Best Smart Lock For Airbnb 2019- Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

24 Models Considered

94 Hours of Research

5 Experts Interviewed

To help you find the right smart lock for your Airbnb property, we evaluated twenty four different smart locks and also consulted two smart lock sales representative, a brand manager, and two home security expert. After evaluation we found that Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is the best smart lock for Airbnb homes. It can be installed on existing locks, connects to existing home automation, and notifies the moment guest enters or leaves the house. If you want to learn more, we have also created comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you choose the best locks.

Top Pick

Product

Editor's Pick

Runner Up

Budget Pick

Name

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

August Smart Lock 2nd Generation

Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt

Best For

Smartest Lock For HomeKit

Smartest Lock for Airbnb

Budget-Friendly Smart Lock

Pros

Works great with HomeKit. Keypad for access keys. Uses battery with long life.

Connects with smart devices like Alexa, Google Home and HomeKit. Can be installed with existing lock.

Cost less than most of the locking systems. Works with all SmartThings and Wink devices. Automatic locking of the door. Touchpad is smooth.

Cons

It requires separate Wi-Fi adapter to connect android and iOS phones.

Expensive compared to other smart locks.

May break easily if heat by strong object.

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Editor's Pick

Product

Name

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

Best For

Smartest Lock For HomeKit

Pros

Works great with HomeKit. Keypad for access keys. Uses battery with long life.

Cons

It requires separate Wi-Fi adapter to connect android and iOS phones.

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Runner Up

Product

Name

August Smart Lock 2nd Generation

Best For

Smartest Lock for Airbnb

Pros

Connects with smart devices like Alexa, Google Home and HomeKit. Can be installed with existing lock.

Cons

Expensive compared to other smart locks.

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Budget Pick

Product

Name

Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt

Best For

Budget-Friendly Smart Lock

Pros

Cost less than most of the locking systems. Works with all SmartThings and Wink devices. Automatic locking of the door. Touchpad is smooth.

Cons

May break easily if heat by strong object.

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Best Smart Lock For Airbnb

1. Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt- Smart Lock For HomeKit

Sale

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

• Hands-free voice control requires Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter and Alexa device (sold individually)
• Free iOS and Android smartphone app lets you manage codes, set schedules and view usage history
• Lock and unlock from anywhere by pairing with the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter (sold separately)

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The Schlage smart lock has few variants and out of them Schlage Sense is has all the best features. As a package it comes with locking system that has keypad, a key, in built alarm, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Using app we were able to give access to number of visitors. Since, the lock is operated by battery, it can still give access to visitor with the access key even during power outage.

When we unlocked the door using the same Wi-Fi network the response time was 2-3 seconds. And when done remotely, it took more than 10 seconds. Such time delays are all dependent on the connectivity.

When we tested the product, it worked best with Apple’s HomeKit. You can easily manage the notifications. If your Airbnb is not hosting any guest, it is probably you who is entering house. For such instances, you do not want the lock to notify you every time you lock or unlock the door. HomeKit allows you manage such settings with ease.

Bottom Line

If you have HomeKit enabled house, it is the best smart lock for Airbnb. And in terms of security is also the most secure smart lock for vacation rental homes because it can be managed remotely without being present at the location.

2.August Smart Lock 2nd Generation- Smartest Lock for Airbnb

August Smart Lock 2nd Generation

• Works with Alexa for voice control (hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately).

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August is known to provide quality home security solutions. It was one of the best smart lock for Airbnb that we tested. As a package, it offers everything that you expect from a smart lock. The main features includes, connects to smart devices, uses smart keys to open the door, all the information is available on your phone and takes very little time to install.

While we were installing the lock, it took us just 10 minutes. We attached it to the existing deadbolt, connected it with the our WiFi network, installed the August app on our smartphone and it was good to go. It operates on a battery, hence no additional wiring is required.

In case you do not have smart keys or your phone, you can use the original key of the door. One thing that we loved is that it locks the door automatically. Most of the time you have to push the door so that latch is engaged but August’s motor is powerful enough to allow the door to lock automatically.

Bottom Line

This August smart lock Airbnb review says some great things about the lock and our tests also proves it is currently best smart lock available.

3. Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt- Budget-Friendly Smart Lock

Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt

• Yale Locks & Hardware YRD220ZW619

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If you are on a tight budget but still want a good smart lock for vacation rental, Yale Touchscreen deadbolt is a great option. It can connect to Alexa via Wink or SmartThings.

As far as the keypad is concerned, it is really neat. It lights up when the keypad is touched. When the numbers are enter, it makes sound and blinks a little to know that the button has been pressed.

This is locks best with Z-wave devices so make sure you have that. The lock could become a good addition to your Home Automation if you have Z-wave devices.

