8 Best Smart Locks for Airbnbs in 2023

An Airbnb is a great way to generate money. But just like any business, it can also take up much of your time. Remote property owners and managers often worry about the safety of their vacation rentals. Smart Locks are a terrific and easy way to facilitate a smooth key handover between visitors and hosts during check-in. Guests need the code you provide them to unlock the box and get the keys, eliminating the need for batteries or Internet connectivity. But what if the visitor needs to remember to lock the door or, even worse, loses the keys?

If the host is concerned about safety, they would likely change the code so former visitors cannot get in. Smart locks can now solve these problems. A smart lock allows for remote access and code changes. To aid you in making a well-informed choice, we have researched the top-rated Airbnb smart locks of 2023.

Top 8 Best Smart Locks

Best Overall: August Smart Lock

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Specifications and Features 

• Diameter: 72mm

• Depth: 46mm

• August Wi Fi Smart Lock

• DoorSense™ sensor

August’s smart security products have a solid reputation in the market. These smart locks for Airbnb are the best ones we tried. Everything you need in a smart lock is included in this set. Connecting to other smart devices, opening doors with smart keys, accessing all relevant data from your mobile device, and setting up the system in a snap are some of the primary selling points.

This hockey puck-shaped smart lock guarantees the door lock remains secure even if a visitor leaves quickly or forgets to lock it. Further, the lock’s wide range of compatibilities makes it the premier smart lock available today.

Thanks to its convenient retrofit design, the smart lock can be installed with little effort without removing the existing deadbolt.

But one of the main reasons we like this lock is because it requires no effort on your part. This is the only smart lock that does not require a keypad. Instead, it may automatically lock and open with Bluetooth or WiFi connection.

The auto lock feature will let the door automatically lock when a visitor leaves, thanks to the DoorSense sensors built inside. The Pro August can be locked and unlocked with accessible voice commands if you’ve programmed it to work with Airbnb’s Google Assistant, Apple Homekit, or Amazon Alexa.

You can connect your Airbnb account without hassle by using Smart lock pro. Every guest will receive a specific set of instructions in downloading the August App to gain entry to the premises. The Smart Lock Pro has a sleeker appearance, lower profile, and more smart features. The ultimate product is an elegant complement to your home’s existing style.

The lock’s battery life is around three to six months when using CR123 batteries. Wi Fi signal strength and the frequency with which visitors use their data or Wi Fi connections to open and shut the door are two factors that might reduce the device’s battery life. However, if the batteries in your August smart lock fail, you can always use a standard key and an existing lock.

Pros

• Complete in-house support for Airbnb

• Automated scheduling tools with auto unlock

• Existing deadbolt compatibility

• Easily installed

Cons

• Battery lasts for six months

• Features a standalone keypad

Best for Alexa: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

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Specifications and Features 

• Residential single- and multi-family doors (smart home technology)

• Universal Backset Adjusts to 2-3/8″ (60mm) or 2-3/4″ (70mm)

• Uses 4 AA alkaline batteries (included)

• Compatible with Apple’s HomeKit through Bluetooth® Smart

Since 1920, Schlage is one of America’s most reliable brands of locks. With a digital keypad, your visitors may bypass the need for physical keys and enter the building with a simple code punch.

If you or a guest fail to lock the door, it will close automatically. Any attempted entry or tampering with the smart lock will trigger an audible alert. You may link your deadbolt to your mobile device to manage codes or computer in exchange for a Nexia Home Intelligence membership and a Nexia Bridge control unit.

Many Airbnb hosts hesitate because of the monthly fee just for a lock. The Nexia Bridge and membership, however, allow you and your visitors to regulate the temperature of your home and the operation of a wide variety of other smart gadgets.

The Schlage Camelot has four various finishes, each designed to complement a particular style of home. Included is a modernized version of the classic Camelot Deadbolt, the Century Touchscreen Deadbolt.

If you press the Schlage button, the digits will glow a soothing blue in the dark, making them simple to see. A buzzer sounds after each tap. However, this feature is optional.

For added security, the Schlage Camelot touchscreen includes a fingerprint-resistant matte coating. The same coating, though, reduces the display’s responsiveness.

The lock-turning mechanism, motherboard, and battery pack are inside the smart lock’s large and cumbersome casing. In addition to the electronic locking mechanism, a conventional knob is included for use. Suppose the batteries expire when it’s time to turn off the alarm or make some adjustments; press another Schlage button.

The motion detector alarm will sound each time the door opens and shuts, as well as if someone breaks the door down or tries to tamper with the lock from the inside. The alerts can be disabled entirely, or the sensitivity of the sensors can be changed.

