As an Airbnb host, it’s extremely important to make sure your properties are safe and secure! A smart lock allows you to do just that. Taking that extra step from a traditional high-quality deadbolt to a more technologically-advanced model can seem a bit overwhelming. However, you’ll find that the majority of Airbnb smart door locks are very simple to install and use! Read below to determine which smart lock is the best smart lock for Airbnb.
Rental smart locks are a great choice for those who are getting started with Airbnb arbitrage as well. Plus, the peace of mind they provide and the ability to lock and unlock your door from anywhere are infinitely helpful features. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what smart locks are and which product is the best smart lock for you Airbnb rental properties.
What is a smart lock?
The main purpose of a lock for your front door is to provide safety and security. Smart locks do this and so much more with an added layer of convenience and technology. There are various makes and models of smart locks with different capabilities and features. Some have a numbered keypad, while others have the traditional keyhole. Still others use fingerprint recognition.
When deciding which is the best smart lock for Airbnb rentals, keep the following features in mind. A smart lock connects to your smartphone using wifi or Bluetooth; some smart lock models connect to both, providing a more reliable connection. Using a coordinating app on your smartphone, you’re able to lock and unlock the door. More importantly, smart door locks enable you to monitor comings and goings of all guests staying at your home. You can control your lock from almost anywhere. To ease your hosting woes, find your best smart lock for Airbnb.
Rental smart locks typically rely on batteries which will need to be replaced every six months to a year. Based on the other technology you currently own, you may be able to control the smart lock just by talking to it through your voice assistant. If you have a security camera by your door, you can vet visitors in real time and unlock the door for them if you choose. Now that is one incredible feature for an Airbnb smart lock.
Why do I need a smart lock for my Airbnb properties?
Safety is one of the most important things guests look for when selecting an Airbnb. Airbnb smart locks not only aid in an extra level of protection for the guests, but they also protect you, the host. With a smart lock, you can set a unique door code for each guest. This ensures that they are the only ones who will be able to enter the property. Some Airbnb smart door locks have apps that will send you a alert in the form of a push notification when it seems that there may be suspicious activity taking place, such as someone typing in the wrong passcode several times.
A rental smart lock truly provides you with the high level of safety and security. This is exactly what is needed for successful Airbnb properties. The controls are right at your fingertips with easy-to-use apps. If you’d like to give your guests full control of the lock, just ask them to download the smart lock’s app, or in some cases, just give them their own unique door code. It’s as easy as that!
Smart locks are a safer choice than traditional door locks because you control the settings completely. You are able to modify the code or fingerprint settings for each new guest to avoid anyone else being able to open your door. Plus, smart locks are in the same price range as a premium standard key lock, around $100 to $300.
The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Properties
Below, take a look at our favorite smart locks for Airbnb properties. While each model varies as far as its capabilities and features, you’re sure to find one that’s the perfect match for you!
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Consider this high-tech lock a key that works anywhere. You can easily attach the August Smart Lock to your current deadbolt. This gives you the capability of using the smart lock or your physical keys as needed. Another great feature is auto-lock and unlock. Every time the latch is activated to open the door, the smart lock is signaled to re-lock the door after your chosen designated amount of time. Should you have this feature activated, an automatic lock will be instigated in a time interval of your choice.
You’ll be able to send secure keys (codes) to family, friends, or your Airbnb guests through the August app. Additionally, you can elect to use your smartphone’s fingerprint or face recognition as another way to control the smart lock. August is truly one of the best smart lock apps,. This August model provides a real-time activity feed to keep you updated at all times. This lock has wifi built in with no additional hardware needed. The August smart lock is ready to use right out of the box.
With a high average rating of 4.2 stars, the August Smart Lock is highly recommended for Airbnb property owners. Reviews praise this lock for being an “amazing product” that’s “smoother and sleeker” than other models currently available.
