Aqara U200 Lite test: The perfect door lock for beginners

Smart door locks are becoming increasingly popular. This is not only due to the sharp drop in prices. Some manufacturers are now also offering clip-on locks that are child’s play to install. This means that the structure can be easily removed again without leaving any residue if you have to move house. In the Aqara U200 Lite test, we were able to put a prime example of such a clip-on lock through its paces. This is a cheaper and slimmed-down version of the Aqara U200 (Review | € 182.01 *). Does that make it noticeably worse? We’ll tell you.

Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite, Matter over Thread, Smartes Türschloss mit...

€ 102.39

€ 149.99

Auf Lager

Buy now* Amazon

Technical data

Model	Aqara Smart Lock U200 Lite
Operating temperature	-15 °C to 55 °C
Dimensions	62.3 × 60.6 × 152.5 mm
weight	754 g
Connectivity	Thread, Bluetooth 5.1
Voice assistants	Aqara, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
Features	– Matter compatibility – Auto-Lock – Tension spring function – Do not disturb mode – Unlocking via NFC sticker cards
price	€ 102.39 *

Scope of delivery

Smart door lock U200 Lite × 1
User manual × 1
Aqara Rechargeable Battery × 1
NFC sticker card × 2
3M sticker × 1
EVA foam × 3
Screw set × 1
Cylinder adapter set × 1
Allen key × 1

Aqara U200 Lite Test: Differences to the Aqara U200

The nickname “Lite” is of course no coincidence. The U200 Lite is a slimmed-down version of the U200. Now the question naturally arises as to what the differences between the two models are. One of the most striking differences is certainly the price. The U200 Lite costs just half as much as the U200, but this is no coincidence. After all, some features have been removed from the Lite model.

Although you are offered compatibility with the Matter ecosystem here too, the smart door lock can only be unlocked using your smartphone. As there is no keypad, you cannot use a fingerprint, numeric code or an NFC card from Aqara. In addition, the Lite version does not use Apple Home Keys to unlock the door, which is a core feature of the U200. There are also no temporary passwords. You should keep this in mind.

Aqara U200 Lite test: design and workmanship

At first glance, there are no differences in design compared to the U200. Strictly speaking, the U200 Lite is a twin of the U200, which is a good move for Aqara. After all, the manufacturer can simply continue to use the housing of the U200. So you get a really extremely well-made piece of technology here.

The casing is largely made of metal, which speaks for its durability. The resistance is also impressive. The manufacturer promises an operating temperature of -15°C to +55°C. As the door lock is likely to be used indoors in the vast majority of cases, you won’t have to worry about this anyway.

While the appearance of the door lock, which is available in either black or white, is pleasingly modern with its curves, the size is rather outdated. With dimensions of 62.3 × 60.6 × 152.5 mm, it is significantly larger than a Nuki Smart Lock Pro (Review | € 269.00 *) or a SwitchBot Lock Ultra (€ 299.99 *), for example.

Aqara U200 Lite Test: Compatibility

The U200 Lite is compatible with standard European door locks. However, check in advance whether you have a suitable model. The manufacturer recommends a typical European mortise lock. It would also be great if your lock cylinder has an emergency function.

You can easily check this. An emergency function is installed if your cylinder can be unlocked from the outside even if a key is inserted inside. This means you can simply continue to use your normal key if the Aqara U200 Lite is already installed.

Aqara U200 Lite test: quick installation

A major advantage of mortise locks is that they are quick and easy to install. Even people who are not very handy can achieve their goal in a short time. After all, you don’t need a drill or a well-stocked toolbox. Everything you need to install the U200 Lite is already included in the scope of delivery.

First, you need to attach the lock suspension. You can either attach this to the protruding cylinder using screws or glue it in place if the lock cylinder is flat rather than protruding. For the latter, Aqara includes a suitable adhesive pad. If anything seems wobbly, you can use the enclosed adhesive pads to create a flat surface.

Once the hanger has been fitted, insert the key into the cylinder and fit the door lock. Now use a Phillips screwdriver and the enclosed screws to attach it to the bracket and you can continue setting up the U200 Lite. You will need your smartphone and the appropriate Aqara app for this. Once you have created an account, you can add the smart door lock as a new gadget.

The app scores with a great overview. This applies not only to general operation, but also to the entire installation process. After all, the user is guided step by step through the setup of the smart door lock. As both the installation itself and the subsequent commissioning are child’s play, you will have the lock installed quite quickly, even if you’re not a handyman.

Aqara U200 Lite test: Powerful motor under the hood

The way the Aqara U200 Lite works is quickly explained. As soon as the door lock receives the signal to open or close the door, the integrated motor comes into play. This then moves the key in the appropriate direction. In my opinion, the manufacturer is using the same technology as the premium model U200.

