We have tested 10 smart locks and found five to be the best smart lock for Airbnb rentals. 

We came to this conclusion by analyzing the distinct characteristics that the highest-reviewed smart locks on the market have, followed by trying them out for ease of use and effectiveness and ending with comparing the benefits and disadvantages between the brands and models. 

This extensive process allowed me to see the products for myself and utilize them if I were running an Airbnb and needed it to be as secure as possible. 

After completing all the research, the results were evident, and I can say that I would feel completely confident in the best smart lock for Airbnb rentals that I found.

The components of the number one choice checked all of my pre-designated boxes for non-negotiable elements in a smart lock. I knew that with choosing a lock specifically for a vacation rental, that additional consideration would need to be accounted for, including:

• The ability to sync with Airbnb for easy check-in and check-out
• A capability to control the panel from a long distance away
• Long-lasting durability with a low chance of malfunction

When you are hosting an Airbnb from afar, the last thing you want is the lock malfunctioning and the guests having no way to enter the residence. 

This situation is critical when you don’t reside in the same geographic region as the vacation rental and have no way to get there to fix the issue.

Although the top choice within this article indicates all the top-notch benefits that a smart lock can have, other options lend themselves to different situations. 

For those looking for a smart lock for an Airbnb closer in proximity, some options are ideal for you. Additionally, if you are looking for a lower-cost product, many quality smart locks will fit your needs. 

To learn more about our top choice selection, as well as the other contenders, continue reading below!

Below we will list all of the smart locks that passed my specific testing process. The products below reflect all the top features that one would desire to have in a smart lock that you will use in an Airbnb vacation rental. 

Overall Best Smart Lock for Airbnb – Yale Assure Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The Yale Assure Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with several integration apps, including Airbnb, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home Kit. 

You can purchase the device in both a touchscreen-only and a touchscreen with a keyhole entry model. The lock is also sold in a variety of finishes.

The Yale Assure Wi-Fi Smart Lock features an automatic lock ability that secures the door upon entry or after a set time has passed. You can control this smart lock from anywhere with your phone, and the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge allows you to feel confident in the performance of the lock. 

Additionally, If there is a power outage, a battery backup kicks in to allow service without interruption. 

An additional perk of this smart lock is being alerted when anyone enters or exits the home. Therefore, you can immediately know when your guest checks in due to a notification that shows up on your home screen. 

The integration with the Airbnb app makes the process of check-in seamless. As soon as customers book their stay, an automatic email is sent to them with their personalized check-in code for the door lock. 

This code will begin working on the day they are set to check-in and refrain from doing so after their check-out time. 

Benefits:

• Compatible with Airbnb application
• You can control the smart lock from a distance
• Utilizes a battery backup for power outages
• It comes with a wi-fi connection bridge for easy and reliable operation
• Easy to install and operate

Disadvantages:

• It has a higher price point than others on the market
• You will need separate wi-fi connection bridges if you own more than one device

Best for Local Vacation Rentals – LockState RemoteLock 5i WiFi Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock

RemoteLock is a direct partner of Airbnb when it comes to smart locks with optimal app integration. Like the previous smart lock option, the LockState RemoteLock syncs with the Airbnb calendar. 

The application will receive the reservation information and immediately create a check-in code for the guest.

You can access the central administration portal through a mobile phone or computer for manual creation and management. 

You can opt to receive instant notifications when a guest enters and departs your home, and you can choose to lock your vacation rental from hundreds of miles away. 

A benefit to the LockState RemoteLock is its ability to use a regular internet router instead of a unique wi-fi connection bridge. You can even operate more than one lock on the same IP address. 

However, the LockState RemoteLock does not allow for automatic door locking upon entering and leaving the residence. Additionally, the device does not come with a battery backup for instances of a power outage.

Benefits:

• Syncs with Airbnb calendar for automatic code creation
• It can operate via mobile phone and computer from a distance
• Official partner of Airbnb for smart locks
• Utilizes standard internet routers instead of a particular connection bridge or hub
• Sends instant notifications when a guest enters or leaves the residence

Disadvantages:

• It does not include a battery backup
• Requires a monthly subscription fee to create individual codes

Best Low-Cost Option – Igloohome Deadbolt 2S Digital Smart Lock

For those looking to include an Airbnb integration capable smart lock but don’t have a large budget to utilize for the expenditure, the Igloohome Deadbolt 2S Digital Smart Lock is an option to consider.

This smart lock allows hosts to secure their vacation rentals without breaking the bank. 

The low-cost alternative is especially beneficial for those who have more than one rental and want to outfit each one with a smart lock for optimal security and ease of entrance for guests. 

