Discover the 5 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb in 2022

Airbnb is a great way to make money from your property while also getting to meet interesting, new people. This article will review the top contenders for the best smart lock for Airbnb

One of the most frequently discussed topics about Airbnb rentals is the matter of security. Hosts are worried about keeping their rentals secure to avoid damage to their property and, more importantly, their reputation. 

On the other hand, guests are also worried about their personal safety and how to keep their belongings secure while staying at these charming home properties. 

As I will show you below, security is not a matter to be taken lightly for Airbnb rentals, whether you are a property owner or a renter.

Why You Need to Get the Best Door Lock for Airbnb Rentals

I speak from experience here, as five years ago, my brother and his wife converted an old log cabin near their home into a luxurious weekend getaway. They have rented it out on Airbnb ever since. 

Along the way, they have slowly built and added two more log-style cabins and are now earning a comfortable income from their popular rustic retreats. However, they made a critical mistake by compromising on security and not getting the best door lock for Airbnb

While it is an absolute dream for them to have new people come to visit them and experience the splendor of the nearby woods, they have faced their fair share of problems, too. 

A few guests accidentally left their doors open after leaving, and vagrants trashed the two of their cabins during the night. They stole valuable appliances and caused hundreds of dollars worth of damage. 

Last year, one of the cabins was also broken into when they were visiting their son in Chicago. This resulted in another heavy loss for them.

They eventually reached out to me and asked me to help them secure their property. I set out to do my research and recommend them the best keyless door lock for rental property.

The result is this list of five smart security devices to help you finalize the best door lock for Airbnb rentals in 2022.

Why Smart Locks and Airbnb Rentals Go Together

Why Smart Locks and Airbnb Rentals Go Together

The first thing that I am going to discuss is how to find the best keyless door lock for a rental property or, in other words, what are the factors that determine the best smart lock for Airbnb.

Now, while you can still use a regular old door lock for your rental property, it’s not the smart way to do things. 

Here’s Why You Need to Switch to Smart Locks on Your Airbnb Property

  • If using traditional door locks with keys, you need to be physically present to hand over the keys. This system requires you to stay on the property at all times to be available for your guests.
  • Alternatively, you can hire someone else to do it for you, but it will drive up your operating costs.
  • Using physical keys takes away some of the freedom associated with Airbnb that is highly valued by guests. Most property owners also favor the policy of minimal interference that is part and parcel of being an Airbnb host.
  • Handing over keys physically to every new guest can be an operational nightmare with an ever-increasing pile of lost keys, misplaced keys, or even stolen keys that be used to break into your property at any time. 
  • Think about it, is changing your locks every time an ideal solution? No, it’s not. 

Before proceeding further, let me explain what a smart lock is and expound on its key features and benefits. This will also help you understand why you need to find the best smart lock for vacation rentals. 

  • A smart lock is a lock that works digitally, i.e., reset, locked, and unlocked using WiFi, internet, or Bluetooth.
  • These locks are the future of hosting and offer users multiple ways to secure their property by monitoring who can access it via a remote app.
  • It is a cutting-edge security innovation that enables keyless check-ins and check-outs. Guests can log in using the keycodes shared with them or even by installing a specialized app on their smartphone.
  • A smart lock lets you track your guests’ movements and also gives your guests the freedom to come and go as they wish. As a property owner, you get automated notifications anytime a guest checks in or departs. 
  • You can also reset the keycodes for the next guest digitally from anywhere in the world as long as you have WiFi. You can also set different codes for your guests and your housekeeping staff to keep tabs on who is accessing the rooms and at what time. 
  • These locks further keep you apprised of what your guests are up to, what’s their arrival and departure schedule, etc. They even enable you to manage future bookings via integration with an automated property management system. 
  • In a post-pandemic world, smart locks allow contactless entry and check-ins. This enables property owners to charge more for providing COVID-safe stays. 

After examining the key points of smart locks, let’s see how to pick the best smart lock for vacation rentals or the best WiFi door lock for Airbnb.

Things to Look for While Seelecting the Best Smart Lock for Airbnb

Things to Look for in the Best Smart Lock for Airbnb

Once you start your search for smart locks online, you are inundated with page after page of smart lock recommendations. So how do you separate the grain from the chaff and find out the best smart lock for Airbnb?

Well, let’s take a look at the qualifying criteria that helped me shortlist the best WiFi door lock for Airbnb.

1. Security is Top Priority

Well, the first thing that one should look for in the best keyless door lock for rental property is the strength and durability of the lock itself. 

