If you're looking for a simple way to access your home, the Nuki Smart Lock and Keypad 2 NFC combo is perfect for renters while supporting in-demand features like Apple Home Key. Retrofit smart door locks have a problem though, as they don't have an external-facing component for NFC usage. That's where the Nuki Smart Lock and Keypad 2 NFC comes in.

The lock attaches to the indoor-side of your deadbolt while the Keypad 2 NFC attaches to the wall outside. I've reviewed a lot of smart home gear and have started a semi-regular column called 'Owning an Apple Home.' It isn't always easy talking at length about something like a smart shade, door lock, or smart light, but I've found that focusing on how they're actually used versus specs helps. Here's what you need to know about the Nuki Smart Lock and Keypad 2 NFC.

It's a good system, so let's get into it. Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC review: Design and features There are a couple of ways to introduce a smart lock to your home. You can completely replace the deadbolt with a new lock that changes the internal mechanism and outward-facing keyhole, or you can retrofit a system on the indoor side of the door.

Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC review: retrofit your door lock Since the Nuki Smart Lock is a retrofit that exists only within the closed door, it can't benefit from features like Home Key. Apple's Home Key feature uses NFC to unlock a door with the tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch, which can't happen if the lock is on the other side of the door. That's where the Keypad 2 NFC comes in.

You mount it outside of the door and it acts as an NFC surface for Apple Home Key. It also accepts passcodes and fingerprints as access methods, so use whatever is most convenient in the moment. Sometimes, like if I'm carrying groceries, it's easier to use my fingerprint than Home Key.

Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC review: Home Key support is a must I've decided that having Home Key is a must for any smart lock. You get one Home Key card for your household and it unlocks all of your compatible locks seamlessly. My Level Lock resembles a standard deadbolt from the inside and out, but that comes at a premium.

The Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC combo isn't that much less expensive, but sales cut the cost to be almost half of Level lock. Using the system has been mostly flawless. I had some setup difficulties getting the features live and the lock paired to Matter, but that's more of a Matter issue than a Nuki one.

Unlike the Level Lock, Nuki's battery is internal and rechargeable. The Keypad 2 NFC takes two AAA batteries, but they last about a year. Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC review: recharging is simple Charging the Nuki Smart Lock is simple.

It comes with a USB-C cable that has a proprietary magnetic connector on one end, so you can use a wall charger or portable battery to recharge. I keep the Nuki app installed for access to low-battery notifications, but unlike some competitors, the lock doesn't send alerts when the door is left unlocked.