Aqara Smart Lock U400 vs Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt DDL242X

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 comes out ahead overall, with wider connectivity, more platform integrations and more ways to unlock the door, including ultra-wideband hands-free entry. The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt DDL242X answers with a friendlier price and a stronger owner rating.

Unlock technology. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 supports ultra-wideband unlocking that opens the door automatically as an iPhone or Apple Watch approaches, on top of fingerprint, keypad, NFC and Apple Home Key. The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt DDL242X sticks to fingerprint, keypad and voice control, with no UWB or NFC.

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 needs an Aqara Hub for Google Home or Alexa, and a Thread border router for full Matter features, though Apple HomeKit and Home Assistant work directly. The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt DDL242X connects over its own built-in Wi-Fi, so it needs no hub for remote access.

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 does, working with Apple HomeKit, Home Assistant and Matter directly, plus Google Home and Alexa through an Aqara Hub. The Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt DDL242X only reaches Google Home and Alexa, with no Apple HomeKit, SmartThings or Matter support.

Apple Home households who want the newest hands-free UWB unlocking, the widest platform reach and the most unlock methods, and who do not mind paying a premium for it.

Buyers who want reliable fingerprint and keypad entry with built-in Wi-Fi at a noticeably lower price, and who do not need Apple Home Key, NFC or ultra-wideband unlocking.