is a smart home reporter who’s been testing connected gadgets since 2013. Previously a contributor to Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, and US News.
The new Nuki Smart Lock ($159), the company’s first designed for US deadbolts, is the most advanced retrofit smart lock I’ve tested. It features a sleek, compact design that looks and works like a regular doorknob, but it’s much more than a doorknob. It can automatically unlock as you approach, lock behind you, unlock using a keypad or your fingerprint, and be controlled from anywhere. It also supports every smart home platform through Matter, and you can still use your existing key — if you’re old-school like that.
I love the button integrated into the stainless steel design that locks and unlocks with a single press — no need to turn the knob. And the Nuki is shockingly fast: quicker than manually turning the lock and easily twice as fast as any other smart lock I’ve tested, locking in under a second.
9 Verge Score Nuki Smart Lock $ 159 $ 159 The Good Lightning fast
Nice, compact design
Simple to install
Supports Wi-Fi and Matter over Thread
No account required
Broad smart home compatibility The Bad Subscription required for remote access (without Matter)
No Apple Home Key
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