9 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Vacation Rentals, Tested and Reviewed
Updated: Jul. 25, 2024
We tested the best smart locks so you can upgrade your Airbnb property and make life easier for you and your guests.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Smart locks top the list of “must-haves” if you own and operate your own 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 forget to lock up or take your key and lose it. The best locks provide peace of mind and efficient security for you and your rental property.
Tech consultant and Airbnb Superhost Qaid Jivan sees many people 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.”
Our team of expert product testers researched, installed and operated the top smart locks on the market to determine which are the best for different circumstances. The team spent nearly 60 hours testing the best smart locks for Airbnbs. Below are their top nine picks.
Best Overall
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
- Smudge-resistant exterior
Cons:
- Push notifications are delayed
- Pricey
If you’re looking for the best smart lock for Airbnb options 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.
Our product testing team gave this smart lock high marks. “It’s slick, slim and efficient,” Associate Product Tester Dylan Fischer says. “The Yale Assure Lock 2 tops our list as the best overall smart lock because it has a solid amount of customization options that allow you to use the lock exactly as you want, and you can even save yourself some money if Wi-Fi capability isn’t necessary.”
However, if you want to use it with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home Kit, Philips Hue, 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.
We love that this pick is compatible with short-term rental management apps, including Airbnb, which can automate new codes for each guest. The smart lock is one of the handiest smart home devices on the market.
Our testers found one hiccup with this top choice: The app’s push notifications were delayed, sometimes by a minute or two. Additionally, they were expecting to get an alert every time the door was opened or closed, but the app limits notifications to only when it’s locked and unlocked. However, if you don’t need instant notifications regarding lock activity, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Best Deadbolt Adapter
August Home Wi-Fi Lock
Pros:
- Very easy to install, uses existing deadbolt
- Works with your favorite smart home system, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue and more
- Award-winning smart lock
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Grant access with August app
- Available in different finishes
- Upgradable with keypad
- Door sensor included
Cons:
- Doesn’t include keypad
- Pricey
Many smart locks offer Wi-Fi connectivity, but often you must 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, including remote access, the ability to assign multiple codes for guests and service personnel, and seamless integration with Airbnb, Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Samsung SmartThings and Google Assistant. This attractive smart lock is also easy to install.
Despite the lack of clear physical instructions, installing this lock only took our team 25 minutes. (They used the video in the app for installation.) The installation was made easier thanks to the flexible connectors that were inserted into the threaded hole. The whole device, in general, is very malleable and can be adjusted and maneuvered.
“This uniquely futuristic-looking lock is in a league of its own,” Fischer says. “We love how simple it is to fit over your existing deadbolt, and we can’t get over how smooth it feels to turn it back and forth.”
Best Off-Grid
Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt
Pros:
- Offline access codes for guests
- Fingerprint access
- Messaging via app
- Outside portion is weather-resistant (-4°F to 140°F)
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
- Multiple modes of entry
- Fast reaction time
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Expensive
- Chunky profile
Many people use Airbnb in cities, beach resorts and other popular tourist destinations, but sometimes they want to escape. Far away. If you’re operating an Airbnb in the middle of nowhere, don’t hide a key under a fake rock; use the Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt to secure your property.
“This lock is so versatile; it not only works for an off-grid cabin but also for your own home,” says Associate Product Tester Sheri Kaz. While you have to be in range for WiFi and Bluetooth to be enabled, the lock provides offline access codes to send to guests, cleaners and contractors for the duration of their stay. You can also set up fingerprint access via the app and “eBadges” which allows guests to control the lock and receive messages once they’ve downloaded the app. If all else fails, the lock has two physical keys, too.
Best for Airbnb Hosts
Smonet Smart Deadbolt
Pros:
- Eco-pledge friendly
- Slim design
- Multiple ways of entry
- Touchscreen
- Free lifetime technical support
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Not suitable for cold climates
If you’re looking for a smart lock with an app that’s easy for guests to navigate, the Smonet Smart Deadbolt is one to consider.
