Yale
Yale Assure Lock 2
$239.99
Released 2022
Best Smart Locks · head-to-head
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs Aqara Smart Lock U100
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Aqara Smart Lock U100 is cheaper at $169.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Aqara
Aqara Smart Lock U100
$169.99Cheaper
Released 2022
Which is better: the Yale Assure Lock 2 or Aqara Smart Lock U100?
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.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $239.99 | $169.99 |
| Brand | Yale | Aqara |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Unlock methods | touchscreen keypad, smartphone app, Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (on keyed models), voice assistant (Alexa/Google) | 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 (premium SKU), Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus module (optional, $80 add-on) | Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup |
| Matter | No | Yes |
| Auto lock | Yes | Yes |
| Battery type | 4× AA (9V terminal for emergency backup) | 4× AA |
| Finish options | Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bronze | Shadow Gray, Silver |
| Install type | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door | Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors |
| Release | 2022 | 2022 |
Sources — Yale Assure Lock 2: digitaltrends.com (verified 2026-06-15). Aqara Smart Lock U100: aqara.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Aqara Smart Lock U100?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Unlock methods: Yale Assure Lock 2 touchscreen keypad, smartphone app, Apple Home Key (NFC tap on iPhone/Apple Watch), physical key (on keyed models), voice assistant (Alexa/Google) 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: Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi built-in (premium SKU), Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus module (optional, $80 add-on) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Zigbee (requires Aqara hub for remote features); Bluetooth for direct app setup
- Matter: Yale Assure Lock 2 false vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 true
- Battery type: Yale Assure Lock 2 4× AA (9V terminal for emergency backup) vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 4× AA
- Finish options: Yale Assure Lock 2 Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bronze vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Shadow Gray, Silver
- Install type: Yale Assure Lock 2 Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door vs Aqara Smart Lock U100 Replaces existing deadbolt — single-bore door, DIY no-drill for most doors
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Yale Assure Lock 2
Four whitelisted testers (Engadget, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, TechHive) hands-on-tested the Yale Assure Lock 2 (across keypad/touchscreen and Wi-Fi configurations) and all recommend it as a good-looking, reliable smart deadbolt with broad smart-home support. The most common gripes are the dated, buggy Yale Access app (TechRadar, TechHive) and an installation that can need careful attention (TechRadar, Engadget). Tom's Guide separately dinged the lack of fingerprint or tap-to-unlock. Consumer Reports and retailer reviews were excluded. (4 sourced reviews, 4 lab-tested.)
Praised: Attractive, compact design (about 30% smaller inside than the original); Reliable everyday locking and unlocking in testing; Broad smart-home support (Alexa, Google, HomeKit, plus Wi-Fi/Z-Wave/Matter modules).
Flagged: Dated, buggy Yale Access app (crashes, no battery indicator); Installation can need careful attention (~30 min, occasional troubleshooting); No fingerprint or tap-to-unlock; must press Yale logo first to use the pad.
Aqara Smart Lock U100
No sourced tester review yet.