Need a lock box that keeps the keys of your Airbnb property secure as well as allows self-check-in? We did all the research and tests and consulted experts with loads of experience in lock boxes. As a result, we can determine that Master Lock 5425D is the best key lock box for Airbnb. The lock box is weatherproof and even works in low light conditions. However, you want something smarter that notifies you every time the box is accessed, you must go for Igloohome Smart Keybox 2.
Top Pick
Best Key Lock Box For Airbnb Self Check In
1. Master Lock 5425D – Best For All Weather
The Master Lock 5425D is a lock box with light up dials suitable for outdoor and indoor use. As an Airbnb owner, you want to use your airbnb smart lock mostly for outside. The weather is the biggest factor that tests any lock box meant for outdoors. This lock is weatherproof and highly durable as it made of metal.
One thing we like is the light up dial which allows your guest to access the box even in low light conditions. We tested the smart lock in the dark and could easily enter the combination. However, you will have to keep an eye on the battery. There is no indicator for the low battery. For safety, you must change the batteries every two months.
- Light up dial.
- Strong metal housing for the keys.
- It can be wall mounted.
- Key fit even the car key with remote.
- Weatherproof covering.
- Expensive compared to other similar lock boxes.
Bottom Line
We liked the smart lock box for its capacity and durability. Even the light up dial is an excellent feature to have for a lock box. Overall there is a lot to like about the airbnb smart lock box for an Airbnb owner.
2. Igloohome 2 – Best For Remote Access
There are plenty of smart locks but not lock boxes. We hardly found many options when looking for lock boxes with smart lock capabilities. One of our experts suggested Igloohome. It is a relatively new company, but they are growing fast due to its innovative key box. We were impressed when we looked at this smart lock for the first time.
However, the biggest selling point of the box is smart capability. A smartphone app enables the smart lock. The owner can change the access codes from anywhere in the world. The homeowner can create unique PIN codes or Bluetooth keys. Also, schedule it depending on the guest’s arrival at the property where you are airbnb hosts. Moreover, you have access to logs to keep an eye when the lock box is accessed.
- Guests are not required to install the app.
- Dustproof as well as waterproof.
- If the lock is not locked properly, it relocks itself after 60 seconds.
- When the battery is out, an additional DC9V battery kicks in.
- Expensive
- No backlight for low light visibility.
Bottom Line
If your Airbnb property is in another state or country, the Igloohome Smart Keybox 2 is accessible with ease. We tested theairbnb smart lock security and durability. It is on par with the best for vacation rental.
3. ORIA Key Storage – Best For Budget Conscious Users
Do you want a strong and secure lock box, and at the same, you are not willing to spend much? ORIA Key Storage Lock Box is a good option for Airbnb owners with a limited budget. With a price range of just $25, you get all the necessary features you require in Airbnb smart lock box for keys. A smart lock is a combination lock box and can store around five keys.
Overall the built quality is outstanding. It can withstand the impact even when you hit it with a heavy object like a hammer or stone. Also, it can withstand any weather. We tested it with both dust and water, and it worked fine.
- Very simple to use and install.
- Ample storage for the multiple keys.
- Inexpensive compared to similar lock boxes.
- Antirust and weatherproof.
- No easy to use in low light conditions.
Bottom Line
Looking at smart lock built and capacity, it can easily compete with the best key lock boxes. It is the best key lockbox for users with a limited budget.
4. Master Lock 5423D – Best For Key Cards
Most of the airbnb smart lock boxes were suitable for the different types of keys but as an Airbnb owner, it is quite possible you use key cards. In such cases, you must get something like Master Lock 5423D. It is a much better storage space than most of smart lock boxes. In addition to key cards, it uses a push button lock. Using the keypad, you can set a password with 12 letters and numbers or use a combination of both. It is an excellent digit combination smart lock box.
The built quality of this lock is outstanding as compared to other smart locks. It uses 79 mm wide metal body for sturdiness and durability. We tested this smart lock for impact; it can withstand heavy blows. Next, we tested it for different weather conditions. The body is antirust and also dustproof. We also exposed it to some wet conditions, the box worked fine, and the content was dry.
- It can be wall mounted.
- Uses a metal body for durability and sturdiness.
- Dustproof as well as waterproof.
- It is a letters and digit combination lock box.
- No suitable for use at night.
- Pushing buttons is a little frustrating if you get it wrong.
Bottom Line
We recommend this lock only if you are looking for a lock box that can accommodate key cards with keys. There is ample space for both with this airbnb door option.
