Smart lock for Airbnb home and vacation rental

7 Best Smart Locks For Airbnb [From 14 Locks] (2024)

Would you like to lock your vacation home with an Airbnb smart lock?

It allows you to lock and unlock your vacation home without a key. It also enables you to grant access to guests and keep track of visitors.

This shortlist brief has been compiled from 14 smart locks listed in a comparison table. We picked top 7 Airbnb smart locks.

What you will gain from here:

With that, let’s first look at how the smart lock market is growing and becoming popular among Airbnb properties.

Statistics show that in the US only 63 million homes use smart home devices. Airbnb’s winter update includes smart locks, so hosts can automatically generate door codes guests can access with their Airbnb app, email, or notifications before they arrive.

Smart locks are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6% between 2023 and 2030, reaching USD 8.13 billion by 2030.

What causes smart locks’ popularity? (you may ask)

    • Convenience and security in residential and commercial spaces
    • Control access remotely
    • Temporary access codes and activity logs
    • Increased adoption of individual homes, hotels, supermarkets, banks, financial institutions, corporate structures, and commercial buildings

Together, these factors drive the smart lock market’s growth and are expected to continue doing so.

Nowadays, it’s more of a necessity than a luxury feature.

What is a Smart Lock?

A smart lock is an electronic lock that uses different authentication methods including biometrics, codes, and keycards to control access.

Smart locks are a great way to add additional security and convenience to Airbnb properties. They provide the ability to lock and unlock the front door remotely, give virtual keys to access the door, and track who comes in and out. 

Smart locks also allow for custom rules to be set for each guest, providing an extra layer of safety and control. 

These features make smart locks an ideal choice for Airbnb properties, as they provide a secure and convenient way to manage access.

Smart locks is part of home automation movement that is growing fast. Similar to smart mirrors and smart digital wall calendars for smart homes.

What are the best Smart Locks for Airbnb?

Here are our top 7 smart locks that we think are best for your Airbnb property. Take a closer look at each option bellow. These are the best smart locks for rental properties and each have some unique feature.

U-tec ULTRALOQ smart lock

The Ultraloq Latch 5 comes in two forms of fingerprint and NFC. It’s a Real Keyless smart lock. You can unlock with fingerprint, app, code.

Guess what’s cool about it? The 360° Live Fingerprint ID! Seriously, it unlocks in a blink – 0.3 seconds, to be exact – and it’s almost never wrong, like 99.8% accurate. All thanks to its brainy AI fingerprint thing that gets smarter the more you use it.

Grants access for specific dates or times, manages multiple doors, users, and syncs locks effortlessly.

Allows users to add or delete users and view a log of who has entered and when from their smartphone.

They got your back with a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty. 

Oh, and to top it off, there’s an electronic warranty that lasts 12 to 18 months. They’re basically saying, “We’ve got you covered, no worries.”

Key Features

    • Battery: Four AA batteries (8000 cycles) (if 20 times per day then it lasts 1 year)
    • Compatibility: Alexa, Google, SmartThings, IFTTT. Android and Apple smartphones, as well as the Apple Watch through the U-tec app.
    • Auto-Lock: You can set the auto-lock feature to lock the door 30 seconds after
    • Codes and scheduling: Control access by setting dates and times. Add or delete users at your convenience and track entries on your smartphone.
    • Connectivity: Built-in WiFi for control anytime, anywhere—no extra hub needed.
    • What we like: Multiple doors management, easy installation, high quality
    • What we don’t: Lack of traditional key feature

We picked the Schlage smart lock as the first one. It is the best combination of performance, features and build quality. 

The lock comes with a built-in alarm, fingerprint-resistant keypad, and scheduling options. This device offers a fingerprint-resistant 12-button touchscreen keypad with a one-touch lock function and a bright display to remain visible even in direct sunlight. The keypad has an LED back light and gives illumination in the dark for better visibility. 

To help deter potential intruders, it comes with an optional built-in tamper alarm. It has a built-in Wi-Fi radio that connects directly to your home network, just like August’s Smart Wi-Fi lock.

It connects with your property management software and syncs the lock to the system. So, when your guest checks in, it cleverly switches the door code to the last four digits of their phone number. 

Once guests check out, that code gets wiped out automatically. 

This feature is a game-changer for automating your whole Airbnb gig and scaling up effortlessly. 

Using any property management service such as Guesty, you’d expect to pay 75 cents per code generation since they make the process so easy.

With this, you can use your Ring security system, as well as Schlage and Key by Amazon home automation systems. If enabled, you will be able to offer access codes and remotely ope

Key Features

    • Battery: 4 AA batteries. 
    • Colours: Aged Bronze, Bright Chrome, Satin Chrome, and Satin Nickel.  
    • Compatibility: Amazon, Alexa, Google Assistant
    • Auto-Lock: time varies depending on what’s convenient for user (4 to 15 seconds).
    • Codes and scheduling: It has multiple scheduling options and you can store 100 codes (permanent and temporary).
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
    • What we like: Great build quality
    • What we don’t: It lacks the battery life of competitors like Nest x Yale, Not compatible with Apple Home kit
nest yale

The Next x Yale is a great smart lock for those with Google Home ecosystems. It’s compatible with Google Assist voice commands. You can easily connect to the Nest Connect module via Wi-Fi and can control everything through your phone. 

