Door Locks · Head to head

Aqara Smart Lock U400 vs TP-Link Tapo DL100

Full Smart Door Locks comparison in 2026

Updated November 2026
Data from the official Aqara and TP-Link sites.
2026 verdict
In an Apple household with an iPhone always in the pocket, the Aqara Smart Lock U400 is the stronger smart deadbolt, unlocking hands-free over ultra-wideband as you approach.
Aqara Smart Lock U400
Winner
Aqara Smart Lock U400
$269.99
Buy on Amazon USA
It adds fingerprint, a touchscreen keypad, NFC and Apple Home Key, works with Apple Home, Google, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant through Matter over Thread, and its outer panel is rated IP65. The TP-Link Tapo DL100 is the lower priced and better reviewed lock, with 10 months of rated battery life against 6, a doorbell button on its keypad and direct Wi-Fi with no hub. It has no fingerprint reader, HomeKit or Matter. Pick the Aqara Smart Lock U400 for Apple Home Key and hands-free entry, and the TP-Link Tapo DL100 for a keypad deadbolt on a budget with Alexa, Google Home or SmartThings.
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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
DoorbellNOYESTP-Link Tapo DL100
Local ControlYESNOAqara Smart Lock U400
One-Time PasswordYESYESTie
Anti-peep PasswordYESYESTie
Emergency FingerprintNONOTie

What the differences mean

Hands-free entry

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 unlocks over ultra-wideband as an iPhone or Apple Watch approaches, and supports Apple Home Key. The TP-Link Tapo DL100 has nothing comparable; you use the keypad, the app or a key.

Smart home platforms

The Aqara Smart Lock U400 works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant through Matter over Thread, with a Thread border router needed for remote access. The TP-Link Tapo DL100 connects over its own Wi-Fi and works with Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, without HomeKit or Matter.

Battery

The TP-Link Tapo DL100 runs on four AA cells rated for 10 months. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 has a rechargeable built-in battery rated for 6 months. Both have a USB-C emergency port.

Weather

IP65 on the Aqara Smart Lock U400 outer panel against IP54 on the TP-Link Tapo DL100 exterior. The Aqara is the one to trust on a door that takes heavy rain.

Doorbell

The TP-Link Tapo DL100 has a doorbell button on its exterior keypad. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 does not.

Which one to buy if

Winner
Aqara

Aqara Smart Lock U400

Prime exclusive deal
$269.99
Buy on Amazon USA
  • + 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
TP-Link

TP-Link Tapo DL100

14% OFF
Prime exclusive deal
$59.99
$69.99
Buy on Amazon USA
  • + Price: $59.99
  • + Rating: 4.5
  • + Battery Life: 10 months
  • - Weather Resistance: IP54 vs IP65
  • - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth vs Bluetooth, Thread Protocol, Other

What owners say

Owners of both deadbolts say installation was easier than they feared and that auto-lock gives them peace of mind. Aqara Smart Lock U400 owners single out ultra-wideband unlocking that opens the door a moment before they reach it, a motor they describe as much faster than their old lock and a rechargeable USB-C battery, but they call the housing plasticky for the price and found the HomeKit and Thread setup confusing. TP-Link Tapo DL100 owners talk about an auto-lock timer that ends the doubt, per-person codes and the activity log, and they warn that water got through the key cylinder on exposed doors, that battery life drops with Wi-Fi on all day and that notifications sometimes drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Aqara Smart Lock U400 or TP-Link Tapo DL100?

The Aqara Smart Lock U400, for its ultra-wideband hands-free unlock, Apple Home Key, fingerprint reader, Matter support and IP65 panel. The TP-Link Tapo DL100 is cheaper, better reviewed and rated for longer battery life, and suits homes that do not use Apple.

What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Smart Lock U400 and the TP-Link Tapo DL100?

How you get in and which ecosystem it joins. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 unlocks hands-free over ultra-wideband and works with Apple Home through Matter, while the TP-Link Tapo DL100 is a keypad deadbolt on Wi-Fi for Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings.

Does the TP-Link Tapo DL100 have a fingerprint reader?

No. The TP-Link Tapo DL100 uses a keypad, the app, Bluetooth and a key. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 has a fingerprint reader, NFC and Apple Home Key.

Who should buy the Aqara Smart Lock U400?

Apple Home households that want Home Key and walk-up unlocking, and anyone who needs a lock for several platforms through Matter.

Who should buy the TP-Link Tapo DL100?

Budget buyers with a sheltered front door who want a keypad, auto-lock and guest codes on Alexa, Google Home or SmartThings, with no hub.

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