Door Locks · Head to head

Aqara Smart Lock U400 vs TP-Link Tapo DL100

Full Smart Door Locks comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aqara and TP-Link sites.
2026 verdict
Aqara Smart Lock U400
Winner
Aqara Smart Lock U400
$269.99
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
Aqara Smart Lock U400 wins this matchup on capability, adding ultra-wideband hands-free unlocking that opens the door as you approach with an iPhone or Apple Watch, fingerprint, a touchscreen keypad, NFC, Apple Home Key and a rekeyable mechanical key, all over Matter with Thread and Bluetooth, plus an IP65 outer panel that shrugs off heavy rain. TP-Link Tapo DL100 is the pragmatic alternative and much cheaper, joining 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi directly with no hub, holding up to 200 codes on a backlit keypad, adding a doorbell ring button, lasting about ten months on four AA batteries, and enjoying a strong owner reception. Its limits are clear: no fingerprint, no NFC, no Apple HomeKit and no Matter, and an IP54 rating meant for a sheltered doorway. The Aqara needs a Thread border router for remote access, and Google Home and Alexa require an Aqara hub. Buy TP-Link Tapo DL100 for a simple, well-priced keypad lock; buy Aqara Smart Lock U400 when hands-free UWB entry and Apple Home integration are the point.
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FeatureAqara Smart Lock U400TP-Link Tapo DL100Winner
Price$269.99$59.99TP-Link Tapo DL100
Rating4.14.5TP-Link Tapo DL100
Weather ResistanceIP65IP54Aqara Smart Lock U400
Battery Life6 months10 monthsTP-Link Tapo DL100
ConnectivityBluetooth, Thread Protocol, Other2.4 GHz WiFi, BluetoothAqara Smart Lock U400
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, MatterGoogle Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThingsAqara Smart Lock U400
Lock/Unlock SystemRemote, Bluetooth, Passcode, Fingerprint, NFC Tag, Apple Home Key, Physical KeyRemote, Bluetooth, Passcode, Physical KeyAqara Smart Lock U400
Periodic PasswordYESNOAqara Smart Lock U400
DoorbellNOYESTP-Link Tapo DL100
One-Time PasswordYESYESTie
Anti-peep PasswordYESYESTie
Emergency FingerprintNONOTie
Winner
Aqara

Aqara Smart Lock U400

$269.99
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
  • + Weather Resistance: IP65
  • + Connectivity: Bluetooth, Thread Protocol, Other
  • + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
  • - Price: $269.99 vs $59.99
  • - Rating: 4.1 vs 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall, the Aqara Smart Lock U400 or the TP-Link Tapo DL100?

Aqara Smart Lock U400, thanks to UWB hands-free unlocking, fingerprint, NFC, Apple Home Key, Matter over Thread and an IP65 outer panel. TP-Link Tapo DL100 wins on price, on about ten months of AA battery life, on hub-free Wi-Fi and on its built-in doorbell button.

What is UWB unlocking?

Ultra-wideband lets Aqara Smart Lock U400 detect an iPhone or Apple Watch approaching and unlock without you touching anything, which owners describe as fast and genuinely useful. TP-Link Tapo DL100 has no UWB and relies on the keypad, the app, Bluetooth or a physical key.

Which one needs a hub?

Aqara Smart Lock U400 needs a Thread border router for remote access and Matter, and Google Home and Alexa specifically require an Aqara hub. TP-Link Tapo DL100 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so it works remotely with no hub at all.

How do they handle weather?

Aqara Smart Lock U400 rates its outer panel IP65, covering dust, splashes and heavy rain. TP-Link Tapo DL100 is IP54 on the exterior assembly, which suits a sheltered doorway rather than full exposure, and owners note water can reach the key cylinder.

What are the entry methods?

Aqara Smart Lock U400 offers fingerprint, touchscreen passcode, NFC, Apple Home Key, UWB, Bluetooth, app and a rekeyable key. TP-Link Tapo DL100 offers up to 200 keypad codes, Bluetooth, app control and two backup keys, with no fingerprint, NFC or Home Key.

Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo DL100?

Anyone wanting a dependable keypad deadbolt at an entry price, with hub-free Wi-Fi, one-time guest codes, anti-peep entry, a doorbell button and ten months of AA battery life. If Apple Home, fingerprint or hands-free unlocking matter, Aqara Smart Lock U400 is the more advanced lock.

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