The touchpad controls all other settings. The lock has a programming code and two separate 4-digit start-up codes. To modify or eliminate passcodes, edit the source code. Because of Vacation Mode, the lock no longer recognizes codes and will continue to stay locked without a key.

The Nexia Bridge controls and manages all Z-Wave-enabled automated devices when connected to a router. If you have a Camelot lock and want to use the Nexia app or website to open and lock the door remotely, you need to connect the WiFi bridge.

Pros

• Built-in Wi Fi

• Keeps track of a hundred different codes

• Supports Amazon’s Alexa (hands-free operation and smart reorders)

• Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen prevents code peeping

Cons

• The app is not user-friendly compared to others in this list 

Best Value For Money: Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen

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Specifications and Features 

• Backset: Adjustable 60-70mm

• Power: 4 x AA Alkaline batteries

• Body: Zinc

• Door Thickness Range:35mm to 57mm

• Operational Temperature range :-25C to 60C

The Yale Assure smart lock is another excellent choice for Airbnb vacation rentals. Like the Schlage, this device will function in place of a standard deadbolt. It is possible to use a key to unlock this Yale smart lock. 

You can check on your Airbnb property’s lock or operate it from your smartphone, with Google Home, or Amazon Echo, thanks to the lock’s compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit devices. Your guest will always keep themselves in as long as they remember the code

The Assure Lock has a user-facing touchscreen and keypad on the outside. Available finishes include bronze, black, nickel, and brass. You may feel at ease knowing that this smart lock protects your home. 

Batteries are used to power the device, although that is of little concern. A 9-volt battery or a key can activate the lock’s display so a user can enter a PIN

The Yale Assure Lock user interface is quick and simple to operate. A touch of your finger or whole hand will activate the touchscreen while you’re at the Yale logo. However, touching the screen will not unlock the lock screen.

Create and store up to 250 unique access codes for up to 25 users, and give them temporary, scheduled, or permanent access as you see fit especially with short-term rentals. In addition, you can see a log of who unlocked the door and when. Thanks to a geofencing function in the accompanying smartphone app, the door will automatically unlock when you or your guest arrive.

The door will lock itself after 30 seconds if auto-lock is enabled using the smartphone app. This precaution assures that visitors will always return to a locked door.

Yale Assure, their smart lock is compatible with most common door types. The installation is simple and quick, so there’s no need to call in an expert.

Pros

• Comparatively cheaper than other smart locks for Airbnb

• Compatible with SmartThings, Wink, and all Z-wave gadgets.

• Automatic door locking mechanism.

• The touchpad works smoothly.

• Keyless entrance.

• Simple to set up.

• Lock automatically

Cons

• Not the most durable compared to others in this list

Best Design: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze

 

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Specifications and Features 

• ADA-compliant

• Uses: Doors on single-family homes

• Standard backset is flexible, ranging from 2-3/8″ (60mm) to 2-3/4″. (70mm)

• Power source: four standard AA alkaline batteries

• One key provided; 5-pin tumbler; C-keyway.

• Working Temperatures: Outside escutcheon: -35C to 66C, Inside escutcheon: -10C to 49C

• Wi Fi support: a 2.4 GHz network is required.

Unfortunately, the minimalist principle has stood the test of time and is only sometimes used to design current smart locks. The Schlage Encode Deadbolt is a good illustration of a lock that lacks proximity- or other-based unlocking and auto-locking functionality and is one of the best smart locks. The Encode is a basic choice that offers a variety of ways to lock and unlock, both wirelessly and mechanically.

This Schlage smart lock features built-in Wi Fi capabilities, unlike many Schlage lock that need a separate bridge for Wi Fi access. Top it off with an ADA-compliant keypad, top-tier security features, and a variety of stylish options, and you’ve got yourself a superb lock for your Airbnb.

Thanks to the built-in WiFi capabilities, there’s no need for any additional hardware. If your front door lock is WiFi enabled, you may open it from your phone, no matter where you happen to be.

Additionally, the alarms for the Schlage Encode are included. The Schlage lock produces a siren-like sound whenever an unauthorized person attempts to force entry into the home. The alarm isn’t loud enough to deter a skilled attacker, but it could be enough to frighten off a clumsy one.

To allow visitors to enter and leave your home without needing to use a physical key, you can set up either permanent or temporary guest access codes. Use the Schlage Home app to create digital keys that may be used to unlock the door.

We prefer to generate access codes that visitors of Airbnb may use without having to install the program. On the contrary, the virtual key is a convenient entry tool for anybody who often enters the property, such as the cleaning or maintenance staff.

