Aqara Smart Lock U400 Review: Future-Proof Home Access Control

Aqara Smart Lock U400 Review: Future-Proof Home Access Control | PCMag

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4.0 Excellent this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }">   What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. The Bottom Line The Aqara Smart Lock U400 offers multiple ways to unlock your door and uses the latest technology to connect to most home automation platforms, but you’ll need a Thread-enabled Matter controller to do so. MSRP $269.99 $269.99 $269 at Amazon $289.99 $289 at Best Buy

Pros & Cons Multiple unlocking methods UWB compatible Supports Matter over Thread Wide platform compatibility Works with Apple HomeKey Lacks Wi-Fi Requires a Thread-enabled Matter controller NFC cards not included Aqara Smart Lock U400 Specs Name Value tr:nth-of-type(n+6)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>tr:nth-of-type(n+6)]:!table-row': open }"> Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Integrations Matter Installation Exterior Escutcheon, Interior Escutcheon App Mobile Geofencing/Location Services Guest Access Tamper Alarm Touchpad Voice Activation More Specs

Building on the solid foundation of the Smart Lock U100, Aqara's Smart Lock U400 offers more of the same but adds support for Matter, which means it’ll work with most home automation ecosystems, and Thread, a mesh networking protocol designed for devices such as cameras, sensors, and other battery-powered smart home products. It also supports Aliro and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for hands-free unlocking via your phone. Its $269.99 cost is near the top end of the smart lock price range, but if new technology, HomeKey, and UWB support are among your top priorities, it’s money well spent. If you can increase your budget, the Matter-enabled Eufy FamiLock S3 Max ($399.99) doubles as a 2K video doorbell and can be found for around $299 if you shop around, so it remains our Editors’ Choice winner for premium smart locks.Design: A Familiar Form Factor With Pre