Nuki or DORY? Start with what you want the lock to do. Should a motor turn the locking mechanism for you, or do you want to authorise access with your phone and turn the knob yourself? Nuki and 1Control DORY handle that step differently. A comparison based only on app features or the starting price misses an important part of daily use.
Identify the exact model, measure the door and count the people who need access. This guide distinguishes current Nuki Go, fifth-generation Pro and Ultra from older generations, and DORY MINI from standard DORY. The right answer depends on the door and the job, not simply the brand.
Choose a specific Nuki model
Nuki Pro mounts over the existing key on the inside, provided the cylinder and available space meet its requirements. Ultra includes its own cylinder, so “Nuki always keeps your cylinder” is not a reliable rule. Go, Pro and Ultra also differ in power supply and included services. Use the current model’s installation guide rather than instructions for a similarly named older lock.
Nuki Pro · Nuki Ultra · Nuki Go
DORY authorises the knob; you turn it
DORY replaces the Euro-profile cylinder. Digital authorisation engages the outside knob, which you turn manually to operate the lock. It does not turn the locking bolts for you or push the door open. From inside, the knob operates mechanically; the traditional key provides an access method even when the batteries are flat.
A motorised lock such as Nuki better matches a requirement for automatic rotation of the lock. DORY is worth considering if you prefer manual operation with digital permissions and a replacement cylinder. Neither choice fixes a stiff lock or a misaligned door: correct the mechanical problem first.
Explore DORY before checking your door
See how it works, compare DORY MINI, MINI + LINK and DORY, then check in a few steps whether your cylinder and door are compatible.
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Compare the complete setup
| Model | Installation | Remote access | Cylinder operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuki Go | Compatible existing cylinder | Service purchased separately | Motorised |
| Nuki Pro (5) | Compatible existing cylinder | Wi-Fi included | Motorised |
| Nuki Ultra | Replaces cylinder | Wi-Fi included | Motorised |
| DORY / MINI | Replaces cylinder | Requires LINK | Turn the knob manually |
Measure the door before choosing a package
Check the inside and outside cylinder dimensions, clearances around the knobs and the way the door locks. A multipoint door that requires lifting the handle does not automatically lose that requirement with a smart lock. See the guides to measuring a Euro cylinder and smart lock compatibility; the actual door check has priority over a general installation promise.
If the door has a cylinder protector of the defender type, DORY requires DORY Defender. The existing protector must be replaced as well as the cylinder. Use the DORY compatibility tool before ordering. For Nuki Pro, check the cylinder’s emergency function so the outside key remains usable when a key is inserted inside.
Remote access and physical opening are different
DORY uses Bluetooth nearby. To authorise access while you are elsewhere, add LINK with power and an internet connection. Someone must still turn the knob after the remote command. An authorisation is not proof that the door is shut; a suitable sensor setup is needed to report door state.
Current Nuki models do not universally require a Bridge: Pro and Ultra have built-in Wi-Fi with remote access included, while the manufacturer’s remote access on Go is a separate purchase. Check the exact requirements for Matter, voice assistants and sensors. Avoid adding hardware merely because an older generation required it.
Users, batteries and the total cost
Battery life depends on use, mechanical resistance, connections and settings. Do not assume a fixed number of months for every lock from one brand. Check battery warnings, replacement or charging procedures, and keep a practical mechanical fallback available.
DORY MINI includes 2 users and 3 keys; standard DORY includes 10 users and 5 keys. Additional users are purchased separately: sharing does not mean unlimited free capacity. Compare the complete DORY package, any LINK and DORY Defender with the chosen Nuki model and the accessories it needs. Check current product pages for prices. MINI may suit two people, but a larger household should compare the total with standard DORY before choosing the lowest starting price.
Related guides
Measure a euro cylinder: A/B sizes, door furniture and fit · Smart lock door compatibility: will one fit your door?
Frequently asked questions
Does DORY turn the lock automatically?
No. DORY enables the outside knob, which you turn by hand. Nuki is motorised; this difference matters before you choose.
Does every Nuki require a new cylinder?
No. Pro works over the key of a compatible existing cylinder; Ultra includes a cylinder to install. Check the exact model requirements.
Does DORY MINI include ten users?
No. MINI includes 2 users and 3 keys; standard DORY includes 10 users and 5 keys. Extra users can be purchased.
Is a hub always required for remote access?
DORY requires LINK. Current Nuki Pro and Ultra have built-in Wi-Fi; the manufacturer’s remote access for Go is purchased separately.
Can I keep my existing defender with DORY?
No. A door with a defender requires DORY Defender together with DORY or DORY MINI. Check the door before purchase.