Nuki Ultion Plus review: a super-efficient smart lock

Burglaries are a big worry. Just last year, there were over a quarter of a million break-ins reported across the UK. This might be down to traditional locks falling short in offering proper protection. In fact, it’s been shown that nine seconds is all it takes to snap a standard front door lock. This is where the Ultion Nuki Plus smart lock come in.

Smart locks, in general, promise safer, more efficient features like biometrics and remote locking. This might be why they are growing in popularity. This lock is the result of a collaboration between UK security firm Ultion and Austrian smart lock maker, Nuki. The power couple launched its first smart lock in 2019, integrating features like automatic locking and compatibility with various smart home systems.

However, the stakes were raised when it launched their latest-gen smart lock, the Ultion Nuki Plus. Sporting a 3-Star Plus cylinder complete with a £5000 break-in guarantee (more on this later), its standout feature is the added support for the Matter smart home standard.

But is a smart lock really necessary – or is it just another smart home gimmick that fails to truly make your life any easier? After living with Ultion Nuki’s latest offering for the past few months, here’s my take on how it’s performed, if it’s practical, and whether it really is worth the investment.

The smart lock market is expanding faster than a burglar could google “how to pick a lock” with notable competitors such as the Yale Linus Smart Lock ($215/£165) and the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock $199/£150).

Priced at $500/£379) for the latest Ultion Nuki Plus is significantly more spenny, but it does stand out feature-wise when compared to rivals, especially with its high level of security. For one, it incorporates a 3-star PLUS Ultion lock cylinder, which is one of the highest security ratings available. It’s also known for its ease of installation and modular design over other brands.

There are as number of accessories available for Ultion Nuki-branded smart locks, too, such as the keypad with built-in fingerprint sensor (£145/$190) and Bluetooth key fob (£49/$65). I reviewed the model with the fingerprint keypad, which retails at a slight discount (of £15/$20) when buying them together, priced at £509/$665.

Set up: Quick fit

One thing that’s hard to fault with Ultion Nuki’s smart lock is the set-up process. Installed on the inside of an existing UK door, it (in most cases) doesn’t require an entirely new handle like some brands’ smart locks do. This is good news for those who might want to retain the look of, say, a more traditional front door.

Admittedly, this wasn’t the case for my door since it featured an uncommon handle and lock type (a rare occurrence, or so I was told by the Ultion rep who installed my smart lock). This meant I had to have my entire door handle replaced by a compatible Ultion model. Not that I minded, my lock was pretty dated and thus not very safe. So I opted for the brand’s anti-break-in 2 Star Security Handle (£27) in black (it’s also available in white), which matches the smart lock pretty well.

Installing it was pretty straightforward. While I didn’t do it myself, I observed the locksmith during the process and it’s safe to say – if it wasn’t for my rare lock type needing a change – I could have done it myself (easier said than done, I know). Still, if you’re unsure you can always have an Ultion-approved, local locksmith come and do it for you – bookable via Ultion for an extra charge (the price depends on the area but isn’t usually more than £100).

Design: Lock solid

What first struck me about the lock’s design and build was how solid and durable it feels. Reassuringly so. It features a lock cylinder that – if you’re not already an Ultion lock owner – should upgrade your existing barrel by offering enhanced attack protection and thicker keys that are apparently 60% more robust than typical keys.

The smart lock is available in white and black colour ways and works via a chargeable battery unit that sits inside some casing underneath the stainless steel lock barrel. This operates the Ultion cylinder, locking and unlocking the door, and pops out easily so it can be juiced up via a type-C USB cable.

On the outside, there’s a large top dial, which is about the size of a jam jar. This can be turned manually to lock or unlock the door, or there’s a button in the centre that, when pressed, automatically replaces the turning of a key, locking and unlocking the door. As mentioned earlier, this action can also be done remotely via the Nuki app or a key fob and keypad accessories.

While the top dial design might not be to everyone’s tastes (it is a little on the bulky side), it does sport the neat design feature of a ring light around the central button that tells you the current lock status: a broken circle light to show it’s unlocked, and a full circle representing locked status.

