Smart Home · Head-to-head
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt vs Aqara Smart Lock U200
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Smart Locks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Schlage Encode Plus wins on security and no-hassle Wi-Fi with Apple Home Key, making it the safest all-round choice. The Aqara U200 is the smarter value if you want fingerprint entry and the broadest smart-home support for less.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Buy itThe most secure of the group, with hub-free Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key baked in.
- Maker lists a BHMA AAA certified deadbolt, the top residential security grade, in a sturdy build
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub or bridge required
- Native Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock plus voice control with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant
- Backlit touchscreen keypad works for guests without a phone
- Bulky exterior escutcheon that some owners find dominates the door
- AA batteries drain faster than the rechargeable packs on newer rivals
Aqara Smart Lock U200
Buy itThe value pick: fingerprint, keypad, NFC, and Matter over Thread without a premium price.
- Most entry options here: fingerprint, PIN keypad, NFC card, app, and Apple Home Key
- Matter over Thread makes it cross-platform and future-proof
- Rechargeable battery rated by the maker for up to 6 months per charge at about 8 daily unlocks
- Fits many existing deadbolts, so exterior keyed access is retained
- Remote unlocking and automations rely on adding the Aqara Hub M3
- Owner reports note the app setup and automations have a learning curve
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Our pick | Aqara Smart Lock U200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Apple households that want the strongest security and don't want to manage a hub. | Anyone who wants the most features and the widest smart-home compatibility for the money. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Physical security | BHMA AAA certified deadbolt | Fits over your existing lock |
| Keyless entry methods | Touchscreen keypad + Home Key | Fingerprint, keypad, NFC + Home Key |
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi, hub-free | Thread; Aqara hub for remote unlocking |
| Smart-home platforms | Apple, Alexa, Google (Matter not listed) | Matter, Apple, Alexa, Google |
| Installation | Full deadbolt swap | Fits many deadbolts |
| Power | AA batteries | Rechargeable (AA backup) |
| Design/visibility | Large, prominent keypad | Compact keypad |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt if
apple households that want the strongest security and don't want to manage a hub.
Know before buying: bulky exterior escutcheon that some owners find dominates the door.
Pick the Aqara Smart Lock U200 if
anyone who wants the most features and the widest smart-home compatibility for the money.
Know before buying: remote unlocking and automations rely on adding the Aqara Hub M3.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt - The most secure of the group, with hub-free Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key baked in. Choose the Aqara Smart Lock U200 instead if anyone who wants the most features and the widest smart-home compatibility for the money.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Smart Locks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).