Aqara has a new Home Key smart lock that isn't a deadbolt

Smart home device manufacturer Aqara has started selling a new non-deadbolt Home Key-compatible smart lock: the U300.

Aqara is notable for being the only manufacturer making Home Key smart locks easily available for purchase in Australia. Home Key is Apple-centric technology that lets you unlock your home by tapping the lock with your iPhone or Apple Watch. You don't even need to open an app or your Apple Wallet.

There are other ways to unlock the U300, however, including a fingerprint reader, pin code, as well as optional NFC tags (sold separately). The lock also comes with a physical key.

While the U300 is rare for its full support of the Apple Home ecosystem, it also works with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. In each case, you'll need a compatible Thread border-router; for example, a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K in the Apple ecosystem, or a 4th generation Echo for Alexa.

The U300 is said to last up to ten months per charge, and is powered by four AA batteries.

The Aqara U300 is available now from stores including Amazon and Bing Lee, retailing for $449. It will be discounted to $269 during Black Friday sales between November 14 and December 4, however, so it's definitely worth waiting if you're interested.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said the U300 was Aqara's first single-bore smart lock with Home Key support. We regret the error.

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Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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