As an Airbnb property owner, you may not be using much of the home automation, but you do not want your visitors to struggle with the system, hence make sure you whatever system you use make it compatible with the smart lock. Complicated system always make your visitor call you every now and then.

Bottom Line

If you want a budget friendly lock that can do all the things that a smart lock does, then Yale Touchscreen deadbolt is the best option.

4. Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Push Pull- Elegant Smart Lock For Airbnb

Sale

Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Push Pull

• DETAILS » Program up to 31 user codes and/or RF ID tags and 100 fingerprints. Fits doors 40mm to 80mm thick. Push to...
• DESIGN » Samsung door locks have a sleek modern design which would complement any interior or exterior door in the...
• EASY TO USE » Use the digital touchscreen numeric keypad or fingerprint reader to enter a password, fingerprint, or...

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Samsung is popular and most trustworthy brand. It has decades of experience in technology and innovation. Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Push Pull is nothing sort of an innovation. Our whole team loved the look of it. If you are Airbnb property owner why not impress your guest with elegant looking smart lock.

Only one thing that could have been better with this device is installing process. With such elegant looking lock, it has ugly hard installing process. Our team members had to bring out their best woodworking skills to the table. Though no one is a skilled carpenter, our team managed to install lock in couple hours. Yes, it is painstaking at first but its worth it when you see it working.

It is a biometeric lock. So for those who hate remembering numbers, it is a life saver. And if you are  an Airbnb guest, it will always take sometime to remember the new access keys. A finger print just saves the visitors of so much trouble. In addition to fingerprints, you can also use RFID and user codes.

So, we also brought in three old volunteers, to see if such issues exist with this system or not. And yes, one of them had a issue registering fingerprint with the this Samsung smart lock. It is possible with some old age people the fingerprint system may fail. But you can still make RFID tags for them.

Bottom line

If you are merely looking for an effective fingerprint lock for your Airbnb, the Samsung SHS-P718-LMK is very good.

5. Schlage Z-Wave Connect- Smart Lock for Home Automation

Sale

Schlage Z-Wave Connect

• Works with Alexa for voice control (hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately)
• Battery operated and fit standard door prep
• ANSI Grade 1 Highest Residential Security

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Schlage Z-Wave connect is rated grade 1 for residential security. It has all the right feature that makes it one of the best smart lock for Airbnb. Using Z-wave technology you can easily incorporate into a home automation system.

Installation is also breeze. They were able to install the lock on the door, download the app and connect the lock to the app via WiFi in mere fifty five minutes.

The app itself is really intuitive. We checked the response of the alerts received whenever someone used an access key. The notification was received the minute door is unlocked. This way as owner you can keep an eye on the renters living on your Airbnb property.

It uses battery which needs to be replaced every year or so. Good thing is that system notifies you immediately if battery runs low. In addition, if battery is dead due to some reason, you can access the lock with backup-keys.

The dead bolt throw is motorized, hence the door lock automatically behind you. In case of intrusion, it has in-built alarm that is enough to alert you.

Bottom Line

If you already have home automation in place, and you want to strengthen the security of you front door, Schlage Z-Wave Connect fits well.

6. August Smart Lock 3rd Gen technology- Best WiFi Smart Lock

Sale

August Smart Lock 3rd Gen technology

• Add an August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge (sold separately) to remotely lock/unlock and monitor your door as well to integrate...
• Secure, keyless entry for your smart home. Lock and unlock your door, control keyless access and keep track of who comes...
• Keep your existing lock and keys. Easily attaches to your existing deadbolt, so everyone can still use their keys.

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Like the earlier variant of the August we discussed, August Smart Lock 2nd Generation, it fits right into the existing deadbolt. But the extra thing it has is the traditional thumb turn. It also requires August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge to connect to smart devices for remote access.

It also supports automated locking and unlocking of the door. This feature really useful if visitor is carry grocery or bags. It unlocks automatically upon detecting the visitor. However, for this automation, Wi-Fi Bridge is necessary and the visitor’s phone needs to be connected to the lock via app.

Though we found that even with weak Wi-Fi signal it performed much better compared to other smart locks. Hence, we believe it best smart lock for Airbnb for any kind of Wi-Fi network.

Again the much like any other smart lock you can see how many times the door was locked and unlocked on a neat timeline in the app.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for complete automation via a Wi-Fi network, you can easily add the August 3rd generation into the mix.

7. Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock- Smart Lock With Camera

Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock

• Control who enters your home with the world's first video smart lock
• Capture and store videos of visitors with the motion activated camera
• Get alerted to visitors from the video doorbell, see and speak to them from your phone with two-way audio

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The Gate Labs is on our list for just being only smart lock with camera that we came across. We brought in almost 24 smart lock and only one had the camera. Rest all required separate front door camera. Even the company boasts that it is the first smart lock with camera.