5. Kingsley Guard-a-key – Best For Garage
If you are looking for a smart lock box that can be removable and not fixed, a lock box like Kingsley Guard-a-key is a perfect choice. It can store up to 5 keys, and it is easy to open as a combination lock box. The overall weight of the lock is only 9.4 ounces; it can be removed and stored elsewhere.
We liked the build quality of the lockbox when compared to other smart locks. Even if you hit with hammer or stones, Kingsley Guard-a-key doesn’t budge. The outer black cover blends well with the surrounding. It is made of steel, is corrosion resistant, and can withstand rain and dust. It also keeps the multiple keys secure from the weather.
- Removable lockbox.
- Small and easy to use.
- Strong and durable design.
- Works even with shackles.
- Weatherproof.
- Guest can easily lose the lockbox because of the size.
Bottom Line
We won’t recommend you to use a smart lock box for the main or front door, but if you want to secure special gates or secure things like a bicycle on your property as a airbnb hosts, it is beneficial similar to other smart locks. It is cheap. Hence you can buy a few at once so that if one is lost, you can replace it.
6. Kidde AccessPoint 001014 – Most Durable Design
Most of the lockboxes that we have mentioned in this list have either combination locks or push button. The Kidde AccessPoint 001014 has a dial lock with 10,000 possible combinations as it uses letters compared to numbers. It works well when installed on the wall. Though the combination lock box looks small, Kidde AccessPoint was heavy compared to other similar locks. It is due to its construction.
We tested Kidde AccessPoint for water resistance and other smart capabilities. Though the outer covering is water resistant, it does not completely seal the water off. In conditions such as heavy rain, the water will zip into the cavity. As a result, the smart lock keys are prone to corrosion, especially the older ones.
- Easy to install secure lockbox.
- The dial combination lock is highly secure.
- Thick walls of lockbox keep the content safe.
- The lid needs to be twisted to open the physical key cavity, which is frustrating.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the lockbox that has much thicker walls to keep the content secure, the Kidde AccessPoint 001014 is best. Also, the dial lock is hard to crack because of the 10,000 possible combinations.
7. KeyGuard SL-590 Wall Mount – Best For Wall Mount
The KeyGuard SL-590 probably has the largest storage of all. It cannot just store a few individual keys, but it can store up to five keys. Also, it can store credit cards, key cards, car remotes, etc. It may not look great in aesthetics, but it secures and uses push-button locks.
The built quality seems nice. However, we have tested much better locks in terms of construction. It can save the box’s content from a drizzle, but with heavy rain, you might find some water inside it.
- Has a large storage capacity.
- Secure push-button locks.
- Easy to install and use.
- Construction could have been much better.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the smart lock with huge storage capacity, there is no other lock box that could come close to KeyGuard. It is the smart lock for Airbnb in terms of storage capacity.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider?
There are several aspects of a key safes when using airbnb lockboxes. Understanding each aspect allows you to choose the door lock box check in process for Airbnb guests. These aspects were identified with the help of experts for guest checks. We have two experts from sales, two from manufacturing, and one Airbnb smart lock owner. Let’s look at these aspects one by one:
1. Installation
There are various places a key safe or smart locks can be installed. Firstly, it can be installed either inside the house or outside. But most of the Airbnb owner wants the box for the outdoor. Even at outdoors, the smart lock key safe can be wall mounted or door mounted. According to our experts, the most secure installation of key safe is on the wall. If you install it on the door, you install it on the handle or any other removable fixture. However, if you keep the key airbnb lockbox on the wall, it is more of a permanent installation that is more suitable for property.
2. Locking System
You might have observed there are almost three types of locking systems in the locks that you get at he local hardware store—dial, push button, and combination. If you compare each type, all of them are secure and do the job of keeping your physical key safe. You only have to consider the locking system’s ease of use. The big reason is, you will have a new person accessing smart locks every few days. The guest won’t be familiar with the lockbox. Even if you have airbnb self check in lockbox, but it has a complicated locking system, the guest will have a tough time opening the key safe during.
During our tests, we noticed that using combination numbers and letters with push button lock can easily frustrate users as it requires pushing a single button several times for certain letters or numbers. It is a secure digit combination smart lock that can frustrate you. The user will have to start again if even a single digit is wrong in the check in lockbox. While with a dial or combination of the wheel locks, all user has to do is bring the dial to the right point and leave it to grant access. Chances of going wrong are almost zero if the password is known. This is why we like Master Lock 5425D
3. Storage Capacity
You might find a variety of key safe lock boxes depending on the storage capacity. It is not necessary for you have to get the biggest key safe lock box. But have to identify how many keys or key card you want to leave outside your property for your guests as optimum security. Depending on that choose the right lock box. With Igloohome Smart Keybox 2 you can store up to five keys which is fine if you want compact key safes for your apartment building. And if want to store bunches of keys and cards of lockbox code go with KeyGuard SL-590.