It comes with a great app with different colours and features like a sensitive keypad. 

The companion app has lots of cool features, like locking/unlocking remotely, enabling privacy mode to disable the keypad, accessing the history log, and getting guest passcodes. With the Nest x Yale, you have complete control over your home security with the convenience of voice control and an intuitive companion app.

Key Features

    • Battery: 4 AA batteries (about 1 year) (when low blinks in red, sends notification)
    • Compatibility:
    • Auto-Lock: Boost security and peace of mind by setting the lock to automatically secure when everyone is away from home.
    • Codes and scheduling: Give passcodes instead of keys—add up to 20 users. Note, there are limitations on remote user additions and scheduling certain codes.
    • Connectivity: Connect directly with the Nest app. No need for home Wi-Fi.
    • What we like: Seamless integration with Nest products, Keyless, Great Design
    • What we don’t: Limitation in remotely adding users

Enhance home security with the Igloohome Smart Lock, Deadbolt 2S model. This keyless smart lock boasts features like a security keypad, auto relock, masked security code, and emergency jumpstart.

It is one of the slimmest smart locks on the market. 

The Igloohome Lock has three modes of access: pin code, visitor pin code, and key fob. Bluetooth key access allows you to unlock your door using your smartphone, and easy lock mode lets you enter without tapping unlock each time you want to enter.

It stays on your existing door, right above the handle or knob. 

As an Airbnb host, sync your calendar with Igloohome for automatic guest PIN code creation. You can see a history of who accessed the codes, you can sync this lock with your Airbnb account, and you can also just open the app and tap to unlock the door.

Manage the lock through the Igloohome app, sending PIN codes and Bluetooth keys anytime with their unique algoPIN™ tech. The app also allows you to track dates and times at which visitors enter your home

Check door compatibility before buying – consider factors like thickness and clearance. The lock is designed for doors with a thickness between 40mm – 60mm. 

You can sync your Igloohome Smart Lock with the Bridge for remote control anytime, anywhere. The Bridge is compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi and can link up to 5 locks with one Bridge. Also, It is mobile app-enabled and can work completely offline so you do not have to worry about Wi-fi hacking.

Key Features

    • Battery: 4 AA batteries
    • Auto-Lock: Auto-locks the door after a set time.
    • Codes and scheduling: Create and manage PIN codes for easy access. Schedule specific access times or restrict entry as needed.
    • What we like: Very slim design, great features
    • What we don’t: Can’t know who access the lock when out of range
wyze smart lock on the door

Wyze smart lock replaces the thumb locking handle on the back of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt lock, not the lock, cylinder or mechanism.  This eliminates the need for a locksmith to install the lock, making it a much more affordable option. 

Furthermore, the Wyze smart lock is easy to install and compatible with most existing deadbolts. It also has a keyless entry feature, so you can lock and unlock your door with the push of a button.

To install you don’t need a screw and instead, it gets attached with a magnet. This makes it easy to install and doesn’t require any tools. It’s also very secure, as it’s almost impossible to tamper with.

With the lock, you can connect via Bluetooth to a Wi-Fi gateway that’s plugged in and needs a 2.4 GHz connection. This gateway allows you to control the lock remotely, using the accompanying app. You can also set custom unlock schedules and track the lock’s usage.

Key Features

    • Battery: 4 AA batteries
    • Compatibility: Alexa, Google, Voice Control
    • Auto-Lock: Enable the auto-lock feature to automatically secure the door within 15 seconds to 15 minutes.
    • Codes and scheduling: Set permanent or temporary entry codes, add up to 20 codes and 50 fingerprints. Easily schedule times for locking or unlocking.
    • Connectivity: Linking to the Wyze app through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, this lock offers remote access, viewing history, and unlocking capabilities from anywhere.
    • What we like: Easy installation, Smoothly connects with your current deadbolts, Plus, the best part? It’s got this cool hands-free locking/unlocking.
    • What we don’t: Limited integration to all smart home devices
yale assure smart lock

The Yale Assure is a beautifully designed smart lock. The new generation is now supporting the Bluetooth and Apple Home functionality built-in. 

You can also connect to the Wi-Fi without connecting a bridge. However, having the Wi-Fi options eats up the battery life much more. So it’s better to use some rechargeable batteries. 

It also comes with an auto-lock feature. When you’re close to the door, the lock can detect you. Also, you can use the keypad, or through the app or using your Apple watch. 

There are two models, one that accepts keys and one that doesn’t. 

You can create custom codes to open the door. Great option for Airbnb owners to create new codes for visitors. 

What do you get in the box? The interior plate, the deadbolt, the exterior, the batteries, and the multiple-size screws for your door. If you need to replace your strike plate, they have extra long screws for you to put in.

Installing locks gives you a template so you can measure to make sure everything lines up correctly. 

After installing the lock, you can lock and unlock it by tapping on the green circle in the middle of the discovered lock. You can give different users different types of access by tapping on an invite. If we set up a personal entry code we can also set up a schedule to go along with it. We can also have alerts notifying us when that person has arrived. 

