Smart home accessory maker Akara recently released the HomeKit-enabled smart lock U100 with support for Apple’s Home Key feature. Home Key is an iOS 15 feature that’s still in the process of being adopted by smart home manufacturers, so it’s relatively new.
Home Key adds a digital key for Akara Locks to the Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch, allowing unlocking using NFC by bringing the device closer to the lock. Akara Lock also has multiple entry modes, including a keypad and a fingerprint reader. Note that this is a Matter-enabled product, so in addition to working with HomeKit, it also works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Akara products are designed to use a hub, which is how the Philips Hue system works. The USB-A Aqara E1 hub I tested connects to your HomeKit setup, and Aqara products, including the U100, connect to the hub using Zigbee. So technically, it’s “Zigbee Over Matter” but Apple users just need to know that it requires ‘HomeKit’ and a hub for full functionality. Some people aren’t fans of ‘HomeKit’ devices that require hubs, but I don’t mind because they can be more reliable and trouble-free than products that connect directly to WiFi.
Note that the U100 can be used without a hub, but without a hub, the lock only works via Bluetooth and will be slow to operate. To use all the features, you’ll need a hub and you’ll also need an Apple device that acts as a home hub for options like Home Key for all family members. Home hubs include the HomePod Mini and Apple TV, which most people in the ‘HomeKit’ ecosystem probably own.
Design-wise, the Akara Smart Lock U100 looks like a standard keypad-based lock. It’s not as slim as other smart locks on the market, with a large rectangular brick for both the inside and outside. It comes in silver and gray to match the handle hardware, although my door had gold hardware that I couldn’t match.
The look of the U100 is probably my least favorite aspect of the lock. It’s big and heavy, both inside and out. I don’t mind taking it outside that much, but I wish the indoor component was more streamlined like the level lock on other HomeKit locks.
There are probably more ways to get into this lock than anyone needs, but if you like options, this product delivers. You can use the keypad, the built-in fingerprint sensor, the hidden key compartment (using a traditional key), using NFC on an iPhone or Apple Watch, an NFC card (sold separately), the Home app, or the Akara app. . With the Aqara app you can provide temporary codes to those who need access to your home and you can lock and unlock the U100 remotely.
Among these entry methods, home key and fingerprint sensor are the fastest to use. The fingerprint sensor was accurate and Touch ID unlocked the U100 as quickly as unlocking an iPhone. It didn’t fail me, and I was able to register multiple fingers so that multiple people could save a fingerprint. There is a hidden key compartment that allows access to the lock without power even if the battery runs out.
The U100 uses four AA batteries that last up to eight months (allegedly, I couldn’t test it), and you get alerts when the batteries are low. I’m not a fan of standard batteries in electronics, and would have preferred something rechargeable as an alternative.
In terms of security, the U100 is a straightforward lock, like many consumer deadbolt locks on the market. A skilled lockpicker can open it in minutes, but anyone who really wants to get inside your home is going to do so even if you have the most secure lock on the market because there are other entry points like windows.
One of my favorite U100 features is the auto lock function that locks the door when it is closed. It uses a gyroscope to detect when the door is closed, which makes sure it re-locks the door every time I close it, even if I don’t remember to lock it manually. It can be disabled if you want to keep the lock open.
There are some NFC keyfobs that come with the U100 if you need to give someone a key, but guest options also include remote unlocking and shared codes. The number pad is responsive and lights up when a number is pressed so you can make sure you’re inputting the correct code and the lock speaks aloud.
Setting up the U100 was fairly straightforward and took about 20 minutes I had to remove the existing deadbolt from my door, and luckily, the U100 hardware fit relatively well. I didn’t use the plastic insert that came with it because I didn’t want to make my strike plate bigger, but it looks like it will fit most standard doors. I’ve been in situations with previous smart locks where I had to do a little sanding and reshaping, so that’s always a possibility.
As for the smart home setup, it was a bit more complicated, but nothing too difficult to follow. I locked the battery, downloaded the Aqara app and installed a Matter firmware update that was available. Then I plugged in the hub and linked it to HomeKit–using the in-app tools and Akara’s instructions (note: a 2.4GHz network is required). From there, I connected the hub and the lock, and then registered the lock with HomeKit. It was a multi-step process but I didn’t have connectivity issues with the hub, and the lock responds to commands when I’m home and when I’m away.
The Home app can be used to lock and unlock the U100 as well as set ‘HomeKit’ automation to manage access to the lock. The Aqara app has additional tools that are mostly useful if you don’t have HomeKit setup, but include battery life and a log each time the lock is accessed. For those who don’t like voice feedback, it can be disabled with the Do Not Disturb mode in the Aqara app. I had to create an Akara account to access the lock in the app, but that was easy enough aside from some annoying password limits.
The U100 can be used without HomeKit as there are several other connection methods, including compatibility with other smart home platforms, but I only tested with HomeKit functionality and a hub, as I have a HomeKit setup.
last row
At $190, it’s a full-featured smart lock that rivals other more expensive smart locks on the market. It has every entry method you could want, including a number-based touch pad, fingerprint sensor, home key, and NFC keys. On the downside, it’s not as smooth and neutral as other smart locks on the market, but if that doesn’t bother you, it’s worth looking into.
how to buy
The Aqara U100 can be purchased from Amazon for $190.
Note: Aqara provided MacRumors with a U100 for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