DATO Smart Lock L-B400
Open the DATO Smart Lock with a tap of your phone, your fingerprint, or a passcode; the choice is yours. This smart lock is a great choice for Airbnb hosts. It features easy installation and advanced AI learning that improves your experience over time. A true modern luxury design,
The DatoHome app gives you the power to manage, create, or delete user codes at any time right from your smartphone. If you’re worried about the batteries dying unexpectedly, DATO has provided the perfect solution. It emcompasses a micro USB port that can be connected to a portable power bank. Do keep in mind that this smart lock relies completely on technology and does not allow you to use a traditional key.
With an average rating of 3.9 stars, the DATO Smart Lock is one of the most popular on the market today. Customers say, “simply the best digital door lock I have ever owned,” and that it has “great quality, design, and price.”
Schlage Encode Deadbolt
Available in Camelot, a gorgeous beveled design, or Century, a sleek rectangular model, the Schlage Encode Deadbolt is not just aesthetically pleasing, but also provides all the functionality you’re looking for in a smart lock. The built-in wifi gives you the power to lock and unlock the door from anywhere. This lock allows you to manage up to 100 different access codes at one time. The Schlage Home app and Key by Amazon app are both compatible with the Schlage Smart Lock.
Voice control, compatibility with Alexa, and built-in alarm technology are some more great features of this lock possesses. This gives the Schlage Encode smart lock the potential title of best smart lock app. To open the door, many options exist. You may use your traditional key with this smart lock. Most commonly, you and your guests can simply tap in a code on the touchpad and using one of the Schlage Smart Lock’s compatible apps.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, the Schlage Encode Deadbolt is one of the most highly-recommended smart locks on the market. Customers love that it is a “truly smart lock with bonus features” with “top of the line tech.” This truly is an awesome choice as a best smart lock for Airbnb.
Kwikset SmartCode 888
This Kwikset model features keyless entry as well as the option to use a traditional key. It easily connects to your home technology. The Kwikset smart lock displays a sleek metal design that comes in three high-quality finishes: Polished Brass, Satin Nickel, and Venetian Bronze. It offers the ability to manage 30 unique entry codes, an optional auto-lock feature, and notifications that allow you to see the lock’s status and activity.
This Kwikset model works with the Z-Wave Plus chipset, which boasts of superior wireless encryption and extended wireless range. It’s simple to install, program, and use and operates with four AA batteries. However, a traditional key (referred to as SmartKey Security) can be used as a backup in the event of the batteries dying.
With a high rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, the Kwikset SmartCode 888 is definitely a smart lock worth checking out. Customers rave that this lock is a “great smart lock at a great price.”
Google Nest Yale Lock
This tamper-proof smart lock is a secure and high-quality replacement for your current deadbolt. As the product description explains, “Most locks are made for keys. This lock is made for people”. By connecting to the Nest app, you have the power to lock or unlock the door from anywhere. You can also give individual passcodes to your Airbnb guests and monitor when they come and go.
The Google Nest Yale Lock will notify you anytime someone attempts to tamper with your lock, as well as when the batteries are running low. Since this smart lock doesn’t accept traditional keys, you’ll want to make sure to stay on top of replacing the batteries!
Scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars, the Google Nest Yale Lock is highly recommended by many satisfied customers and qualifies as one of the best smart locks for Airbnb owners. “This lock is beyond smart,” they report. You’ll definitely have “peace of mind with this lock!”
Main Takeaways
Now that you’ve read all about our most highly recommended smart locks, here are some additional classifications that should help you decide which one is the best smart lock for Airbnb property owners! You are truly on your way to finding your best smart lock for Airbnb.
| Category | Best | Worst |
| Functionality | Schlage Encode Deadbolt; allows users to create 100 unique access codes | DATO Smart Lock L-B400; lacks ability to use traditional key |
| Accessibility | Google Nest Yale Lock; designed with user-friendly features in mind | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock; can be difficult to initially connect to a wifi network and some guests have experienced difficulties connecting to the app depending on the operating system of their cell phone |
| Technology and app compatibility | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock; compatible with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and app; can use fingerprint, voice commands, and facial recognition | KwikSet SmartCode 888; connects to your Home Connect security system but doesn’t have its own app |