6 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb and Vacation Rentals of 2024

Simplifying check-ins and elevating security should be a top priority for any Airbnb host. That's where smart locks come in. These WiFi and/or Bluetooth-enabled locks allow seamless remote access for guests using virtual codes, reducing the hassle of physical keys. Because choosing the right smart lock is crucial for ensuring both convenience and safety, we've narrowed down the best options to help your decision as a savvy host.

The best Airbnb smart locks include:

1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall Smart Lock
2. Wyze Lock: Best for Airbnb Hosts on a Budget
3. Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt: Best for Durability
4. August Wi-Fi 4th Gen: Best for Small Spaces
5. Kwikset Halo Smart Lock: Best Luxury Smart Lock
6. Lockly Vision: Best High-Tech Smart Lock

How We Selected the Best Airbnb Smart Locks

We took a practical approach to identify the best smart locks suitable for all sorts of Airbnbs and vacation rentals. Our focus was on ensuring security, user-friendliness, and smooth integration for an efficient and safe experience.

We evaluated these smart locks based on:

• Host Recommendations: We reached out to known Airbnb and rental hosts to get their first-hand reviews and opinions on the best smart locks available.
• Online Reviews: We then scoured the web for reviews on smart locks to see which are worth the investment.
• Security Features: We assessed each lock's security features, emphasizing encryption, authentication methods, and additional measures to prevent unauthorized access.
• Ease of Integration: We considered how easily each smart lock can be integrated into existing home systems, aiming for a hassle-free setup.
• Remote Access and Control: We examined the smart locks' capability for remote access and control through mobile apps or web interfaces, simplifying guest entry and exit.
• Battery Life and Reliability: We evaluated battery life and overall reliability to ensure uninterrupted operation, avoiding frequent battery changes and potential lock malfunctions.
• Design: Finally, we considered how a lock looks on a door, and gave more points to sleek-looking and unobtrusive locks. Some locks also come in a variety of finishes, which we took into account as well.

According to our criteria, the best smart lock for Airbnb hosts is the Schlage Encode Plus WiFi Deadbolt. It offers robust security measures, effortless integration with existing systems, and has a reliable performance track record—meeting the needs of both hosts and their guests.

1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall Smart Lock

The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt first entered the market in early 2022 as an upgrade from the 2019 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. 

It comes in three different colors and two styles, starting at $318.12 on their Amazon store. You can also check the model out on the Schlage website.

Its features include a built-in alarm, which provides an added layer of security, and compatibility with various smart home platforms and assistants, like Alexa and Google. With this lock’s built-in WiFi, you can lock and unlock doors from anywhere in the world, manage up to 100 access codes, and view the lock history to easily manage locks through the Schlage Home app.

Additionally, Schlage is known for its durability. This heavy-duty lock boasts a battery life of up to six months, which is pretty great for all its nifty features, and even alerts you through your phone when the batteries are running low. Undoubtedly an excellent lock, the only significant downside is its price—a worthy investment for top-tier security.

2. Wyze Lock: Best for Hosts on a Budget

Launched in 2020, the three-year old Wyze Lock still tops our list as one of the best smart locks available, especially for hosts on a tight budget. At just $129.98 on Amazon(and $123.99 on the Wyze site), this WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled smart lock is the cheapest, and best, you’ll find in the market.

Though it might not have all the bells and whistles of a more premium lock, Wyze is a secure, simple lock that will turn your existing door smart by fitting over most deadbolts. The Wyze Lock also alerts you to the lock status, and alarms when guests have left the door open by accident. 

The app is also pretty nifty, letting you schedule and manage codes easily. All this is managed via WiFi and Bluetooth through the Wyze Gateway, which is included when you purchase the lock either through Amazon or their website.

While we formerly stated that this device didn’t pair with home automation systems, we’re happy to report that the Wyze Lock now works with Alexa and Google. However, this feature—along with the keyless access—isn’t exactly the most useful to guests, and you’ll have to purchase a Wyze keypad separately so that they can unlock the door using an access code, which will set you back an extra $23.99.

While this means that the Wyze isn’t as straightforward to install as some of the other locks on our list, we love how the total price still won’t break the bank.

3. Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt: Best Durable Lock

Schlage’s Sense line has been around since 2017, but it’s still a fantastic line of locks. Starting at $334.49 on Amazon, the Schlage Smart Deadbolt is expensive, but think of it as an investment for your peace of mind. Aside from Amazon, you can check the Schlage website for a list of local retailers like True Value and Home Depot.