Once installed, we download the Gate app and followed the step by step instruction to set up the lock. We have to admit video it captures is not of high quality but does the job of giving a clear picture.

For your Airbnb renters, you can create unique code right on your phone and send them. You can also check the footage to see the time they check-in and check out.

When we compare to other smart locks, it does not have many features. But its the camera that makes all the difference.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for the best smart lock for Airbnb with camera, it has to be the Gate Labs.

Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider While Buying the Best Smart Lock Airbnb?

Experts we consulted believe smart lock are changing the way owners manage their rental properties. Without actually physically being there, they can give access to the guest. In addition, they can also manage the time access  key lasts. So, managing the other bookings is also easy for them. However, experts stressed on the fact that only the best smart lock for Airbnb are the most secure. How do you find the best and most secure smart lock?

For that you have to consider following factors:

1. The app

The most important part of the smart lock system is the app. Using the app, you control every thing. You assign keys to the visitors. You keep an eye on the people entering and leaving the house. You also receive notification about the battery life.

In order to get the access to the house, visitors need the required app on their phone. Hence, one thing to look here is that app must be user-friendly. You may be using the app for months, so will be comfortable with it but same cannot be said for the visitors. And you have to consider the fact that not all visitors will be tech savvy.

While getting the smart lock for your Airbnb rental, make sure the app is easy to use and understand. When you write the Airbnb smart lock instructions, it should be clear and easy to understand for a visitor.

2. Connectivity

Most of the locks use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to connect to control device like smart phone or smart home devices. Important thing to consider here is, you have to make sure that the internet connection you use is fast and reliable. As most of the time you may controlling the lock remotely, response time will be a huge factor.And you also don’t want your guest to struggle to open the door because of the poor connection. Best thing to do is here is check which Wi-Fi configuration is best suited for the smart lock.

3. Battery

All the smart locks we have mentioned in the review, all are battery operated. You want a smart lock that can run for months or years without having to change the battery. In addition, get only those smart lock systems which notify you via app if the battery is running low.

4. Integration with smart devices

Using smart devices you can control the lock simply by voice commands. So the smart device integration become important. You can connect the smart lock to your existing home automaton. August Smart Lock 2nd Generation and August Smart Lock 3rd Gen technology connect directly to  HomeKit. For other devices, both require hub.While buying smart lock you have to see what smart devices it supports and what are the necessary accessories that you must buy in order to make the lock compatible for the smart home devices you own.

5. Installation

You may be attracted to buying a fancy smart lock, but you may end up struggling with its complicated installation process. While testing we found variety of smart locks that had different installation processes. Some may take only 10-15 minutes and some may take 1-2 hours. August Smart Lock 2nd Generation and August Smart Lock 3rd Gen technology both can installed on the existing dead bolt. Hence, it takes only 10-15 minutes.Where as Schlage Z-Wave Connect may take one hours as you have to replace the existing lock. Its your choice what kind of lock you want for your Airbnb home.

6. Grade Specifications

There are three ANSI grading levels that certify the security level of the smart lock, Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3. Grade 1 certifies that lock is of highest standard. The Grade 1 smart locks can be used for commercial buildings. Grade 2 and Grade 3 are more suitable for home use. Grade 1 smart locks are always best but Grade 2 certified locks can also do the job for you. It all depend on the amount of money you are willing to spend.

How We Conducted Tests For These Smart Locks?

We had so many good smart locks in front us. We tested almost 24 smart locks that were consider the best smart lock for Airbnb. While selecting these 29 locks we made sure that each is either Grade 1 certified or Grade 2 certified. We tested them for aspects like ease of use, ease of installation, battery, automation, and connectivity.

We also did physical tests to ensure that they are of highest safety standard. During our tests we simulated each and every kind of scenarios that allowed us to see how each model responds. We changed the strength of the wireless connections to see how locks perform under weak wireless connections. We also used batteries with low charge to know if the locks are still effective or not.

After 94 hours of testing, we evaluated the results and also consulted 5 experts to deepen our understanding of each model. We also went through several reputed review sites to understand what a common users think about the smart lock they use.

After considering all the test results, expert advice and user reviews, our team rated all the smart lock and picked the best smart lock for vacation rental. Here is the scorecard:

Final Thought

Reviews of the smart locks on our list are mainly positive because they have more pros than cons. Though each of the model has their own merits, it out performs the other model in some or other category.

Hence you have to know what kind of lock you want and what you want to get out of it. If you plan to use it for Airbnb rental, you would require a lock that works best with remote access like any model of August or Schlage. Or you may require smart lock with camera then Gate Labs may be a good choice.

Whatever lock you may choose, make the informed decision. Its your home, you want it to have best security possible.