Smart locks are a game changer. Using your smartphone (which is always on you) instead of keys (which are easily lost) to unlock your front door is such a simple solution. Why didn’t anyone come up with it sooner?
Smart locks haven’t just changed the game for homeowners. Landlords have also fallen for smart locks. No more going out to meet tenants, renters, and Airbnb guests to drop keys off or open the door for those who’ve locked themselves out.
And if anyone moves out, no need to worry about changing the locks! Smart locks allow you to create and remove access codes for guests and tenants.
Smart locks are perfect for property owners who rent out their properties on platforms like Airbnb, but which are the right smart locks? Let’s take a look at the Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Rentals.
If you’re in a hurry, here’re my favorite smart locks for Airbnb.
Keep reading to understand the metrics that I looked at to find the best smart locks for Airbnb properties.
What is Airbnb?
I think almost everyone knows what Airbnb is, but for those who don’t, here’s a quick description.
Airbnb is an online platform that connects people who want to rent out properties with people who are looking for short-term rentals in the same area.
The biggest draw about Airbnb for renters is that it’s relatively cheaper than hotel stays in the same city or town. They can rent a room in a local area and live just like the locals do in a home.
Why Use Smart Locks With Airbnb Rentals?
If you’re a landlord who rents out properties on Airbnb, installing a smart lock is a smart and beneficial move. Smart door locks have easy installation and simple maintenance. Some of the best smart locks can be installed and work with your existing locking mechanisms.
Smart door locks offer numerous home automation benefits for landlords and Airbnb guests.
- The check-in and check-out process is super simple and doesn’t even need to be in-person.
- You have the security of tracking door lock activity.
- Provide keyless entry with unique codes for multiple users.
- Guests feel safer knowing that each entry code is brand new.
- Tip is to give an easy to remember PIN code like the last 4 digits of the user’s phone number.
- Easy Check In instructions and process and guests.
- Landlords feel protected because there’s no need to change locks with each new guest.
- If a guest is locked out, you can use the remote unlock feature.
- On the flip side, you also have remote locking abilities for unruly guests.
- Provide voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit even.
- Connect to other smart devices and smart home security systems like SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, Vivint, and others. Utilize built-in alarms and other compatible devices with security capabilities.
- Peace of mind that someone hasn’t copied your lost keys because you now have electronic smart keys with non-permanent codes.
- Less manual work for you with more home automation.
For smart locks to work with your Airbnb rental unit seamlessly, you will need to have one that works with at least a WiFi connection.
Smart lock technology will work on other network protocols like Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and more, but WiFi is the most basic for most lock brands.
You’ll also have different options for controlling your locking system and other smart devices, whether on location or remotely. Many smart locks provide smart phone apps (Android and iOS iPhone) that’ll allow you to create unique passcodes, has auto lock functions, and voice assistant control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Let’s get into the details now and see why these 5 smart locks are the best ones out there.
Top 5 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb
1. Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave
If you’re a fan of slim and simple designs on smart locks, the Yale Assure lock SL with Z-Wave is sure to make you look twice. Its modern aesthetics come with a stylish keypad on the outside and 4 different colors for different types of doors. It can be paired with a door handle or door lever, as well as be a standalone, touchscreen keypad.
The Yale Assure will replace your existing deadbolt lock. The electronic lock is all motorized too, unlike traditional lock and key systems. There’s no physical keyhole either.
The backlit keypad responds very well to input when your guests are entering their pre-programmed key codes. You can create unique user codes for each guest and once the Airbnb stay is over, you can delete those codes for unauthorized access.
The auto lock features ensures that your door is always locked when it’s not locked. It helps protect your home when short-term guests happen to forget. If your guests happen to forget their personalized codes, you can also easily give them temporary access with new, unique pass codes.
Once you connect your Yale Assure smart lock to your WiFi network, you are able to access a variety of functions. You’ll also be able to watch the smart lock’s activity on your smartphone from anywhere, at any time. This can help you make your guest check in and check out process as seamless as possible.
Yale does have another version of their Yale Assure Lock SL that has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. That gives you access to voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri / Apple HomeKit. The WiFi/Bluetooth version does come with a high price though.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt looks and feels robust and secure at first glance. It comes in two designs – Camelot for a classic style look, and Century for a bolder, industrial look and feel.
Four different color options also work with multiple decors – aged bronze, bright chrome, matte black, and satin nickel.
Up to 100 access codes can be programmed to give your Airbnb guests access to the property. Being able to create multiple codes is a great home security option. Keeping track of the codes will be the hard job, but you can easily delete codes if unused or unsure.
The fingerprint-resistant touchpad is nice and responsive when entering access codes. It prevents leaving fingerprint marks on the responsive touchscreen, so someone else will not know what numbers you pressed to gain access.
It also features a one-touch locking button for easy operation. The WiFi components are built into the smart lock itself, so there is no need for any additional accessories to be used in conjunction with the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt.
