Best Airbnb Smart Lock 2018 - Our Review

The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb in 2023

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Put Safety First at Your Airbnb With the Best Airbnb Smart Locks

Hosts that manage remotely typically want to make sure that their short-term rental is secure. A Lockbox is a simple yet great solution for offering a seamless check-in key exchange for guests and hosts. You provide the code to your guests, and they can open the box to grab the keys with no need to worry about batteries or Wi-Fi failing. But what happens if the guest fails to lock the door, or worse, fails to return the keys to the lockbox?

And if a host cares about security, they’ll want to change the code often so previous guests can’t return and let themselves in. No worries! Smart locks are here to save the day. A smart lock can be opened remotely, and changing codes can also be done remotely. We’ve reviewed the best available Airbnb smart lock options for 2023 to help you make an informed decision.

At a Glance: Our Top 4 Picks for The Best Airbnb Smart Lock

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect WiFi Bridge Bundle (The Best Airbnb Smart Lock)

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Overview

The August Smart Lock Pro is a very popular smart lock for Airbnb because of how versatile and easy it is to install. It fits over most deadbolt locks with ease, and offers seamless integration with Airbnb. Potential guests will automatically be issued an invite to download and install the app, allowing them access to your listing only during the dates of their stay.

You’ll can also monitor the state of the lock via the app and make sure that no one is accessing your listing when they aren’t supposed to be.

Pros
  • Fits over your existing deadbolt with no modifications needed
  • Includes a sensor that ensures the door is completely shut, so you don’t need to worry about locking an open door remotely
  • Has an auto-lock feature that locks the door after a certain amount of time of being unlocked
  • Can unlock automatically as guests arrive at the property
  • Can still use a key to open the deadbolt, a handy feature to ensure you have a backup procedure in place
Cons
  • May need to adjust your lock’s alignment so that the August Smart Lock can turn the deadbolt easily.
  • The lock itself is pretty bulky

Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot (2nd Best Smart Lock for Vacation Rentals)

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Overview

The Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Smart Lock is a replacement for your existing deadbolt. It offers a touchscreen keypad where guests can enter a 4-digit code. The Schlage Z-Wave Connect is probably the easiest smart lock to use because guests won’t have to sign up for and download an app to their phone.

It allows hosts to remotely manage codes from the Schlage app, but it did not appear to have any Airbnb integration, so hosts may have to manually create new codes for each reservation, which could be time-consuming.

Pros
  • Very easy to use, all the guest has to do is enter the 4-digit code and the lock opens. To lock, they just push the Schlage button.
  • Hosts can manage codes from anywhere
  • Nice looking design
  • Has a keyhole for use as a backup
Cons
  • You’ll need to replace your existing deadbolt to install it. This could mean hiring a tradesperson if you aren’t the DIY type.
  • No integration with Airbnb. Hosts will have to manually update codes for each reservation, which could get exhausting if they have multiple listings.
  • Requires a Z-wave enabled smart hub

Yale Assure Smart Lock

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Overview

The Yale Assure is another excellent option for your Airbnb smart lock needs. It is very similar to the Schlage Connect because it replaces your existing deadbolt. The Yale Assure is easy to use because it offers a backlit touch screen and voice guidance to help even the most technologically challenged guests to gain entry.

The Yale Assure has a feature where guests can press a button inside the door to disable all codes for a short time. This might appeal to guests who don’t want someone to walk in on them or if they would like more privacy.

Pros
  • Very easy to use with backlit touchscreen and voice guidance
  • Has a keyhole for backup access if the batteries fail
  • You can manage codes from anywhere
Cons
  • You’ll need to replace your existing deadbolt in order to install it. This could mean hiring a handyperson if you aren’t the DIY type.
  • No integration with Airbnb. Hosts will have to manually update codes for each reservation, which could get exhausting if they have multiple listings.
  • Requires a Z-wave enabled smart hub

August Smart Lock – 3rd Generation

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Recently, we’ve started to use the more affordable August Smart Lock – 3rd Generation because using it is easy even to the most technologically challenged Airbnb guest. The thumb-turn part of the deadbolt is very obvious, requiring no button presses or batteries to manually lock or unlock the door.

The August Smart Lock’s price point is also very attractive. We use one on every exterior door along with an August Connect WiFi Bridge on each.

Pros
  • Very easy to use with obvious deadbolt thumb-turn
  • Has a keyhole for backup access if the batteries fail
  • You can manage access from anywhere
  • Incredible battery life
  • Super affordable
Cons
  • No Siri or HomeKit compatibility

The Best Airbnb Smart Lock in 2023

After much debate, we have concluded that the August Smart Lock Pro is the best Airbnb smart lock in 2023. The ease of setup and integration with Airbnb makes it the clear winner. At AirHost Academy, we believe strongly in automating the Airbnb process so you can effectively scale your rental business beyond more than just one or two properties.

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Automate your best smart lock for your vacation rental: “Alexa, lock all the doors.”

Consider adding Alexa to your vacation rental once you have your new smart locks. Alexa can advise guests on whether or not the doors are shut and locked. You can also have Alexa control your smart TV or thermostat, and even notify guests of motion detected on your security camerasCreating a safe, secure environment for your guests is very important!

About the Author Kevin Kelsey

Originally from Connecticut, Kevin moved to Los Angeles in 2013 and worked his way up to becoming an editor on award-winning reality TV shows. Kevin owns 4 short term rentals in Southern California and founded AirHost Academy to help other hosts improve their business.