tldr; The Nuki smart lock is a bit of a paradox. While it may give you a digital headache during the setup process and its wifi connection can be as unpredictable as British weather, once it’s up and running, it’s a dream to use with Matter. The integration with Home Assistant is smooth and reliable, leaving you wondering if it’s the same device that had you pulling your hair out during installation.
Tech Specs
- Smart lock with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Supports Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa
- Works with Nuki Bridge for remote access and control
- Features Auto Unlock and Lock ‘n’ Go functions
- Compatible with Euro Profile Cylinder locks
- Powered by four AA batteries
- Offers security encryption at the same level as online banks
- Flawless integration with Matter and Home Assistant
What We Loved (and What Made Us Meh)
Once you’ve wrestled with the setup, it’s all sunshine and rainbows.
- Perfect integration with Matter
- Smooth compatibility with Home Assistant
- Convenient remote access with Nuki Bridge
- Supports a wide range of smart home platforms
- Secure encryption level
- Practical Auto Unlock feature
The road to a functioning Nuki smart lock is paved with moments of frustration.
- Setup process as complicated as a Rubik’s cube
- Wifi connection as stable as a one-legged flamingo
- Batteries not included (Seriously, who does that?)
- Not compatible with all lock types
- Requires separate purchase of Nuki Bridge for remote access
- Manual could use a bit more clarity and less jargon
The Nuki smart lock is like that movie with a terrible beginning but an unexpected, fantastic ending. You want to give up during the first half, but if you stick with it, you’re in for a treat. The complicated setup and erratic wifi connection are the villains of our story, threatening to ruin the entire experience.
But don’t throw in the towel just yet. Once you’ve danced the setup salsa and wrestled with the wifi, things start to look up. The integration with Matter is so flawless; it’s like the two were made for each other. As for Home Assistant, it’s like adding a cherry on top of a perfectly baked cake.
The Auto Unlock feature and Lock ‘n’ Go function are the unsung heroes, quietly working in the background to make your life easier. And let’s not forget the security. With encryption at the same level as online banks, you can sleep easy at night knowing your home is secure.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Nuki smart lock has its shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t support all lock types, which can be a deal-breaker for some. And while the Nuki Bridge allows for remote access, it comes at an additional cost.
Overall, the Nuki smart lock is a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It’s an investment in time and patience but rewards you with an excellent smart lock experience in the end. It’s like a good book – it takes time to get into it, but once you’re hooked, you can’t put it down.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Despite its flaws, the Nuki smart lock shines once it’s up and running, but the initial setup process and unreliable wifi connection hold it back from a perfect score.
Would we buy it?
If you’re patient and willing to tango with the setup, then yes. The Nuki smart lock delivers an excellent performance once it’s on stage, making it worth the initial pain.
Value for Money
With perfect Matter integration and solid Home Assistant compatibility, the Nuki smart lock offers good value for money, but the additional cost of the Nuki Bridge might make some wallets wince.