Nuki's smart is powerful and compact -- is it the new retrofit king?
In the world of smart locks, retrofits occupy a unique, useful space. They're cheaper than a full deadbolt replacement and fit over your current deadbolt to give it smart features -- not a bad deal, but they tend to be bulky and, well, not very aesthetic. Nuki's European smart lock, now available in the US, is an exception.
This $160 lock, which can be bundled with a wireless keypad, uses a powerful brushless motor that's screw directly into the existing deadbolt once you remove the indoor component. It's slightly more complicated to install than a retrofit like August, but in return the Austrian design is compact, elegant and locks or unlocks in a snap. LED indicators on the front of the lock can blink if it's unlocked or show you battery status, among other tricks.
When it came to performance, I found Nuki's lock to be everything you could want in a retrofit. There's no bulky components, no wasted space, just a smooth metal design (plus a small plastic band) made for efficiency and speed. As a result, it looks and functions like a dream. It's not a traditional lock, so there's no keyhole or obvious deadbolt latch to flip, but the unique appearance works in Nuki's favor.
There are also a plethora of smart features packed into the lock, including the ability to create passes for time-limited access and connect with smart home apps like Alexa, Google Home and third-party options like Home Assistant.
Nuki does require a subscription for some features, which is unusual for the average smart lock.
Nuki's lock isn't perfect -- the app, while effective, could be a bit more intuitive for the more complex settings. And it's a little hampered by the rechargeable battery design, which requires using a magnetic cable attachment and more or less forces you to detach the lock and charge it up for a couple of hours every few months.
Also, if you want permanent remote access, you'll have to start paying a $6 per month subscription for it, an unusual step for a smart lock when most offer it for free. Without that subscription, you'll be limited to Bluetooth controls over a shorter range unless you want to connect a Matter-supporting platform like Apple Home, which is Nuki's loophole for more advanced smart home users.
Quirks aside, Nuki has brought a smart lock to America that looks and feels better than other retrofit brands like August. I'm still contemplating if it deserves a spot on my best smart locks list. Maybe I should make a new category, something for "best design" or "high-end retrofit." If you don't mind paying a subscription or using a Matter connection for that important remote access, the Nuki Smart Lock could be a good look for your home, too.Â