Best Smart Locks for Airbnb

We researched and tested some of the best smart locks to see how they handle Airbnb rentals.
Best overall for Airbnb
Yale Assure Lock SL
Yale Assure Lock SL
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
  • pro
    Airbnb integration
  • pro
    12-month battery life
  • pro
    Sleek design
Best for advanced hosting
RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L
RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Airbnb integration
  • pro
    12-month battery life
  • pro
    Robust software integrations
Best for budget hosting
August Smart Lock + Connect
August Smart Lock + Connect
4 out of 5 stars
4
  • pro
    Airbnb integration
  • con
    6-month battery life
  • pro
    Retrofit existing deadbolts
Best for off-grid rentals
Wyze Lock Bolt
Wyze Lock Bolt
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • con
    No Airbnb support
  • pro
    12-month battery life
  • pro
    Fingerprint sensor
Best for side-gig hosting
Igloohome Deadbolt 2S
Igloohome Deadbolt 2S
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Airbnb integration
  • pro
    12-month battery life
  • con
    Quality control issues

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

Smart locks aren't just useful for homeowners. They're also a valuable resource for Airbnb hosts to upgrade and streamline guest check-in. We think the Yale Assure Lock SL and its native Airbnb support provide the tools to make your life as a host or Superhost more manageable by automatically scheduling access codes and giving you easy access to your rental when needed.

Check out our full lineup of the best smart locks for Airbnb to see how Yale compares to other top contenders.



Compare smart locks for Airbnb

Product
Best for
Price
Entry methods
Remote access
Direct Airbnb integration
Self check-in integration
Learn more
Best overall for AirbnbApp, key,* keypad
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
RemoteLock, Chekin, Lynx, Operto
Best for advanced hosting App, key, keypad
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
RemoteLock, Chekin, Lynx
Best for budget hosting App, key, keypad*
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
RemoteLock, Chekin, Lynx, Operto
Best for off-grid rentals App, keypad, fingerprint
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
None
Best for side-gig hosting App, key, keypad
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
RemoteLock, Chekin, Lynx, Operto

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
*Requires separate purchase or a different lock model.

Best Airbnb smart lock reviews

1. Yale Assure Lock SL: Best overall for Airbnb

Best overall for Airbnb
Yale Assure Lock SL
Yale Assure Lock SL
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
$186.95

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Yale Assure Lock SL is the apex of our Airbnb smart lock ranking because it's the perfect option for improving your short-term rental luxe factor. You'll find native Airbnb integration and an exceptional mobile app alongside a premium touchscreen keypad.

pro
Pros
pro Native Airbnb integration
pro Automatic booking tools
pro Sleek key-free touchscreen
con
Cons
con Expensive
con No bypass key

This version of the Assure Lock SL includes the Connected by August module and an August Connect Wi-Fi bridge. These unlock remote access so you can control the lock from anywhere using the August Home or Yale Access app (Yale and August are part of the same company, and both apps work with either brand). Best of all, you don't need to visit your rental to add new Airbnb guest access.

Airbnb integration

We think the August Home app brings an even bigger advantage: native Airbnb integration. Linking your August and Airbnb accounts means the lock automatically generates a unique access code when a guest books your rental—and optional August app access if you prefer.

Guest codes work only during the scheduled stay, so you don't need to worry about unauthorized access. ​​You can create permanent or recurring key codes for you and anyone who helps you clean and maintain your rental.

Why we prefer Yale over August for Airbnbs

Under normal circumstances, we'd recommend the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock instantly. Although August is our current pick for the best overall smart lock, it doesn't have a built-in keypad—you must buy an accessory. As much as we like the August Smart Keypad, it's a bit plasticky and introduces another set of batteries to maintain.

Yale Assure Lock SL bests August by offering a built-in keypad and an elegant glass touchscreen. Plus, its single set of batteries lasts up to 12 months, double that of the August Wi-Fi. And since they both use the same app, Yale makes more sense for Airbnb rentals because it's easier to maintain.

