Score One for Savvy Spending: Nuki Smart Lock Go Tops the Affordable Smart Lock Game
Prize-winning Nuki Smart Lock Go delivers excellent performance.
By Klaus Wedekind Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Copy link This budget-friendly smart lock proves to be nearly as good as pricier alternatives, according to practical testing
Kicking off the New Year, ntv.de put the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra through its paces, praising its lightning-fast operation and sleek design, yet lamenting its steep 350 euro price tag. Luckily for wallet-conscious folks, the new Nuki Smart Lock Go, retailing at around 150 euros, packs almost as much punch as its pricier sibling.
Proven Heritage, Updated Features
In order to slash the price, it seems Nuki has leveraged proven technology and bolstered it with novel characteristics. The Go bears a striking resemblance to the highly-regarded Nuki Smart Lock 3.0 Pro, a device ntv.de previously reviewed and was graced upon their door two years back. One notable detail: the battery pack from the 3.0 Pro, priced at 49 euros, remains interchangeable, or you can opt for the more economical choice of four AA batteries to power the Go.
The Go is exclusively offered in a plain, white finish. For remote access to the device using Nuki servers, a one-time, 49 euro fee comes into play, or for an added expense of around 90 euros, you can purchase a keypad, enabling the door to be unlocked via a numeric code.
Matter-ready
Matter compatibility is a game-changer. If you're fortunate enough to have a smart home device functioning as a Matter hub (such as the latest Apple Homepod, Google Nest Hub, or Amazon Echo Show), you don't need either of the aforementioned alternatives. Simply scan a Matter code card provided by Nuki with your smartphone camera, and these pairing hassles disappear.
Many users will find this unnecessary as they can extend invitations using a code, allowing others to open the door using their smartphone. The installed Nuki app grants flexibility in setting unique access levels: full, temporary, or unlimited, with up to 200 authorizations available.
Practical Automation
The smartphone interface proves especially useful for on-the-go convenience. The Auto Unlock feature is where the real magic happens, as the app takes care of locking and unlocking the door for you as long as you are within a specified geofence radius. You are able to customize the locking behavior, ensuring the door locks itself after a certain interval or immediately after closing.
The Nuki Smart Lock Go takes approximately three seconds to rotate 720 degrees, allowing for double-locking or unlocking. This is consistent with the timeframe measured for the Pro 3.0, which suggests the motors are likely the same. Consequently, you can expect around four to five months of battery life if you're using batteries. The app will alert you when replacement is necessary. If you opt for the battery pack, it can be charged on the lock or removed for charging separately.
In contrast to the Ultra, there are instances where the Nuki Smart Lock Go does not necessitate altering the lock cylinder. Typically, leaving a key on the inner side of the door and affixing the Nuki using a mounting plate is sufficient for installation. For doors where the Nuki does not fit, consider purchasing Nuki's universal cylinder, priced around 100 euros; it is designed to meet high security requirements and comes with three keys included.
Manufacturer assurance of data security is evident, with end-to-end encryption ensuring secure communication between the smartphone and Nuki. Additionally, recent security assessments conducted by the AV-Test Institute confirm the Go's security.
Final Thoughts
For those in search of a reliable, feature-rich, hassle-free smart lock that won't empty your pockets, the Nuki Smart Lock Go's affordability-performance ratio is hard to beat. In its simpler design, it offers almost everything that more expensive alternatives can boast—and that's saying a lot.
Source: ntv.de
- Smart Home
- Tech Tests
- The Nuki Smart Lock Go, an affordable alternative to pricier smart locks, integrates the proven technology from the Nuki Smart Lock 3.0 Pro along with new features, making it a reliable choice for savvy spenders.
- While the Nuki Smart Lock Go offers various Control Methods, such as Nuki servers, NFC, Bluetooth, or Matter, it is worth noting that Matter compatibility can serve as a viable lock alternative, eliminating the need for Nuki servers or additional purchases like a keypad, if you own a smart home device functioning as a Matter hub.
- The Nuki Smart Lock Go, a community-approved device for secure locking and unlocking, ensures data security with end-to-end encryption and boasts a strong connection to WhatsApp, enabling users to keep track of who accesses their homes with the notifications available within the app.