The TTLock App can connect multiple products and has a big lock/unlock for ease of use. Like most other smart locks, the app stores the history of activity. Plus, a surprising number of options are included, like remote unlock, auto lock, passage mode (which remains unlocked until manually locked), tamper alert, privacy lock and more.
“Airbnb hosts will love the Smonet lock for its slew of guest customization options (both e-keys and specially made passcodes), which allow full, easy control of user access permissions,” Fischer says. “Just be prepared to budget a bit extra for the Smonet Gateway for remote access over the lock.” Hands-free auto-unlock is convenient for guests who arrive with their arms full of ski equipment or groceries.
Our product testing team’s concerns with this lock are the weak installation instructions and its overall appearance. While the Smonet lock is cheaper than almost all the other options on this list, it also looks that way. The touchscreen is a step down from those on higher-end options, and the key cover is made of plastic.
Best Budget
Eufy Security Smart Lock
Pros:
- Sleek, modern design
- Rechargeable battery provides long-lasting power
- Lightning-fast fingerprint unlocking
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Weatherproof
- Slim profile
- Scramble passcode feature
Cons:
- Confusing buttons
- Wi-Fi hub sold separately
“Coming in with all the features you need but at a lower price, the Eufy Security Smart Lock is an easy pick for our best budget smart lock,” Fischer says. “We especially love the scramble passcode feature that hides your password from prying eyes.”
Despite being affordable, the Eufy lock is made with high-quality materials (no cheap plastic parts here). It adds style while providing top-notch functions, like fingerprint recognition, auto-locking and Bluetooth accessibility. Best of all, Wi-Fi is included—no extensions needed.
Plus, this one took our team just 15 minutes to install, and they loved how it looked. If you’re an Airbnb host looking to cultivate the guest experience carefully, you’ll want your Airbnb smart lock to be functional but reflect your aesthetic. Our team noted that the buttons were a bit confusing at first glance, but we quickly discovered that users must push the checkmark button to lock or unlock every time.
Most Attractive
Hornbill Smart Deadbolt Lock
Pros:
- Black or silver with gold detail
- Touchscreen
- Multiple modes of entry
- Very easy to set up
- IP63 rating against heavy dust and rain (-4°F to 158°F)
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
- Immediate reaction time
- Free lifetime technical support
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Touchscreen prone to smudging
Our team of testers named the Hornbill Smart Lock the most attractive smart lock they tested in the studio. “This is a good-looking lock in person,” says Fischer. He adds that the lock is lightweight yet doesn’t look or feel cheap at all.
The Hornbill lock has a touchscreen, fingerprint access, app control, e-key, passcode entry, key fobs, mechanical key, remote control access and more. You’ll need to connect it to a WiFi hub like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home for additional features like voice control.
Our testers loved how easy installation was with this smart lock. It only took them about half an hour to install this lock, and setup in the app was easy, too. You can access eKeys and passcodes from the app that can be permanent, timed, one-time and recurring. You can also use the app to assign user administrative privileges to other hosts or guests as well as view timed or permanent activity logs for all locks and unlocks. Out of town? This one comes with remote unlock and auto lock, so you can provide security from wherever, whenever.
Best Compact
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock
Pros:
- Compact design
- Durable
- 5-in-1 entry: Keypad, smartphone, auto unlock, shake to open and key
- Bright backlight for nighttime use
- Easy to install
- Hidden keyhole
- American-made
Cons:
- Small buttons
- Finicky keyhole cover
Smart locks offer many helpful services for Airbnb owners, including Wi-Fi accessibility, smart home integration and timed access codes. Unfortunately, they can sometimes be overwhelming to install and look clunky on small doors.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Smart Lock gives Airbnb owners plenty of great options at a fraction of the size and cost. It still has keypad and Bluetooth accessibility, auto locking and integration with popular smart home devices. So, you don’t have to sacrifice key features to save space.
