A smart lock is useful because you can open and lock doors via your smartphone, without a physical key. You can give access to family, friends or delivery people remotely, which offers convenience and flexibility. Moreover, it increases safety because you can always see who and when the door used.
With the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra, the Austrian manufacturer wants to create the ultimate smart door lock. A more compact model, quieter and three times faster than previous generations. But is the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra really the perfect solution? We have extensively tested the new smart lock in practice; You can read our findings in this review.
Compact, elegant and well thought out
The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra has a fully revised design that clearly differs from previous generations. Where the previous Nuki locks had a rotary knob with a separate battery compartment, the Ultra has a slim stainless steel button that fits seamlessly with modern doors.
With a diameter of 57 mm, the Ultra is approximately three times more compact than previous models, making it one of the smallest smart door locks on the market. These modest dimensions are possible thanks to the switch to an integrated battery, so that a separate battery compartment is no longer necessary.
The design looks sleek and modern, the brushed stainless steel finish gives the lock a solid and sustainable look. Two interchangeable basic rings are supplied as standard, in black and white, so that the appearance can be properly tailored to different door colors. These rings are easy to attach and ensure harmonious integration in the door design.
Despite the more compact size, the operation remains user -friendly. The button can be run manually or operate via the central button, which can perform various functions depending on the set mode.
Multiple versions
In addition to the Smart Lock Ultra, the Smart Lock Pro (5th generation) is also available. This model offers the same technology as the ultra, including a brush motor and a fast closing mode, but requires no adjustment of the cylinder. The Pro is 12 millimeters longer, because it is mounted on the existing cylinder.
Moreover, Nuki introduces a more affordable model, the Smart Lock Go. This lock supports the new Matter standard and continues to work on standard batteries.
Before 2025 there are also various new accessories planned Zolas a keyboard with NFC and UWB, with support for Apple’s Home Key, among others. In addition, the Aliro standard is planned. Aliro is a new, universal standard for operating smart door locks and access control via mobile devices. De Standaard was developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the same organization that is also responsible for Matter.
Installation and setup
The Smart Lock Ultra distinguishes itself at a crucial point of earlier models. It is no longer a simple retrofi adjustment that you place on an existing key; Instead, it works with a special Euro cylinder on which the smart lock is mounted. For some, this can be problematic, especially in rental properties or with closing plans where all doors are opened with one key.
The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is easy to install thanks to the clear, detailed instructions in the app. The Nuki app guides you step by step through the process that consists of the steps below.
- Disassemble the old cylinder (screwdriver required)
- Compile the new cylinder with the different modules
- Place the new cylinder in the door
- Attach the mounting interunes and the Smart Lock
Depending on the door dimensions, adjusting the cylinder takes about five minutes. The app guides you step by step and indicates exactly which parts you should use, so that confusion is prevented. With the different modules you put the cylinder together so that it has the same dimensions as the original cylinder that you have removed.
Add to the Nuki app
After installation, the Smart Lock must be set with the Nuki app, these steps consist of:
- Linking the smart lock with your smartphone via Bluetooth
- Connect with the WiFi or Thread network (no extra bridge required)
- Configuration of automatic unlocking, time control and user management
- Optional addition of extra accessories (keyboard, remote control, door sensor)
Do you already have a Nuki Smart Lock? Then make a backup of your current settings in the app and transfer it to the Ultra. Users, schedules and rights are automatically included, so that the switch runs effortlessly.
Functions and operation
In addition to traditional operation with rotary knob and tests, there are numerous digital controls built in. The Ultra excels because of its high speed, integrated WiFi and support for modern smart-home standards such as Matter and Thread.
Three different closing speeds
The Ultra has three different closing speeds that can be set in the app:
- Gentle: slow, silent opening and closure
- Standard: average speed, quieter than previous models
- Insane (very fast): extremely fast opening and closure, but slightly louder.
Thanks to Insane Mode, the Smart Lock Ultra is one of the fastest smart locks on the market: the door is completely locked or unlocked within two seconds.
The standard mode also performs very well. This stand offers a balanced mix of speed and noise level and is therefore our favorite choice for daily use.
In addition, the automatic switching is handy: for example, the system switches to the quieter Gentle mode at night. That Gentle mode is a bit quieter than the other positions, but still locks and unlocks reliable.
Auto-Unlock and Lock’n’go
As we are used to from Nuki, the Ultra is also equipped with Auto -Unlock. This function combines GPS, Bluetooth and Geofencing to recognize when you get close to your door, whereby the app uses the accurate location facilities of the iPhone. In our test period, Auto -Unlock worked quickly and reliable: as soon as you are about five meters away, the door will open automatically.
In addition, there is Lock’n’go, with which the door is automatically locked after a preset time. That is especially useful when you leave the house and want to know for sure that you will close behind you. You can also start this function manually by pressing the button twice and then closing the door.
Nuki app and smart home integration
In addition to the aforementioned functions, there are further institution options in the Nuki app:
- Manual opening and closure via the Nuki app
- Access management for other users (eg family or guests)
- Recent activities are displayed in the log.
- Integration with smart house systems
Due to the support for WiFi, Matter and Thread, the ultra is suitable for Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Samsung SmartThings. Thanks to Thread you benefit from a stable and energy -efficient connection, without the need for a separate Nuki Bridge.
Nuki has announced a new keyboard with tap to unlock for 2025. This allows you to unlock the door with your smartphone via NFC or Ultra Wideband (UWB), similar to Apple Home Key. Existing accessories, such as the Nuki Keypad 2.0 and the Nuki FOB, also remain compatible with the Smart Lock Ultra.
Integrated battery
The biggest renewal of the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is the built -in battery, which replaces the earlier interchangeable battery pack.
Nuki claims a useful life of up to six months, but practice depends strongly on the use. Those who operate the lock several times a day or often use the faster locking modes will have to recharge earlier. The chosen wireless connection also plays a role: Bluetooth and Thread consume significantly less energy than WiFi. After a month of testing, with a maximum of eight locking actions per day, about 85% of the battery capacity remained.
Charging goes via USB -C with a magnetic charging connector that easily clicks on the underside of the lock. That works similar to Magsafe on Apple devices. If the door moves or is pulled hard on the cable, it will come loose to prevent damage.
A full loading takes about two hours and the lock will continue to be used during loading. The built -in battery saves space and makes the lock more compact, but also has a disadvantage: it cannot be replaced by the user. Weakened or defective after a few years, then only Nuki can replace the battery.
According to the manufacturer, the battery will last 8 to 10 years and there will be a replacement program for defective batteries.
Conclusion: Nuki Smart Lock Ultra
Review Score
The Nuki Smart Lock Ultra distinguishes itself from its predecessors with its compact design, brushless engine and Matter support. Thanks to the “Insane” closing fashion, it is one of the fastest smart locks on the market, while Gentle Mode offers a quieter option.
The installation is slightly more complicated due to the included universal cylinder, but the instructions in the app make the process easy. The fixed battery with magnetic charging function makes it possible to use the lock during charging.
If you are looking for a powerful, modern and smart integrated door lock and replacing the cylinder is no problem, then the Nuki Smart Lock Ultra is one of the best smart locks on the market.
- Compact and high -quality design
- Different closing speeds
- SKG certified cylinder
- Magnetic charging cable
- Battery can only be replaced by Nuki
Purchase Nuki Ultra / Pro (5th generation)
The Nuki Ultra and Nuki Pro 5th generation are for sale in the web shops below.
