The 7 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts [2020 Review] (& Vacation Rentals)

I deal with a lot of lost keys in my short term rental, and I told myself I would upgrade to a smart lock if I could find one that was simple to operate, linked up to my other smart devices, and was super easy for guests to check in. After scouring the internet, forums, and other reviews, I have come up with my list of the best smart locks for Airbnb hosts.

The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts Are:

• Top Pick: August Smart Lock Pro + August Smart Keypad
• Runner Up: Yale Assure Lock
• Schlage Lock
• Reagle Smart Deadbolt Lock
• ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Lock
• NexTrend Smart Deadbolt Lock
• Video Smart Lock by Gate Labs

So, why are these these smart locks the best options for your Airbnb? I’ll break down each of these locks, including pros/ cons and user impressions to help you make the best-informed decision before throwing away your keys.

August Smart Lock Pro

Simple Check-In for Guests & Peace of Mind for Hosts

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Our Top Pick: August Smart Lock Pro + August Smart Keypad

It turns out that August Home is one of the top-performing and trusted brands for home technology. August has an entire line of products that link together to provide a seamless entry experience into your home.

The August Smart Lock Pro replaces the interior side of your deadbolt, and operates the lock using a battery-powered housing. Check out this quick video to get a summary of the smart lock features:

You need to have a deadbolt to use this smart lock. It is easy to install to your existing deadbolt by removing the interior face plate/ lever and installing the August smart lock over the opening.

If you have a dead bolt above, and a regular locked lever below, you’ll need to replace the main lever to a “no-lock” version. Otherwise guests will inevitably lock the bottom lock on their way out, and be calling you to get them back into the house because they don’t have a key.

You can control this smart lock via the August app and can control it from anywhere, which makes it easy if you operate an Airbnb or vacation rental from afar.

If you decide to go with the August Smart Lock Pro, you will need to buy the additional August Smart Keypad. This stand-alone keypad links to your smart lock via Bluetooth, and allows unique pass-codes to be set up for each guest.

The August Smart Lock Pro also has Door Sense, which is a sensor that alerts you if your door is left open, or not closed all the way, and it also notifies you when the door is securely shut. You could also add the August Doorbell Cam, which allows you to see people at the door, and communicate with them if need be. When connected to your August Smart Lock Pro, you can unlock the door via the app.

If you live at home and Airbnb a part of your house, you may have issues where your August lock unlocks the door as you go to see who rang your doorbell (if you have your phone in your hand or pocket. This may be a security issue that you need to consider.

August Home August Smart Lock Pro + Connect with Wi-Fi Bridge, Silver. Zwave, HomeKit & Alexa Compatible

• Lock and unlock your door, control keyless access, keep track of who comes and goes, all from your phone. Alexa can provide notifications when your battery is running low so you can proactively replace them. Set up smart reorders through dash replenishment

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What Purchasers Said:

This smart lock is one of the most impressionable on the list. Many of whom purchased it on Amazon have gone on to recommend it to others. The compatibility with so many services like Alexa, Siri, etc. was a big plus for users. Really easy to install.

Battery life was OK, and the app did notify you when it the batteries are low. Overall not many negatives…mostly all positives for the August Smart Lock Pro. Check out pricing HERE. >>

Runner Up: Yale Assure Lock

The Yale Assure Lock is an August product, but still has the trusted name hold of Yale. This lock is meant to replace your existing deadbolt with its keypad feature, but still has the option for key entry if you need it. This smart lock can be used with the August app, so you can lock and unlock the door from the comfort of your phone. 

This smart lock is compatible with smart devices like Alexa, Google Home, and even Siri, so you can operate the door with voice command. 

The key code entry makes it convenient for guests in your Airbnb home, as you can simply include the door code on check-in instructions. This type of entry makes your home more secure and relieves you of the hassle of lost keys.

There is a wide range of design styles, from traditional styles to a more contemporary look. You can easily install this smart lock without worrying it will look out of place. It is weatherproof, so you will not have to worry about wear and tear on the exterior side of the lock. 

