Best Smart Lock for Airbnb – Top 10 Reviews, Guide, FAQs
Airbnb has gained immense popularity in recent years. However, you’ll find that it’s quite difficult to find the perfect smart lock that works seamlessly with the app.
This is why today, we’re looking at the best smart locks for Airbnb that are available currently in the market.
We will discuss the ins-and-outs of smart locks. We'll also look at what makes a smart lock worth buying both in general terms as well as in terms of its compatibility with Airbnb.
WINNER
Best Smart Lock for Airbnb
This incredibly sleek smart lock is easy to configure and also easy to use. It keeps you informed about who’s using it and when all in real-time.
RUNNER UP
2nd Best Smart Lock for Airbnb
Coming in three different colors, this product provides great security and convenience with style. It’s very simple to use and installs very easily as well.
ALSO GREAT
3rd Best Smart Lock for Airbnb
This lock comes with a minimalist look and it’s packed with features. It’s the perfect balance between security and convenience. It attaches to your door in just 10 minutes.
After months of testing and research, these products have proven themselves to be the best of the bunch.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the reviews for the top 10 smart locks for Airbnb.
Best Smart Lock for Airbnb - Best 10 Reviews
This product is a version of the August Home Smart Lock Pro that comes with its Connect Hub. This means that not only do you get Bluetooth and Z-wave connectivity but you also get Wifi capabilities.
It’s extremely easy to set up as it mounts right onto your existing deadbolt on your door. You don’t need to work with any wires to set it up. All you need is a basic screwdriver and you’ll have this lock mounted up to your door in no time.
Sharing digital keys and keeping track of who’s using the lock and when is extremely easy with the help of its accompanying smartphone app.
Features of August Home ASL-03 - Best Smart Lock for Airbnb
Dimensions: 3.4 inches x 2.2 inches x 3.4 inches
Weight: 13.9 ounces
Auto-lock/unlock feature
Alexa compatibility
Comes with Connect Hub
DoorSense Technology
If you’re looking for a reliable lock with an extremely intuitive interface then this product is perfect for you. It makes it very easy to share digital keys and it has easy Airbnb integration as well.
This is another incredibly secure and also incredibly convenient smart lock. It's manufactured by the innovative brand August. It’s a lock that, unlike most smart locks, does not mount onto an existing deadbolt on your door. Instead, it replaces it entirely.
Just like other August smart locks, this one has August’s DoorSense technology integrated into it as well. With the help of this technology, the lock is always able to determine whether your door is securely locked or not. Thus, you never have to worry about the door accidentally left ajar.
Features of Yale Assure Lock
Dimensions: 6.0 inches x 6.0 inches x 14.0 inches
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Backlit touchscreen
Smudge-resistant touchscreen
Compatible with home assistants such as Siri, Alexa, etc.
DoorSense Technology
If you want a smart lock that operates as a deadbolt with keyless convenience then this product is ideal for you. It features an easy-to-use touchscreen with August’s DoorSense Technology.
This product perfectly balances features with its price. It's definitely not the absolute cheapest smart lock you can get on the market. That being said, it’s definitely a smart lock that provides you with the most tremendous value for your money.
It has an auto-lock/unlock feature which enables it to unlock automatically when it senses that you’re approaching. Once you’re inside, it also locks automatically behind you. Many smart locks come with an auto-lock feature but very few of them have the auto-unlock feature as well at this price range.
Features of August Smart Lock
Dimensions: 2.6 inches x 1.6 inches x 4.8 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Runs on 4 AA batteries
Pairs via Bluetooth
1-year warranty
Auto-lock/unlock feature
If you want to offer your Airbnb guest maximum convenience on a budget then this product is definitely for you. Considering its price, it has an astounding number of features.
Obviously, you want to protect your Airbnb listing and keep it safe from burglars both when guests are staying at the listing as well as when it’s vacant. This smart lock helps you do that and then some. It sends an alert to your smartphone as soon as someone tries to mess with it even slightly.
The smartphone also has a very intuitive user interface that you can easily get the hang of. It allows you to share keys with your Airbnb guests. It also sends you notifications in real-time to let you know when the lock is being used and by whom.
Features of Google RB-YRD540-WV-0BP x Yale Nest Connect Smart Lock
Dimensions: 6.1 inches x 11.8 inches x 5.4 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Runs on 1 Lithium Polymer battery (included)
Available in three different finishes
Fingerprint-resistant keypad
If you’re concerned about robbers trying to break into your Airbnb listing then this product is the one you’re looking for. It stands up to all common burglary techniques and it’s very easy to set up as well.
Later in this post, we talk in length about how important it is for your smart lock to look good too in addition to providing security. This is because the lock is the very first thing that your Airbnb guest will interact with.
