The 10 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb of 2020

It is also compatible with Alexa, allowing you to control your front door lock by voice.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers are very satisfied with the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect. Smartphone connectivity is a commonly noted top feature of the smart lock.

And while the Connect Wi-Fi bridge is noted as convenient, apparently there is some issue when it is placed beyond 10 feet from the smart lock.

We also compared this smart lock model to other popular brands.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect is one of, if not the, best models on the market. By having full control via smartphone, you can hand out less keys and keep an eye on who is coming and going from your property.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers are generally satisfied with this unit from Kwikset. One consumer notes that they have not used a normal key in over three years thanks to the trusty smart lock. Also, consumers find that it is aesthetically pleasing as well as easy to operate/use.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode is a phenomenal keyless entry unit for your door. With an easy to use keypad, you will never have to worry about guests losing keys again.

However, like the other August model in review, this version is also able to be controlled and monitored via smartphone.

What Customers Are Saying

For the most part, consumers are satisfied with this smart lock. Some consumers noted issues with remote operation but also noted that upon software updates the issues resolved themselves. This unit comes from highly recommended.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The August Smart Lock is as serviceable a unit as the August Smart Lock Pro but it does not come with the Wi-Fi bridge, which is why it falls to three in the review list.

While you can punch in passcodes on the touchscreen, traditional key use is also possible.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers are mixed on the quality of this smart lock. Some claim to have issues with the unit when it gets wet or when there is humidity and moisture in the air. However, many others report successful home management using this lock.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

If you like the idea of an external keypad for entry, the Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot model is ideal. With its touchscreen keypad there is never a worry of buttons sticking or becoming useless.

It is only to be used in conjunction with an August smart lock. It is highly useful for keyless entry at rental properties.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers have some positive things to say regarding this keypad but there are also quite a few negative reactions to the product. Some consumers claim it is not worth the price as it is unreliable and laggy, reacting to keypresses seconds after the fact.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The August Smart Keypad can be helpful to add to an existing August smart lock system. However, with the negative feedback it has received, be cautious if deciding to add it to your repertoire.

Mixed reviews dominate the consumer opinion realm regarding this model.

What Customers Are Saying

While some note its ease of use and simple function, others claim that it does not hold up very long. Though consumers are pretty enamored by the fingerprint technology.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The Ultraloq UL3 Smart Lock is the perfect lock system for a rental property that sees many people coming and going. With the ability to use fingerprint, keys, or passcodes, this is one of the more versatile locks available.

This model too operates via smartphone app and also sports Door Sense to let you know if your door is closed securely.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers love this model from Yale Security. Many rave about the smartphone connectivity and the ability to connect to an in-home smart hub like Alexa. Additionally, it is said to be perfect for those still not prepared to give up traditional keys.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The Yale Security YRD226-CBA-619 Assure is a great smart lock to replace your current traditional deadbolt. The large touchscreen keypad allows for easy use and simple locking and unlocking of your property.

This unit is by far the most high-tech model in a review. This unit not only sports a touchscreen keypad, but it also reads radio-frequency ID tags, making it a highly useful model for high traffic areas. There is also no traditional keyhole, which prevents picking or breaking in.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers have mostly positive feedback regarding this Samsung lock but there are a few negative notes to keep an eye on. Many find that this lock is highly useful, especially with its compatibility with NFC devices.

However, some states that modifications to your door may be necessary to make the unit fit properly.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock is one of the highest technology models in review. It has the ability to read RFID tags as well as interface with NFC devices, making it a very versatile and strong smart lock option.

Just as with other models, this unit connects to smartphones via bluetooth and allows you to track the activity around your property with logs.

What Customers Are Saying

This product from OAKS is a home run amongst consumers. As one consumer states, this model is a must have for any rental property or office. Additionally, consumers find that it is aesthetically pleasing and easy to interact with.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

If you enjoy sleek, modern aesthetics, this OAKS Electronic Deadbolt Smart Door Lock may be for you. It performs similarly to many of the keypad models on the list just with a modern appeal.

There is a touchscreen keypad on the exterior face so that you can leave the traditional keys out of it (although traditional key use is still possible with this model). With the ability to send passcodes to others, worrying about physical keys and keeping track of them is no longer an issue.

What Customers Are Saying

Consumers speak very highly of this smart lock from InteTrend. The most commonly noted feature is the easy installation of the unit. Additionally, once you have synced with the app, it is very easy to operate and monitor.

Pros/Cons

Conclusion

The InteTrend Smart Lock is another smart lock for those looking for modern door lock options. The keypad is super easy to use and its installation is no crazy effort.

The following is a list of Factors to Consider When Buying Smart Door Lock for Airbnb:

Type of entry

The type of entry the smart lock provides is the first and most important factor to consider when buying a smart lock for your Airbnb property. As we can deduce from the review list, there a few entry types available. First, you have an app-controlled smart lock with no exterior piece to interact with.

Second is the keypad type model by which you can either punch in a passcode or use a traditional key. Third, you have the keypad types with no traditional key use possible.

And finally, there is the fingerprint and keypad combination unit. The type of entry you wish to provide to your property will largely dictate the direction you choose to head in terms of the smart lock type.

Replacing deadbolt or installing on top of it

The next factor to consider is whether or not you have to replace your deadbolt entirely or simply add the smart lock to your existing deadbolt.

Many of the keypad models in review here require the replacement of your existing deadbolt.

Although replacement may be required, installation is intended to be simple and hassle-free for each model reviewed.

However, some people may not wish to replace their deadbolt entirely and for those people, we would suggest models such as the August Smart Lock Pro.

Type of interfacing/connectivity

A final factor to consider when buying a smart lock for an Airbnb property is the way in which you interface with the smart lock. Many of the models reviewed, if not all of them, utilize a mobile app or webpage to operate and monitor the lock.

Some models do so via Bluetooth while others simply use a Wi-Fi bridge (August Connect) to link your devices. There are even models that interface with NFC devices (Samsung).

Knowing how you wish to interact with your smart lock and whether or not you wish to have the ability to send codes, etc. will help you determine the right smart lock unit for your property.

Do I need to buy any additional parts to use with a smart home hub?

For many of the models listed, the way you connect to a compatible device such as Alexa requires a Wi-Fi bridge. Keep in mind that not all models are compatible with smart home technology and that many of the keypad models are not able to be voice-controlled.

The August models seem to be the most readily linkable devices for connecting with Alexa and Google Home, etc.

So in short, unless you go with the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect, you will likely need a third-party device or extra piece to permit voice control.

Are touch keypads or button keypads more reliable?

Once upon a technological time, this may have been a debate. However, with the advancements in tech in recent years many things, such as touchscreen keypads, are much more reliable than they once were.

The thing with physical button keypads is that they can stick with poor weather and dirt build-up or malfunction as buttons entirely. The touchscreen keypads bypass these issues with their lack of crevices and creases to jam buttons.

Should I make sure the model I purchase comes with traditional key use?

Whether or not you choose to purchase a model with traditional key use is entirely a personal choice. However, for those who rent properties and do not wish to constantly provide guests/customers with physical keys, a keyless pad without traditional key use might be ideal.

The models with traditional keyholes are susceptible to picking, whereas models without them cannot be picked without a passcode (or by being hacked, which is much more difficult than picking a lock).

Finally, the models that connect to your smartphone almost make keys obsolete, and so it really comes down to whether or not you wish to have physical keys.