Smart locks are becoming more and more popular with Airbnb users. More travelers are staying at short-term rentals, and for longer periods, too. And many of them don’t need their hosts to be present on arrival or departure. So, as a property owner, you’ll want to consider keyless entry – if you haven’t already. There are lots of WiFi door locks out there, but in this post, we’ll discuss 4 of the best smart locks for Airbnb that we’re happy with.
You can make your Airbnb property more appealing if you use a keyless entry system. Contact-less entry allows guests to conveniently check-in and out at their own time. On its website, Airbnb actually recommends self-check-in because it lets hosts provide great hospitality even while they’re away.
You can do keyless entry in 3 ways: by using a lockbox, a touchscreen or numeric keypad, or a Wifi door lock – otherwise known as an electronic door lock or “smart” lock. The advantage of a smart lock is that guests can open it with just a mobile app or a keypad.
You can connect a smart lock to the other smart features on your property, including your digital guidebook, automated messaging, and even the lighting and heating. It also connects to your existing property management software, allowing you to manage your operations from a central location. A smart lock helps provide an overall smooth, seamless entry and departure for your guests.
Here are the other benefits of using smart locks:
August Smart Lock Pro
Installs neatly in the interior of your door so you retain a traditional “dumb lock” look on the outside but a smart lock inside
Yale Assure Touchscreen (Connected by August)
Has a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and a single-tap locking system
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
User-friendly lock has a built-in WiFi and Bluetooth but also comes with a key and metal keyhole for those who want to keep it old-fashioned
Igloohome Smart Deadbolt 2S
Stand-alone lock lets you give people PINs that they can use with Bluetooth to open your door
There’s a variety in the types and features of remote locks on the market right now. But as with any modern technology, things are always changing. New designs keep coming up. But these brands and models are what we’ve tried so far, and we’re pretty happy with them.
The August Smart Lock Pro is versatile and easy to install. It replaces the interior side of a standard deadbolt, operating the lock through a battery-powered housing. Once guests book, they’ll automatically receive instructions in their Airbnb inbox to download the August app, connect it to Airbnb, then receive unique access codes to use throughout their stay.
After guests leave, the lock can automatically change the code. It can also cancel access if a guest cancels a reservation.
If you get the additional Smart Keypad, it’ll link the lock via Bluetooth and generate a unique passcode for each guest. It can also automatically unlock when you arrive and lock after you’ve left.
With the August Smart lock, you won’t have to get rid of your old lock and keys. You can even offer your guests various modes of entry: the app with a set passcode or facial/ fingerprint scanner, the keypad, or a standard key. They can initially open the door with the app or the keypad, then decide whether to continue using it or switch to physical keys.
With the app, you can control the August Lock from anywhere so you can run your property remotely.
The newer version, the August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Generation, has a WiFi built-in so you don’t need to install a WiFi bridge to link it to your home network. (No added hubs, no monthly dues or subscription.) It’s also 45% smaller.
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Yale is one of the most premium and highly reputed brands in the market. The Yale Assure Lock integrates with August technology, so it’s a combination of two premier brands working together.
It replaces your existing deadbolt with a touchscreen that is fully motorized. You and your guests can open and lock the door remotely using a Connected by August Kit app on your phones or Apple watches.
The lock comes with its own keypad which sets your desired passcode. It also has a geofencing feature with built-in Bluetooth and auto-unlock so whenever you come in the range of your WiFi, it can automatically unlock the door for you.
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*Alternatively, you can just purchase the Yale Assure Lock SL with August Connect – which is a combination of these same two components, bundled inside a larger box and with an $80-90 higher price tag.
This robust, feature-rich smart lock is manufactured by a company that has been around since the 1920s. The Schlage Encode pairs with the Schlage Home app or The Key by Amazon app with no extra hub required. It doesn’t require your guests to download an app or connect with WiFi or Bluetooth.
The Schlage Encode alerts you when your lock has been opened or closed, and show you a history of who’s coming in and going out. You can select the length of the time delay before the bolt automatically locks back. It could be as short as 15 seconds or as long as 4 minutes.
Furthermore, it lets you generate up to 100 customized access codes for people, whether temporary or permanent.
It also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth that connects right to your home’s smart system. It lets you lock or unlock your door from around the globe via the internet or your smartphone.
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The Igloohome Smart Deadbolt is different. It’s a stand-alone lock which means it isn’t Wi-Fi enabled – you simply give people PINs that they can use with Bluetooth to open your door.
Designed by Airbnb hosts for Airbnb hosts, this lock offers 3 modes of access: Bluetooth, touchscreen, and physical keys. When you purchase this kit, it comes with an Igloo Home app that grants time-sensitive PIN codes or “Bluetooth keys” (in the form of QR codes) to your guests, family, friends, and trusted colleagues. Users don’t need to download an app to receive access. Or, they can request access by scanning a QR code on the side of the lock.
There’s no WiFi involved with this lock, so if you live a good distance from your rental property, it might pose some challenges. For example, you want to delete an entry code if a guest cancels or you run into problems with your cleaners.
But if you’re looking for a smart lock that doesn’t use WiFi – for example, you happen to live on or near a remote Airbnb property where there’s no WiFi connection anyway – then this is a great option.
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Our top picks
In this video, Jon discusses how important it is to choose the best smart locks for your Airbnb:
Once you’ve purchased and installed a smart lock at your property, remember to mention it in your listing. Guests can filter Airbnb search results according to the amenities they want, so it’s important you include “self-check-in” in your check-in instructions.
As travel picks up after Covid-19 and people try to find ways to travel more safely, it’s our job as hosts to provide them with a hassle-free stay.
Smart locks help deliver that. They provide guests with more convenience, better security, and a more efficient, streamlined experience. Gone are the days of hiding and looking for keys under the doormat or flower pot.
Our reviews are made by a team of experts before being written and come from real-world experience. Read our editorial process here.
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