4. Durability
The most important aspect of the locking system and smart locks is the built quality. If the smart lock is not durable against impact, weather, and dust, it is not the most secure check in lock box. You want your smart lock box to take heavy blows of impact in case anyone forcefully tries to access the box. In addition to theft, smart lock must be able to protect the box’s content from dust and weather. Your box may be weatherproof, but your keys may not be. So make sure the box is well sealed. The box that passed our durability test with flying colors is Master Lock 5425D and Master Lock 5423D .
How We Conducted The Tests?
We began our testing by identifying the bestselling and most popular airbnb lockbox in the market. With the help of experts and sellers, we could identify 26 lock boxes that are well suited for property. They are popular and have good sales numbers. We acquired all 26 lock boxes from the seller for testing. Next, we began the process of determining the testing parameters. We identified the most critical parameters depending on the features and what the users required from the key lock boxes for Airbnb.
The parameters for testing included durability, capacity, ease of access, installation, and locking system. All the tests were designed to test the lockbox on these parameters. We ensured that every tool we used for measurement was well-calibrated and accurate. We also made sure that we create an environment that resembles a real-life situation so that the results are not just mere numbers but actual practical depictions.
In addition to tests, contact existing users of each 26 airbnb lockbox to know how they have been performing after the purchase. Considering all the data and information we had on all smart lock boxes, we scored each lockbox for the three most important factor safety, durability, and ease of use. Each member of our team scored the boxes separately. After the overall score with clear instructions, we listed the seven key lock boxes for Airbnb. Here is the scorecard:
| Product | Safety | Durabilty | Ease of Use | Overall | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Lock 5425D | 97.2 | 96.3 | 96.8 | 96.7 | Check Price |
| Igloohome Smart Keybox 2 | 96.5 | 96.8 | 96.3 | 96.5 | CheckPrice |
| ORIA Key Storage | 95.3 | 97.4 | 96.1 | 96.2 | CheckPrice |
| Master Lock 5423D | 96.8 | 95.7 | 95.7 | 96.0 | CheckPrice |
| Kingsley Guard-a-key | 97.1 | 95.1 | 94.8 | 95.6 | CheckPrice |
| Kidde AccessPoint 001014 | 94.8 | 97.4 | 94.6 | 95.6 | Check Price |
| KeyGuard SL-590 | 94.3 | 94.7 | 96.7 | 95.2 | CheckPrice |
FAQs
1. How does the Airbnb lockbox work?
Unlock box is a small storage device that can store keys to your Airbnb property. The correct code is required to access the lockbox. Hence, whenever you have new guests, you must provide the access codes with clear instructions of using it and they can get the key from the lockbox.
2. Can you fit anything other than the key in lockbox?
Some of the lockboxes are big enough to accommodate a smartphone.
3. Are all lockboxes weatherproof?
Lockboxes need to be weatherproof as they are installed outside your door. You do not want your keys to be soaking in water.
4. How strong are the lockboxes?
Lockboxes of high quality are strong, and they can even withstand heavy blows. And they should be strong because you are storing keys of your property.
5. Where do you install lockboxes?
The best place to install lockboxes is right next to the door lock. You can screw the lockbox on the door, or if the lockbox is larger in size, you can install on the nearest wall.
6. How much does a lockbox cost?
Lockbox costs anything between $30 to $140. During our tests, we found that the average cost is around $40 which is not much.
7. Are there any smart lockboxes for Airbnb?
There are not many, but while testing we came across Igloohome Smart Keybox 2.
8. Can you know if the lockbox has been access without visiting the Airbnb?
Only few lockboxes have that ability. Igloohome is one of them.
Final Thought
Securing the Airbnb property is your most important priority, and you also want to make your guest’s stay comfortable. Any system you install for your Airbnb property must combine both factors. Our list of airbnb self check in lockbox also ensures that both requirements are fulfilled. Beyond that, you must rule out your requirements when looking for a smart lock and security camera. We advise you to go through our comprehensive buyer’s guide to understand your requirements. Also, provide clear check in instructions to your guests.
Master Lock 5425D- Editor's Choice
Summary
The Master Lock 5425D is a lock box with light up dials that is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. As an Airbnb owner, you want to use your key lock box mostly for outside.
We bought a Master Lock key lockbox to provide contractors entry to a house. It served its purpose: the dials worked smoothly enough, the container opened consistently, and the adjustable shackle was, indeed, adjustable. We changed the combination a few times as one offer finished and another began, and we never had any difficulties with establishing a new combination.