Nuki Smart Lock Dumps Wi-Fi Paywall, But Price Increases
Nuki, the Austria-based smart lock manufacturer, has reversed course on its controversial plan too charge a monthly fee for Wi-Fi access. Initially announced earlier this year, the Nuki Premium subscription – priced at $5.90 monthly – would have restricted remote control of the Nuki Smart Lock to paying customers. Now, you’ll get full wi-Fi functionality without an ongoing subscription.
However, this change isn’t entirely free. nuki is adjusting its pricing structure to compensate. The standalone Nuki Smart Lock will now cost $199, a $40 increase. Similarly, the Smart Lock + Keypad 2 bundle is rising to $269, also a $40 jump.
What Changed and Why?
initially, Nuki proposed Nuki Premium as a way to create a sustainable business model, believing it reflected the value delivered to users.According to Nuki CEO and co-founder Martin pansy, the company realized the market wasn’t ready for this approach. “We’re returning to a one-time pricing model-without putting key smart features behind a paywall,” Pansy stated.
the original plan allowed Bluetooth connectivity for local control or integration via Matter for network access as alternatives to the subscription. This sparked criticism, as charging for basic Wi-Fi functionality on a smart lock was considered unusual within the smart home security landscape.
what Does This Mean for You?
* Existing Users: You will automatically receive free access to all Wi-Fi features previously locked behind Nuki Premium.
* New Buyers: You’ll pay a higher upfront cost for the lock itself, but avoid ongoing subscription fees.
* Extended Warranty: Nuki is introducing ”Guarantee Plus,” a three-year extended warranty available for $29, offering additional peace of mind.
subscription models are increasingly common in smart home security, typically for services like cloud video storage and advanced AI-powered detection. Though, applying this model to core lock functionality proved unpopular.
Nuki’s initial plan stood out as an outlier, and the company’s decision to abandon it demonstrates responsiveness to customer feedback and market realities. This move positions Nuki more competitively within the growing smart lock market, offering a more straightforward and accessible experience for users.