Keyless smart lock

We love the clean look of the Yale Assure Lock SL because it doesn't have a keyhole. It looks futuristic and is immune to lockpicking, but no keyhole means you can't bypass the lock with a physical key if the batteries die. Fortunately, the bottom of the keypad features a backup power port you activate using a 9V battery—keeping a spare for your guests is a good idea.

The Yale Lock Assure SL costs around $190, making it one of the more expensive Airbnb lock on our list. It's well worth the price as an investment in your rental. The modern, key-free touchscreen delivers a strong first impression, especially if you want to provide a five-star Airbnb experience for your guests.

Learn more in our Yale smart lock review.

Light Bulb
Yale Assure Lock Keypad

The Yale Assure Lock Keypad (about $213) skips the touchscreen for rubber buttons and even works with a physical key. It's a higher price and not as glamorous as the SL, but it does offer the same Airbnb integration.

2. RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L: Best for advanced hosting

Best for advanced hosting
RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

We'll be honest. We like the RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L more for its software than anything else. RemoteLock's software works with tons of property management software (PMS) solutions, making it ideal for hosts managing dozens of rentals. It's even compatible with other booking engines like VRBO and HomeAway so you can expand your marketing beyond Airbnb.

pro
Pros
pro Amazing software integrations
pro Automatic booking tools
pro 3,500-code capacity
con
Cons
con Required subscription
con Bland design

A few good things about the RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L's hardware make it worth considering for your vacation rental. We like the lever handle for doors without a deadbolt—though you can buy a deadbolt version too.

It also has a massive 3,500 code capacity, so you can assign unique codes to everyone—though we're not sure why you'd need that many for an Airbnb. Still, the OpenEdge 550L's simple design is a bit bland compared to the flashy touchscreens on Yale and Igloohome.

This Wi-Fi lock is also a little hard to use with a smartphone app since it doesn't maintain a constant connection to save on battery. Instead, RemoteLock uses a "heartbeat" to connect the lock to Wi-Fi at a set interval. While the default one-hour heartbeat helps the batteries last up to 12 months, there's no remote access between heartbeats.

RemoteLock's software

RemoteLock differs from most other smart lock companies because it focuses more on hospitality and access control than on homeowners. This makes RemoteLock's Airbnb integration easy to use and fully automatic.

We love that RemoteLock works with so many PMS platforms like Hostaway, Smoobu, Guesty, and iGMS, so you can fit it into a larger strategy for your rental property. It's also compatible with third-party smart locks—including most on this list—like August, Yale, Schlage, and Igloohome. We generally recommend using a third-party lock if you use RemoteLock's software.

Subscription fee

As you might expect from a company that caters to businesses, this software requires a subscription. Depending on the features you want, you'll need either the Premium ($6 per lock per month) or Business plan ($9 per lock per month) to use RemoteLock with Airbnb.

While this is an extra expense, it's a drop in the bucket if you book out your rental for most of the month. It's totally understandable if you don't want another item on your list of expenses. August and Igloohome's PMS integrations aren't as versatile as RemoteLock, but at least they're free.

The RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L costs around $279, which is average for a Wi-Fi smart lock, but the added subscription fee means it's not a one-and-done purchase. Still, we think the software integrations are great for leveling up on your way to an Airbnb empire.

3. August Smart Lock + Connect: Best for budget hosting

Best for budget hosting
August Smart Lock + Connect

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The August Smart Lock + Connect isn't the outright cheapest Airbnb smart lock on our page, but it's the best value. It's a great option for folks starting Airbnb for the first time who also want the convenience of automatic access code creation.

pro
Pros
pro Native Airbnb integration
pro Automatic booking tools
pro Compatible with existing deadbolt
con
Cons
con 6-month battery life
con Separate keypad add-on

Unsurprisingly, August offers the same excellent app and Airbnb account integration as Yale, but for around $100 less. Still, you'll need the August Smart Keypad, sold separately for about $57, to use this lock with Airbnb. (Despite the list prices, the lock, Wi-Fi bridge, and keypad currently total around $210 on Amazon—we're not sure why August doesn't bundle them all together.)