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and the American National Standards Institute have given the Schlage Encode deadbolt its highest possible ratings for use in private homes (ANSI). The lock has the highest possible ANSI/BHMA classification of Commercial Grade 1, indicating that the manufacturer has exceeded the requirements for a standard domestic deadbolt.

Guests who check in with limited dexterity or vision may need help using most smart locks because of their small keypads and illegible screens. The Schlage Encode’s ADA-compliant keypad is ideal for guests who have trouble using tiny things, such as door keys and buttons.

The keypad is a reasonable size and has large, easily read-numbers. Big-fingered visitors won’t need to try and try again to tap the correct numbers.

This Schlage Encode smart lock has outstanding smart home features for such a basic device. The device may be used with the Schlage Home app and is compatible with Ring security cameras.

Guests may have items delivered directly to their rooms thanks to the streamlined connection with Key by Amazon. In addition, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa may unlock the door with a simple voice command.

Pros

• WiFi connectivity enables convenient remote locking and unlocking.

• A battery indicator displays the current charge and sounds an alarm if the battery is about to run out of juice.

• A built-in alarm and support for up to 100 unique access codes add to the system’s versatility and use.

Cons

• Sometimes locks become jammed.

Most User Friendly: Kwikset 99390-001 Halo

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Specifications and Features

 

• •  Three entry modes

• • Low Battery Alerts

• • Code Alarm

• • Tamper Resistant

• • Compatible with Alexa, Google Home and brilliant

Another best smart locks is the Kwikset Halo locks is an excellent option for a rental home. Though some smart locks allow guest codes, only some do it as quickly or flexibly as this Kwikset product. With this Kwikset smart lock system, you may choose between a standard built-in keypad and a touchscreen. The keypad type is more practical but lacks the flash of the touchscreen version. To utilize the touchscreen, you must first activate it by tapping or touching it with your palm. It’s possible that this version won’t recognize your hand at first, but the keypad version works well.

 Up to 250 unique access codes may be generated, scheduled, and labelled with the Kwikset Halo. Such a large number is unnecessary, but it simplifies the management of a vacation rental or Airbnb.

 For example, your vacation rental manager should have a unique access code. In addition, you can arrange code-based entry at a time and day of your choosing. It’s easy to make a guest’s code valid during check-in and check-out times. The lock’s built-in WiFi connectivity enables remote access.

 If you prefer to utilize traditional keys, the Halo is equipped with a keyhole for that, too. A rekeying function, however, allows for the rapid replacement of a key in the event of its loss or theft. It only takes a few seconds, but you’ll need a key still in use. Users must first press two random digits to input the access code using the SecureScreen function. More marks will be left on the buttons using this method, making it harder for would-be thieves to figure out the code.

Pros

• Easy to set up and operate

• App is user-friendly and practical

• Simple-to-manage key codes

• SmartKey system enables rekeying the lock

Cons

• The touch screen sometimes does not detect the initial touch.

• SmartScreen is a security feature, although it isn’t immediately visible to first-time users.

Wyze Lock Bolt

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Specifications and Features 

• Dimensions: 7.3 in x 5.3 in x 2.3 in

• Weight: 2.75 lbs

• Power Source: 4x AA Batteries (included)

• Battery Life: 10-12 months

• Communication: Bluetooth 5.0

The Wyze Lock Bolt is another best smart locks on the market and the cheapest smart lock on the market today, yet it provides a stylish keyless design with a fingerprint sensor that opens the door with the touch of a finger. Bypassing WiFi in favor of Bluetooth keeps the battery alive for up to a year and still allows guest code addition through the mobile app.

Since cabins typically lack basic amenities like power and running water, any gadgets that rely on wireless connectivity would be pointless. You’ll need to come back between bookings to clean, especially if you want to reach Superhost status on Airbnb; this will allow you to change the lock’s combination.

You’ll have to handle all updates manually if you don’t have access to a distant location or any third-party integrations. This lock only stores 20 codes, so you’ll need to update it and email guest codes at least once every two weeks if you host Airbnb guests nightly. For your sanity, set a minimum number of nights for guests.

These tickets can be manually sent to visitors before their arrival and expire after their stay. If you’re near enough, you won’t need WiFi to switch locks, and the process is identical to renting out spare bedrooms in your house. 

Keyless access improves security, yet it becomes a weakness if the batteries expire. Wyze features a USB-C plug on the bottom for backup power. However, visitors may need to bring their cable and battery pack. 