Apart from smart security features like customized keycodes and smart app access, the locking mechanism itself should be sturdy enough to secure the door on the rental property. A smart lock should be strong enough to withstand any attempts to pry open the door or kick it down

2. It Must be User-Friendly

Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone who stays at an Airbnb rental is young or tech-savvy. The smart lock for your rental should be user-friendly and easy to use for people from all walks of life. 

This is why I recommend going for smart locks with keypads, as all the renters or guests have to do is punch in the keycode shared with them. This is something that can be easily managed by everyone from young, energetic globetrotters to seniors making the most of their post-retirement years.

3. Easy Installation is a Must

The entire purpose of technology is to make your life simpler. There’s no point in getting complicated locks that require professionals for installation, upkeep, and maintenance. 

I kept all these factors in mind while compiling this list to provide you with smart lock options that are easy to use, require simple DIY installation, and minimum upkeep.

4. Remote Accessibility is Key

As mentioned above, it’s easier for both you and your guests if the smart locks on your door can be operated and managed remotely. Controlling your doors via remote access allows you to travel and explore the world yourself while keeping tabs on whatever is going on at your property. 

At the same time, it also ensures a safe and hassle-free environment for your guests, who feel free to come and go at their convenience. This further translates into more happy customers and more 5-star reviews for your Airbnb rental. 

5. Integration with Property Management Systems or PMS

If you really want your rental property business to grow, then opt for the best door lock for Airbnb that can be easily integrated with your property management software. 

If you still aren’t using property management software to manage your rental income, then you’re making a big mistake. PMS or property management systems are a must for any rental business as they help streamline your guest calendar, housekeeping activities, and even your marketing/online booking streams. 

Trust me, I convinced my brother and his wife to upgrade their management system, and the results were spectacular. Both agreed that it has become much easier to do business and keep tabs on their revenue as well. 

Many property management tools help small business owners manage their rental properties more smartly and efficiently. 

6. Opt for High ANSI Ratings

Every smart lock in the market comes with an ANSI rating that defines the level of security offered by the lock. 

A Grade 1 rating is given to the most secure locks, followed by Grade 2, which is assigned to relatively less secure ones, while locks with Grade 3 ratings are the least secure. 

My advice is to only opt for Grade 1 and Grade 2 locks for rental properties to protect your guests and their valuables during their stay.

Pro-Tips:

  • Also, remember to check for long-lasting battery life while selecting a smart lock. It can become hectic for you to change batteries at frequent intervals. 
  • Durability is another factor to watch out for as a smart lock is a considerable investment. It must last you for at least a few years to provide good returns on your initial investment. 
  • Another crucial factor to keep in mind while selecting the best smart lock for your rental property is to check the additional functionalities offered by the accompanying app. 
  • Does the app offer remote management and monitoring? Does it allow you to add your guests as users? Control the smart door lock by installing the app on their smartphone? You need to ask all these questions and more. 

After listing down the qualifying factors for the best smart lock for Airbnb rentals, let us now see which smart locks made the cut.

Discover the 5 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb in 2022

After scouring the market for the best keyless door lock for rental property, I have shortlisted these five smart locks:

1. August Smart Lock

August Smart Lock

August Smart Locks are highly recommended as they count among the most well-known and trusted security devices for rental properties on the market. 

These smart locks offer remote monitoring. You can easily see who has access to your property via the accompanying app. 

Additionally, the August App is also easy to use and navigate. You can control access for different users remotely. 

The August Smart Lock also comes with DoorSense technology that lets you know whether your door is closed properly or has been accidentally left open. 

The August Smart Lock further allows the hosts to track when the rooms are in use. Being a security expert, I can assure you that the August smart lock is one of the best door locks for Airbnb rentals. It takes about only ten minutes to install this smart lock that too simply with the help of a screwdriver. 

But the disadvantage of this lock is that the WiFi bridge has to be purchased separately. Buyers will have to procure this part separately to get the complete experience of this lock. 

Guys, continue reading to find out the pros and cons of the August Smart Lock below.

