Aqara Smart Lock U100, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock with Apple Home Key, Touchscreen Keypad, Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt, IP65 Weatherproof, Supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT, Gray

FYI: I'm judging this lock based on both my experience with it so far AND in comparison to our Level Lock Plus, which is the "other" Apple Home Key compatible lock.We've been using our Level Lock Plus for about a year now and it's been a surprising disappointment. We incorrectly assumed that the build quality, marketing, US support, etc. meant it would do what we needed it to do. It didn't.So when we got a sale notice from Amazon on the Agara lock we figured we should give it a try.The documentation (which is available online when you scan the QR code in the box) could be better but the installation is just about what you'd expect. If you've installed smart locks before you'll be fine.The build quality of the lock is good, though if you've already had a "higher-end" lock like Levels it will feel cheaper. I don't believe it's cheaper in a way that would shorten the life of the lock or hinder its use in any way. It's a good quality product.The app, like the documentation, could be better. It's not as intuitive as most others and the keyboard (in iOS anyway) has a habit of covering the screen so you can't see what you're typing. It's a minor annoyance at best when you compare the functionality...This lock easily beats any of the locks I've had to date. It provides access via HomeKey and most NFC devices, a code with the integrated keypad, accurate fingerprint access, and a conventional key which is included (x2).Each user can store up to 10 prints which seem like overkill but I'll take it. Each individual print is saved using a collection of 6 scans (just like Apple's TouchID) and while I rarely use it, it's never failed to open the door on the first try.But if HomeKit and HomeKey are your primary reason for purchasing this lock just stop reading and buy it.With the Level Lock you have to wake and unlock your device before it'll unlock the door. I use both an iPhone and an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch refuses to open the level lock 90% of the time. Our cameras send us a notification when we get to the door so we need to clear that notification and return to the home screen for the lock to have any hope of opening. Most of the time it still doesn't.But the Aqara lock just works. Notification? It doesn't care. In Facebook? No problem. The HomeKey implementation is bulletproof. No fiddling or having to mess with stuff. If you hold either device to the lock it opens.We tested the Aqara U100 because our Level Lock was very unstable and uncooperative. The reason we switched was because the Level lock started unlocking on its own. We lock up and leave and the lock opens by itself 15 seconds later.Thus far the U100 has shown NO signs of being prone to similar faults.Conclusion: The Aqara U100 is a great lock. Its battery lasts longer and it performs far better than the presumed market leader by every metric. Can't see a reason to buy anything else.Congratulations Aqara!You put out a fantastic product.Thank you for it.

I was at a point where my wife would get mad at me if I was home after her work shift and I didn't unlock the door in time since her keys were always either lost, or deep in her large work bag. I decided to look into something where she didn't have to worry about her keys anymore and it was simple and reliable for her to use.This solved all our issues. This works with HomeKit almost perfectly except for one thing.I like the fact that the fingerprint reader is accurate and fast. It never feels like we're waiting too long for it to unlock. It takes maybe about a second to confirm your fingerprint, and then it makes a chime, and then you can hear the door unlock. I haven't had an issue with the fingerprint reader. I know some people have complained, but I just make sure my fingers are dry and it works 99% of the time. I think the biggest flaw when using the fingerprint reader is the angle that you programmed it at. I would say, program your reader with the door closed, and as close to a real-world scenario so the angle is as accurate as possible.I like that it also has a combination code (6-digits) that you can also program in, just in case your finger is dirty or wet. This is a good back up.I like that it has a physical key as well. I'm still someone that likes to carry my keys everywhere, and it just helps with ease of mind that I know if anything electrical fails (like the battery dying), I still have my physical key to use to enter. I haven't had any issues with the battery after 6 months, and the app still states that my battery percentage is high. I'm sure they last longer than the stated (8 months).I also like that it integrates with HomeKit. We both have iPhones and being able to use NFC by just tapping our phone on the door is amazing. I usually have my phone in my hands, and this is another cool feature to use, granted I don't use it as much as the fingerprint reader. Also, I cannot get the HomeKit key to work on my wife's phone, so I can't really recommend this as a good working feature. I wanted to be able to just share the key through HomeKit whenever I need to let someone in my home when I'm not there, but the way I've been doing that is just unlocking it through the HomeKit app when I know someone is waiting by the door. This takes about 30 seconds for it to unlock, but it's a nice feature to have when someone needs to get inside your home for an emergency.Overall, I would highly recommend these to anyone looking to get smart home locks. I've already received a couple of compliments and when people come over, they ask about them all the time. Don't spend too much time looking anywhere else, these locks make it easy to enter your home and make sure it is secured at the same time.