Despite specific issues, the Wyze Lock Bolt is an excellent option for the DIY Airbnb host on a tight budget. Using Wyze requires more effort than locks with automatic booking systems like Yale or August, but it’s also more fun.

Pros

• Average battery life: 12 months

• Meager cost

• Integrated keypad and fingerprint scanner

Cons

• Lack of remote access

• No Airbnb or Property Management System

• There is no bypass key. 

ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Smart Lock

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Specifications and Features

• • Lock Type: Keypad

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 2.95 x 2.95 x 1.22 inches

• Material: Zinc

A smart door lock is a practical investment if you use a service like Airbnb to rent out your property since it allows guests to enter your property without effort. We suggest installing a smart lock with a coded entry feature; provide visitors with a temporary access code.

They may enter and exit the property without keys or apps. We recommend the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro as the latest programmed smart lock. It’s as secure as coded locks get, with physical buttons that function in any climate (even if the user is wearing gloves). It has a fingerprint reader and one of my favourite ideas for a smart lock: a covert front panel that folds down to expose the keyhole. Furthermore, the lock’s built-in WiFi radio performed well in my range testing, suggesting that it may be an excellent choice for a door located several rooms away from your network. While Apple HomeKit isn’t enabled, it is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.

There are several other versions of the U-Bolt Pro available. Still, we recommend the most recent model shown here because of its fingerprint scanner, open/closed door sensor, built-in WiFi for remote access on your phone, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. A cheaper alternative to the open/closed sensor-equipped variant is available; it requires an external, pluggable WiFi bridge but looks similar to the standard Bluetooth option. Disregard the fingerprint reader as unnecessary technology. Get rid of it, and the price will go down much more.

Pros and Cons 

Pros 

• Different locking and unlocking modes 
• With fingerprint reader
• With voice command support 
• Works with a variety of external devices 

Cons 

• Not compatible with Apple HomeKit 

Google Nest x Yale Lock

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Specifications and Features 

• • Brand : Google

• • Lock Type: Keypad

• • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4.59 x 2.59 x 0.8 inches

• • Material : Nickel

• • Style : Satin Nickel

Like other smart locks, the Nest x Yale lock has an external keypad for convenient keyless entry making it the best smart lock.

You may get the Nest x Yale lock with or without the Nest Connect. Spending the additional $30 will let you link your lock to the internet and manage it remotely, allowing you to lock and open your house from afar and even program new access codes. Thus, you may provide temporary access to a maintenance expert, like an electrician from the office and revoke it after they’ve finished their work. The Nest x Yale lock is simple to install and well thought out. Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Polished Brass are the color options; thus, choosing one that complements your décor should be possible. 

The Nest x Yale lock is more compact than the Schlage Sense, but the internal mechanism is still relatively cumbersome. It’s not a dealbreaker since it still has high aesthetic value and can be comfortably placed in most homes. The Nest x Yale lock’s ease of use once installed is a major selling point. You may lock and unlock the door from the inside by turning the deadbolt or by using the accompanying mobile application.

 The software is fantastic in every way imaginable. Nest invested a lot of time and energy into developing its software. The Airbnb lock will appear in the bottom row of devices if you have other Nest products; tapping it will take you directly to the lock’s settings, where you can lock and unlock the door, create new codes, and so on. In addition to seeing use patterns, you can put the lock into “privacy mode,” which disables the keypad and requires users to use the app and view a log of previous access attempts.

 Again, while accessing the lock from the outside, you can use either the app or the keypad. The keypad is intuitive, but if you turn off the noises, as I have, you won’t know whether a button was touched or not. This means that until the code either works or doesn’t, you’ll have no idea whether a key was pushed. A little tactile feedback motor, or something similar, would have significantly impacted our experience with the Nest smart lock.

Pros

· Well-designed

· Fantastic mobile application

· Simple to operate and voice control access

Cons

· Expensive

· Low level of smart home integration

How to Pick the Best Smart Lock

Because smart locks are a highly noticeable component of your house that you’ll use almost every day, it’s crucial to locate a dependable one that works well with your smart home. While you are out shopping, you should keep the following considerations in mind:

A Perfect Fit for Your Door

Prior to falling in love with a certain model, it’s important to check that it will work with the size and kind of lock on the door(s) in your rental.

Full Deadbolt or Retrofit

The deadbolt in the center of your smart locks, the external keyhole, and the inside thumb-turn are all things that most smart locks will take their position on. There will be new keys for those locks that will replace the old ones. 

The August Smart Lock, Wyze Lock, and Level Bolt are just a few examples of smart locks designed to function with your current lock hardware. You won’t have to make new keys and may not even have to replace the deadbolt if you install a retrofit lock. The owners of certain apartment buildings may not allow you to change the lock, making these locks an attractive alternative. 

