Nuki’s long-awaited US debut is finally here, and it delivers what many homeowners and renters want from a smart lock: fast installation, polished software, and reliable, phone-free entry if you choose the keypad. Just as notable, the company reversed its earlier plan to charge for Wi-Fi control, making remote access a standard feature at a still-competitive price.
Fast Install That Respects Your Existing Deadbolt
Unlike full-replacement locks, the Nuki Smart Lock sits on the inside of your door and turns your existing deadbolt. You remove the interior thumb-turn, mount Nuki’s plate, snap on the motorized knob, and keep your exterior key cylinder. That design is renter-friendly and preserves the security rating of the deadbolt you already own.
The app’s step-by-step wizard makes the process hard to mess up. In practice, a careful DIYer can finish in about five to ten minutes. Nuki includes multiple adapters to fit common deadbolt stems; the company recently reinforced these pieces after early feedback about torque stress, a small but meaningful nod to durability.
Power comes from a rechargeable battery topped up via a magnetic USB-C cable. Expect roughly six months per charge depending on whether you use Wi-Fi or Thread. You can charge in place or pop the knob off briefly to reach an outlet or battery pack—handy if your door isn’t near a plug.
Smart Features That Feel Mature and Reliable
Nuki’s software depth is the standout. Beyond the basics—activity logs, user permissions, time-limited access—you can tune auto-lock timing, assign the center-button behavior, and set granular schedules for guests, family, or cleaners. The auto-unlock system combines geofencing and Bluetooth so your door doesn’t open unless you’ve actually left, returned, and come within close range. It’s more conservative than ultra-wideband approaches but works consistently and avoids accidental triggers.
Integration is broad. Nuki supports Matter via Thread, which means compatibility with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings through a standards-first approach from the Connectivity Standards Alliance. Crucially, Nuki scrapped its earlier plan to put Wi-Fi access behind a subscription. Remote control now works out of the box, while optional add-ons such as extended warranty and landlord tools live in a separate premium tier.
Optional Keypad And Sensor Add Real Convenience
The Keypad 2 is the accessory most buyers should consider. It pairs wirelessly, mounts with screws or adhesive, and supports PIN codes and fingerprint recognition. That covers kids without phones, visiting relatives, and short-term guests—no app install required. You can issue expiring codes or revoke access on the fly. Pricing is the rub: bundled, the keypad usually adds around $70; purchased alone, it’s steep.
Nuki’s Door Sensor can detect whether your door is open or closed, improving auto-lock reliability. It’s useful but pricey relative to third-party sensors. If budget is tight, manual locking from the keypad plus a conservative auto-lock timer can achieve most of the same peace of mind.
Performance, Build Quality, and Operating Noise
In daily use, the motor is quick and quieter than many full-replacement rivals; the bolt snaps open with minimal grind. The metal exterior feels premium, though there’s slight “give” at the end of travel that hints at plastic gearing inside. That isn’t unusual for retrofit designs prioritizing broad compatibility, but it’s worth noting for heavy-use doors. As always, overall security rests on your deadbolt’s grade and door frame—Consumer Reports and locksmiths alike emphasize that point.
Compatibility covers most single-cylinder deadbolts from major brands, which is critical for renters or anyone not ready to replace hardware. If your cylinder or backset is atypical, verify dimensions before buying to avoid surprises.
Price, Overall Value, and Key Competitors
The lock lists at roughly $199 in the US. Add the keypad and you’re typically near $270 for a full, phone-free workflow. That positions Nuki near the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and below many full replacements from Schlage and Yale. The earlier $160 launch buzz was tarnished by the now-abandoned subscription for Wi-Fi; with remote access included, the current pricing makes more sense.
If you want an all-in-one lock with a new exterior keypad and a fresh deadbolt, Schlage Encode or Yale Assure lines are strong alternatives. But Nuki shines when you want to keep your existing keyway, avoid drilling, and still gain top-tier software and Matter-forward integrations. For multi-user households and hosts managing rotating access, its scheduling and logs are particularly well executed.
Verdict: A Quick, Powerful Upgrade for Most Homes
As smart home adoption climbs—Parks Associates reports that more than 40% of US internet households now own at least one smart device—Nuki’s retrofit approach hits a sweet spot. Installation is painless, daily use is fast, and the app is among the most capable in the category. Accessory pricing and long-term wear on internal gearing are the main caveats, but with Wi-Fi now standard and Matter support baked in, this is a compelling, renter-safe path to keyless entry that feels genuinely modern.