Key Features

    • Battery: 4 AA batteries
    • Compatibility: Amazon, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple’s Home kit 
    • Auto-Lock: you can set the auto-lock feature to lock the door 30 seconds after
    • What We like: Smaller design with display that is very responsive
    • What we don’t: Battery life is about 3-6 months (go with rechargeable batteries)
kwikset smart lock

The Kwikset Aura Bluetooth door lock is like your home’s superhero.

You control it with the Kwikset app on your phone. Within Bluetooth range, you’re the boss – lock or unlock from your phone, no keys needed.

And if you’re old-school, traditional keys work too.

You can set it up for dates, times, or one-time use passcode. Perfect for vacationers, housekeepers, or that handy contractor.

Oh, and here’s the kicker – it doesn’t need Wi-Fi for remote access, and the Bluetooth range is about 100 feet, depending on your digs.

The Kwikset Aura Bluetooth lock is perfect for Airbnb. Create time-limited codes for guests, cleaners, and contractors, managing access hassle-free and securely. (up to 250 codes)

Key Features

    • Battery: 4 AA batteries (Audio and visual alert when battery is low)
    • Compatibility: Kwikset app
    • Colours: Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, Matte Black.
    • Auto-Lock: Customize auto-lock time within Bluetooth range using the Kwikset App – options range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
    • Fire Rating: Certified for withstanding the 20 minutes in fire
    • Single Use: Create a single use passscode
    • What We like: Having flexibility of codes and traditional key
    • What we don’t: Not supporting through voice assistant platforms, design

Smart Lock's For Airbnb Comparison Table

Smart Lock Price Code/eKey Nice Feature
Igloohom Deadbolt 2S $209 Max 285 Ease of installation
UltraLoq Latch 5 $269 Max 49 Design
Schledge Connect Deadbolt $206+ Max 30 Build quality
Nest x Yale $279 Max 25 Integration with Nest
Wyze $123 Max 50 Easy installation
Yale Assure 2 $259 Max 25 or 250 (smart module) Responsive display
Kwikset Aura $110 Max 250 +Traditional key
Sifely Keyless $139 Max 200 Store many fingerprints
Eufy smart $259 Max 100 Robust build
August Wi-Fi $229 - Ease to setup and use
Lockly Vision Elite $499 Max 16 HD camera, motion sensor
Acara U100 $199 Max 50 Integrates with Apple Home
Hornbill Smart Lock $199 Max 300 Good fingerprint reader
Somnet $199 Max 300 Good battery life

Battery Life

Another feature of smart lock is a battery life.

The longevity of battery life stands as a crucial factor for smart locks, as it plays a direct role in shaping the lock’s overall functionality. 

When the battery life extends, it inherently lessens the need for frequent battery changes, thereby mitigating the potential risk of lockouts arising from dead batteries.

Beyond this, an extended battery life significantly contributes to fostering a more reliable and convenient experience for both hosts and guests, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted operation of the smart lock system.

Security

Ensure top-notch security. Opt for a smart lock with a robust system to prevent unauthorized access. Seek models with strong encryption methods, safeguarding device communication from potential hackers.

Pick a lock with tamper detection.  It would be great to have the capability to grant temporary access to guests or service providers through features such as guest codes or time-limited access. This enhances their convenience, control, and security.

Managing Locking and Unlocking for Guests

security and management of smart lock

Smart locks offer a convenient and hassle-free check-in process for guests. 

Eliminating the need for physical keys or coordination for key handoffs. 

This results in a smoother and more positive guest experience, potentially leading to better reviews and increased bookings.

Hosts like you can handle property access from a mobile app. No need for face-to-face key handovers – just shoot over digital keys or temporary access codes to your guests.

Smart locks offer hosts a time and effort-saving solution by removing the necessity to be physically present during guest check-ins. This proves especially advantageous for hosts juggling multiple properties or those with hectic schedules.

Hosts have the flexibility to manage property access from anywhere by providing digital keys or access codes to guests, cleaners, and other authorized individuals. 

Whether it’s from a computer, phone, or tablet, this ensures convenience for both hosts and guests.

Individuals gain the capability to monitor entries and exits from the property.

Notifications and access logs are available to hosts, enabling them to stay informed about guest arrivals and departures, ultimately boosting security and providing peace of mind.

Plus, with the smart home you can seamlessly connect with various aspects of their stay, like heating or lighting in the property. This integrated approach not only enhances the overall stay but also presents hosts with a comprehensive solution for a top-notch guest experience.

Installation and Fit

Things that are important are how easy is installation of the lock. It should be somewhat easy so the owner can do it with following some instructions.

It is also important to make sure the lock is compatible with the existing door.

Factor in the smart lock’s fit, finish, and build quality for an overall positive experience for hosts and guests.

Hello🙂 Tech enthusiasts and Eco-warriors! I'm a dedicated content producer on a mission to explore the intersection of smart technologies and a sustainable, Eco-friendly world. With a background in technology, I bring a unique perspective to the evolving landscape of innovative solutions that make our lives smarter and our planet greener.