When it comes to installing it on your door, the unique Snap ’N’ Stay technology snaps the deadbolt lock onto the door during installation. That leaves both your hands free to be able to use just a single screwdriver to complete the installation process.
Connecting to the Schlage smart lock via your smartphone and controlling its features remotely requires you to link it up to your property’s WiFi network. Once that’s done, all the features of your Schlage smart lock can be controlled through the Schlage home app on your smartphone.
3. August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge
The August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) is an older version of the new 4th Gen model of the August smart lock.
Feature-wise, they’re both essentially the same. Features include auto-lock and unlock, DoorSense and live-time notifications on this 3rd gen model. Voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
I do have to say that the auto lock feature is one of my favorites because I used to forget locking the door a lot. Automated locking is great as an extra security measure. You can also set the auto lock time for how long before it starts automatic locking.
The biggest differences between the two are size and an additional device that comes with this 3rd Gen model. The 4th Gen version is about 45% smaller than the 3rd Gen model.
The 3rd Gen model also comes with a WiFi Bridge called the “Connect” device. The Connect allows the August lock connect to a WiFi connection. The Connect has to be constantly plugged into a wall socket and located near the smart lock.
The 3rd Gen does have Z-Wave built-in, so it can connect to other Z Wave devices that you might have, like Ring video doorbell cameras. If you already have a Z Wave smart hub like Samsung SmartThings or Wink devices, this good-looking lock is an option.
4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)
The August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Generation is one of the more popular smart locks for Airbnb properties.
If you’re looking for a minimalistic look and feel for your Airbnb’s front door, this smart lock is both simple and super functional. The circular design and brushed silver color on the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock proves that form and function can exist without compromising either.
August locks are high quality and offer many features and benefits. August works with your existing deadbolt locking system. That allows you to still use your existing physical keys if you want, but most landlords will only use digital keys. Especially handy if there happens to be a power outage.
Renters can download the August app (Android and iOS) and landlords will send digital keys through the app to open the door locks. What if the renter doesn’t have a smartphone?
August locks can also be paired with another August Home smart device, the August Smart Keypad. Landlords can send keycodes to guests, so they can enter the rental property with a door code. The keypad lock provides another way to enter the property as a backup.
There’s no complicated installation too as you just need a screwdriver. The August lock fits on most standard doors and works out of the box with an internet connection through WiFi. Battery life is about 6 months and the lock uses 4 AA batteries. But if the lock isn’t correctly installed, the battery life won’t last as long.
August locks have advanced technology that has features such as automatic locking and unlocking. The door locks behind people as they enter or leave, and can also auto unlock based on geofencing proximity using your smartphone’s Wifi or Bluetooth connection.
Another great feature is Door Sense which notifies you of lock status, if your door is open, closed, locked or unlocked. All these features can be controlled through the August Home app, from wherever you are as long as it’s connected to WiFi.
5. Nest x Yale Lock
The Nest x Yale lock was made specifically for Nest smart home system integration, but it works just as well for Airbnb thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity and relative ease of use and simple installation.
Like the Yale Assure smart lock above, this smart lock (also from Yale) features keyless entry with the ability to create multiple codes for your family, friends, and Airbnb guests.
The design of this smart lock is quite similar to the Yale Assure mentioned above, although a little less stylish. The touchscreen keypad that is not as visually striking as the former one. This Nest x Yale Lock also replaces your existing lock.
When you connect your Nest x Yale lock to your property’s WiFi, you can use the Nest app to control all the features of the smart lock remotely. The Nest app does a lot more if you have other Nest smart devices like the Google Nest smart thermostat, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with Google Nest Protect, Google Nest video cameras, and more.
Final Thoughts on Smart Locks for Airbnb
There are many smart door lock options out there that run the gamut of lock brands, platforms, and price ranges. I only cover five smart locks here, but there are plenty of others like Kwikset Kevo Plus and Ultraloq.
Smart home devices also use different network protocols like WiFi, Z-wave Technology and Zigbee. You can use different smart home hubs like Samsung SmartThings.
If you use other rental services like HomeAway, Booking.com, Guesty, or VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner), smart locks will work with all of them for good guest experiences.
No matter your needs, there’s a smart lock out there for you.
Best Overall
The best overall smart lock for Airbnb would have to be the Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave, as it’s the best mix of design and functionality. Plus, Yale has been a trusted brand in home security locks for over 180 years now.
Best Value
The smart lock offering the best value goes to the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. as it is a smart lock powerhouse and packs an impressive number of features for its price.
Best Budget Friendly
The August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge is a great choice for budget conscious landlords. It lacks functionality found in other pricier smart locks, but it does what a smart lock is supposed to do, and you have remote access to it.
The bottom line is many smart home devices combinations will work for your Airbnb and vacation rental properties in remote locations.
You could pair a smart video doorbell with a smart lock, but I’m not sure that works for rental spaces. Those feel better served when you’re living there yourself.
In the end, find what’s best for your needs and the type of smart features you want.