What Purchasers Said:

Purchasers say that this smart lock runs quite smooth and is well made. It is to one of the most efficient for its price range.

Schlage Lock BE469ZP

The Schlage Lock by Schlage is a great smart lock to pair with Z Wave smart technology. This makes it easy to also pair with Samsung technology, SmartThings, or Ring Alarm. These technologies will allow you to lock and unlock doors from anywhere. 

The Schlage lock has hands free voice control when paired with the Z Wave smart home system and can be paired with Alexa as another method of voice control. Z wave technology makes it easy to control your smart lock and does not require an extra purchase. This is one of its best features. 

The Snap ‘n Stay technology snaps the lock to your door during installation, allowing both your hands to be free when installing. This smart lock also has an easy installation process, as you will just need a screwdriver. 

The keypad screen is fingerprint resistant, making it easy to share multiple codes (the Schlage Lock allows up to 30, which is convenient during busy booking times.) The SmartThings hub that is available as an add-on gives you an extra security measure, as you can see when the door is locked and unlocked. There is a feature that allows you to set an emergency code, so if you want to have a code for yourself and your guests, you can activate it whenever they stay. 

What Purchasers Said:

Those who have purchased the Schlage Lock say that it is on par with the rest of Schlage’s heavy-duty deadbolts. They also mention frequently that it consistently runs well over a long period of time.

Reagle Smart Deadbolt Lock 

The Reagle Smart Deadbolt Lock is most notable because of its compatibility with Apple. It is Apple HomeKit certified, and with that, you can check the status of your lock, open and close the door (including voice command with Siri), and you can get notified when people come through the door. It can be difficult to use multiple technological services for one device at times, so having the Apple HomeKit makes this lock convenient for iPhone users. 

Reagle claims that it takes just 15 minutes and a screwdriver to install this smart lock. All you need is your phone to further install the programming and start using the Reagle Smart Deadbolt Lock. You can also receive notifications when the batteries are running low, so you will not have to worry about the lock not working while you are away due to battery issues. 

An extra measure of security the Reagle Smart Deadbolt Lock has is its ability to create custom temporary access shared through the Reagle App. You can even manage multiple Reagle locks if you have them on multiple Airbnb homes. This technology makes this lock safe and easy to keep track of the security of your Airbnb home.

What Purchasers Said:

Purchasers like this smart lock for its functionality. They love the ease of technology as iPhone users, and find it more convenient than other smart locks.

ULTRALOQ U-Bolt 

The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt lock by Ultraloq is a multifunctional smart lock. The 6-in-1 keyless entry includes fingerprint scanning, an anti-peep keypad, smartphone pairing, auto-lock and unlock, and a mechanical key lock option making it a versatile option that can fit any home. It also has Bluetooth pairing available, making it even more user-friendly.

The anti-peep keypad allows you to type in random numbers, along with the password (as long as the password is embedded into the longer set of random numbers), making it difficult for protentional onlookers to gain access to the door. The auto-lock and unlock feature locks the door as soon as it closes, and you can set it up so that it unlocks upon arrival as well. 

One of the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt’s best features is that you can give access to guests with a special code or ekey, lasting for custom periods of time. This is a great feature for Airbnb hosts, as you can change it after each visit for an extra measure of security. 

This smart lock has dual data encryption, making it impossible to unlock the door without homeowner permission. This lock ensures the highest level of safety. 

What Purchasers Said:

The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt is well praised for its ability to provide home access through several mediums. Purchasers love the guest passcode feature and mention often that this is very convenient and easy to use.

NexTrend Smart Deadbolt 

The NexTrend Smart Deadbolt prides itself on its high standard of convenience and safety. The keyless access allows you to enter a smart code, use Bluetooth, set permanent codes, timed codes, one-time codes, cyclic codes, custom codes. and has an auto-lock function that can be set anywhere from 5 to 120 seconds. 

An extra measure of convenience is that you can send others the Ekey to account users via the free app. Once a user is authorized, they have access to the ekey, and can control the lock. This makes it especially convenient for Airbnb hosts, as you will not have to monitor or control the lock while you have guests. Instead, they can do it on their time. This will make for an overall convenient stay in your Airbnb home or vacation rental. 

