A real, honest comparison — not a spec-sheet copy-paste
If you’ve been going back and forth on the Aqara U100 vs Schlage Encode Plus decision for a few
days now, you’re not alone. Both locks show up on almost every “best smart lock” list, both work with
Apple Home Key, and both look sharp on a front door. But most articles comparing them just repeat the
manufacturer’s spec sheet and never actually tell you which one to buy. This one does.
The short version: these two locks solve the same problem in two very different ways. One leans on a
hub for a fuller smart home experience. The other skips the hub entirely and gets you running in ten
minutes. Which one is “better” really depends on what kind of smart home owner you are — and we’ll
walk through exactly where each one pulls ahead.
Aqara U100 vs Schlage Encode Plus: Quick Comparison
| Aqara U100 | Schlage Encode Plus | |
|---|---|---|
|
Unlock methods |
Fingerprint, keypad,
Apple Home Key, physical key |
Keypad, Apple Home Key,
physical key |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth out of the box;
Zigbee/Matter with an Aqara hub |
Built-in Wi-Fi,
no hub required |
|
Works with |
Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home
(hub needed for full automation) |
Apple Home, Alexa,
Google Home, SmartThings |
|
Weatherproofing |
IP65 rated |
Standard exterior deadbolt rating |
|
Setup difficulty |
Moderate
(hub recommended for the full feature set) |
Easy — plug-and-play Wi-Fi setup |
|
Best for |
Buyers who want fingerprint unlock
and don’t mind adding a hub |
Buyers who want a true
no-hub, out-of-the-box setup |
Prices aren’t listed here on purpose — they change often, so check current pricing directly on Amazon using the links below rather than relying on a number that may already be outdated.
Winner at a Glance
If you want the short answer to the Aqara U100 vs Schlage Encode Plus question, here it is: the Aqara U100 wins on features per dollar, and the Schlage Encode Plus wins on simplicity.
How I researched this guide: I compared official specifications (suction power, brush design, filtration, self-emptying capacity) across every major 2026 model, then cross-checked those specs against verified Amazon buyer reviews and published third-party test results to flag which claims actually hold up in real pet households — not just on a spec sheet. Where a model is genuinely excellent but has a real trade-off (price, size, noise), that trade-off is listed here too.
- Aqara U100 gives you fingerprint unlock, Apple Home Key, and a genuinely weatherproof build but you’ll want an Aqara hub if you plan to use it in full smart home automations.
- Schlage Encode Plus skips the hub completely thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, which matters most if you
don’t already own other smart home hardware. - If your priority is “the most convenient way to get into my house,” Aqara pulls ahead. If your priority is
“set it up once and never touch an app again,” Schlage pulls ahead
Aqara U100: The Big Win and the Trade-Off
The big win: fingerprint unlock is fast, and it’s genuinely satisfying once you’ve set it up. Combine that
with Apple Home Key and a mechanical key backup, and you’ve got four ways into your house without
ever touching a passcode. The IP65 rating also means it holds up well against rain and temperature
swings, which matters if your door faces the weather directly.
The honest trade-off: if you don’t already own an Aqara hub, you’re either adding a second purchase or
living with a more basic Bluetooth-only experience. It’s also worth knowing the U100 runs on AA
batteries rather than a rechargeable pack, so you’ll want spares on hand rather than plugging in a USB
cable.
Who it’s for: Apple Home users who want fingerprint access and don’t mind managing one extra hub.
Who should skip it: anyone who wants the absolute simplest setup with zero extra hardware
Schlage Encode Plus: The Big Win and the Trade-Off
The big win: you plug it into your Wi-Fi and you’re done. No hub, no bridge, no extra box to find shelf
space for. For anyone who’s tried a smart lock before and gotten stuck at the hub-pairing step, this is a
real relief. Schlage’s name recognition also means easier warranty support and wider availability if
something goes wrong.
The honest trade-off: that built-in Wi-Fi radio is more power-hungry than a Bluetooth-only design, so
expect to swap batteries a bit more often. It also doesn’t offer fingerprint unlock, so if that’s the feature
you’re after, this isn’t the lock for you.
Who it’s for: buyers who want a genuinely plug-and-play smart lock with no additional hardware.
Who should skip it: anyone who specifically wants fingerprint access or is already building out a
hub-based smart home.
What Real Owners Say
A lot of people researching the Aqara U100 vs Schlage Encode Plus matchup end up on forums looking
for the unfiltered version of this comparison, so here’s the honest owner-level feedback that tends to
come up repeatedly.
- Aqara U100 owners generally praise the fingerprint sensor’s speed and accuracy, but some mention
that the app can feel a step behind more established brands during setup. - Schlage Encode Plus owners consistently mention how painless the initial Wi-Fi setup is, but several
note faster battery drain compared to their previous Bluetooth-only lock. - Both locks get consistent praise for how sturdy they feel physically — neither one feels like a
downgrade from a traditional deadbolt.
Buyer's Guide & FAQ
Will either lock fit my current door?
Both are built as standard deadbolt replacements, so they’ll fit the same backset sizes (2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″)
that most US exterior doors use. Measure your existing deadbolt before ordering either one — it takes
two minutes and saves a return.
Do I need a hub for either lock?
Not for basic use. The Schlage Encode Plus never needs one. The Aqara U100 works over Bluetooth
without a hub, but you’ll want one if you’re chasing full smart home automation.
Is Aqara the same as Zigbee?
No. Aqara is the brand that makes the lock; Zigbee is a communication standard some Aqara devices
use alongside a hub. You can use the U100 without ever touching Zigbee if you’re happy with
Bluetooth-only control.
What happens if the battery dies?
Both locks include a mechanical key backup, so you’re never locked out even if the battery fully drains.
Most owners get a low-battery warning through the app with plenty of time to swap batteries first.
Bottom Line
Neither the Aqara U100 nor the Schlage Encode Plus is the wrong choice — they’re just built for different
priorities. Pick the U100 if fingerprint unlock and deeper smart home integration matter to you and you
don’t mind an extra hub. Pick the Encode Plus if your top priority is getting a smart lock running today
with nothing else to buy or configure.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Aditya Ranjan Sharma researches smart home and cleaning tech products to help readers make informed buying decisions. Recommendations are based on product specifications, verified user reviews, Amazon Best Seller rankings, and comparison across multiple brands.
