The Nuki Smart Lock arrived earlier this year, promising a sleek, modern solution for home access. It quickly gained attention for its compact design and ease of installation, but a single element cast a shadow over an otherwise impressive product: a monthly fee for its most convenient features.
Nuki initially proposed Nuki Premium, a $5.90 monthly subscription, as a requirement for remote access via Wi-Fi. Without it, users were limited to Bluetooth connectivity – meaning they needed to be physically close to the lock to operate it – or a more complex integration with their home network through Matter. The idea of paying a recurring fee simply to use a core function of a smart lock felt, to many, fundamentally flawed.
The company repeatedly delayed implementing the charge, first pushing it to September, then December. This hesitation hinted at an internal awareness of the backlash brewing among potential customers. Now, Nuki has announced a significant shift in strategy, abandoning the Nuki Premium subscription entirely and removing the Wi-Fi paywall.
This change isn’t entirely without cost. Nuki is increasing the price of the Smart Lock itself by $40, bringing the new retail price to $199. The Smart Lock + Keypad 2 bundle will also see a $40 price increase, now costing $269. This represents a move towards a one-time purchase model, rather than ongoing revenue.
The decision applies to all users, both new and existing. Nuki’s CEO, Martin Pansy, explained that while the subscription model was intended to create a sustainable business, the company realized the market wasn’t ready for it. They’ve opted to prioritize accessibility and remove barriers to essential smart features.
Alongside the removal of the subscription, Nuki is introducing “Guarantee Plus,” a three-year extended warranty available for $29. This offers peace of mind for those investing in the smart lock technology, extending protection beyond the standard warranty period.
Subscription models are increasingly common in the smart home security space, often tied to services like cloud video storage and advanced AI-powered detection for security cameras. However, applying this model to the basic functionality of a smart lock – remote access – proved to be a step too far for many consumers.
Nuki’s initial plan was an outlier, and ultimately, a misstep. The company’s willingness to listen to feedback and adapt its business model demonstrates a commitment to providing a user-friendly and valuable product, free from unexpected recurring costs.