ProsCons
-Remotely accessible via the August App, it’s available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play.-It doesn’t come with a WiFi bridge or keypad; both these devices have to be purchased separately.
-The smart lock has an easy installation process; there’s no need to remove your existing locks and deadbolts.-One August Smart Lock connects to only one WiFi bridge; this means if you need more than one lock, you will need to buy a separate WiFi bridge for every additional device.
-These locks have DoorSense technology that lets you know your doors are secure.
-You can buy and integrate an August WiFi Connect Bridge to connect your August Smart Locks to Amazon Alexa and even monitor your property/properties remotely.
-You can also purchase an August Smart keypad to allow visitors to punch in their entry codes upon arrival.
-Requires four AA batteries; you can integrate it such that Alexa informs you when the batteries are running low, and it’s time to replace them.
-You can also set these smart locks to Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock modes that lock and unlock your doors automatically upon sensing your departure and arrival.
-You can also use the August App to limit access to your rooms for a few hours or days, i.e., as per your guests’ stay.

2. Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen, WiFi Smart Lock

Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen, WiFi Smart Lock

The Yale Security Smart Lock offers great compatibility as it works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, etc. The WiFi bridge is also included in the purchase, so you won’t incur any additional expense. 

The key attraction of these smart locks is their incredible flexibility. You can forget all about fumbling for your keys. Doors fitted with Yale Smart Locks can be opened and locked using a keypad or even the Yale Access app on your smartphone or Apple Watch. 

These smart locks are also a great way to monitor your garage doors, as they are compatible with myQ chamberlain Smart Garage Control. 

ProsCons
-The Yale Smart Lock kit includes the WiFi Connect Bridge, so there’s no need to buy it separately.-The software integration process can be a bit smoother or more efficient.
-The smart lock is compatible with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Hey Google, Philips Hue, etc. It also offers exciting new possibilities for smart home automation and integration.-The installation manual is a bit misleading and confusing; this makes installing these locks a bit more complicated and time-consuming.
-These smart locks are easy to install and fit standard door sizes across the United States.-The keycodes need to be deleted manually after each guest leaves.
-You can use Yale Smart Locks to control who has access to your Airbnb property and also your garage doors. This allows you to offer parking facilities to your guests. The guests also feel more secure about parking their car in a closed garage, and you get to charge more for premium parking facilities.
-Yale Smart Locks also offer Auto-Lock, Unlock, and DoorSense technologies for a seamless guest experience. These features also give property owners peace of mind as they can now determine whether their doors are properly locked or not.
-These smart locks come in several design variations; they are sleek, stylish, and easy to use.
-The locks have a good battery life as users have reported the Yale Secure app showing 83% battery life remaining in the four AA batteries after three months of use. If your lock gets discharged, you can use 9V batteries to recharge the lock systems.

3. Schlage Z-Wave Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt

Schlage Z-Wave Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt

I suggest that the best door lock for Airbnb is the Schlage Z-Wave Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt. I highly recommend this smart lock because the security features are very reliable. 

While the other locks focus more on compatibility, this smart lock keeps its attention fixed on the heart of the matter, i.e., security. 

This lock is BHMA/ANSI Grade 1 certified. This is the highest rating given to residential locks and makes this lock my top pick for best smart lock for Airbnb

You can get access to your property from anywhere without connecting to an app, WiFi, or Bluetooth. 

The Schlage lock also uses the Z-Wave technology, which can be connected to your home automation system. This enables you to lock/unlock your door through the web or your smartphone.

I am listing the pros and cons of this best smart lock for vacation rentals below.

ProsCons
-High-quality lock with ANSI Grade 1 rating.-Fitted with the latest Z-Wave technology and stamped with ANSI Grade 1 rating, this lock comes at a premium price of over $380. While I know, it sounds steep. However, I can also say that it’s a worthwhile investment.
-Can store up to thirty different access codes, making it easier for you to give access to guests, family members, staff, etc. -Some users have reported facing a few software problems and complain that their customer service is not very helpful or efficient.
-The lock has a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen that ensures that all fingerprint patterns and smudges remain undetectable.
-The lock is also compatible with Amazon Alexa; you just need to spring for the connecting hub and the Alexa device.
-The lock uses Z-Wave technology to allow you to manage your Airbnb rental property remotely without having to worry about WiFi  or Bluetooth connectivity.
-The smart lock also has an in-built alarm with three different alert modes, i.e., activity, tampering, and forced entry. It’s specially designed to detect and report potential security threats.

4. Ultraloq Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro

Ultraloq Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro

I was quite intrigued by the various advanced features of this smart door lock while searching for the best door lock for Airbnb

First and foremost, users can choose from five different access methods to lock or unlock their doors. This smart lock can be accessed via an anti-peep keypad, a mechanical key, smartphone app, auto-unlock, and a unique shake to open feature. 

The lock also makes it easier for guests to get into their room at night. The keypad has a bright backlight that makes it easier to see the digits for their passcode.

