Best Smart Door Locks for Your Airbnb in 2024 That Are Easy to Install & Keyless
Updated: Apr. 07, 2024
Upgrade your Airbnb property with a smart lock and make life easier for you and your guests. Here's a collection of some exceptional options.
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Smart locks top the list of “must-haves” for your Airbnb. They’re convenient, allowing a hands-off check-in process for owners and guests. Plus, they’re reprogrammable. No more worrying that someone will take your key and lose it—or worse, copy it.
Tech consultant and Airbnb Superhost Qaid Jivan sees lots of folks coming and going from his top-rated Airbnb in Vancouver, and says it’s important for guests and property owners to prioritize safety. Jivan always chooses smart locks to secure his properties because they have several benefits over traditional locks. “They’re more secure (nearly impossible to pick), easy to update with each guest and they provide easy access to your suite in case of an emergency,” Jivan says. “Added bonus: With smart locks, there’s no fumbling with lockboxes, which makes for a better guest experience overall.”
Best Overall Smart Lock for Airbnbs
Yale Assure 2
Pros:
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Easy to install and automate codes
- Optional auto-lock feature
- Custom entry codes
- Available in multiple finishes
Cons:
- Pricey
If you’re looking for the best smart locks for Airbnb that are high-quality and easy to install, you can’t go wrong with Yale. It’s a trusted brand that’s been making locks since 1840.
The Yale Assure 2 makes hosting easy by integrating directly with your Airbnb account. Once you pair the Assure 2 with your listing, the Yale software generates entry codes that last only as long as the reservation. If your guest cancels, the code is invalidated. Plus, you can grant timed access to your cleaning service and repair professionals.
The Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled Assure 2 works with Alexa, Google Home, Ring and many other smart home devices. It even alerts you if there’s been unauthorized entry or a guest accidentally leaves the door open.
“I’m a fan of the Yale smart lock,” Jivan says. “It can integrate with short-term rental management apps including Airbnb, which can automate new door codes for each guest (and then send them the code). Easy peasy.
The smart lock is one of the handiest smart home devices on the market. Learn what is a smart key door lock!
Best Easy-to-Install Smart Lock for Airbnbs
August Smart Lock
Pros:
- Very easy to install
- Works with your favorite smart home system, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue and more
- Hands-free
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Custom entry codes
- Available in different finishes
Cons:
- Doesn’t include keypad
- Pricey
If you’re looking for a simple install, the August Smart Lock replaces the inside thumb turn on your deadbolt. The lock is smart, though, allowing Airbnb hosts to control access, assign codes and integrate with Airbnb’s app. August Smart Locks work by replacing the thumb turn on the inside of your door, which makes the existing deadbolt smarter, more secure and way more convenient for guests.
Hands-free auto-unlock is convenient for guests who arrive with their arms full of ski equipment or groceries. And the original deadbolt key still works for manual access if needed.
Best Smart Lock with Built-In Wi-Fi
August Home Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Pros:
- Upgrades existing deadbolt
- Award-winning smart lock
- Easy to install
- Grant access with August app
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t include keypad
Many smart locks offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but often you have to buy a hub—at extra cost—to connect to your home’s network. The August Smart Lock comes ready to go right out of the box, with no additional purchase necessary.
It offers all the features you want in an Airbnb smart lock, too: remote access, the ability to assign multiple codes for guests and service persons, and seamless Airbnb, Alexa and Google Assistant integration. This attractive smart lock is easy to install, too.
Best Interior Door Smart Lock for Airbnbs
Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock
Pros:
- Ideal for indoor use
- Reversible handle
- Auto-lock feature
- Affordable
- 5-in-1 entry: Fingerprint, code, fob, smartphone and key
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
Cons:
- Touchpad can be a bit finicky
Just because you open your home to guests doesn’t mean they need an all-access pass. If certain places in your Airbnb are off-limits, like the attic, basement or an interior closet, check out the Sifely Keyless Entry smart lock. It’s easy to install on non-deadbolt interior doors. It can be operated via your smartphone, a key, fob, code or even your fingerprint.
Verified purchaser Nikolai Zlatarev says the Sifely lock is easy to install. “This is a solid product that offers a great set of lock/unlock features. These are easy to understand, easy to use, and have a modern touch to them. Installation is also easy—just make sure not to overtighten the two small screws at the top and bottom of the lock, as they can break. The Bluetooth setup is intuitive, and the configuration of each lock/unlock method from the two I used (fingerprint and passcode) worked without a glitch,” they write. “Truly impressive.”
To learn more, check out the pros and cons of keyless entry systems.
Most Stylish Smart Lock for Airbnbs
Eufy Security Smart Lock
Pros:
- Sleek, modern design
- Rechargeable battery provides long-lasting power
- Lightning-fast fingerprint unlocking
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Expensive
- Wi-Fi hub sold separately
Many Airbnb hosts carefully create the guest experience. If you’re one of those hosts, you’ll want your Airbnb smart lock to be functional but reflect your aesthetic.
The Eufy Security Smart Lock won’t disappoint. Made with high-quality materials (no cheap plastic parts here), the Eufy Security adds style while providing top-notch functions, like fingerprint recognition, auto-locking and Bluetooth accessibility.