Another important feature the NexTrend Smart Deadbolt lock prides itself on is its customer service and warranty policy. They promise a 30-day worry-free return and exchange service, as well as lifetime free technical assistance with the lock. 

The battery life is higher than most smart locks, as it can last up to 5,000 door-openings on just 4 AA batteries. 

[Newest]Smart Lock, NexTrend Smart Electronic Door Lock with Bluetooth Keyless, Touchscreen, Mechanical Keys Enabled Auto Lock Alarm Technology for Home,...

• Smarter Safer Security - Important installation tips please refer to the user guide below or the message we sent. Keyless entry smart lock, Code + Bluetooth + Key, When you are not sure whether to lock the door, the AUTO LOCK function can help you solve this trouble. Enable this feature and set the time 5-120s, NexTrend lock will be able to detect and automatically locked When the door is still open for a certain period of time.

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What Purchasers Said:

The NexTrend Smart Deadbolt is a smart lock that is an all-around good investment. Purchasers love it and say that it is consistently easy to use, as well as it has easy code changes.

Video Smart Lock by Gate Labs

The Video Smart Lock by Gate Labs is one of the most technologically advanced on this list. It comes with many features, along with add-ons such as extra battery capacity, and a premium plan. 

You can control this smart lock from remote locations via the Gate app. With this app, you can prevent unauthorized access with a keypad lock, unique passcodes, and an entry log. In addition, there is a doorbell feature, two-way audio, and motion-activated live streaming, which are all available on the app.

The motion-activated live streaming alerts you when there is someone at your door. You can use the two-way audio feature to communicate on the live stream as well. This is the ideal smart lock for Airbnb hosts or vacation rental owners who are utilizing a back house, basement rentals, or rooms on the property, as you can communicate directly with guests upon arrival.

The app allows for multiple users to operate on one lock, allowing one person to be the admin, giving the ability to lock, unlock, and play video on the app. This Gate Labs smart lock is also battery-free and can be charged quickly.

The front of this smart lock is weather resistant and can withstand temperatures from -4 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be noted that the back of the smart lock intended for the interior is not weather resistant.

There is a great warranty of a 30-day money-back guarantee, and when purchased on Amazon you can back it up with a 3 or 4-year protection plan.

What Purchasers Said:

As the most high-tech smart lock on this list (due to the video access), users love its functionality and high-tech functions. They find the video monitoring very useful and easy to use and say the set-up time is quick. 

Smart locks are an important tool to make your Airbnb home and vacation rental homes the best they can be and provide guests with an excellent experience. While they can be pricy, they are a worthwhile investment to boost the overall quality of your rental and help guests to have the most comfortable and safe time as possible.

Most of these locks have long and flexible warranties for smart hardware, so you can try out these products and decide for yourself which one is right for you. Installation is quick and easy, and most do not require you to replace existing locks, so it is not permanent. Smart locks are a great option to increase your Airbnb home or vacation rental’s security. 

Related Questions:

What Other Extra Security Measures can I Implement to Make Sure my Airbnb Home is at the Highest Level of Safety?

Alarms and security cameras are effective ways to add extra security to your Airbnb home or vacation rental. However, many of the smart locks listed feature advanced technology that allows alerts when the door is unlocked, when people come in and out of the door, and alerts when the door is unlocked or not fully closed. In addition, they provide auto-locks as an extra security measure. 

This is not only helpful for you to monitor the security of your home, but also to help guests feel safer in your home. They can download the apps associated with the smart locks (because each lock has its own app, you will need to check each lock to ensure your guests have the right one downloaded) and monitor door security in the duration of their stay. 

What Kind of Hardware do I Need to Install Smart Locks?

Most smart locks only require a Philips head screwdriver to install and do not require you to drill holes or make alterations to your door or previous locks. All other hardware should be included with the purchase of the lock. Be sure to check the product information before you purchase it to ensure that the lock can be installed onto your door.