probably the best connected lock on the market

Nuki is the market leader in smart locks in Europe, thanks to the quality of its products. After a fourth generation offering few changes other than Matter support, the brand had to innovate to continue to differentiate itself from the competition and not be left behind.

With the new Nuki Smart Lock Ultra, the brand offers a fairly unique product on the market. It combines a compact and stylish connected lock with a universal cylinder which replaces the one installed in the door. This combination allows a reduced footprint for more discretion, but also impressive speed and silence of operation.

Let's take a closer look at what the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is worth and whether it's worth replacing your current lock.

High-end design

The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra stands out with its particularly discreet appearance. Unlike most other connected locks and even its predecessors, the new Smart Lock Ultra visually consists of a circular brushed stainless steel handle. The result is particularly successful, combining a high-end appearance with a small and discreet footprint.

A bright LED circle in the center of the lock provides status information, while a customizable circular button integrates seamlessly with the rest of the design.

Those familiar with the brand will recognize the general aesthetic, since the circular handle is very similar to that of previous versions, while freeing itself from the imposing lower part.

The brand has also worked on the lock to integrate the battery. This is simply recharged using a magnetic connector which connects under the lock, thus avoiding forcing it when trying to insert it. The other end connects via USB-C to a battery or power adapter, unfortunately not included. It is therefore no longer necessary to remove the lock or the battery to recharge it.

Overall, everything is particularly discreet and most people will not be able to guess that your lock is connected. The base of the lock is covered in black or white plastic, allowing it to adapt to your interior. Additionally, the universal cylinder comes with three keys, allowing for classic use when needed.

A rigorous installation

Installation of the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is not particularly complex, although it is not as simple as previous models. In fact, it requires replacing your cylinder with the Nuki Universal Cylinder. This comes with numerous bits, allowing it to adapt to the dimensions of your door and the existing cylinder.

First, you must remove the existing cylinder from the door. This operation is quite simple, since in most cases it is enough to remove a screw, then insert the key into the lock, turn it slightly and pull. The cylinder is then removed, allowing the installation of Nuki's.

You should then measure the dimensions of your cylinder and your door on each side using the ruler provided. Once the measurements are taken, you need to adjust the end caps for the inner and outer parts of the cylinder, so that it fits perfectly to the dimensions of your door. This operation is relatively simple, but may require some adjustment to find the correct tips. Likewise, several screws are provided, and you must make sure to choose the right size so that it is neither too short nor too long.

Once the cylinder is in place and the screw is tightened, you must install a fixing plate to screw directly onto the interior part of the cylinder. Finally, a small yellow ring is placed on the end of the cylinder, onto which the lock clips.

Overall, the process is not very complex and the installation is guided from the application. However, the steps are sometimes a little too simplified. Fortunately, the brand provides a detailed installation video to make the process accessible to everyone.

Once the lock is in place, the whole thing is solid and no play is felt. If necessary, a button allows you to release the fixing mechanism to be able to remove it by turning it.

Through the app you can define the type of grip you have. For a cremone handle, the application can remind you to raise it before locking. For a crutch handle, you can define the duration of the unlocking hold according to your preferences.

If you wish, you can complete the installation with a Door Sensor and Keypad 2.0, sold separately. Their installation is particularly simple and can be carried out very quickly. The keyboard can be mounted on the wall by screwing it, or fixed using the adhesive on the back. It allows you to open the door using a personal or temporary code or your fingerprint, adding a practical side to everyday life. The opening sensor allows you to automatically lock the door as soon as it is closed or to receive a notification if it remains open.

In terms of connectivity, the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra works via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but is also Matter compatible, thanks to support for the Thread protocol.

A simple but complete application

The Nuki app offers many customization options, in addition to locking and unlocking options. In particular, you can customize the settings of the lock, but also of the Keypad 2.0 and the Door Sensor.

In particular, it is possible to create users, offering them permanent or temporary access, useful for visitors or household employees.

You can also customize the button function based on the number of presses. It is thus possible to choose to open or close the door intelligently depending on the state, or to force closing or opening. You can even choose to simply indicate the door status with one or two presses, whether or not the LED flashes if the door is unlocked, and even adjust the brightness of the LED.

Likewise, you can schedule the automatic door locking at times of your choosing. It is even possible to consult the access history, useful in case of doubt or intrusion.

In addition, Nuki offers optional additional subscriptions: Nuki Guarantee Plus and Nuki Smart Housing. The first, charged at 25 euros, offers an optional 3-year warranty, with replacement in the event of a problem. The second is ideal for rental and integrates with third-party services like AirBnB, but premium support and 3-year warranty. For accommodation, the service is billed at 69 euros and offers a discount on the set, also including accessories.

A real pleasure to use

Quiet and fast

In addition to being beautiful, the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra offers a concentration of innovation which makes its use particularly intuitive and pleasant.

Indeed, unlike many other models which can be noisy and slow, the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is very quiet and disconcertingly fast. No more waiting for long seconds in the cold for your lock to unlock, the Smart Lock Ultra locks or unlocks in around two seconds.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between three opening modes: Standard, Insane and Gentle. The former takes about two seconds to lock or unlock the door, while the latter does it in a second and a half. The last one adapts to the lock, which can be useful for those who tend to resist a little.

In my case, standard mode suited me perfectly, combining speed and silence. What more could you ask for?

Multiple opening options

The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is designed to work with the brand's universal cylinder, which comes with three physical keys. Unlike the Netatmo lock, these are traditional keys, and do not let you guess that you have a connected lock at home. Since the cylinder is obviously disengageable, you can use one of the keys to enter your home, as you traditionally would. This is a significant advantage, particularly if some members of your household prefer a more traditional access method, especially if you do not intend to purchase a Keypad 2.0.

Of course, the lock also allows you to access your home in a more modern way. In particular, you can use your smartphone or even your Apple Watch to unlock the door, thus avoiding taking your keys. Additionally, the Nuki app can automatically unlock the door based on your location, automating the process for you.

Using the Nuki app, you can also create virtual keys, allowing guests to access your accommodation from their smartphone.

Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant also allows you to open the door remotely, but above all to check orally if you have locked the door and to do it remotely if necessary.

Finally, you can purchase a Keypad 2.0 keyboard, allowing you to use up to 20 fingerprints or 200 codes to open the door. Among them, some may be temporary or limited, depending on predefined days and time slots. This feature is particularly useful if, for example, you want to allow your housekeeper to enter your home only on certain days.

As for the interior, the lock button is configurable, depending on the number of presses. You can choose whether it takes one or two presses to lock the door, or whether the choice is made dynamically.

Additionally, if something goes wrong, you can physically turn the handle to lock or unlock the door, eliminating the need to disassemble it.

Advanced features

Like previous generations, the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra has an LED circle allowing you to know the closing status of the door. A full circle indicates a locked door, while a three-quarters filled circle lets you know it's not.

Depending on your preferences, you can activate or deactivate the flashing indication function, which notably saves battery life. Furthermore, a very slight rotation of the lock illuminates the light ring, allowing the closing status of the door to be displayed.

In addition, the Lock 'n' Go function allows, for example, to unlock the lock then lock it again after a predefined period (20 seconds by default). So the idea is to only unlock the door to enter or exit. Likewise, using the optional Door Sensor, the application warns you if the door has been left open.

Price and availability

The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra will be available in December for 349 euros. This price includes the lock and the universal cylinder. However, the Keypad 2.0 and the Door Sensor are sold separately, costing 160 and 49 euros respectively.