Power / Internet interruptions

The door (batteries) and codes will continue to function normally, but entering new codes will not, since it requires the rental’s Wi Fi to remain functional. Some smart locks do exist that employ banking technology to bypass this, but they are quite rare.

Accessibility Options

Depending on your kind of smart lock, you may need to try a few different things before you get in. The most fundamental function of modern smart locks is the ability to lock and unlock the door remotely through an app on your smartphone. Keypads for coded entry are another option since they reduce reliance on physical keys and make it simpler to provide access to several people. The most up-to-date smart locks may even recognize your fingerprint or respond to touches so that you may unlock the door with the touch of a finger. To unlock compatible smart locks using the NFC radio in your iPhone or Apple Watches, Apple has just implemented a Home Key feature in iOS15 that allows you to save a digital home key in your Apple Wallet.

It’s good to zero down on the kind of smart lock access that excites you rather than shelling out for one that gives everything. Nowadays, a wide variety of choices are available to you.

Privacy and Security Measures

Even while the information stored in the secure smart lock isn’t as vulnerable as that stored in devices with built-in cameras and microphones, you should still take precautions. While the wireless connection between your lock and your phone or home network will likely be encrypted in some fashion, consider a second layer of security in the form of a lock and create codes that requires a second authentication factor to prevent unauthorized access to your account. The lock’s app password should be firm and up-to-date with the newest firmware, as you would with any other networked home appliance.

If you’re worried about lockpicking or any physical intrusion, you may check the lock’s ANSI grade to see how well it stands up to abuse. The lowest ANSI classification is 3, although more and more high-tech locks are claiming to be grade 2 or 1, signifying that they are engineered to withstand the rigorous of commercial use. A lock like that might be useful if you’re worried about break-ins.

Installation of Smart Locks

There are a variety of smart locks available, and hosts should research the installation procedure for each choice before making a decision. The best smart lock for Airbnb offers an easy installation method that any normal person should be able to finish.

Conforms to ANSI Standards

The ANSI certification is granted to every smart lock on the market. A smart lock rated as a “Grade 1” is the safest and most reliable option for Airbnb hosts, while a “Grade 3” lock is the least secure option. Hosts should only use a smart lock rated at Grade 1 or 2, since Grade 3 locks are too sophisticated for temporary lodgings.

FAQ’s

How can I include an Airbnb smart lock in my Airbnb listing?

If your smart lock supports native Airbnb integration, you can connect your host account through a menu choice. Guests may get check-in instructions via text message after you’ve linked your lock to Airbnb and assigned it to a specific unit.

When utilizing a lock that doesn’t work with the Airbnb or PMS system, such as the Wyze Lock Bolt, you’ll need to generate a unique PIN for each booking and then email it to the visitor through the Airbnb app. The procedure takes little time, but it might become complicated if you often handle reservations for many guests.

 Code management on a device requires physical proximity to the device (through Bluetooth range or Wi Fi) or remote access (via Bluetooth or Wi Fi).

In case the batteries in the smart lock expire, how can guests get entry? 

The simplest way to avoid having guests lock themselves out is to pay attention to your battery-operated smart lock’s low battery warnings. Always double-check the lock’s battery life and replace it if it’s low, ideally before each check-in.

Even so, if the lock on your vacation rental house ever stops working, you should always have an alternative plan ready for your Airbnb guest, mainly if you manage many properties while living elsewhere. When the batteries in any of our top selections run out, the lock may be opened with a traditional key or a backup battery port. 

When new batteries don’t do the trick, and the lock won’t open, having a spare set of keys is a great assistance. Lock the key outside the rental unit with a combination lock for your Airbnb and provide the code to the visitor in case they have any problems while you’re away.

Changing the lockbox’s code after each guest’s usage is a good idea. Keyless locks benefit the most from having spare batteries on hand. They’re safer than spare virtual keys since users have to enter a personal PIN to enter the building.

Conclusion

Smart locks are an important aspect of your overall smart home security set up. All these smart locks are run with property management software and there are still more smart locks on the market. Choosing the ideal smart locks for your Airbnb home is essential if you want to guarantee the safety of both you and your guests and provide them with the greatest level of convenience. You will be able to choose a lock that is the most suitable for your home if you look for one that fulfils your requirements in the ways that are most essential to you. Finally, we’ve concluded our review of the best smart locks on the market for Airbnb rentals. You now know what to look for in a quality smart lock and that these modern safety options will help you manage your rental property easily and confidently.