Best Smart Lock for Off-the-Grid Airbnbs
Kwikset Aura Bluetooth Door Lock
Pros:
- Bluetooth-enabled
- In-home locking and unlocking
- Affordable
- Auto-lock option
- View history log and receive notifications through Kwikset app
Cons:
- Must be in Bluetooth range to control lock with phone
Many people use Airbnb in cities, beach resorts and other popular tourist destinations, but sometimes they want to get away. Far away. If you’re operating an Airbnb in the middle of nowhere, don’t hide a key under a fake rock.
Even without Wi-Fi, Kwikset’s Aura Bluetooth Door Lock allows Airbnb owners to set individual codes with time limits for guests, cleaners and contractors. You can control the lock with a smartphone. You have to be in Bluetooth range, but for off-the-grid locations with no internet, the Kwikset Aura has a lot of perks.
Best Value Smart Lock for Airbnbs
Ultraloq U-Bolt Keyless Entry Door Lock
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Durable
- 5-in-1 entry: Keypad, smartphone, auto unlock, shake to open and key
- Bright backlight for nighttime use
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Doesn’t have all of the smart tech features as high-end models
Smart locks offer tons of helpful services for Airbnb owners—Wi-Fi accessibility, smart home integration and timed access codes. Unfortunately, smart locks commonly cost several hundred dollars.
Luckily, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Smart Lock gives Airbnb owners plenty of great options for a fraction of the cost. For less than $160, Ultraloq gives hosts keypad and Bluetooth accessibility, auto locking and integration with popular smart home devices.
This lock doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. But Amazon verified purchaser Mike Dowgwillo says, “Every now and then you find an exceptional product on Amazon. My first was a $20 grill cover that was built to withstand 1 million years in the sun and rain. My second is this lock.”
“We tried multiple brands of cheaper ones for family and friends (it’s kinda been my go-to gift; lock + install) and then we got this,” Dowgwillo says. “It is way more heavy duty than any of the others we have tried. It is easy to install and is highly secure.”
Best Splurge Smart Lock for Airbnbs
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Pros:
- Built-in alarm technology
- Fingerprint-resistant, classic design
- Works with Amazon Key, Alexa and Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Users recommend installing Schlage Home app and Amazon Key for maximum features
If you’re looking to splurge on a smart lock with a thoughtful design, the Schlage Encode is one to look at. It’s a little pricier than other smart locks on our list, but the Schlage name and enhanced security features justify the splurge.
The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen keeps prying eyes from guessing your guests’ passcodes, and the Encode’s built-in alarm technology alerts you to forced entry. This smart lock comes ready to use, too, with built-in Wi-Fi and compatibility with multiple smart home devices.
“Wish I bought sooner,” writes Amazon verified purchaser Mary C. “We put it on our Airbnb door. Now I want one for my house.”
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Lock for an Airbnb
Smart locks are the way of the future. For Airbnbs, they can make your guests’ arrival smoother, provide an extra layer of safety and make managing the property easier. Before deciding on which smart lock will work best for you, take these things into consideration:
- Installation: If your door is already fitted for a knob and lock, installing a new smart lock should be pretty simple with the help of a few tools. You can hire a professional to install it if the instructions seem slightly out of your league. Always read the product description to ensure the lock is compatible with your door size, shape and material.
- Entry system: Smart locks use several different tech features to activate. There are fingerprint, code and Bluetooth/WiFi or app options that allow you to gain entry. Consider what makes the most sense for your Airbnb regarding your guests and location. For example, we suggest a smart lock that works great for off-the-grid Airbnbs.
- Features: Like with all technology, special features upgrade your experience and make you more connected. Some smart locks can connect with other smart home devices, provide real-time updates and allow total lock control from your phone. Others let you create custom entry codes, which is especially useful for Airbnb owners who manage a lot of guests.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman with expertise in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends. We consulted several experts, including Ally Childress, a Dallas-based licensed electrician, and Qaid Jivan, a tech consultant and Airbnb Superhost who runs a top-rated stay in Vancouver.
How We Found the Best Smart Locks for Airbnbs
We consulted several experts to find the best Airbnb smart locks on the market. From there, we researched Airbnb smart locks—looking at cost, safety rating, technological features and consumer reviews—to determine which smart locks are the best for securing your property and are worth your time and money.
FAQ
Do I need a smart lock for an Airbnb?
Let’s put it this way: You don’t want to spend time, energy and resources waiting for guests to arrive to let them into the property when they can easily and securely let themselves in with a smart lock. Smart locks are also a great way to keep your rental safe if a guest attempts to return to the property without permission at a later date. With unique entry codes and other smart features, you remove such risk.
Is Schlage Encode good for an Airbnb?
Yes—and it made our list! Schlage Encode gets great reviews from Airbnb hosts who prefer an easy-to-install, sturdy and reliable option. Users also report that Schlage has outstanding customer service.
Do you need a professional to install your smart lock?
Not necessarily. Many smart door locks are easy to install DIY-style. However, hiccups can occur depending on Wi-Fi connectivity issues and whether you have a custom-made door. Many of the best smart locks for Airbnb rentals offer multiple lock options to circumvent any issues.
Jivan recommends having a professional install it if you’re unsure about what you’re doing or unable to properly connect your smart lock to your Wi-Fi. “If you have an older generation lock, it can sometimes require being placed closer to your router,” he says. “I made this mistake on my first suite and had to go through a major headache to link it properly.”
Originally Published: March 15, 2023
