2019 Buyers Guide
Airbnb Smart Locks
Tired of managing getting people access to your vacation rental?
This guide will help you chose the best smart lock option for your Airbnb so that you get better guest reviews and save time and hassle dealing with lost keys and check-in problems.
How we chose the top Airbnb Smart Lock
Overview
Getting a connected smart lock for your Airbnb rental can be a big time saver for both guests and hosts and help improve someones stay as well as cut down on management and coordination time with guests.
Some of the benefits include:
As a host:
- Integrate directly with the Airbnb booking and messaging system so you don't have to manually add new codes and send to the guests.
- Update and revoke access to your listing based on the guests current status (it even supports cancellations, etc)
- Receive alerts when codes are used so you know the guests have made it to and entered the property.
- Increase the security of your property by making the renters have not forgotten to lock the unit or have even made a duplicate copy of it at a hardware store.
- No more replacing lost keys!
- Don't have to meet anyone in person for check-in.
As a Guest:
- Many guests are becoming uncomfortable with past occupants still having access to the house with a seldom changed code. A unique key code for each guest eliminates this problem and provides and extra set of security.
- Receive an easier check-in experience by not having to go back and forth to meet someone to get your keys. Great for introverts and tired travelers out there.
- No keys to keep track of during their stay.
We have broken this guide down into several sections:
- Direct Airbnb booking integration
- These systems will integrate with your Airbnb listing calendar and allow you to manage and send to guests directly. - Self Managed
- Add your codes and manage correspondences and access info on your own. - Comparisons
- Things to Consider
- FAQ
Direct Airbnb Booking Integration
Direct Airbnb booking integration is the most efficient way that smart locks can be integrated into your workflow as a host and automate correspondences to guests. These locks use the Airbnb APi to integrate your listings calendar and then send them access code information via email or text that gives them individual timed access code to your rentals lock.
Requirements for these to work:
- Internet router or Wi-fi connection
Option #1) August
Airbnb Calendar Integration: Yes
Cost: $240+ (see below for breakdown)
Subscription fee: No
Lock Types supported: Interior Deadbolt Replacement
As one of the most well known smart lock companies on the market August is a good first choice to explore with good reviews and a direct integration into Airbnb.
One thing to note is that in order to get a full experience with August locks you will need to buy three products.
- Either August lock or August Pro
- August Connect or Doorbell Cam
- This is their Wi-fi add-on (the doorbell has Wi-fi control as well) that will let you control the lock remotely via your phone or desktop. - Access Keypad*
- This is technically optional. If you don't have the keypad you can still use the August lock for your guest but they will have to download the August app in order to open the lock.
Total price of these can range from $240 and above depending on which August lock you choose. The Pro version for example gives you iOS/Siri/Homekit support.
Once your guests reservation ends or is canceled the code will automatically expire.
Setup for this uses the August app where you authorize your Airbnb listings and pair your locks to your specific rental. Guests are sent emails with the code information automatically. More information on the integration can be found here.
Option #2) Remotelock
Airbnb Calendar Integration: Yes
Cost: $249+ (see below for breakdown)
Subscription fee: Starting at $3/month for full control
Lock Types supported: Deadbolt Replacement, Handle Replacement
RemoteLock is an official partner in the Airbnb Host Assist and Business Travel Ready Program and lets you manage your Airbnb lock using 3 different lock options.
They are all connected using Wi-fi so you do not need an additional hub to connect to your listings Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
- RemoteLock 5i
- OpenEdge BG
- RemoteLock 7i
Additional Notes:
- You can also manage Z-Wave locks from Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset and August with the RemoteLock software.
- Allows direct guest code extensions for late checkouts, code removals for cancellations, and additional updates for security management.
- Up to 1,000 guest/codes available and can be assigned or generate randomly, and view lock history.
Option #3) AURMUR (formally called Airlocking)
Airbnb Calendar Integration: Yes
Cost: $299
Subscription fee: Yes - $4.99/month
Lock Types supported: Complete Deadbolt Replacement
This $4.99 subscription product uses a hardware package of a Yale Real Living lock and SmartThings Hub for control and management that directly integrates directly with the Airbnb calendar for automatic schedule changes and to revoke access once their reservation is completed.
