Home Security Gadgets for Airbnb Hosts

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Thanks in part to the rapid growth of rental-listing service Airbnb, many would-be entrepreneurs have taken a leap into the so-called sharing economy. But all of this collective enthusiasm is often dampened by the possibility of somebody taking advantage of the hospitality offered by Airbnb hosts.

We’ve all heard the horror stories: wild parties, stolen valuables, damaged property, etc. A little bit of technology, however, can go a long way to help you feel safer and more secure as an Airbnb host, or even help you take a leap into the sharing economy.

Not all technology is created equal. Some home security gadgets hold a lot of promise, but aren’t really all that effective, or, in some cases, are even legally problematic. Here are cool gadgets that will get the job done, all while abiding by Airbnb’s legal terms and conditions.


1. Keyless entry: Smart locks

SafeWise recommends
August Smart Lock 3rd Gen

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

Whether you’re out of town visiting family or busy at work, key exchanges for Airbnb hosts can be a major hassle. Keyless entry devices like an August Smart Lock  give you the freedom to open your Airbnb rental from the palm of your hand on your mobile phone.

This type of device avoids the pitfalls of lockbox codes, easily mounts over your deadbolt, and is significantly more affordable than installing a full-blown automated home system.

Learn more in our list of the best Airbnb smart locks.

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.

2. Smart video doorbells

SafeWise recommends
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)

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

Verifying identities as an Airbnb host can also be tricky. With smart doorbell systems like Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen), you can get a widescreen, HD visual of who’s at your door from your cell phone or tablet, and you can communicate with them via a two-way intercom.

This gives you the ability to visually verify the identity of your guest, with the added capability of viewing from your mobile phone who is coming in and out of your Airbnb rental.

Product
Best for
Price
Resolution (aspect ratio)
Field of view
Power source
Prerecorded messages
Learn more
Best overall 960 x 1280
(3:4)
145ºBattery, wired
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for smart homes 1536 x 1536
(1:1)
180ºWired
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best local storage 2560 x 1920
(4:3)
180ºBattery, wired
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best battery doorbell 1920 x 1080
(16:9)
155ºBattery, wired, solar
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best budget doorbell 1296 x 1728
(3:4)
120ºWired
Icon No  LightNo

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

3. Video security cameras

SafeWise recommends
Arlo Pro 4
Arlo Pro 4
$199.99

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

In order to keep your Airbnb investment safe and avoid potential lawsuits, some experts recommend that you disclose the presence of video cameras inside your home, while others suggest you place cameras in off-limits areas where valuables are stored. 

Dummy cameras (Amazon) ($5 – $30) are also an option for hosts keeping things on the cheap.

Product
Best for
Price
Cloud storage price
Video resolution Icon Tooltip  Dark
Type
Learn more
Read review
Best overallStarts at $6.99/mo.1440p (2K) Indoor/outdoor wire-free
Best budget Starts at $2.99/mo.1080p Indoor/outdoor wired
Best for smart home Starts at $4.99/mo.1440p (2K) Indoor/outdoor wire-free
Best tech Starts at $6.00/mo.1080pIndoor/outdoor wire-free
Best indoor camera Starts at $2.99/mo.1920p (2K)Indoor wired

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change Read full disclaimer.

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

4. Security systems

SafeWise recommends
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at
$19.99
/mo

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Many Airbnb hosts run up against the legal intricacies of the Airbnb Host Guarantee, which does offer insurance, but doesn’t cover the theft of personal valuables like jewelry or collectibles.

Cameras and sensors offered by security companies like SimpliSafe can keep you posted whenever a surface with valuables on it is disturbed. Keep in mind, that most sensors are made to supplement already existing home monitoring systems.

The good news is that SimpliSafe's products can be installed by yourself, which means their home security systems are more customizable, while still offering optional professional monitoring. Professional monitoring can be helpful in emergencies like break-ins, but you'll need to pay a monthly monitoring fee.

Our SimpliSafe review has more details.

Company
Best for
Lowest price
Base kit price
Base kit includes
Professional monitoring
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
Best overall $244.00
(4 pieces)
Base station,
keypad,
entry sensor,
motion sensor
Icon Yes  LightOptional
Amazon, Google
Best for renters $194.98
(4 pieces)
Base station, sensor (1), yard sign, stickers
Icon Yes  LightOptional
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave
Best for smart homes $279.00
(5 pieces)
Base station,
mini entry sensor,
motion sensor,
key fob, sticker
Icon Yes  LightOptional
Amazon, Apple, Google, Z-Wave, Zigbee
Best self-monitoring $199.99
(3 pieces)
Keypad sensor hub, sensors (2)
Icon Yes  LightOptional
Amazon, Google
Best DIY quality equipment$129.00
(4 pieces)
Smart hub, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor
Icon Yes  LightYes
Amazon, Google, Z-Wave

Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change Read full disclaimer.

5. Motion detectors

SafeWise recommends
Wyze Cam Pan v2

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

Don't want to buy a whole security system to get motion detection? No problem. There are plenty of stand-alone motion sensors.

While spying on your guests isn't cool, using motion detectors to know when your guests arrive is handy. Plus, lot of movement could alert you to a rowdy party that you need to end before it becomes too destructive. The Minut Smart Home Alarm is a good privacy-first option that detects noises, motion, alarm sirens, temperature, and humidity without intrusive security cameras.

A motion sensor camera, like the Wyze Cam Pan v2 can also be useful if something is stolen or damaged at your rental. Just make sure to keep the cameras to public areas and out of the bathroom and bedroom areas, per Airbnb rules.

Product
Best for
Price
Product type
Range
Distance
Learn more
Wyze Cam Pan v2Wyze Cam Pan v2
Best for indoor security Security camera360º 30 ft.
Aootek motion sensor lightsAootek Outdoor Solar Lights
Best outdoor security Outdoor light 120º 26 ft.
Seanme Motion SensorsSeanme Motion Sensor Alarm
Best coverage Audible alarm 130º 30 ft.
Kangaroo Motion Sensor
Best for Wi-Fi App-based motion sensor 120º 20 ft.
THIRDREALITY Zigbee Motion SensorTHIRDREALITY Zigbee Motion Sensor
Best for smart hubs Smart home motion sensor 120º 30 ft.

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

Being an Airbnb host doesn’t have to be a risky proposition. With the help of any number of readily available and affordable gadgets, you can feel safer and more secure while you’re making a little extra cash from your rental investment.

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.

†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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