door is left open. Also, the door can automatically lock when closed.

Users can also generate offline and periodic passwords. These passwords work even when the hub loses connection.

Get the Aqara U50 smart lock for $112.49 from Aqara via Amazon with discount code USSLCODE. That's a 25% discount.

Aqara U100

Take everything the U50 can do and apply it to the U100, with some extras. This smart lock has a fingerprint scanning feature in addition to the keypad.

That means you get Apple Home integration with Home Key, offline passwords, and auto-lock. All three of the Aqara locks mentioned here can be unlocked with optional NFC keys, mechanical keys, or a pin.

The fingerprint sensor has a 98.6% accuracy rate and the ability to store up to 50 fingerprints locally. AES128 encryption protocols protect data like fingerprints.

The U100 has modes like Do Not Disturb, Passage, and anti-peep passwords. Passage is a mode that prevents the auto-lock from engaging for bringing in groceries or similar, while anti-peep passwords let you add random digits to protect from prying eyes.

The battery life is improved to 8 months (up from 6 months in the U50). Plus, both the U50 and U100 have an emergency USB-C port for providing temporary power.

Get the Aqara U200 from Aqara on Amazon for $140.49 with code USSLCODE. That's a 26% discount.

Aqara U200

The Aqara U200 smart lock is both a step above the U100 with many of the same features, but is almost a separate category thanks to its many power options. It offers Matter over Thread support, Apple Home with Home Key, a fingerprint sensor, and a keypad with offline passwords.

Matter over Thread is a big deal for Apple Home users with new HomePods, HomePod minis, or Apple TV 4K since the lock can connect to any Thread Border Router without an Aqara hub. It also means signal strength shouldn't be an issue as long as it is placed near another Thread-network connected product.

One of the standout features is a quiet mode unlock, which prevents the lock from operating loudly. It will spin slowly to unlock and not play any of the notification sounds.

The lock can run on rechargeable Li-ion batteries, and the keypad supports AAA batteries or hard-wiring. The different options ensure continued operation and reduced cost.

Another feature unique to the U200 is the pull spring option. It enables the automatic retraction of the door latch when unlocking, making access easier.

The U200 is also a retrofit smart lock, which means it is attached to the existing door lock. Retrofit smart locks are an excellent choice for renters.

Get the Aqara U200 smart lock from Aqara on Amazon for $215.99 with the code USU200ME. That's a 20% discount.

Picking the best Aqara smart lock

The three smart lock options from Aqara suit different needs, but the decision process is quite straightforward. Thanks to the ladder structure of features and prices, your choice mostly depends on your budget and requirements.

The U50, U100, and U200 are relatively inexpensive and discounted as previously shared, so it all comes down to which features are most important. For example, if quiet unlock sounds like an important feature, the U200 is a must, but if all you want is Apple Home Key, perhaps U50 is enough.

All three smart locks can be added to your Apple Home, but the difference in available entry methods could greatly affect your decision. If a fingerprint sensor is a priority, then the U50 is out, but all three keys have temporary and offline passwords, Home Key support with iPhone and Apple Watch Unlock, and multiple power options.

Whichever device you pick, you'll be choosing one of the best smart locks available. The Aqara U50, U100, and U200 are all well-rounded smart locks at competitive prices.