# Schlage Encode Plus vs Aqara Smart Lock U100: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Schlage Encode Plus (Schlage) and Aqara Smart Lock U100 (Aqara) among smart locks. Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the cheaper of the two at $169.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $329 | $169.99 |
| Brand | Schlage | Aqara |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Unlock methods | Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key | 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 | Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth | Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup |
| Matter | No | Yes |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) | 4× AA |
| Finish options | Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze | Shadow Gray, Silver |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors |

## Key differences

- Unlock methods: Schlage Encode Plus Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), keypad access codes, smartphone app, voice assistant (Alexa/Siri/Google), physical key vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 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: Schlage Encode Plus Wi-Fi built-in, Bluetooth vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup
- Matter: Schlage Encode Plus No vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Yes
- Battery type: Schlage Encode Plus AA batteries (built-in compartment; specific count not published by Schlage) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 4× AA
- Finish options: Schlage Encode Plus Satin Nickel, Matte Black, Bright Chrome, Aged Bronze vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Shadow Gray, Silver
- Install type: Schlage Encode Plus Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, no hub required vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors

## What reviewers say

**Schlage Encode Plus** — Four whitelisted outlets (Tom's Guide, PCWorld, Reviewed/USA Today, TechRadar) reviewed this exact deadbolt hands-on. The only quantified hands-on metric was Reviewed's roughly 10-minute DIY install; no instrument benchmarks were run. All four praise the Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock and the easy, standard installation. Recurring gripes across the set: no backup power plus a single included key, a bulkier-than-average body, missing fingerprint/geofencing/door sensor, only 100 codes, and HomeKit Wi-Fi/remote access needing an Apple hub. Best suited to Apple households. (4 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Schlage Encode Plus: https://www.schlage.com/en/home/smart-locks/encode-plus.html (schlage.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Aqara Smart Lock U100: https://www.aqara.com/en/product/smart-lock-u100 (aqara.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/schlage-encode-plus-vs-aqara-smart-lock-u100/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Schlage Encode Plus ($329) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 ($169.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/smart-locks/schlage-encode-plus-vs-aqara-smart-lock-u100/
License: CC BY 4.0.