Unlike other Schlage locks, like the Encode, this lock doesn’t have built-in WiFi. To create codes remotely, you’ll have to purchase the Sense WiFi Adapter separately, which adds to the already high price tag.

With the WiFi Adapter you can lock and unlock the door, and manage and create guest codes straight from the app. Guests can use the built-in touchpad to input a code manually.

Though it might not have top-of-the-line tech, we love this lock because of its build quality. We already mentioned that Schlage is known for durability, but even for Schlage, this lock impresses: it’s a heavy-duty lock that can definitely withstand the wear-and-tear of short term rentals.

4. August WiFi 4th Gen: Best Compact Smart Lock

One common complaint about smart locks is just how out of place they look on a front door. That doesn’t have to be the case with the August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Generation), a lock that made its debut in 2020.

The lock comes in two finishes, matte black and silver, which you can get for $199.99 on August’s website, or for $170.90 on August’s Amazon store. 

Keep in mind that this tiny lock—its 72mm diameter makes it one of the smallest locks around—doesn’t include a keypad, so factor that in when making a decision. Thankfully, the keypad is also unobtrusive, and you can purchase both the lock and keypad in a bundle for $229.99.

Believe it or not, this teeny lock includes built-in WiFi capabilities and works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice assistants. The best part is that August integrates directly with Airbnb, and automatically gives guests who have booked through the site keyless codes that expire after a set amount of time which you can manage on August’s app.

While it packs a lot of punch for its size, its battery life leaves a lot to be desired. August states that the batteries will last you anywhere from three to six months, but customers complain that six is very generous and the battery life actually lasts closer to three.

5. Kwikset Halo Smart Lock: Best Luxury Smart Lock

The Kwikset Halo is one of Kwikset’s many smart locks. This model was released in 2020, and comes in four different finishes that you can get for $206.99 on Amazon or on Kwikset’s website.

Measuring 3.99 x 4.24 x 9.74 inches, this lock isn’t exactly small, but it does look great. It comes with integrated WiFi so that you can access and manage the lock and its log from anywhere in the world.

This includes creating and managing up to 250 access codes, including one-time codes, recurring codes (perfect for housekeepers and other staff), and scheduled codes for guests. The Kwikset app is easy to maneuver, so you can do this all seamlessly. 

As a caveat, the touchscreen of this lock can be unresponsive at times, and since Kwikset is known for its relatively poor customer support, troubleshooting concerns might pose a challenge.

6. Lockly Vision: Best High-Tech Smart Lock

The Lockly Vision is the first-ever smart lock/doorbell camera-in-one. This model came out in 2020, but it’s still a top-tier lock (though it does have an updated version called the Lockly Vision Elite).

At $409.99 on Amazon, this is one of the most expensive smart locks on our list. Get it for slightly less at 399.99 on the Lockly website, or upgrade to the Lockly Vision Elite for $499.99.

Despite the hefty price tag, we can confidently say that this investment is worth it. Smart locks are inherently techy, but the Lockly even impresses on that front: the Lockly Vision comes with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, voice control, two-way audio, a 720p doorbell camera, and even local video storage.

What it doesn’t have though is night vision or motion sensing capabilities. However, the new Lockly Vision Elite does, so consider the upgrade if extra security measures are important to you.

Like other smart locks, the Lockly Vision can be unlocked via smartphone or with unique codes that can be inputted on the lock’s sleek touch screen. Even with the touchscreen, Lockly goes the extra mile. The patented PIN Genie keypad prevents bystanders from seeing the screen, and doesn’t leave fingerprints behind for added security.

Lockly has live streaming and two-way audio capabilities to show you who’s at the door right on your smartphone, so you can be confident in your check-ins and check-outs, even from across the world.

While this lock is the priciest one on our list, its features more than make up for it. As a bonus, they have a generous 100% money back guarantee for 30 days if you purchase the lock directly from their website.

Key Takeaway

No matter where you are in the world, you should be able to manage your Airbnb confidently—that’s what smart locks can do for you. While all these smart locks make the turnover process convenient, the best bang for your buck is still the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt, a top-of-the-line smart lock with robust security features and a user-friendly design so that you, and your guests, feel safe and secure.

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