The Smart Door Lock automatically locks and unlocks your door by detecting your smartphone inside your pocket or bag. Hence, this smart lock deserves its spot on the list of best door locks for Airbnb

Another exciting feature of this smart lock is that it can withstand extreme weather conditions. Airbnb guests can use this smart lock to access their room in all kinds of weather. 

I would also like to highlight that the smart lock can be operated via Bluetooth and smartphone apps.

You can discover my list of pros and cons for this smart lock below. 

ProsCons
-Offers five access methods of locking and unlocking doors for extra flexibility.-These smart locks are infamous for their fast battery drainage. As a result, the batteries require frequent replacement.
-The backlight makes it convenient to use at night, and the no-peep keypad offers extra security.
-The locks have a strong, weatherproof structure that works under all conditions.
-It’s a strong, sturdy lock with an ANSI Grade 1 rating. The company claims that the lock is proven to have thirty-five times the strength of standard residential locks and seven times longer lifespan.
-You can use both Bluetooth and smartphone apps to control the smart lock.
-It’s easy to install; all you need is a screwdriver and the instruction manual.

5. Igloohome Deadbolt 2S Digital Smart Lock

Igloohome Deadbolt 2S Digital Smart Lock

This smart lock is a favorite among Airbnb enthusiasts because it integrates easily with the Airbnb app. 

Property owners or hosts can further synchronize their listing calendars with their Igloohome account. This enables the automatic generation of PIN codes that are shared with the guests at no extra charge. 

Another great feature of the Igloohome Smart Locks is that they work perfectly without a WiFi or internet connection. This makes this a great option for remote properties with unstable or weak internet connectivity. 

These smart locks can be unlocked using time-sensitive PIN codes or even Bluetooth keys. The locks also come with physical keys for emergencies.

If all that wasn’t enough to convince you, then consider this; the lock is sleek and smart in appearance and offers you both superior design and functionality.

Overall, I can say that this smart lock is an excellent candidate for the best door lock for Airbnb.

Let us now take a look at its key pros and cons that might help you make a decision. 

ProsCons
-A major pro is that this lock does not require WiFi or internet connectivity to generate PINs and function, making this a great option for properties in remote locations.-While you can monitor your doors and generate PINs remotely, you cannot open or close a door unless you are within Bluetooth range.
-Another advantage of this smart lock is its long-lasting battery life. The lock can last for up to nine months on four AA batteries. Now, that’s what I can call being energy-efficient.-Similarly, if you need to remove anyone’s access codes after they have left, you need to be present within Bluetooth range to do so.
-The battery status is automatically updated on the app every time a Bluetooth key is used. These periodic updates let the hosts know when it’s time to swap out the old, depleted batteries for new ones.
-The lock also allows you to generate four kinds of AlgoPIN access codes: One-time Use Pins, Recurring Pins (staff, cleaning crew, etc.), Duration Pins (Airbnb guests), and even Permanent Pins for family members.

Here’s the Final Verdict

Choosing the best WiFi door lock for Airbnb is a subjective decision as each property’s security requirements and priorities vary. 

I have listed the key features, pros, and cons of the top five front-runners. All five have earned their place to be counted as the best door lock for Airbnb

As a security guy, I must go with the Schlage Smart Locks. These smart locks combine strength, durability, and smart automation to offer homeowners and property owners superior door security. 

As for the rest, it’s up to you to decide which smart lock fulfills your needs and requirements best. 

FAQs

Q.1 What are locks suitable for Airbnb?

Not every smart lock available in the market is compatible with the Airbnb app. However, the best door lock for Airbnb rentals must be compatible with the Airbnb app to function effectively. 

All the smart locks listed above are perfectly capable of synchronizing with the Airbnb app. At the same time, they also do an excellent job of protecting your property.

Q.2 Do we have to pay a monthly charge for smart locks?

You will have to research the monthly charges for different smart locks. I always suggest asking the manufacturer about any monthly charges before buying them. As you can gather, the monthly payment for Airbnb smart locks varies from one brand to another.

Once you have shortlisted the best smart lock for Airbnb, remember to ask the monthly subscription charges for the same.

In Conclusion

As an Airbnb host, you need to ensure the safety of both your property and guests. Installing the best smart lock for Airbnb lets you manage who can access your property.

Even guests want a safe and secure experience while vacationing. These days, due to COVID safety protocols, most guests are also willing to pay more for a safer stay.

So that’s all for now on the best smart lock for Airbnb. I will end this article with one more piece of advice; list down all your security requirements, do your research thoroughly, and then get a smart lock for your Airbnb property. 

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