The Best Smart Lock for Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

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As an Airbnb host, one of your top priorities is to provide a safe and comfortable home for your guests. Incorporating smart technology like smart locks into your property can greatly enhance the guest experience and their safety and security.  

Keyless entry for Airbnb is all the rave right now, and smart locks provide this type of access. Smart locks allow you to grant remote access and keyless entry and monitor and streamline check-in and check-out processes.

Similar to cozy bedding and a comfy couch, a smart lock is a must-have and essential investment to elevate your short-term rental. Gone are the days of worrying about your guests losing the keys to your rental property. 

While smart locks are a must-have, figuring out which might be right for your property is not always easy. When choosing a lock, you must consider its security features, ease of use, maintenance requirements, and guest accessibility. 

As a long-time Airbnb Super Host with many years of hosting and upgrading technology from a manual lockbox to smart locks, I understand the importance of having the right lock on your property to ensure guest satisfaction. My favorite and most recommended is the August Smart Lock with Keypad. 

That said, I’m sharing some of the best smart locks available today that are designed with Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in mind. From the Schlage Encode to the August Lock, here is a list of the best smart locks for every budget and property style.

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Top Picks – The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb

1. August Smart Lock + Keypad

The August Smart Lock is a highly advanced smart lock that offers a range of features to enhance security and convenience in your rental property. I use this smart lock in all my properties and find it extremely intuitive and easy to install and use. 

Not only can you create a unique code for every guest using the August app, but you can also set specific access schedules and times and monitor their entry and exit activity.

Here are some additional benefits of the August Wi-fi Smart Lock:

• Advanced Encryption and Authentication: The lock utilizes advanced encryption and authentication protocols to ensure optimal security for your home. This helps prevent unauthorized access and provides peace of mind.
• Integration with Virtual Assistants: The Smart Lock integrates with popular virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. This allows you to control the lock using voice commands, making it convenient and hands-free.
• Detailed Activity Logs and Notifications: The lock keeps a detailed activity log of all lock and unlock events, including notifications for each guest entry. This feature helps you track who enters and exits your home and provides a record of activity. You can adjust the features to notify you if the door stays open for long, alerting you of possible unauthorized activities or guests who left the door open for extended periods by accident. 
• Remote Access: With remote access capability, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere using your smartphone. This feature comes in handy when you need to grant access to someone remotely. You can also add, update, or remove access to anyone from anywhere at any time. 
• Integration with Airbnb: The August Smart Lock allows you to integrate with your Airbnb account seamlessly. This allows for automated guest access and temporary virtual keys, making managing and providing keyless entry for Airbnb guests easier. Once integrated, guests will receive a message with a unique code and access times directly to their inbox. 
• Auto-Lock Feature – this feature closes your home’s front door if left open for over 2 minutes. This adds an extra layer of protection for my guests and my rental properties if the guest forgets to lock the door. 

What’s not to love about this lock? Well, there are a couple of cons to keep in mind. 

• Battery Life – The battery life on the August smart locks should last anywhere from 2 to 3 months. However, I have seen situations where it lasted only a month. The good thing is you can set it up to notify you when the batteries need to be replaced. In addition, there are ways that you can improve battery life – from improved wifi signals to correcting deadbolt friction. I have found that purchasing the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge helps with wifi connectivity and battery life extension. 
• Keypad sold separately – most August locks do not have a build keypad, so you must buy it separately. And quite honestly, I’d highly recommend getting the August Lock with a keypad, which may add to the overall cost. 

Overall, the August Smart Lock will provide enhanced security, convenience, and integration options for you as a host. It is one of the best smart lock for Airbnb.  

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2. Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is a feature-rich smart lock designed for convenience and enhanced security. This smart lock is quite superior to many others, and here are some of the reasons why:

• Unique User Codes for Guests: The lock can generate new codes for each guest. This feature enhances security by allowing you to grant temporary access to specific individuals, such as family members, friends, or service providers, without sharing a physical key.
• Easy Installation: The Schlage Encode Deadbolt is designed for easy installation with standard door preparation. It is suitable for do-it-yourself (DIY) installation, making it accessible to users who prefer to set up the lock themselves.
• Built-in Wi-Fi Connection: The Schlage Encode Deadbolt has a built-in Wi-Fi connection, eliminating the need for an additional hub or bridge device. This simplifies the setup process, letting you connect the lock directly to your home Wi-Fi network.
• Integration with Virtual Assistants: The Smart Lock integrates with practically all virtual assistants and other smart devices, including Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Apple HomeKit, and Ring Alarm.
• Real-time Alerts: The smart deadbolt sends real-time alerts and notifications to your smartphone or device. You receive notifications when guests enter or exit using their access codes and notifications for lock status changes. With this smart lock, you can even see the battery life percentage of your device. This allows you to plan and see exactly when the battery life is getting low and needs to be changed.  

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt offers a convenient and secure solution for managing access to your home. Its built-in Wi-Fi connection, unique access codes, easy installation, and real-time alerts provide hosts with a seamless smart lock experience.

In the worst case, if you are having any issues, they have an excellent customer service team that can help you with troubleshooting or lock replacement. 

While on the pricier side, this one is worth every bit of the cost.  

