Meet the Aqara U200 Lite: A Thread-Powered, Matter-Enabled Smart Lock

Aqara’s family of smart locks is expanding again, this time with a new entry-level option designed specifically for European homes.

The newly launched Smart Lock U200 Lite joins the growing U-series lineup as a retrofit smart lock that skips the frills but still checks a lot of the right boxes.

Unlike the fully loaded U200 – which boasted everything from Apple Home Key support to fingerprint recognition – the U200 Lite dials things back a bit for price-conscious buyers who still want a sleek keyless upgrade. But it’s still got a few clever tricks up its sleeve.

Top of the list is Matter-over-Thread out of the box. That means you can add it to major Matter compatible platforms via Thread– whether you’re in the Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or SmartThings – without needing to lock yourself into the Aqara ecosystem.

There’s no need for an Aqara hub, though you can still use one if you want the full Aqara experience.

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Like its bigger sibling, the U200 Lite is a retrofit design, meaning you don’t have to rip out your current Euro mortise lock to install it. It simply attaches over your existing cylinder, so your old keys will still work. It’s also compatible with select Scandi cylinders.

Your family can unlock the U200 Lite using a mobile app or a voice command via virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. Alternatively, they can enter their home by tapping their iOS or Android phone on the provided NFC Sticker Card.  Even while you’re away, you can open the door for visitors using a compatible mobile app. All of the remote functionalities of the U200 Lite are subscription-free, including real-time alerts, device logs, and remote unlocking. 

There’s also a neat auto-lock feature that doesn’t rely on a separate contact sensor – instead, the built-in gyroscope figures out when the door is shut and locks it for you. If you accidentally leave the door ajar, you’ll get an acoustic reminder. You don’t need to worry about forgetting to lock that door anymore

It runs on a 2,000mAh rechargeable battery and should last around six months per charge, depending on usage. And for the environmentally inclined, it’s a more sustainable choice than regularly swapping out disposable cells.

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Other nice-to-haves from the flagship U200 make a return, including a quiet mode for stealthy late-night unlocking, a pull spring function for hands-free opening (great for doors without handles), and the “turn-to-unlock” feature, which lets you twist the knob slightly to trigger the mechanism.

The Aqara U200 Smart Lock is available from Amazon or directly through Aqara, and has an RRP of £269.99, and between the 14th and 17th of June, Aqara customers can enjoy a 20% discount on the product using the promo code AQARATRS

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