KeyNest Lockers vs KeyCafe SmartBox

A side-by-side comparison of the hardware, setup, and daily use.

Why use a smart locker?

Imagine a secure, internet-connected locker that lives in your building lobby, or attached to the outside of a property, or in a central location at a vehicle depot.

The goal of this smart locker is to completely eliminate manual key handovers, saving time and money.

Calculate your savings

With KeyNest, you know exactly what you're getting with your initial plan - access to all available features while retaining the choice of locker size. With a KeyCafe SmartBox, if your operations scale beyond the initial 9 keys, you immediately need to consider expansions, which instantly impacts operational costs.

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Pricing

How many keys are you looking to store? info
You only need enough capacity for the maximum number of keys that will be in the locker at one time.

The locker randomises which compartment a key is stored in.

Our public network of KeyNest Points might suit you best

Drop your keys at your closest KeyNest Point and let your guests / friends / colleagues / contractors collect them. Click below for more information on how our public KeyNest Points network works.

Small locker would suit you best

Medium locker would suit you best

Large locker would suit you best

Extended small locker would suit you best

Extended medium locker would suit you best

Extended large locker would suit you best

Custom solution would suit you best

Technical specs
Height
73cm
Width
89.8cm
Depth
10cm
Technical specs
Height
73cm
Width
89.8cm
Depth
10cm
Technical specs
Height
73cm
Width
89.8cm
Depth
10cm
Technical specs
Height
73cm
Width
44.9cm
Depth
10cm
Technical specs
Height
47cm
Width
44.9cm
Depth
10cm
Technical specs
Height
29.75cm
Width
44.9cm
Depth
10cm
Technical specs

Included with every purchase

  • 6-months return policy
  • Access to our open API to automate your operations
  • Time-restricted codes for extra security
  • 24/7 support for complete peace of mind
  • Installation and set up assistance
  • Track every key movement in real time

The benefits of superior software integration

Where KeyCafe has focused on providing a B2B experience, KeyNest has focused on providing a service that's easy to pick-up-and-use by everyone. Both platforms offer the basics that all smart lockers should:

NFC Reader
Ability to assign User Badges
Code-based Collection
Time-restricted Permissions

Where KeyNest takes the edge is by offering a more sophisticated user-hierarchy, a multi-lingual interface, easier expansion into additional extensions, quicker installations, and 24/7 customer support with all plans.

Knight Frank Dexters
Savils Houst
Guestready

of the 70,000 customers that have their keys handled by us

While KeyNest and KeyCafe both charge monthly subscriptions, KeyNest includes more capabilities, the best API integration on the market and 24/7 customer support with all their initial software packages.

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Pricing

KeyNest Software Plan
KeyCafe Software Tiers
Monthly Cost
KeyNest Software Plan $119 (Flat rate)
KeyCafe Software Tiers $119 (Premium) or $175 (Pro)
Time-Restricted Codes
KeyNest Software Plan Included
KeyCafe Software Tiers Premium/Pro Only
API & PMS Integrations
KeyNest Software Plan Included
KeyCafe Software Tiers Business Pro Only
24/7 Phone Support
KeyNest Software Plan Included
KeyCafe Software Tiers Premium/Pro Only

Main features of a KeyNest Locker

NFC reader

Users can access keys instantly by tapping a badge or card for immediate, secure verification.

Tamper-resistant

The reinforced galvanized steel construction is weather-resistant and designed to withstand forced entry.

Easy-to-use interface

The screen is designed for high-traffic environments, allowing users to collect keys in seconds with no training needed.

User friendly

KeyNest offers multiple language options to ensure a clear and simple experience for a diverse, global user base.

Large starting key capacity

The modular design scales to fit all your needs, keeping hundreds of keys organized and ready for 24/7 collection.

API integration

The software syncs with your existing management platforms to automatically update workflows.

Automatic trackability

Every collection and return is logged in real-time, creating a 100% accurate digital audit trail of who has which key.

KeyNest Locker
NFC reader

Users can access keys instantly by tapping a badge or card for immediate, secure verification.

Tamper-resistant

The reinforced galvanized steel construction is weather-resistant and designed to withstand forced entry.

Easy-to-use interface

The screen is designed for high-traffic environments, allowing users to collect keys in seconds with no training needed.

User friendly

KeyNest offers multiple language options to ensure a clear and simple experience for a diverse, global user base.

Large starting key capacity

The modular design scales to fit all your needs, keeping hundreds of keys organized and ready for 24/7 collection.

API integration

The software syncs with your existing management platforms to automatically update workflows.

Automatic trackability

Every collection and return is logged in real-time, creating a 100% accurate digital audit trail of who has which key.

See what KeyNest users are saying about the smart lockers

"I appreciate how easy it is for guests to understand and use the system."

Dante T, Property Manager

"What I like best is being able to track who took which keys and when. It's made key handovers smoother, especially for vendors and cleaners. Remote access has streamlined how we manage everything. Customer service guided us through the setup and since then everything's been running smoothly."

Marko K, Head of Web Development

"Extremely positive. Easy to install, Customer Service good and product is very user friendly, highly recommended."

Jenna, Operations Manager

"Personally, I really like the fact that the locker can be accessed with just the click of a button."

Carlos R, Director

"KeyNest has made our key handovers so much easier. We used to waste a lot of time coordinating who had which key and making sure they were returned on time. Now everything is logged automatically, and keys can be picked up and dropped off 24/7, which is a huge help for our drivers. It's simple to use, saves us time, and has reduced a lot of the back-and-forth."

Slobodan K, Accountant

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Where KeyNest has the advantage

KeyNest Locker
KeyCafe SmartBox
Global Network
KeyNest Locker Access a massive global infrastructure of 7,000+ locations, trusted by millions of global users.
KeyCafe SmartBox Focuses primarily on North American hubs, with fewer than 1,500 established global locations.
Hardware Capacity
KeyNest Locker Store up to 39 keys in a single, compact unit without the need for expensive expansion modules.
KeyCafe SmartBox Base units have limited capacity, often requiring additional paid expansion boxes to match volume.
Connectivity
KeyNest Locker A 30cm high-gain antenna ensures a stable signal in basements, garages, and thick-walled buildings.
KeyCafe SmartBox Standard internal antennas may struggle for connectivity in underground or signal-shielded locations.
Software Integration
KeyNest Locker Native, seamless integration with major platforms thanks to the most in-depth API on the market.
KeyCafe SmartBox Integration options are available and may require custom API work on their end and an additional specific Business Pro subscription.
24/7 Support
KeyNest Locker Multilingual 24/7 phone support is included for every user as standard on all plans.
KeyCafe SmartBox 24/7 phone support is restricted to high-tier plans, with lower tiers limited to chat and email.
Versatility from the get-go
KeyNest Locker Includes the capability to create user badges with the base plan.
KeyCafe SmartBox Premium payment plan required to create user badges
Camera Monitored
KeyNest Locker Users can easily install a doorbell camera with one of the internal USB sockets, with the capability to attach it to the locker itself.
KeyCafe SmartBox Includes a camera sensor.

Locker Specifications

Height
73cm
Width
44.9–89.8cm
Depth
10cm
KeyNest Medium Locker
KeyNest Locker in use
KeyNest Large Locker

A KeyNest smart locker can provide everything you need to optimise your key operations; storage, trackability, peace-of-mind and a user-friendly interface.

Book a call with Oscar and discover where a KeyNest Locker can save time and create convenience in your business.

Two letting agents viewing KeyNest portal on the laptop
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Book a demo call

Quick, no‑obligation call to give you an overview of this solution & answer any questions you may have.

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FAQ