5 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb (2023 Review)

If you are an Airbnb host, you know that security and guest convenience are top priorities.

Smart locks make it easier to keep your home secure while providing convenience for yourself and your Airbnb guests.

In this blog post, we go over some of the best smart locks for Airbnb on the market so that you can choose the one that works best for your vacation rental.

We will discuss each lock’s features and benefits. By the end of this post, you should have all the information you need to decide which smart lock is suitable for your Airbnb vacation rental.

So let’s get started!

What are the Best Smart Locks for Airbnb?

• Best For Security – Schlage Encode
• Best Overall – August Lock
• Best Design – Yale Assure 2
• Best Technology – Google Nest x Yale
• Best Budget Option – ULTRALOQ

1. Schlage Encode

Pros

• Easy to install
• Simple, attractive design
• Grant up to 100 permanent, recurring, or temporary unique access codes and send virtual keys to guests via text or e-mail. 
• Advanced security features, including biometric authentication

Cons

• No direct Airbnb integration means hosts need to change codes for each reservation. 

2. August Smart Lock Pro

Pros

• Award-Winning Smart Lock – August was voted CNET Editor’s Choice in 2020 and 2021, Best Smart Lock by Good Housekeeping in 2021, and Best Smart Lock by Tom’s Guide in 2021, meaning it is true, tried, and tested!
• Easy installation – August locks fit perfectly over most single-cylinder deadbolts, and installation takes only 10 minutes. 
• The auto-Lock feature enables the door to lock automatically after a certain amount of time has passed.
• The August App can be linked with your Airbnb account for seamless integration.

Cons

• Many reviews note limited battery life
• Keypad necessary for Airbnb check-ins is sold separately which results in a higher cost

3. Yale Assure 2 Smart Lock

Pros

• More customization options than Schlage Encode and August Smart Locks as Yale offers different styles, finishes, and door handles.
• DoorSense technology means that doors automatically lock behind guests when they walk out.
• Universally recognized as of the best Airbnb smart locks on the market

Cons

• Unlike most smart locks, installation is not as simple, as a new deadbolt has to be installed in place of your existing deadbolt 

4. Google Nest x Yale Lock

Pros

• Through integration with the Nest Secure Alarm system, when the door is unlocked, the alarm disarms automatically. 
• Sleek, modern design
• Privacy Mode disables the keypad so it can’t be unlocked with the passcode, offering additional security for vacation rentals.

Cons

• Requires modifications to the door frame that can’t always be accommodated 
• A more tech-savvy option that may be suited for homeowners who are focused on security rather than short-term vacation rental management 
• Higher price tag than most other smart locks

5. Ultraloq U-Bolt

Pros

• Staring at only $99, the Ultraloq U-Bolt smart lock is an excellent option for those on a budget.
• Can be controlled remotely by smartphone or voice assistant
• Log record allows you to see who’s entered and exactly when they did from your smart phone
• Lifetime mechanical warranty and 18 months electronic warranty

Cons

• Ultraloq U-Bolt s missing some of the more unique features of other Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Series, such as fingerprint ID.
• Extra Wi-Fi Bridge is required

What are Airbnb Smart Locks?

An Airbnb smart lock is an electronic lock that allows hosts to grant guests access to a rental property without needing a physical key. 

Hosts can remotely control the lock using a smartphone app and grant access to guests for specific dates and times. 

Smart locks for Airbnbs provide added convenience and security for hosts and guests. 

What are the Benefits of Airbnb Smart Locks?

• Flexibility – Hosts can grant access to guests for specific dates and times, eliminating the need to be present for check-in or check-out.
• Simple and Secure System – When managing access to your Airbnb property, intelligent locks offer exceptional control and security. Many of today’s top smart locks feature advanced security measures such as encryption and biometric authentication, making it nearly impossible for uninvited guests to enter your home.
• No Physical Key Needed – You can manage who has access and change your access codes regularly, all without a physical key that can be lost or stolen.
• Easy Installation – No matter what type of lock you choose, installation is easy and can usually be completed quickly.
• Self Check-In – Guests appreciate the ability to easily access their rental without having to worry about lost keys or coordinating key exchanges.
• Reduced Liability and Increased Control – With a smart lock, hosts can limit their liability by ensuring that only approved guests have access to the property. Hosts can monitor access to their property from anywhere and revoke access to temporary access codes if necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if a Guest’s Phone Dies? 

Smart locks come with a backup key, so guests can manually unlock the door if they cannot retrieve the access code or if their phone is dead.

Airbnb hosts must provide clear instructions and a backup plan for guests in case of technical issues. This can help ensure guests have a seamless experience, even if their phone dies.

2. What if there’s a power outage or the Wi-Fi isn’t working? 

Smart locks typically come with backup keys as a fail-safe mechanism in case of technical issues or power outages. The backup key can manually unlock the door if the electronic mechanism fails. Some smart locks also have a keypad for keyless entry as an alternative to the backup key.

Some smart locks also have backup batteries that can be used in a power outage, so guests can still access the rental property even if the lock’s primary power source fails.

It’s essential for Airbnb hosts to keep the backup keys in a safe place in case of emergencies and to provide guests with clear instructions on how to use the backup key in case of a power outage or technical issue.

3. How Often do Smart Lock Batteries Die?

The frequency of smart lock battery failure can vary depending on the type of lock, usage, and environmental conditions. On average, a smart lock battery can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, but some high-end models can last up to 2 years.

It is recommended to regularly check the battery level of the smart lock and replace the batteries when they start to run low. Some smart locks also have built-in battery level indicators that notify the user when it’s time to replace the batteries.

Regular use, extreme temperatures, and high humidity can contribute to reduced battery life, so it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining the lock to ensure optimal battery life.

Final Thoughts

Installing an Airbnb smart lock in your vacation property is a must when it comes to starting your Airbnb vacation rental.

Most vacation rental owners place a lot of importance on incorporating the best mattresses, sheets, and linens but forget to recognize how self-check-in can significantly improve a guest’s overall experience.

Out of our top 5 best smart locks for Airbnb, we believe August Lock, Schlage Encode, and Yale Assure are the three most popular smart locks for Airbnb that make it easier to keep your home safe. 

August Lock is a battery-powered Bluetooth-enabled deadbolt that works with other August accessories, allowing you to control the lock remotely. You can also connect it to your voice assistant or smartphone for even greater convenience. 

On the other hand, Schlage Encode is a Wi-Fi-enabled deadbolt that works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It allows you to lock and unlock the door remotely with your smartphone or voice assistant and set up access codes for multiple users.

The significant difference between the two locks comes down to their power sources and connectivity. 

August Lock is battery-operated, so there’s no need for power cables or a wired connection. This makes it ideal for renters who cannot modify the door frame. 

Schlage Encode, on the other hand, requires an internet connection. As such, it might be better suited for those who own their home and want to make it as secure as possible.

When it comes to features, both locks are nearly identical. Both allow you to control the lock remotely and set up access codes for multiple users. 

However, August Lock is better suited for those who want flexibility, while Schlage Encode is ideal for those who want added security.

Yale Assure is the middle-ground option between August Lock and Schlage Encode. It has Wi-Fi compatibility, so it requires an internet connection, and it doesn’t require an outlet—just batteries. Yale Assure offers more customization options than the other two locks, such as different styles, finishes, and door handles, making it the most modernly designed smart lock. 

Overall, August Lock is best for renters who need a flexible solution that doesn’t require any modifications to the door frame, Schlage Encode is ideal for homeowners who want heightened security, and Yale Assure provides the most customization options.