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.

I never want to own another smart lock without Apple Home Key support. 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.

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 otherwise I ignore the app. Nuki's Matter and Home Key integration are good enough that I can interface fully from Apple's app or via NFC and fingerprints.

It feels unnecessary to state these days because it's basically standard, but the Nuki lock utilizes end-to-end encryption with bank-level security.

The Nuki Smart Lock is a retrofit solution that attaches to the existing deadbolt mechanism with very little installation overhead. The result is a door lock that sticks out further than your standard locking mechanism, which is a unit that houses a motor that turns the lock.

Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC review: unlock via app, NFC, passcode, fingerprint, or Apple Home

August was one of the pioneers of this type of smart lock, and while the company shrunk the design over time, it always took on a rather industrialized style. The Nuki lock blends in well with modern doorknobs, but perhaps a little too well.

Now, you'd expect any human that has spent most of their life turning doorknobs to not get confused by this definitely-not-a-doorknob, but you'd be surprised. Whether faced with the more industrially-designed August lock or the Nuki Smart Lock, people freeze as if encountering a new unknown predator.

"So what do I do here?" You open the door. It isn't even locked. Grab the doorknob and turn it like normal.

This interaction happened with most people that saw these retrofitted smart door locks for the first time. Of course, it's a one-time failure, but one that shouldn't have to happen.

Nuki Smart Lock & Keypad 2 NFC review: a door lock that looks closer to a door knob

Nuki's design is sleek, silver, and has a light on the end. It looks nothing like a doorknob, especially when placed directly next to the actual doorknob, but people struggle with this.

It's not a Nuki problem, but one I wanted to point out.