This lock comes in six different colors and styles for you to choose from. You get a lot of freedom in terms of the aesthetics that you can evoke from this lock. You can ensure it blends in well with your Airbnb listing’s environment so your guest feels welcomed when they arrive.
Features of Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913 Door Lock
Dimensions: 3.5 inches x 5.4 inches x 9.9 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Runs on 4 AA batteries
ANSI Grade 2 rating
Fits onto all standard door preparations
If you want a lock that looks great on your door while providing maximum security then this is the lock you’re looking for. It’s available in many different colors and it’s very easy to fit onto your door too.
This sleek smart lock will look great on just about any door you mount it to. It gives you the option to access it using four different mechanisms. Namely, a numeric access code, a keychain or wristband fob (up to 2 fobs), using your smartphone or via a physical key (just in case).
It also allows you to generate access codes of 5 different types for different situations. These five types of access codes are Permanent, custom, temporary, cyclic or one-time.
Features of Oaks Smart Lock
Dimensions: 6.0 inches x 2.8 inches x 1.0 inches
Weight: 2.63 pounds
Four different access mechanisms
Auto-lock sensor
Can assign 5 different types of codes
If you want a detailed and accurate log of who’s been using your smart lock then this product was made for you. It provides great security and you can look at the history log it creates to see who’s been using it to get inside or go outside at any given time.
Most of the locks on this list have an ANSI grade 2 rating which means they are fairly secure but not as secure as a lock can be. This lock, however, has an ANSI grade 1 rating which means that it’s as secure as any lock can possibly be. It can be used for commercial as well as home use and it can withstand a force of 100 foot-pounds.
Not only that but it also has a built-in alarm. This means that as soon as a thief even tries to tamper with it, it will sound a loud alarm that is sure to scare them away.
Features of Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt
Dimensions: 4.5 inches x 5.1 inches x 9.3 inches
Weight: 3.8 pounds
ANSI Grade 1 rating
Touchscreen with a matte finish to prevent fingerprint smudging
Z-wave technology
If you’re mainly concerned about security then this product is ideal for you. Not only does it have the highest ANSI grade possible but it also has a built-in alarm for double the security.
This smart lock features three different ways to access it and it connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth technology.
The app that comes with it is fairly easy to get used to. You will find that generating keys with it and sending it to people is quite streamlined and seamless. You can generate many different types of access codes with this app for different types of guests for your Airbnb.
Features of InteTrend
Dimensions: 8 inches x 7.8 inches x 3.8 inches
Weight: 2.85 pounds
30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty
Made of a premium Zinc alloy
Customizable auto-lock timer
If you don’t want to spend too much time installing your smart lock then this product is the one for you. It takes very little time to mount and you barely need any tools to install it.
The Ultraloq UL3 is a smart lock that offers the greatest amount of entry options out of all the smart locks on this list. These are fingerprint, access code, smartphone app, shaking or knocking on your smartphone and via a mechanical key.
If you have an iOS phone, you can knock on the smartphone in order to unlock the lock. If you have an Android phone, you can shake it to unlock it. These two features are something that make it unique. It’s definitely something that will cheer your guests up when they arrive at your listing as it’s a quirky way to open the smart lock.
Features of Ultraloq UL3
Dimensions: 7.0 inches x 6.3 inches x 3.5 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
18-month electrical and lifetime mechanical warranty
Anti-peep touchpad technology
Accompanying smartphone app
If you want a smart lock with many different ways to access it then this product is perfect for you. It’s fairly easy to configure and customize and your guests will have no trouble using it.
Samsung is a name everyone’s heard of and you know you’re getting a high-quality product when you buy from this brand. This is indeed true in this case as this smart lock is made of the highest-quality material. It not only provides immaculate security but it also ensures that the lock keeps performing well over the course of many years.
It’s extremely easy to make use of and does not require getting the hang of its controls and menus like most smart locks do.
Features of Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock
Dimensions: 2.7 inches x 1.5 inches x 7.1 inches
Weight: 3.05 pounds
Runs on 4 AA batteries
12-month battery life
Low-battery indicator
If you want a smart lock that is extremely easy to use then this product is definitely for you. It has a very intuitive design and it provides seamless access with no hassle to your Airbnb guests.
Best Smart Lock for Airbnb - Buyers’ Guide
What are some things to keep in mind when buying a smart lock for Airbnb?
Here are some things that you should definitely think about before buying a smart lock for Airbnb:
Battery Life and Low-Battery Indicator
Both a long-lasting battery life and a low-battery indicator are features that pretty much everyone wants in their smart lock. However, these are especially important when you’re buying a smart lock for Airbnb. Let’s say you buy a smart lock that doesn’t have a low-battery indicator and also has a poor battery life. There’s a chance the lock could run out of power while a guest is staying at your Airbnb. This would result in a lot of inconvenience for the guest and you’d be cursing yourself for getting that particular smart lock.