“The Ultraloq U-Bolt is a very elegantly designed locking system that is easy to install and operate,” Kaz says. “I especially love the small 3-inch keypad that won’t overwhelm your entry door with hardware.”
With this smart lock, you’ll still get fingerprint access and smartphone control (with Ultraloq Wi-Fi Bridge), auto lock and unlock, an anti-peep keypad and extreme durability. In fact, this lock has a dust and weatherproof IP65 rating, and its external pieces can survive -31°F. Not sold yet? Our product testing team confirmed that installation is a one-person job that takes less than 15 minutes!
Best Ring-Compatible
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Pros:
- Built-in alarm technology
- Fingerprint-resistant, classic design
- Compatible with Ring, Vera, Google Assistant and Amazon Key
- Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-enabled
- Easy to install
- User-friendly app
- Traditional design
- Available in 5 colors and 3 styles
Cons:
- No low battery mode
- Keypad could stay lit longer for better user experience
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 is also ready to use, with built-in Wi-Fi and compatibility with multiple smart home devices, including Ring.
Our product testing team loved all of the features of the Schlage, with its connectivity to popular smart home devices. “With its reputation as a leader in the lock world, this is a solid choice when it comes to home security,” Kaz says. “The only thing that is lacking is fingerprint entry.”
Best Keyless
Wyze Smart Lock Bolt
Pros:
- Fingerprint access
- Saves up to 50 fingerprints
- Keypad included
- Affordable
- Installation with compatible door requires screwdriver only
- App tracks lock/unlock, jams and more
- IPX5 rated to withstand weather conditions
- Emergency USB charging
Cons:
- No smart home integrations
- Gateway needed for remote access (not included)
If you’re a fan of Wyze products and want a keypad with features like fingerprint unlock, then the Wyze Smart Lock Bolt is for you. Plus, the app has its own setup guide with pictures and videos that make for easier installation. “The app has its own setup guide that we highly recommend using over the included printed manual,” says Fischer.
This was the first smart lock our product testing team installed, and it took almost an hour to install with two people. Downloading the app, creating an account and setting up a passcode for the lock took about 15 additional minutes.
Our testers found that the fingerprint unlock feature worked seamlessly. With the capacity to save up to 50 different fingerprints, you can grant access to whomever you want, whenever you want. Our testers also appreciated that the auto-lock feature worked well and could be adjusted to lock 15 seconds to 15 minutes after unlocking. All of that can be controlled in the Wyze app, which will record a history of lock activity (when it locks and unlocks, how it’s used and if it gets jammed). The lock will also beep if it doesn’t lock properly, and you’ll receive a message via the app with an alert.
The keypad and lock combo are matte black and satin nickel, and the keypad is backlit for visibility. The Wyze Lock Bolt Bluetooth smart lock’s ultra-fast fingerprint reader unlocks your door in less than a second.
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
Our team of expert product testers assembled and used every smart lock on this list. They spent an estimated 56 hours testing smart locks, including researching, sourcing, taking samples, and testing the products firsthand. They tested all the locks’ smart features to let you know about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, smart home assistant integration, app usage and more. They also tested physical features like appearance, durability and weather resistance. Finally, they determined which locks were best for different purposes, so you can shop smarter as an Airbnb host or homeowner with varying needs.
We also consulted several experts, including Ally Childress, a licensed electrician based in Dallas, 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
Ahead of the testing, Product Tester Dylan Fischer and Frank Tritschler, Senior Builder for Family Handyman, constructed a makeshift external door with a frame, deadbolt, handles and siding so that all the smart locks were installed on the same door to ensure they were tested under the same conditions.
After the door was built, our team tested a variety of smart locks, including a doorknob replacement lock, two deadbolt adapter locks and nine deadbolt replacement locks. Five different tests were performed on each lock, and our team collected 475 data points.
In addition to testing the locks on this list for ourselves, we consulted several experts to find the best Airbnb smart locks on the market. We also 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, 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 connect your smart lock to your Wi-Fi properly. “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
