Smart locks have become an essential part of modern living. They simplify access, make traditional keys a thing of the past, and give homeowners and businesses greater control over who can enter, and when. Whether you want a touch of smart home convenience or the reassurance of strong physical security, the right smart lock can completely change how you think about your front door. But with so many smart locks on the market, the question remains — what kind of smart lock should you choose?

Two popular choices in Europe are the Bold Elite and the Nuki Smart Lock Pro (Gen 5). Both are premium products that aim to make everyday access effortless, but they do so in different ways. Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of how they compare.

Now that we’ve seen how both locks compare on paper, let’s take a closer look at the biggest differences in how they work, what that means for everyday use, and where each lock truly stands out.

One of the most noticeable differences between Nuki and Bold is how each lock operates.

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro uses a motorised system that automatically turns your key. This allows the lock to open and close remotely, giving you full control of your door from anywhere — for example, to let in a guest or delivery while you’re away. Because of its built-in Wi-Fi, everything happens in real time, directly through the app. However, when the door is accidentally opened remotely, the motor can fully unlatch it and leave it slightly ajar. In that case, you won’t be able to close it again remotely, leaving the door unsecured until someone is physically there. The motorised mechanism also produces a low mechanical hum during operation, particularly noticeable at night, though Nuki’s “Gentle” mode helps reduce this sound.

The Bold Elite takes a different approach with its manual mechanism. After your phone or Bold Clicker activates the lock, you turn the knob yourself to open or close the door. This physical step means fewer moving parts, near-silent operation, and far lower power consumption. With the Bold Connect, you can activate the lock remotely over Wi-Fi — for example, to allow access — but someone still needs to physically turn the knob to complete the action. The downside is that you can’t lock or unlock your door entirely remotely, which may feel less convenient for those used to full automation. On the other hand, the absence of a motor eliminates noise, reduces wear, and ensures the door never opens unintentionally.

In essence, the Nuki Smart Lock Pro is built for automation and flexibility, giving you the freedom to manage your door from anywhere. The Bold Elite, by contrast, is designed for reliability and direct control. Its manual unlocking means the door only opens when someone is physically present, ensuring complete awareness and security every time you use it.

When it comes to battery life, the difference mainly shows up in how much maintenance each lock requires.

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro is powered by a rechargeable Power Pack that typically lasts two to four months. It’s easy to recharge via USB-C and can be swapped for a spare pack if you want to avoid downtime. Because Nuki stays constantly connected through built-in Wi-Fi, its power usage is naturally higher, especially when using smart home automations or remote access features frequently. The benefit is that you always have an online connection to your lock, but it also means you’ll need to recharge it more often.

The Bold Elite, on the other hand, runs on a single CR123A battery, known for its long-lasting stability and capacity. Depending on usage, it can last anywhere between two and eight years, which makes it ideal for anyone who doesn’t want another device to plug in regularly. The Bold app sends early battery notifications, so you always have time to replace it before it runs out.

This contrast in battery life reflects each brand’s philosophy: Nuki prioritises constant connectivity and automation, while Bold focuses on efficiency and long-term reliability. Both deliver convenience, just in very different ways.

While both products can make your door smarter, they approach physical security very differently.

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro works as a retrofit solution: it fits over your existing key and cylinder on the inside of the door. This makes installation simple and ideal for renters or homeowners who prefer not to replace their hardware. However, because the external keyhole remains in place, the overall security still depends on the strength of your existing cylinder. This exposed keyhole can make the door vulnerable to burglars using the core pull method, a common break-in technique where the cylinder is forcibly removed, often within minutes. To reach the same level of physical protection as Bold, Nuki users would need to install a core-pull-resistant cylinder and a protection plate separately.

The Bold Elite, on the other hand, replaces your entire cylinder with a SKG***-certified, high-security model. This means the lock body itself is engineered to resist forced entry methods like drilling and core pulling. Because the outside knob is fixed and completely keyless, there’s no visible entry point for burglars to exploit. The result is a clean, modern look that not only feels solid but provides exceptional protection straight out of the box.

In short, Nuki enhances your existing lock with smart functionality, while Bold integrates security directly into the hardware itself. Both serve different needs — one focuses on flexibility, the other on certified, built-in protection.

Choosing between Bold and Nuki really comes down to what you value most.

If you’re looking for automation and convenience, the Nuki Smart Lock Pro offers smooth integration with your smart home. Its motorised system and built-in Wi-Fi let you open or close your door from anywhere, perfect for connected households or those who like the idea of remote control. Installation is quick and tool-free, which makes it ideal for renters or anyone who wants a simple upgrade. However, because it relies on your existing cylinder, achieving higher physical security requires additional hardware such as a core-pull-resistant cylinder or a protection plate.

The Bold Elite, on the other hand, is designed around security, reliability, and simplicity. It replaces your entire cylinder with an SKG***-certified high-security model, completely removing the keyhole and the vulnerabilities that come with it. Its manual mechanism means the door only opens when someone is physically present, giving you full control and awareness of every unlock. With its long-lasting battery, silent operation, and low maintenance, Bold is a lock built not just for convenience, but for lasting protection and peace of mind.

In the end, both locks deliver a smarter way to secure your home. Nuki stands out for its effortless installation and remote access, while Bold excels in strength, endurance, and security by design. It’s the difference between adding smart features to your door, and rebuilding it to be truly secure from the start.