Level
Level Lock Pro
$349
Released 2023
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Aqara Smart Lock U100 is cheaper at $169.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Level
$349
Released 2023
Aqara
$169.99Cheaper
Released 2022
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the cheaper at $169.99.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $349 | $169.99 |
| Brand | Level | Aqara |
| Released | 2023 | 2022 |
| Unlock methods | smartphone app (Bluetooth range), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (original hardware retained), optional keypad accessory ($79), optional key card/fob | fingerprint (98.6% accuracy, <0.5s recognition, 50 prints), keypad PIN (permanent/periodic/one-time), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), NFC tag (2 included), smartphone app, physical key backup |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 built-in, Matter over Thread; Wi-Fi via optional Level Connect bridge ($79 add-on) for remote access | Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup |
| Matter | Yes | Yes |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | CR2 | 4× AA |
| Finish options | Multiple — integrates into existing exterior hardware (knob/lever retained; interior module is discrete) | Shadow Gray, Silver |
| Install type | Retrofit interior — replaces existing deadbolt interior mechanism, exterior hardware unchanged | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors |
| Release | 2023 | 2022 |
Sources — Level Lock Pro: level.co (verified 2026-06-15). Aqara Smart Lock U100: aqara.com (verified 2026-06-15).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Only one whitelisted tester, PCWorld/TechHive, published a hands-on review of this exact 2025 Matter-over-Thread Level Lock Pro; it calls it the best and most attractive smart lock you can buy and recommends it without reservation. No lab measurements are reported. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Invisible design that looks like an ordinary deadbolt, not a smart lock; Supremely easy, fast installation and setup; Matter-over-Thread lets it work across multiple smart home ecosystems (Apple Home, Alexa, SmartThings) simultaneously.
Flagged: High price at $349; Numeric keypad is an added-cost option ($79); No biometric access (no fingerprint or palm-vein reader).
No sourced tester review yet.