Thanks to the Airbnb integration, you'll unlock automated booking tools for granting guest access to your rental. It's a huge timesaver and reduces the stress of managing an Airbnb on your own.

Retrofit installation

August is the only retrofit smart lock on our list, which means it attaches to your current deadbolt so you can keep your keys. This is particularly helpful for converting an existing property into an Airbnb without buying all-new deadbolts.

Relatively short battery life

The August Smart Lock's batteries last up to six months, shorter than other locks on our lineup. Thankfully the app notifies you when to replace the batteries, so it's easy to keep up the lock ready for your guests. If the batteries fail unexpectedly, you can provide a physical key to bypass the lock—preferably in a coded lock box outside your Airbnb rental.

Battery life on the keypad is even shorter, topping out at three months in Power Saving Mode. In cold weather, the keypad's batteries will drain even faster—Yet another reason to go with Yale, which keeps its batteries cozy inside your rental.

The August Smart Lock + Connect isn't perfect, but it's the most affordable solution with native Airbnb integration and automatic booking tools. Just make sure you keep plenty of spare batteries on hand.

Learn more in our August smart lock review.

4. Wyze Lock Bolt: Best for off-grid rentals

Best for off-grid rentals
Wyze Lock Bolt
Wyze Lock Bolt
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
$69.99

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Wyze Lock Bolt is the only smart lock on our list without remote access via Wi-Fi or native Airbnb support, but it's so good that we can't ignore it. We think it's perfect for two types of Airbnb rentals: off-grid cabins and spare-room rentals.

pro
Pros
pro 12-month battery life
pro Rock-bottom price
pro Built-in keypad and fingerprint sensor
con
Cons
con No remote access
con No Airbnb or PMS integration
con No bypass key

Video: Wyze Lock Bolt review

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At $69.99, the Wyze Lock Bolt is currently the most affordable smart lock available, and somehow it offers a classy key-free design and a fingerprint sensor that unlocks effortlessly. Skipping Wi-Fi in favor of Bluetooth delivers a battery life of up to 12 months and still offers mobile app controls for adding new guest codes.

For cabins and spare bedrooms

So why are these a good fit for Wyze Lock Bolt? Let's dig into it.

For cabins, there's a good chance there's no Wi-Fi, let alone electricity or running water, so anything using Wi-Fi is unnecessary. But you'll still need to visit between bookings to clean—especially if you're aiming to be an Airbnb Superhost—giving you a chance to add new codes to your lock.

You can manually share these codes with your guests before check-in and schedule them to expire after the stay. It's the same principle for renting out spare bedrooms in your home, except that you're close enough that you don't need Wi-Fi to change codes.

No advanced features

You're on the hook to manually update everything without remote access and third-party integrations. Using a lock like this for your Airbnb will get tedious if you have a new guest every night—it holds only 20 codes, so you'd need to update it and send guest codes at least every couple of weeks. Alternatively, ( implement a minimum stay duration to save your sanity.

No bypass key

Although keyless entry makes the lock more secure, it's also a liability if the batteries die. Wyze has cleverly decided to use a USB-C port on the bottom for emergency power, but it might be asking too much for guests to find a cable and a battery pack.

Regardless of the drawbacks, the Wyze Lock Bolt is a solid tool for the hands-on Airbnb host on a budget. Wyze is a bit more work than locks with automated booking tools like Yale and August, but it has a certain charm that makes it enjoyable to use.

Watch our full Wyze Lock Bolt review on YouTube to learn more.

Bell
Wyze Smart Lock

The original Wyze Smart Lock is an excellent alternative to the Bolt. It's similar to the August Smart Lock + Connect—remote access, a keypad accessory, and a retrofit-style smart lock—but without the Airbnb integration.

