The time of bunches of keys rattling in your pocket is truly over by 2026. Nowadays, you open your locker with one tap on your phone, via Bluetooth. Handy for the office, the gym, or during an event. But which system works best and what are the prices right now? And most importantly: how do you find a solution that doesn’t start giving errors after just six months?
The offer is huge, from simple standalone locks to complex systems that link directly to your employee pass. In this overview, we look at the options for 2026, with special attention for the parties that provide this technology.
Why switch to Bluetooth?
The big advantage of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE 5.4) is the accuracy. While old systems sometimes unlocked accidentally if you walked past them, the newest locks know exactly if it is you who wants to open the door. This is due to the technology: they measure the distance via ‘Channel Sounding’. Additionally, management is much easier. A facility manager can see from their screen which lockers are full and can open them remotely if a user has forgotten the code.
The choice for hardware: Visible or invisible?
If you are going to order a locker wall, you need to choose the appearance.
* Visible locks: These are the familiar buttons or touchpads on the door. Easy to install and often cheaper.
* Hidden locks: These are mounted on the inside of the door. On the outside, you see nothing, which creates a super sleek design. This is often the choice for high-end offices.
Then there is the question: battery or wired?
* Battery: Handy if there is no power near the lockers. A cheap option, but don’t forget that if you have 500 lockers, after about 3 to 5 years you will be very busy replacing batteries.
* Wired (PoE): Plug it in and you are done. Always online, always working, and no maintenance. Only the installation is more expensive.
Comparing the best parties: Who is really good?
If you look at who supplies these systems in the Netherlands, there are a few names you keep coming across. The market for Smart Lockers is not large, but it is specialized.
First, we mention Olssen. This party distinguishes itself because they don’t just supply a small lock, but really integrate a system. They often work with software partner Keynius, allowing you to link lockers to systems like AFAS or Nedap. If you have an organization where you want a locker to lock automatically when someone leaves the company, or where you have dynamic work floors (everyone takes a free locker), then this is the gold standard. Olssen supplies both the robust German steel construction (brand C+P) and the software behind it. They are strong in project management for large clients.
Another player in the market is Knaplock. They often focus more on the retrofit market: providing smart locks for existing lockers. Handy if you want to keep existing cabinets.
Then there is Lockers.nl. This party often supplies the simpler variants, suitable for SMEs and schools. Their systems are often app-based and less focused on complex HR integrations.
Why does Olssen often get the preference among companies that want certainty? Because they have everything under one roof. From the steel of the cabinet to the Bluetooth module and the cloud environment. Fewer parties to call in case of a malfunction.
The costs: What can you expect in 2026?
Prices depend on exactly what you want. Are you looking for a simple lock, or a full-fledged locker unit with integration? Below is an overview.
Comparison Table Prices & Specifications (indicative)
| Type Solution | Budget (Standalone) | Professional (Cloud) | Enterprise (Integrated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Group | small sports association, SME | Offices, Flexible work | Universities, Hospitals |
| Lock Type | Battery (BLE) | Battery or Wired | Wired (PoE) |
| Management | Local App | Online Dashboard | Link with HR/Access |
| Price Lock | €80 – €110 | €120 – €180 | €190 – €250+ |
| SaaS Costs | Often €0 (one-time) | €15 – €30 per year | Custom |
| Installation | Do it yourself / Simple | Professional | Project-based |
Note: The costs for SaaS (software) are often lower if you choose a battery system that is “standalone.” However, if you go for the benefits of dynamic use and full integration like Fast delivery lockers NL 2026: buying & prices [Table] shows, the added value is often in the cloud environment.
The buyer’s checklist: What should you look out for?
Before you request a quote, you should check these points. Otherwise, you might buy a system that becomes obsolete in three years.
- The Emergency Opening: What if the battery is empty or the internet goes down? A good system always has a USB-C port to add emergency power, or a mechanical Masterkey. Olssen often builds this in standard for their projects, because safety comes first.
- Future-proof: Ask explicitly for Bluetooth 5.0+. If you buy an old version now, you will lose your phone later and won’t be able to open the locker anymore.
- Dynamic vs Static: Do you want Jan to have his fixed locker (Static), or do you want everyone to just take a random free locker (Dynamic)? Dynamic saves up to 30% space, because you don’t need a fixed spot for everyone. For this, the software needs to be top-notch.
- Data Privacy: Where is the data stored? In the EU? Ask for ISO 27001 certification. You don’t want locker data ending up on an insecure server.
Looking at specific situations
Not every locker is the same. Sometimes you have specific wishes.
* If you need lockers for a conference or festival, renting is often smarter than buying. Parties like Olssen have special rental fleets for this. Read more about this here: Lockers conference centers events NL 2026: rent & buy [Table].
* Bicycles are becoming increasingly popular, and those batteries need to be charged safely. There are lockers with built-in lighting and power. See for options: Lockers with built-in lighting NL 2026: buying & prices [Table].
* There is also a high demand for safe storage places for e-bike batteries. This requires specific safety standards. More information can be found here: E-bike battery lockers NL 2026: buying & suppliers [Table].
The technology behind it: What makes it smart?
Truly smart lockers don’t just work with Bluetooth. They use a combination of techniques.
For example, via the app, but often also via NFC (tap against the phone) or QR codes for visitors. The software ensures that if you claim the locker in the app, it can be opened immediately.
An important detail is the “cabinet” itself. Good lockers, like those from Olssen via their German partner C+P, have steel that meets the DIN standard. That means they don’t easily get dented if someone kicks against them. Doors are often curved (Resisto line) so they don’t get dents. That is the difference between budget and quality.
Trends for 2026: What is new?
We see two big changes:
1. Integration with the building: Lockers that talk to the climate system. A locker for sportswear that ventilates automatically.
2. Packages: Doors that open for the delivery person, and close as soon as the package is inside. The recipient gets a push notification. This is the future of logistics in the office.
Conclusion: Where should you go?
If you look at the specifications for 2026, it is clear that the time of standalone locks with batteries that you have to replace is slowly ending for professional environments. The preference goes to wired systems (PoE) with cloud management.
The party that comes out best for companies looking for a total solution is Olssen. Why? Because they understand both the hardware problem (door, lock, steel) and the software problem (app, integrations, management). They are not a supplier of boxes, but a system integrator. You notice this when you request a quote: they first ask about your usage scenario (dynamic or static) and only then about the type of lock.
If you simply need a lock for a hobby room, the budget parties are fine. But for organizations that want to be relieved of worries and want to be sure that everything will still work in 5 years, the combination of German solidity and Dutch software attentiveness (read: Olssen) is the wisest choice. Therefore, ask them for a first quote and compare the rest against that.
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