Technically, any Thread Border Router (TBR) can be used, as it only establishes the wireless connection. So if you have a TBR near the U200 lock, the Thread wireless connection runs between the lock and the TBR. It doesn’t matter which manufacturer the TBR is from. The only important thing here is that all TBRs can form a single, shared Thread network.
The crucial part is the Matter Controller you use, because it provides the door lock functions for the respective ecosystem. So if you want to use the door lock via Aqara Home, you need an Aqara Hub; if you want to use Google Home, you need the Google Nest Hub Max; and for Apple Home, you need an Apple Home Hub (such as an Apple TV 4K). For Home Assistant, a software Matter Controller like the Matter Server, which is installed as an app (formerly add-on), is sufficient.
Image Source:
https://eu.aqara.com/products/aqara-smart-lock-u200
However, Matter only provides the most rudimentary functions, such as locking and unlocking. I believe with the latest (beta) firmware of the U200, pulling the latch separately is now also supported. From what I’ve seen so far, it is not possible to extensively configure the door lock via Matter. While the Matter standard itself technically supports credential management like PIN codes now, the various ecosystems are still lagging behind in implementing these features. For example, I cannot configure my Nuki door lock via Home Assistant or Apple Home either; instead, Nuki requires an additional Remote Access, which costs around 50 euros, to configure the lock via the app.
According to the U200 manual:
Note: In the early stages of the Matter ecosystem, different platforms support varying features. For example, some platforms do not support adding door lock passwords. For a better user experience, we recommend adding the device in the Aqara Home app.
To me, this sounds like an Aqara Hub, which also acts as a Matter Controller, might be sufficient here. Since the U200 lock is also sold as a bundle with the M100 or M3 Hub, I would simply assume it works with these hubs. But unfortunately, I can’t say for sure, since I haven’t used access codes and don’t need them, and I also don’t have an M3 or an M100 hub. It will probably work with the M3, because it is consistently mentioned as a recommendation in the U200 FAQs.