5. Igloohome Deadbolt 2S: Best for side-gig hosting

Best for side-gig hosting
Igloohome Deadbolt 2S
Igloohome Deadbolt 2S
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
$94.98

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Igloohome Deadbolt 2S is the last of our top picks with native Airbnb integration, but it's not as automatic as the others. Some quality control issues hold it back from a higher ranking. But we like that it offers an attractive touchscreen keypad and works with a decent selection of PMS options.

pro
Pros
pro Native Airbnb integration
pro Strong PMS support
pro 12-month battery life
con
Cons
con Semi-automatic booking
con Tough to install
con Quality-control issues

On the surface, Igloohome shares some features with the Yale Assure Lock SL: a shiny touchscreen keypad, 12-month battery life, and native Airbnb support. But Igloohome's Airbnb support doesn't feel as complete.

The lock automatically creates codes for guests and delivers them just before check-in. Excellent. But we have a minor nitpick; you must manually create a second code if visitors want to extend their stay after checking in. It's a bit inconvenient when automation isn't entirely hands-off.

PMS support

You wouldn't know it from looking at the Igloohome website, but this brand has an impressive number of PMS integrations. During our research, it popped up on Chekin, Operto, Lynx, and RemoteLock. This means Igloohome has the potential to be a big player in the Airbnb world, even if its current products don't feel 100% there yet.

Installation and quality control

Based on customer reviews, this smart door lock is difficult to install, and Igloohome doesn't appear to offer many installation instructions. We also found multiple reviews saying things break too easily, from the backup keys to the lock motor and even the Airbnb integration.

While we see so much potential in the Igloohome Deadbolt 2S as an affordable Airbnb smart lock for around $100, the execution isn't good enough if you want more automation for your rental. Still, it's good enough to use for an Airbnb side gig like a basement rental in an owner-occupied home.

More smart locks we considered

Schlage Encode

The Schlage Encode is one of our all-time favorite smart locks because it offers robust security and customization you can find only with a seasoned door lock company. Unfortunately, this smart Wi-Fi lock links to Airbnb via RemoteLock, so you'll have to pay a subscription fee. It's a solid alternative to the RemoteLock OpenEdge 550L, but supply-chain issues are severely affecting availability and pricing as of this writing.

Alfred DB2

The Alfred DB2 is among the sleekest touchscreen smart locks available, but it requires a lot of work to integrate into an Airbnb. To use it with Airbnb, you'll need the Z-Wave module add-on and a smart home hub that works with RemoteLock. (It's harder than it looks.) On top of that, you'll need a RemoteLock subscription. It's a great lock but might be too complex for beginners.

Kwikset Halo

The Kwikset Halo is an impressive Wi-Fi smart lock, but it's not a great option for short-term rentals. (At least if you want to automate the process.) August and Yale offer a more streamlined approach due to their direct integration with Airbnb. We're hoping Kwikset gains this feature in the future. For now, we suggest skipping Kwikset Halo for your vacation rental.

Learn more in our Kwikset smart locks review.

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave takes everything we love about the Wyze Lock Bolt—fingerprint sensor, keypad, and simple setup—and adds remote access over Z-Wave. But as much as we love Ultraloq smart locks, they're not a great fit for Airbnb. You can still use it, manually creating a code for every booking. We think the Wyze Lock Bolt fills this niche better and for less money.

Final word

Without question, the Yale Assure Lock SL is our choice for the best smart lock for Airbnb. It looks fantastic, and we think your guests will approve of how easily they can check into their rental. You'll love the long battery life and automatic guest code creation as a host. It's a pricey investment but brings a healthy return through the added value and convenience of your Airbnb listing.

If you're interested in a smart lock for your residence, we recommend looking at our full lineup of the best smart locks.

FAQ

How do I add a smart lock to my Airbnb listing?

Smart locks with native Airbnb integration will list a menu option for linking your lock to your host account. After connecting your lock to Airbnb, you'll assign it to your chosen listing to message your guests with check-in instructions.

For locks without an Airbnb or PMS integration—like Wyze Lock Bolt—you'll create a custom PIN that aligns with the guest's booking before sending the code in a message using the Airbnb app. It's not a long process, but it can become complex depending on how often you handle guest bookings.

Regardless of how you create codes, you'll need to be within Bluetooth range of your smart device or enable remote access using a Wi-Fi connection to manage codes on a device.