This price point can allow security and monitoring for all of your residences instead of choosing one or another or introducing them one at a time as finances allow. 

In addition to automatic Airbnb calendar syncing, the Igloohome Deadbolt Smart Lock doesn’t require the internet to operate. The device can utilize Bluetooth, encryption, and synchronization to allow consistent performance in all conditions. 

An external battery backup is also included to reduce the chance of interruption in service. 

Benefits:

• Utilizes Airbnb calendar app synchronization, allowing for automatic code generation
• Internet isn’t necessary to operate the device long distance
• There is no need for a separate Internet hub
• Lower price point than other comparable smart locks on the market
• Includes a battery backup for instances of a power outage

Disadvantages:

• The lock does not work across international borders
• Several customers have had the internal components break down after 18 months

Highest Price Option – Your Smart Lock and Checkout Button

This Airbnb smart lock option is at the top of the price range for comparable items on the market and has many high-quality features that vacation rental owners can utilize. 

One of the top perks of this specific lock is its featured checkout button. This button allows guests to signal when they are leaving the rental, which can then be programmed to alert the cleaning crew that they can start resetting the rental for the next group of guests.

The simple interface and design of the smart lock help guests to enter the residence with ease. The automated code creation allows for a hands-off approach to rental management as it generates a unique code with each reservation that comes through your Airbnb calendar. 

It will then remove the code after the guest checks out, allowing for an inability to re-enter the rental with the same code.

In addition to the automation, you can receive notifications directly to your phone when your guest enters the home and leaves it. Your purchase includes a SmartThings hub, which allows for a secure internet connection when operating your smart lock from afar. 

Benefits:

• Syncs effortlessly with both Airbnb calendar reservations and Homestay
• Generates personalized codes for each stay and emails them to the guest
• Includes a SmartThings hub for safe connection 
• Includes a designated checkout button that can be programmed to trigger housekeeping services after a guest leaves the premises
• Sends optional notifications to your phone when a guest enters and leaves the vacation rental

Disadvantages:

• Requires a separate monthly subscription for each smart lock you utilize
• It does not provide a battery backup for instances of power outages

Best Option Without Integration – Kevo 2nd Gen Bluetooth Touch-to-Open Smart Keyless Entry

Although this option does not integrate precisely with the Airbnb scheduling app, it does operate in a way that is conducive to the operations of a vacation rental. 

The Kwikset Kevo 2nd Generation allows you to have two operational keycodes at a time. The first code is specifically for the homeowner, and the other can be programmed for your guests. The second code will be automatically deleted 24 hours after its designated period of use. 

You can continue to create new codes (still using just two at any given time) on an unlimited basis for no additional cost.

When you are at the residence, you can open the lock with your code or through Bluetooth. You don’t even need to take your phone out of your pocket. 

The lock will register your device’s proximity through Bluetooth technology and will unlock for you. You can also utilize a smartwatch to open the same way. If you find your hands are full and you can’t maneuver the lock, no worries!

Benefits:

• Bluetooth enabled device location that unlocks the door hands-free
• Allows unlimited unique codes
• Automatic door locking technology where the door locks 30 seconds after opening
• Operates in a variety of temperatures and environments
• Works with many smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa, Ring, Nest, iPhone, Android Wear

Disadvantages:

• You can only have two codes per time
• It does not integrate with the Airbnb scheduling app

Best Smart Lock for an Airbnb – Buying Guide

When looking for the best smart lock for your Airbnb, you want to consider all the available features for the different brands and models. 

There is a lot of variety between the types, and many features can prove beneficial when you have a vacation rental that isn’t within proximity to your home.

Some of the premium features that will benefit both you and the safety and security of your Airbnb vacation rental are:

Airbnb Application Integration

All but one of the above options has this capability. But, in a nutshell, it allows the smart lock to interact directly with the online application that manages your Airbnb reservations. 

Therefore, when a new guest reservation comes in through the Airbnb website, the smart lock automatically recognizes the new stay. It then generates a unique keycode for the door and sets a time restriction for it (therefore, the guest can’t check in earlier than their stay or remain longer than their reservation).

Not only does the smart lock create the personalized codes on the spot, but it also takes the liberty of sending them to the guest via email, text, or phone notification. The method of communication will depend on the personal preference of the guest and the settings within their application. 

With some smart lock options, the guest can even signal to the host that they check out through a specialized check-out button on the smart lock.

When the guest presses this button, it not only alerts the host that they are leaving the premises, but it can also be programmed to alert the housekeeping crew that the vacation rental is ready to be reset for the next round of guests. 

