Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
Best for Apple Home UsersSchlage Encode Plus
Best for Security-Conscious BuyersPrice
$90-$140
$150-$230
Summary
Purpose-built for Apple Home with native HomeKit and Apple Home Key support at a price well under most competitors. Wirecutter picks it as a top value, and it regularly drops below $100.
ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt — the highest residential security rating — with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key. Trusted by locksmiths for decades and works great without any hub.
Pros
- Apple Home Key support — unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch tap
- Listed at $140 but regularly available below $100
- Fingerprint reader, NFC, keypad, and physical key unlock methods
- Solid AES 128-bit encryption and IPX5 weather resistance
- ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt — highest residential security certification
- Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub required
- Supports Apple Home Key for tap-to-unlock
- Can be used as a regular lock even without smart features enabled
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi — requires Apple Home hub (HomePod/Apple TV) or Aqara hub for remote access
- Best experience is Apple-only; Alexa/Google require Aqara hub
- Less useful for non-Apple smart home setups
- Bulkier exterior design compared to minimalist competitors
- Apple Home Key is the primary ecosystem; Android experience is less polished
- Higher price than budget options
Our take
If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the U100 is the obvious choice — Apple Home Key is genuinely magic, and no other lock delivers it this cheaply.
When the r/Locksmith community recommends something, you listen. Schlage's hardware quality is in a different class from most smart lock brands, and the Encode Plus delivers that with modern smart features.
Buy