How do Airbnb smart locks work?

After installing your smart lock, you'll connect it to Airbnb and provide instructions (manual or automatic) with every check-in. Here are some tips:

  • When programming PIN codes manually, a common practice is to use the last four digits of the guest's phone number. This is easy to do if you have only a couple of properties, but it can be tedious beyond that.
  • Some locks, like August and RemoteLock, can automatically generate a unique code they message to guests after booking or just before check-in.
  • You can automate check-ins using services like August, RemoteLock, Checkin, Lynx, or Operto. (Though August is the only option that doesn't require a monthly fee.)
    • These access control solutions may be compatible with other Airbnb PMS services like Guesty, Hostaway, Hostfully, iGMS, OwnerRez, and Smoobu. A PMS is great for expanding your business beyond a handful of listings because you can organize booking, calendars, check-ins, cleaning, marketing, accounting, and guest messaging from a unified online portal.
  • It's also possible to automate Z-Wave smart locks with a SmartThings hub, but it's more technical to set up than a PMS since you need to add a SmartApp to your system, which isn't always easy to do. (We're still figuring this part out for ourselves.)

Keeping up with low-battery alerts from your smart lock is the best way to prevent a guest lockout. Make a habit, preferably before every check-in, of checking the lock's battery levels and replacing them as needed.

Still, you should always have a contingency plan for guests needing to get into your short-term rental if the lock fails. This is especially true if you manage multiple units away from your home. All our top picks offer a physical key or an emergency battery port to operate the lock when the batteries die.

  • Backup keys are helpful when the lock fails to open despite having fresh batteries.
    • Store the key in a coded lock box outside your rental unit and provide the code if a guest needs help when you're unavailable.
    • Consider changing the lockbox code each time a guest uses it.
  • Backup batteries are most useful on keyless locks. They are generally more secure than backup keys because they require guests to use the assigned PIN code.
    • Depending on the lock, you'll need a 9V battery or a USB cable connected to a power bank—keeping one in a lock box near the door will be helpful.

Self-check-in is a huge convenience for guests and hosts alike. Guests love having immediate access, more privacy, extra space, and no pressure to interact after an exhausting day of travel. Remember to anticipate their needs by providing detailed instructions and easy access to your house rules.

As a host, you'll love how easily you can fill the calendar with bookings without devoting all your free time to managing your Airbnb listing. You can use the extra time to socialize with your guests, expand your business, or just live your life.

How we reviewed smart locks for Airbnb

We have years of experience testing and reviewing smart locks for homes—including most locks on this list—so we wanted to see if they can handle the world of Airbnb rentals. Although we don't personally host short-term rentals, we found tons of Airbnb-centric tools to help you manage yours.

As we researched smart locks for this review, we prioritized products with the following:

  • Keypads
  • Mobile apps
  • Native Airbnb integration

A keypad is a must because Airbnb's Off-Platform Policy prohibits "requiring guests to use other websites or apps to physically access their listing." Since you're using a smart lock to skip giving a physical key out, this makes a keypad the best way to grant access to guests.

Our top picks use mobile apps to streamline code creation (manually programming a keypad without an app is a pain, trust us). Apps also enable quick access for you, your cleaners, and other contractors (if applicable). Fortunately, Airbnb allows third-party apps for guests as long as they're optional, so you can also provide a mobile key for guests to enter their rental.

Native Airbnb integration means you can create and sync codes easily without copying and pasting between apps. We also explore how the locks fit into Airbnb PMS services like Guesty and Hostfully. Some of our picks don't integrate with Airbnb directly, like Wyze Lock Bolt, but they offer low prices and unique features to make up for it.

We don't consider price as much as with regular smart locks because they add value and convenience to your Airbnb listing. Look at it this way: a modest $5 increase in your nightly rate can provide a return on your $300 smart lock investment after 60 days. Just keep in mind that you may need a higher rate if you start using a paid subscription to manage your lock, such as RemoteLock.

Check out our full methodology to learn more about how we research, test, and review products.

Related articles on SafeWise


Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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