Best Smart Locks for Airbnb: 4 Ways to Provide Your Guests a Safe and Smooth Keyless Entry

best smart locks for Airbnb

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.

Lock Boxes and Electronic Door Locks: The Benefits of Airbnb Keyless Entry

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:

  • Contact-less check-in. Guests can arrive and depart on their own at any time, no need for you to be there. No waiting time for delayed arrivals as well, or getting up too early for early morning departures.
  • A geofencing feature allows hands-free entry. The door will automatically unlock when you, guests, or  the cleaners arrive. This is a great feature for those coming in with a bag of supplies in their arms, a baby, or when it’s raining or freezing outside.
  • Eliminates the problem of keys getting lost, stolen, copied, or accidentally taken by guests.
  • Some smart locks allow doors to be opened and codes changed remotely. Others keep track of who’s coming in and out of your place and when.
  • They save you time, effort, and constant physical oversight of your properties.
  • If you manage multiple properties, you don’t have to carry so many keys around with you.

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

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

The 4 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Today

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.

Here are our top picks for the best smart locks to use this year.

1. August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub

Best for homeowners with remote properties and hosts who do rental arbitrage (starts at $204)

best smart locks for Airbnb

Our take

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. 

PROs:

  • The August Smart Lock Pro is easy to install. Compatible with most single-cylinder deadbolts and won’t damage your existing lock.
  • It’s installed neatly on the interior of your door, so the exterior stays the same. It’s a pro for those who’d like to remain discreet and don’t want outsiders to know they’re using a smart lock. You get a traditional “dumb” lock look on the outside but a smart lock inside.
  • You retain your existing keyhole so you can still use your keys if the WiFi is down. (If you do rental arbitrage and don’t own the property, it’s the best smart lock to use.)
  • It’s easy to use and works with WiFi and Bluetooth. You can control and monitor it from a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch.
  • It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and Nest.
  • The DoorSense feature informs you if the door has been left open, improperly closed, or securely shut. You can also set up notifications to inform you if someone unlocks it manually. 
  • Through its 24/7 activity feed, you’ll be able to track who gets in and out, and when. 
  • You can give guests, staff, friends or family a scheduled one-time temporary access, recurring access, or permanent access – for minutes, hours, days or more – instantly.
  • It has a simple, minimalist design.

CONs

  • It has no touchscreen function. The Smart Keypad is purchased separately (around $60)
  • It runs solely on Bluetooth so you’ll always need your device to use it
  • The disc-like device, shaped like a hockey puck, may not look appealing to some
MicrosoftTeams-image
  • Best for

    Technical hosts who want their lock integrated with Airbnb and compatible with their smart home system; hosts who do rental arbitrage; and property owners who manage their homes remotely.

  • Price

    Starts at $204

2. Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock (Connected by August)

Backlit touchscreen and voice guidance make it easy for guests to gain entry even if they’re not tech-savvy (starts at $279)

best smart locks for Airbnb

Our take

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.

PROs

  • Very easy to install. Can be set up in just minutes using only a screwdriver
  • Fully integrated with the Airbnb system
  • Offers a single-tap locking and optional auto-relock system
  • Motor works fast and quietly
  • Can be upgraded with a Yale Smart Module to integrate with your home automation or security system 
  • Geofencing mode can be set up 
  • DoorSense feature not only lets you know if your door is locked, but it also lets you know if your door isn’t fully shut
  • Works with Bluetooth, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
  • When used with the Yale Network Module, can generate up to 250 passcodes for access by keypad
  • Comes with a 9V battery backup terminal rather than keys 
  • Provides a 24/7 history so you know who came in and went out of your property
  • Includes a Wi-Fi connect bridge so no additional hub is needed
  • Battery life is long – it can last a whole year
  • Touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant, preventing intruders from figuring out your code
  • Weather-proof
  • Comes in 3 colors: Satin Nickel, Oil-rubbed Bronze, and Black Suede 

CONs

  • To control this lock by a smartphone, you’ll need a Connected by August Kit to integrate with your August iOS app and HomeKit. 
  • Some people reported problems getting support from the August website when setting up the app with their Yale Assure 
  • Others report having issues with the auto-unlock using android devices

*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.

MicrosoftTeams-image (1)
  • Best for

    Technical hosts who want their lock integrated with Airbnb and compatible with their smart home system; and property owners who manage their homes remotely.

  • Price

    Starts at $279

3. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Has a physical key and metal keyhole for "old-school" homeowners and guests (starts at $475)

best smart locks for Airbnb
Source: Reviewed/Whitson Gordon

Our take

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.

PROs

  • Easy to install: has a snap and stay technology
  • User-friendly and has a one-touch auto-locking system
  • Has a built-in tamper alarm that alerts you if someone’s trying to break in through the door
  • Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Amazon Key, and Google assistant; also integrates with Ring devices 
  • Has a physical key and metal keyhole for those who want to keep it “old-school”
  • Numbers are easy to see at night because they light up
  • Has a low-battery indicator to give you weeks of advanced notice for battery replacement
  • Offers a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty and a 3-year electronics warranty
  • Comes in 2 styles with 4 different colors to choose from (Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bright Chrome, and Aged Bronze finish)

CONs

  • No geofencing – it doesn’t let the door automatically unlock when your phone gets within a certain distance of your home – which is a hassle when you have a baby or a bag of groceries in your arms or it’s raining or freezing outside
  • No single-use user codes. You’d have to manually change the entry code for each guest
  • No support for Apple HomeKit
  • Quite expensive
MicrosoftTeams-image (2)
  • Best for

    Ideal for people looking for robust physical security, functionality, and compatibility with smart home systems

  • Price

    Starts at $475

4. Igloohome Smart Deadbolt 2S

Has a physical key and metal keyhole for "old-school" homeowners and guests (starts at $199)

best smart locks for Airbnb

Our take

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.

PROs

  • Syncs with Airbnb
  • Auto-lock
  • Passcodes can be one-time, duration-based, recurring, or permanent
  • User friendly Bluetooth-enabled and works off-line so if the power or WiFi is off, this product will still work
  • Comes with physical keys if you want to override the app
  • Has an emergency jump-start option that lets you unlock the door if the batteries die
  • Has a tamper alarm
  • Has a decoy security code
  • Provides access history/log
  • Slim, sleek, sophisticated look
  • Weather-proof

CONs

  • No remote access from smartphone unless it’s within Bluetooth range. You have to be in front of it to make access codes. (Not recommended for remote operations.)
  • No geofencing
  • Doesn’t integrate with other smart home devices
  • Limited Alexa and Assistant capabilities
  • Complicated installation/setup 
  • Some people reported difficulty getting adequate  support onlin
Smart locks scoring 3
  • Best for

    Best for hosts with remote properties that have no internet connectivity, or those who don’t want a smart lock that connects over WiFi

  • Price

    Starts at $199

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to our company at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products we’ve personally used and stand behind. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

Our top picks

  1. August Smart Lock Pro (visit site)
  2. Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock Connected by August (visit site)
  3. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (visit site)
  4. Igloohome Smart Deadbolt 2S (visit site)
Table of Contents

In this video, Jon discusses how important it is to choose the best smart locks for your Airbnb:

Conclusion

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.

Read also: How Do You Become an Airbnb Superhost? 

Learn How to Manage Airbnb Properties Better

Ready to learn how we built & operate a $2M/year short-term rental business, operate properties throughout the USA remotely, and acquired 70+ properties without owning any in just 2 years? Attend our free online masterclass to learn how you can do the same. Click here.  

Read also: Property Management Software: Which One is Right for Your Airbnb?