Upgrading your home security with a smart lock sounds great—keyless entry, remote access, and integration with your smart home. But not all smart locks are created equal. Before you buy, ask yourself if the lock you pick will satisfy all of your needs?
(Smart home integration, unlocking method, compatibility with your door, battery life, security)
After months of research, I narrowed my choices between two locks, Aqara U300 and the Schlage encode.
I ended up purchasing the Aqara U300 over the Schlage Encode for several key reasons:
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Matter & Thread Support
The U300 supports Matter over Thread, which means it’s far more future-proof and compatible with a wider range of ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and SmartThings. The Schlage Encode still relies heavily on cloud and Wi-Fi, with limited local control. -
Local Control & Privacy
With the U300 and the Aqara Hub M3, I get local control, which is more reliable and doesn’t depend on the internet. It also aligns with my preference for data privacy — fewer cloud dependencies mean fewer concerns. -
Smart Home Integration
Aqara’s platform integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant and other ecosystems. The Encode feels more siloed, especially when trying to bridge it outside of Amazon or Google. -
Access Options
The U300 offers multiple unlock methods: fingerprint, keypad, app, NFC, and mechanical key. The Schlage Encode primarily focuses on keypad and app access — no biometrics unless you step up to a different model (like the Encode Plus). -
Battery Life
The U300 uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery with USB-C charging and long life. This is a major upgrade over standard AA batteries, which the Schlage Encode burns through quickly — especially on Wi-Fi. -
Aesthetics & Build Quality
In my opinion, the U300 has a sleeker, more modern design with a sturdy build. Schlage’s look hasn’t changed much over the years and still leans heavily on traditional hardware aesthetics.