8 Best Smart Locks for an Airbnb
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023Upgrade 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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Buying a Smart Lock for Your Airbnb
Smart locks top the list of “must-haves” for your Airbnb. They’re convenient, allowing a hands-off check-in process for owner and guest. Plus, they’re reprogrammable. No worries that someone will take your key and lose it — or worse, copy it.
Whether you’re just thinking about starting your own Airbnb business or you’re a seasoned veteran host, here’s what to look for when purchasing a smart lock for your Airbnb:
- Ease of use: If your guest can’t figure out how to get in the front door, it doesn’t bode well for the rest of the stay — or your chances for a five-star review.
- Amenities: Get the most out of your smart lock with Wi-Fi access, smart home compatibility and more.
- Security: Knowing your property is secure gives you peace of mind.
- Cost: Smart locks aren’t cheap, but they come in a range of prices to fit most budgets. If your new smart lock is part of a home security system, you may qualify for a tax deduction, too.
Here are the best smart locks for your Airbnb.
Best All-Around Smart Lock for Airbnbs
If you’re looking for a high-quality, easy-to-install smart lock for your Airbnb, 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 individual 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 for 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 if a guest accidentally leaves the door open.
Best Easy-to-Install Smart Lock for Airbnbs
If you’re looking for a simple install, the August Smart Lock + Connect replaces only 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.
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.
“This lock does it all! Easy easy to install,” Amazon verified purchaser Margaret writes. “Up and working within minutes!”
Best Smart Lock With Built-In Wi-Fi
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 Wi-Fi Smart Lock comes ready to go right out of the box, 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
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 S 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.
Amazon verified purchasers Matt and Sandy use these locks on multiple doors in their Airbnb. “Great finish, nicely built, easy to install, and great instructions, even if you aren’t a handyman,” they write.
Most Stylish Smart Lock for Airbnbs
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 also 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. (Wi-Fi hub sold separately).
“Nothing can be as beautiful as this on your door,” writes Amazon verified purchaser ttmaraway.
Best Smart Lock for Off-the-Grid Airbnbs
Many people use Airbnbs 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 smart 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’s got a lot of perks.
Best Value Smart Lock for Airbnbs
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 5-in-1 Smart Lock gives Airbnb owners plenty of great options for a fraction of the cost. For less than $100, 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 byecruzer calls the Ultraloq U-Bolt, “a great little lock. I use this for my Airbnb and it works great.”
Best Splurge Smart Lock for Airbnbs
Listed at about $300, the Schlage Encode is 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. “We put it on our Airbnb door. Now I want one for my house.”