This option eliminates a lot of back and forth communication between the host and the cleaning crew, allowing for a more efficient process.

Internet Connection

Many of the smart lock options above, and others on the market, utilize two different access methods for the internet. 

Standard Wi-Fi Network Connection

This method allows you to access and operate your smart lock utilizing the same internet you use for your home. There are no special hubs or networks required. 

You can administer functions on your smart lock from hundreds or thousands of miles away. In some cases, you can even manage your smart locks across country lines. 

Wi-Fi Connection Bridge or Hub

Some smart locks require a more formal internet setup with a higher security level. Although this does afford additional protection from hackers, it can be problematic to set up and maintain. 

Additionally, if you have more than one smart lock, you will at times require a separate connection hub for each device, even in the same location. 

Although some smart lock owners appreciate the extra level of protection that a wi-fi hub allows, others find it to be more troublesome. 

Many owners prefer the ease of using their already established internet connection and not having to worry about different permission levels for all of their devices. 

Additionally, there are a few options that operate with Bluetooth. The last device highlighted in the list above utilizes Bluetooth to work. However, these don’t always coordinate well with rental applications like Airbnb and Homestay. 

Low Maintenance and Longevity of Life

When you are not near your vacation rental, you don’t have the privilege of popping over to address any problems. Therefore you want to find a smart lock that will require little maintenance over time and that will also provide for your Airbnb for as long as possible.

It is necessary to pay close attention to the reviews from previous customers and current users for this information. This information will provide you with a true testament to the longevity and durability of the device. 

Many smart locks run on a battery to operate the keycode portion of the device. For some models, the batteries will last for a few months, and others will serve their purpose for closer to a year. 

It will be vital to continually monitor the battery level through the monitoring applications to ensure that it doesn’t deplete. 

Some options also come equipped with a battery backup system that kicks in during power outages or when the primary battery source dies. Although this is helpful, the battery level will also need to be monitored to ensure that it can be utilized when required.

It is worthy to note that outside conditions can affect the life of your batteries. Extreme heat and cold can deplete the power level more rapidly than standard conditions will. 

Ease of Installation

Nothing is worse than getting a new device where you struggle to get it installed correctly. Smart locks can have some moving pieces in that they require some manual installation as well as technical. 

Some customers have paid for professional installation just to find out that the installer didn’t do it correctly. They are then stuck with a smart lock on their long-distance rental that doesn’t work as it should.

It can be challenging to set it up correctly for those smart lock options with a connection bridge or hub. This fact is especially true for those with more than one smart lock due to some models requiring a separate hub for each lock.

When looking at all the options available for smart locks, be sure to keep an eye on customer reviews for complaints regarding installation. Customer reviews will give you an unbiased testimonial as to their experience, and installation is no exception.

Whereas some models can be installed by the rental’s owner with no issue, others have been more challenging and require several calls to support multiple professionals. 

In summary, the features that you should keep in mind during your search for the perfect smart lock are:

• The ability to sync with Airbnb for easy check-in and check-out
• A capability to control the panel from a long distance away
• Long-lasting durability with a low chance of malfunction

The Bottom Line

When selecting an appropriate smart lock for your Airbnb or vacation rental, it is essential to keep in mind all the actions you need it to perform.

Our top option, which we have determined our best overall pick, checks all the boxes necessary for optimal performance, application integration, and ease of use for long-distance owners.

The Yale Assure Smart Wi-Fi Lock comes packaged with a wi-fi connection bridge which allows for a higher level of security on the Internet. In a world where hackers are prevalent and your long-distance vacation rental security is at stake, additional protection can prove beneficial. 

The seamless integration between the Yale Assure Smart Wi-Fi Lock and the Airbnb calendar reservation system leaves an otherwise tedious process as very hands-off for the host. Instead of having to assign unique codes to each guest and send them upon reservation or before check-in, the smart lock does it all for you. 

You will receive a notification on your phone of a new reservation having been made, but there is no action to perform on your part. The technology handles it all—it’s like having a virtual assistant for your vacation rental!

Additionally, the automatic lock feature is an excellent enhancement to the device. For many guests who are in vacation mode, running in and out of the rental is typical. 

Many are on their way to the beach or enjoy the outdoors, and it doesn’t register to them that they need to lock the door. However, it is your personal property and Airbnb, and you want it to remain there.

The automatic locking feature senses when someone has left or entered the home and locks it quickly. This security and protection leave you and your guest’s belongings safe and where they should be.

To purchase the Smart Locks above, visit the retailer website or Amazon for more information and possible warranty and purchase plans.