All-in-all, Ultion Nuki’s Plus smart lock feels very well-made and solid, although I did find the numerical keypad on the flimsy side. It doesn’t feel like it would stand the test of time. Saying that, after almost six months of use it’s not broken once.

One issue I did have, however, is that it doesn’t always register my fingerprint when trying to unlock the door. I’ve found this feature works successfully around 60% of the time, which forces me to use the numerical pad instead. This might be related to how well I registered my fingerprint in the app, but I did rescan it twice to try and resolve the issue. Not great for an accessory that costs £149, so that’s something to be aware of.

Features and performance: A safe bet

After installation, it was relatively easy to set up the Ultion Nuki Plus smart lock in the Nuki app. I was walked through the process in easy-to-understand, illustrated steps, including calibrating the lock’s movements and how it will fit into my lifestyle.

It’s also nice to see that the built-in Wi-Fi in the Ultion Nuki Plus model eliminates the need for a separate bridge, meaning fewer cables and easier set up. The Matter support also means it will more seamless integrate into your existing smart home ecosystem.

Play

The lock’s standout feature, however, is its versatility – especially in how you can lock and unlock your door. One option is via the Nuki app, which allows you to lock and unlock your door from your phone, wherever you are. This is particularly handy when you have guests arriving and you’re not home yet.

And if you’re feeling super lazy, you can use Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit by simply asking your virtual assistant to lock the door instead of doing it yourself (although this doesn’t work for unlocking since you could get burglars shouting commands through the letterbox).

I found myself using the numerical keypad accessory the most, since it lets you set multiple codes for different users in the app. For example, I was able to set up a personalised code for different family members, which was akin to giving them their own set of keys, without the added expense of getting a key cut. This also means you can grant temporary access to people such as cleaners or dog walkers without needing to hide a key under a rock or door mat somewhere, which is never a safe thing to do.

Another impressive feature is the auto-unlock function. As you approach your door, the smart lock detects your phone via Bluetooth and unlocks automatically. This works surprisingly well, and is a game-changer for anyone who frequently has their hands full with shopping or kids. The smart lock proves just as useful when leaving the house thanks to its auto-locking capability, which can be set to engage after a certain period. This is perfect if you leave in a hurry and forget to lock the door manually.

I also appreciate that the included Ultion lock comes with a £5000 “security guarantee”, which basically applies if a burglary takes place within five years from the date of installation and entry was achieved by snapping the Ultion lock.

In terms of battery life, Ultion Nuki’s smart lock lasts around two months per charge with regular use. The cool thing here is that you can recharge it while it’s plugged in to the lock, and even with the battery unplugged, the lock remains operable using the keys.

Performance-wise, the Ultion Nuki Smart Lock is a solid bit of kit that works well most of the time. However, there are some downsides to the smart lock. Its motor being one of them. While efficient, it’s rather noisy when it operates. Like, obnoxiously so.

Nevertheless, after using the lock for a few months, I’ve found it to be pretty reliable and way more convenient than a regular lock.

Nuki Ultion Plus verdict: Lock star

The Ultion Nuki Plus smart lock combines top-notch protection with smart home convenience. It’s straightforward to install, more secure than your bog-standard lock thanks to Ultion’s 3 Star Plus cylinder, and sports heaps of impressive locking and unlocking options depending on what works best for you – from using an app to a keypad, or even auto-unlocking as you approach. The motor can be a bit noisy, but the added security and ease of use make up for it.

If you ask me, the lock’s combination of smart features and high-level security features make it a top investment for anyone looking to upgrade their home’s protection, especially if you’re forgetful, lazy or just have a lot of visitors. I can confirm that this is not just a smart tech gimmick; it’s a practical home enhancement that boasts both efficiency and peace of mind.

Ultion Nuki Smart Lock technical specifications

Dimensions	110 x 60 x 60 mm (lock)
Battery	Rechargeable (Plus model)
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi (Plus model)
Mobile compatibility	iOS, Android, Huawei AppGaller
Smart home compatibility	Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT
Security cylinder	Ultion 3 Star Plus with £5000 break-in guarantee
Colours	White, Black (Plus model with aluminium lock ring)
App Features	Auto-lock, auto-unlock, individual access codes, lock status notifications