Buy at Amazon

Yale Assure Lock

The Yale Assure Lock is a stylish, advanced smart lock with various features. Here are the best features of the Yale lock:

• Easy to Install – You don’t have to hire a locksmith to install this device. Yale makes it super easy for just about anyone to install the lock with its simple directions that can fit most standard doors.
• Sleek Touchscreen Keypad: The lock features a sleek and modern touchscreen keypad, making it effortless to enter access codes and gain entry to your home. The touchscreen keypad adds a contemporary and sophisticated look to your door.
• Remote Access and Control: With the Yale Secure app, you can remotely access and control your lock from just about anywhere. This means you can lock or unlock your door, manage access codes, and receive notifications on your smartphone, providing convenience and peace of mind when hosting guests. You can create time-limited or recurring codes for your guests and housekeeping team, enhancing security and control.
• Detailed Access History: The lock keeps a detailed access history with information on who entered or exited the property.
• Integration with Airbnb: This is one of the few locks that also integrates well with Airbnb and other virtual assistants. This allows for automated guest access and temporary virtual keys, making managing and providing keyless entry for Airbnb guests easier. Once integrated, guests will receive a message with a unique code and access times directly to their inbox. 
• Battery Life – Its battery life is superior to most as it can last several months to a year without needing change. 

Cons – With the Yale assure smart lock, you may experience some connectivity issues, so getting the bridge to improve the Wi-Fi connection to the lock is best.

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Kwikset Halo

The Kwikset Halo Smart Lock is a convenient and versatile smart lock. It is excellent for hosts that have remote locations. Hosts can operate their vacation rentals remotely using this smart lock worry-free.

It features a stylish backlit touchscreen so guests can easily enter code day or night, and it can input up to 250 user access codes.

Here are some additional features of this smart lock:

• Comprehensive Activity Logs: The lock provides detailed activity logs, allowing you to track guest entries and monitor who accessed your Airbnb property. This feature enhances security and provides a record of activity for your reference.
• Tampering Alerts – Unlike other smart locks, this one provides tamper alerts, notifying you if someone attempts to tamper with the lock or force entry. These features contribute to the overall security and monitoring capabilities of the lock.
• User-Friendly Mobile App: The app offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to manage access privileges conveniently. You can send and revoke access codes, create custom access schedules, and receive notifications of lock activity, all from your smartphone. Guests can also gain access through their smartphone using the mobile app. This flexibility accommodates different preferences and situations.
• Compatibility with Smart Home Devices: This smart lock is compatible with popular smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This enables you to integrate the lock into your existing smart home ecosystem and control it using voice commands.

Cons: Hosts have expressed that the battery life can last a few weeks. 

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What is a Smart Lock?

A smart lock is a keyless, electronic lock that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or internet-connected device like wifi. A smart lock allows you to lock and unlock your door without needing a physical key.

Some smart locks allow you to grant temporary access to guests with unique access codes and track who has entered and exited your home with detailed access logs.

Smart locks make it easy for hosts to manage guest access to their properties without needing physical keys or complicated check-in procedures.

Why should you use a Smart Lock in your Airbnb or Short-term Rental?

As a host, Smart Locks allows you to give your guests a seamless check-in and check-out experience. It also adds a layer of protection to your home.

With a smart lock, hosts can remotely grant access to guests, eliminating the need for physical keys or coordinating in-person meetups. This is particularly useful for hosts who manage multiple properties around the US, like New York, San Francisco, or Orlando, or internationally and have guests arriving at different times.

With an electronic smart lock, you no longer have to go through the hassle of providing your guests with physical keys upon entry.

It also eliminates the need to replace any lost or damaged keys.  Plus, your guests will appreciate the ease of accessing the property because they too, do not want to worry about a traditional key. 

If you’re not yet convinced that smart locks are the way to go, here are a few other reasons to use a smart lock.

Enhanced Security: Smart locks offer advanced security features compared to traditional locks. They often utilize encryption and authentication protocols to safeguard access.

Additionally, hosts can receive real-time notifications when guests lock or unlock the door, providing peace of mind and the ability to monitor property access remotely.

Most are compatible with iOS and Android Devices, ensuring you can control and monitor your lock from your smartphone or tablet regardless of the platform you use.

Flexibility and Control: Smart locks allow Airbnb hosts to customize access for different guests. They can generate unique passcodes or temporary digital keys for each reservation, which can be programmed to expire after the guest’s stay.

This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and gives hosts greater control over their property.

Streamlined Operations: Hosts can integrate the lock with their property management software or Airbnb platform, allowing an automated check-in process, guest notifications, and simplified coordination with cleaning services. This automation can save time and effort for hosts, enabling smoother operations.

Ultimately, the best smart locks for Airbnbs make it easy to automate your business processes and improve the overall guest experience. 

Other Airbnb hosting ideas you might like:

• The Best Sheets for Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
• Best Towels for Airbnb that Guests Will Love
• The Best Couch for Airbnb for Every Budget and Style – 2023
• Best Pots and Pans for Your Airbnb Kitchen
• The Best Mattress for Airbnb Guests under $50
• 15 Simple Airbnb Bedroom Ideas to Guarantee 5-Star Reviews

I hope you have found the smart lock reviews helpful. Please drop a comment below to let me know what you think of this article.

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Happy Hosting!