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 leading options in this category are the Bold Elite and the SALTO Neo. At first glance, they appear similar: both replace your door cylinder entirely and use digital authorisation to unlock. But their focus is different. SALTO is built for large-scale professional environments that need extensive integration and durability, while Bold offers a straightforward, affordable, and plug-and-play solution for anyone. Before we dive deeper into their differences, here’s a side-by-side overview.

Now that we’ve seen how both locks compare on paper, let’s look at the main differences that define their use in daily life.

Both the Bold Elite and SALTO Neo use a manual operation system — you activate the lock digitally, then turn the knob yourself. This keeps the design simple, reliable, and energy-efficient. No motors to wear out, no noise, and no chance of the door unlocking on its own.

Where they differ is in build and finish. The SALTO Neo stands out with its industrial-grade steel housing, IP66 waterproof protection, and a wide range of colour options and door compatibility, making it a top-tier choice for environments that demand the best there is.

The Bold Elite takes the same principle and brings it into everyday life. It’s lightweight, silent, and designed for quick, straightforward installation, ready to use within minutes. You get the same high level of security, just without the need to request a quote or go through a long setup process.

In short, the SALTO Neo is the premium benchmark for enterprise-grade robustness, while the Bold Elite offers that same reliability in a simpler, smarter form that anyone can install and use with ease, a perfect fit for both homes and businesses alike.

While the Bold Elite and SALTO Neo share a similar level of technology and security, the difference in price and purchasing process is significant.

The SALTO Neo typically ranges between €450 and €700, depending on configuration and door type. Its higher price reflects its commercial-grade build quality, waterproof protection, and wide compatibility with different door formats. However, purchasing one usually means going through an authorised dealer. You can’t see the price upfront on their website, you first need to request a quote, which makes the buying process more complex and uncertain.

The Bold Elite, by contrast, costs around €289 and takes a straightforward, plug-and-play approach. It’s available directly online, with no quotes or installer required. Within minutes, you can replace your cylinder, set up the Bold-app, and start using it. For most users (whether at home or running a business) that directness makes Bold the easier, faster, and more affordable choice without compromising on quality or security.

In short, SALTO offers a premium, enterprise-grade solution with high cost and complexity, while Bold delivers the same keyless performance and security in a simpler, more accessible way that fits everyday users and businesses alike.

Installation is where the difference between these two locks really shows. Both replace your existing cylinder completely and offer secure, keyless access, but the way you get them up and running differs in approach and flexibility.

The SALTO Neo is designed with professional environments in mind. While it also replaces the cylinder, installation typically takes 15–20 minutes and includes extra mounting components for the electronic housing. SALTO locks are compatible with multiple door types, including Euro, UK oval, Swiss round, and ANSI cylinders — making them a versatile choice for a wide range of setups. They work best when integrated into SALTO KS or SALTO Space, which makes them suitable for organisations that manage multiple users and access points across different sites.

The Bold Elite, in contrast, is built for straightforward, app-guided installation. It’s compatible with Euro Profile cylinder doors, the most common type across Europe. Fitting takes around five minutes with just a screwdriver, no drilling or installer required. For businesses, Bold also offers a Web Portal where multiple locks and users can be managed centrally, combining professional-level control with plug-and-play simplicity.

In summary, Both SALTO and Bold offer business management systems that allow multiple locks and users to be controlled from one place. The difference lies in scope and flexibility — SALTO supports a wider range of door types and is designed for large, integrated networks, while Bold focuses on the Euro Profile standard and keeps things optional. Homeowners can simply use the Bold-app, while businesses can expand to the Web Portal for broader control when needed.

Choosing between the Bold Elite and the SALTO Neo depends on how and where you plan to use it.

Both locks replace your entire cylinder and deliver secure, keyless access backed by SKG***-certified protection. In daily use, they feel similar — quiet, reliable, and free from the wear and tear of motorised systems. But their design focus and buying experience set them apart.

The SALTO Neo is engineered for large-scale environments that demand the best there is in durability and flexibility. With its IP66 waterproof protection, extended battery life, and compatibility with multiple door types, it’s a strong fit for professional facilities, multi-site networks, or organisations that already use integrated access systems like SALTO KS or SALTO Space. However, its quote-based purchasing and dealer installation make it a more complex choice, especially for smaller users.

The Bold Elite brings that same engineering quality to everyday use. It offers a high-security cylinder replacement at a fraction of the cost, installs in minutes with just a screwdriver, and connects instantly through the Bold-app. For homeowners, it’s a plug-and-play upgrade; for businesses, the optional Web Portal provides central management of multiple locks and users without the need for external integration.

In the end, both locks offer secure, keyless access that only opens when you decide. SALTO Neo stands out for enterprise-grade versatility and robust compatibility, while Bold Elite combines the same core strength with simpler installation, transparent pricing, and flexibility that fits both homes and businesses.