Hi Aqara Forum. I was lucky to be selected as one of the testers for the Aqara U600, and here are my experiences so far.
Packaging and Installation
The packaging is neat and tidy, with the lock supplied in two main parts. The installation guide is clear and easy to follow, and with the help of the video tutorial, I managed to complete the installation in around 30 minutes. This was my first time installing a smart lock, so I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the whole process was.
Design and Build Quality
The U600 looks sleek and modern, with a clean black finish that looks great both inside and outside the door. The design is neat and understated, and the build quality feels solid and premium.
It is powered by AA batteries, and I particularly appreciate the additional backup options. There is an emergency keyhole for manual unlocking, as well as a USB-C emergency charging port on the outside, which provides extra peace of mind if the batteries run out.
User Experience and Smart Home Integration
The U600 is easy to configure and offers Bluetooth and Matter connectivity, making it straightforward to integrate into a smart home setup.
One thing worth mentioning is that an Aqara hub is nice to have, but it isn’t compulsory for my setup. I already have an Apple HomePod and Home Assistant running at home, so I can use the U600 without needing to purchase a separate Aqara hub. This is a big plus for anyone who already has an existing smart home ecosystem and wants to avoid adding another hub to the setup.
I use my Apple HomePod as a smart home hub, and my two main ways of unlocking the door are through Apple Home on my Apple Watch and the U600’s fingerprint reader. Both methods have worked really well so far, with an almost immediate response and an audible confirmation sound when unlocking.
One feature I particularly like is the automatic relocking function. The door locks itself just three seconds after unlocking, which is incredibly convenient and removes the worry of accidentally leaving the door unlocked.
Another nice touch is that lifting the handle engages the multipoint locking mechanism, making the locking process feel natural and secure.
I have also set up a separate user account for my wife, and her experience has been very positive too. Beyond simply unlocking the door, I have integrated the U600 into my Home Assistant automations. For example, my garage door automatically closes when I arrive home and unlock the front door using the U600. So far, the automation has worked smoothly and adds another level of convenience to everyday life.
Another useful feature is the ability to assign one-time passwords for visitors. I haven’t had the chance to try this feature yet, but it is definitely something I plan to test on my next holiday, when my neighbour comes over to look after my cat. Being able to give them temporary access without sharing my own credentials sounds like a really practical feature.
Overall Verdict
Overall, I am very impressed with the Aqara U600. The installation was surprisingly easy, the design looks great, and the day-to-day user experience has been smooth and responsive. The fingerprint reader, Apple Home integration, automatic relocking and Home Assistant compatibility make it a great addition to my smart home.
I particularly appreciate that I can integrate it into my existing setup without needing another dedicated hub, while still benefiting from smart access features and home automations.
As someone installing a smart lock for the first time, I have found the experience very positive. I would highly recommend the Aqara U600 to anyone looking for a sleek, convenient smart lock with excellent smart home integration.