Thus, be sure to get one that has a long battery life and also informs you beforehand when it’s about to run out of power.
Ease of Use
Again, this is something that every user wants but when you’re using the smart lock for Airbnb, this becomes especially important. This is because in an ordinary situation, even if a lock is complicated to use, one can get the hang of it eventually just through repeated use. However, in this case, your guest is only going to be interacting with the lock for a few days. Thus, it’s important that the smart lock has controls and an interface that is intuitive and easy to get the hang of.
Guest Keys
Guest keys in smart locks are digital keys that you can share with people. This allows them access even when you’re not physically present near the lock. It’s fairly obvious why this feature is almost essential if you want to use the smart lock for Airbnb. Get a smart lock that allows you to easily generate and share guest keys so your guests can gain access to the smart lock even when you’re not present.
Aesthetics
This is something that you should give extra thought and care to when you’re buying a smart lock for Airbnb. This is because when you’re renting an Airbnb space out to a guest, you want to make a good impression on them. The smart lock is literally going to be the first piece of equipment that your guest interacts with. Thus, it’s important that the lock be aesthetically pleasing so it makes a good impression on your guest and eases them into your rental space.
How do I install and use my smart lock for Airbnb?
Most smart locks don’t require any wiring and can be mounted right onto your existing deadbolt just with a basic screwdriver. Every product has slightly different installation procedures. This is why we suggest you look at the instruction manual that comes with the smart lock and follow it to a T.
Once you’ve mounted it onto your door, you can configure it with the help of its smartphone app so that it starts working. Once the lock is operational, you can start sharing guest keys with your guests so they are able to access the lock once they arrive at your space.
Do smart locks require power to work?
Yes. Smart locks have an electrical component that requires some source of power in order to operate. Normally, this source of power comes in the form of external batteries such as AA batteries. Other smart locks have their own internal batteries that can be charged.
You don’t really have to worry about the batteries running out in your smart lock any time soon. This is because most high-end smart locks can go up to a year on a single set of batteries or a single charge. Most smart locks also come with a built-in low-battery indicator. It informs you way beforehand that the batteries require changing/charging.
Best Smart Lock for Airbnb - FAQs
What is Smart Lock check-in?
Smart lock check-in or self-check-in means that when guests arrive, they can let themselves into the listing or space themselves. As a host, you don't need to physically meet with them. This can be done through the help of a digital key that the host would share with the guest beforehand.
How do I use an August Smart Lock on Airbnb?
You can integrate your Airbnb account very easily with the August Smart Lock. Here are some easy steps you can follow in order to get things set up:
- Open the August app on your smartphone and tap the menu icon in the upper lefthand corner.
- Tap on “Works with” and then select “Airbnb”.
- Tap the “Connect to Airbnb” button.
- Select “Allow” and then start entering your Airbnb account information. This will begin integrating your Airbnb account.
- Once you’ve entered your Airbnb account information, you will be asked to allow access to Airbnb to August. Once you’ve allowed this, your Airbnb account should be integrated.
Note that if your account is still not integrated to August after following these steps, it could be because you’re logged out of your Airbnb account. Log back into it in order to establish the connection.
Does the August Smart Lock require Wi-Fi?
The August Smart Lock definitely has Wifi capabilities if you buy the Connect hub with it. However, the August Smart Lock does not NEED Wifi in order to operate. It’s even operational if your power goes out.
How long do batteries in Smart Locks last?
Most high-quality smart locks have a very long battery life. Many of them last for at least a year on a single charge or a single set of batteries.
How do I turn off my Smart Lock?
This varies depending on the manufacturer but most smart locks can be turned off using their accompanying smartphone app.
Look into the app’s settings and search for a way to remove accounts and turn the smart lock off. You will most likely be asked for a PIN or some other form of authentication before you are allowed to do this. Once this is done, your smart lock will be turned off.
Can a Smart Lock malfunction and refuse to open?
It can definitely happen in some rare cases. However, most high-end smart locks are robust and have mechanisms in place to prevent something like this from happening. Not to mention, a lot of smart locks fit right onto existing regular deadbolts that you have on your door. This means that even if a smart lock malfunctions, you can still use your mechanical key to gain access.
Final Verdict
With Airbnb becoming the new normal in terms of space rentals, it’s important that smart locks offer integration with the app. It's essential in order to provide a streamlined experience to both guests as well as hosts.
In the end, we’ve chosen the August Home ASL-03 as our winner. It looks wonderful on any door, it has a very intuitive design and it’s extremely simple to set up as well.
And with that, we’ve arrived at the conclusion of our post for the best smart locks for Airbnb.
Let us know in the comments what smart lock you’re using for your Airbnb listing.
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[…] Ultraloq UL3 is one of the cheapest smart locks available on the market. Thus, if you’re short on cash but still want a smart lock, we would […]