This means that you not only get enough power here to generate smooth key turns even with older cylinders. What’s more, the system works pleasingly quickly. After less than three seconds, the U200 Lite has turned the key completely. In standard mode, the whole process is by no means loud, but not whisper-quiet either.

If this bothers you, you can also use the smart door lock in do-not-disturb mode. Then it turns a little slower, but you can hardly hear it. Quiet mode is particularly interesting at night. Aqara knows this too. That’s why the manufacturer also offers the option of switching between normal mode and quiet mode on the fly.

You can easily set times in the app when Quiet Mode should be active. While we’re talking about features, the tension spring function should not go unmentioned. Here, the lock retracts the latch when it is opened so that the door springs open automatically. Without this feature, you would still have to use a key from the outside to push the latch aside when opening.

Aqara U200 Lite test: NFC as a door opener

Unlike the U200, the U200 Lite comes without a matching keypad. This means that you can’t unlock the smart door lock with your fingerprint or a numeric code. But how are you supposed to open the door instead? Aqara includes two mini NFC cards in the Aqara design. You can easily stick them to the outside of your door frame thanks to the matching adhesive surface. When you get home and want to open the door, simply hold your smartphone up to the card.

The NFC chip on your device will now react. A corresponding interface appears on the display, on which you will find a button that you just have to tap to open the lock. Really cool: Aqara includes two of the sticker cards in the box. This should not only save you from having to buy a new one if you lose one. What’s more, you can assign a different function to each card during setup via the Aqara app.

This is exciting for all those of you who already have other Aqara technology in the house or are thinking about retrofitting it. After all, you can also simply use the second card for your lamp control or other smart home technology in the house. When it comes to compatibility, the manufacturer is pleasingly open to all types. The cards can be scanned by Android and iOS devices.

Aqara U200 Lite test: Matter compatibility

The Aqara U200 Lite can also be operated via various smart home ecosystems. Here, the lock relies on the Thread protocol, which is ready for the future and opens the door for Matter, as you can easily see from the bold print on the packaging. For you, this not only means that you can control the lock via Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant and other helpers. The system can also be integrated into both Apple Home and Android.

This means you don’t have to worry about compatibility when changing smartphones in the future, including changing the operating system. Integration into the Matter system also gives you the option of remotely controlling the smart door lock. This allows you to open and close it on the move and view the status at all times. However, you also need a suitable hub for this. We used the Aqara Hub M3 (€ 110.49 *) in our test.

Alternatively, you can also use an Amazon Echo (€ 119.99 *) or any other gadget that can act as a Thread Border Router. We strongly advise you to integrate the U200 Lite into a Matter system. At the latest when you are on vacation for the first time after installing the door lock, you will be happy about the remote access. After all, it simply makes you feel more secure.

Aqara U200 Lite test: hands-free use thanks to Auto-Lock

There is a practical gyroscope sensor on board the Aqara U200 Lite. This registers movements of the smart door lock and can therefore register whether the door has just been closed or opened. If the door has not been closed again within a certain time after opening, the door lock will notify you and you will hear a warning tone. However, if you close the door properly again, the door lock will lock it automatically.

The Aqara U200 Lite also uses sensor technology to offer the auto-lock feature. As soon as you leave your home and close the door behind you, the door lock locks fully automatically. And it does so immediately after you close the door. This gives a feeling of security. However, this function is optional. Of course, you can also simply hold your smartphone up to the NFC sticker again after leaving the house and ensure that the lock locks by tapping on your smartphone display. Incidentally, there is no auto-unlock here, which is a bit of a shame.

Aqara U200 Lite test: battery life of six months

According to the manufacturer, the replaceable battery in the Aqara U200 Lite should last six months before recharging is required. With a capacity of a whopping 2000 mAh, this sounds like a realistic figure. However, this is by no means a matter of course. In fact, Aqara is setting new standards against which the competition must measure itself. If the battery needs to be charged, you can do so conveniently via the USB-C port on the U200 Lite itself.

The app issues an early warning so that you don’t do this too late. And you don’t have to worry about the super disaster of an empty battery if you always have the right key with you. Finally, the door lock can also be opened and closed manually using the rotary control. From the outside, you can easily unlock the door with a conventional key, even if the door lock is fitted. This should reassure skeptics of smart home technology in particular.

Conclusion: Affordable entry with few compromises

With the U200 Lite, Aqara provides a strong argument for an affordable entry into the world of smart door locks. Despite the “Lite” suffix, the lock impresses with its solid workmanship, simple installation, modern app connection and a variety of practical functions such as Auto-Lock, NFC access and Matter compatibility. The lack of features such as a fingerprint sensor or keypad hardly hurts – especially considering the attractive price. If you can live with the NFC approach and don’t necessarily need convenience functions, you get a very well-rounded overall package at a fair price. A clear recommendation, especially for smart home beginners.