The doorknob. That ancient piece of hardware is about to become as obsolete as your flip phone. European smart lock powerhouse Nuki is crashing the American market in 2025, bringing its award-winning technology to a front door near you.
Three models lead the charge: Smart Lock Pro, Smart Lock Go, and Smart Lock Ultra. Each one retrofits over existing door cylinders, meaning you don’t need to rip apart your entire door. The Pro model packs built-in WiFi for direct app control. No bridge required. The Ultra? It’s the smallest of the bunch, sporting an integrated universal cylinder and a brushless motor that locks and releases 3.4 times faster than previous generations. Speed freaks can even choose from three different locking speeds.
Three models retrofit existing cylinders. The Ultra locks 3.4 times faster with its brushless motor.
Installation takes five minutes. Seriously. The thing mounts on the inside of your door, invisible from the street. No one needs to know you’ve gone high-tech. DIY-friendly instructions mean you won’t need to call your contractor buddy. The Ultra model comes with switchable base rings in black and white, because apparently smart locks need fashion choices now. Before installation, performing a pre-installation assessment of your door’s dimensions and alignment will prevent potential compatibility issues.
Security isn’t an afterthought here. These locks log every access event, auto-lock after five minutes, and send app notifications for any door action. Someone opens your door manually? You’ll know. The system handles up to 200 different access permissions on the Pro model. Routine firmware updates keep things tight. All communications use end-to-end encryption, ensuring your digital keys stay as private as physical ones.
The Nuki app runs the whole show. Auto Release, Lock ‘n’ Go, and Nightmode features make life easier. Got an old Nuki model? Data migration transfers everything over. The built-in battery charges in two hours via USB-C, using energy-efficient tech borrowed from electric vehicles.
European homeowners have been enjoying this tech for years, collecting design awards and positive reviews along the way. Now American consumers get their turn. Pricing sits in line with other premium smart locks, though specific numbers remain under wraps. The expansion comes at a time when smart home adoption continues its upward trajectory, and Nuki’s betting its blend of speed, security, and simplicity will win over skeptical Americans. Existing Nuki owners can jump on the Upgrade Program with savings up to 59 euros, choosing between a Pro model bundled with either a free Door Sensor or Guarantee Plus.