The guest will receive an email and text message with access codes before arrival. This can be customized by the host with additional check-in instructions, etc. Hosts can manage and monitor the platform using web dashboard or iOS or Android apps.
Additional Notes:
- Has a unique "Checkout" button that renters push when they have left. This can set in motion a cleaning service, etc.
- Service also works with other rental services like HomeAway, Guesty, and Booking.com
- Recommend a Z-Wave repeater device (for around $20-25 to make sure lock works) and getting a lock with a full keypad (not one that shares digits like the Kwikset 888)
- In case of power or Internet loss the smart lock comes with hardcoded backup codes that can be texted to the renters in an emergency situation.
- If you already have a SmartThings hub and smart lock you can sign-up to the service as well.
Option #4) RBOY Rental Lock Automater (RLA)
Airbnb Calendar Integration: Yes
Cost: Total: Approximately $300+ ($69 SmartThings hub + $200 Smart lock + one time fee of between $39-$99 for web software installed via a SmartThings internal app)
Subscription fee: No, one time fee
Lock Types supported: Varies
This software uses a combination of a SmartThings hub, a Zigbee/Z-Wave or Bluetooth locks and a one-time lifetime software purchase to help you manage your rental listing.
The software is installed as a SmartThings app and will support any lock that SmartThings supports (See our Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave lock page for our top picks), you then link your listings calendar to make a connection.
It can also create complete Airbnb smart rentals that work with your smart lights, thermostats and garage doors.
Additional Notes:
- Service also works with other rental services like HomeAway, Guesty, and Booking.com
- When the code is used on the door the first time the host gets an email or SMS notifications.
- Share locks between up to 10 units (e.g. common entrance) per installation
- Wide range of user codes (including presence, recurring, permanent, mode based)
Option #5) igloohome Deadbolt 2S and Keybox 2
Airbnb Calendar Integration: Yes
Cost: Total: $170-$200 + eventual monthly subscription fee
Subscription fee: Free for now (will be $4.99 per lock per month after beta period)
Lock Types supported: Lockbox and Deadbolt
The 2ng generation of Igloohome devices offers two options for you. The first is a Bluetooth deadbolt replacement lock and the 2nd is a smart lock box that can hold your keys and attached either directly to your door or somewhere close by if you are not able to swap out your lock completely.
Guests codes are sent out via an automated email (you can change a setting to control when they are set) based on the guests check-in and check-out information.
Note:
- The email itself cannot be customized at the moment and the guests cannot respond back to you as a host from that generated email.
- As an igloohome account can only be connected to 1 Airbnb host account
- PIN code expires automatically when their stay duration is up.
Self Managed Smart Lock Systems
Would you like a little more control than a full fledged automation solution?
A less convenient option but possibly preferable depending on your situation is to manage the access codes on your own and send them to your guests via the Airbnb management platform manually.
We have two tops picks for doing it this way.
#1) Schlage Encode
Connectivity: Wi-fi
Door type: Deadbolt Replacement
One of the most well received new entrants into the smart lock market the Schlage Encode boasts a solid backlit touchscreen keypad and most importantly direct Wi-fi connectivity so you don't need to buy another hub or device to get your listing up and running and control codes from long distances.
You can add up to 100 access codes with recurring, temporary or permanent access. Activity logs are also available.
#2) Lockly
Connectivity: Bluetooth with optional Wifi add-on
Door type: Deadbolt or Handle Replacement
The Lockly from Pin Genie has both deadbolt and handle replacement options and boasts Bluetooth connectivity.
It is on this short list for Airbnb options only due to the fact of its ability to generate new unique access codes even while offline for emergency situations.
Have you ever used one of those banking pin generator devices? This lock uses similar technology. (Only 50 of these offline codes can be generated before the lock needs a manual physical reset and the codes do not expire so past guests would still be able to use them so this option should only be used in unusual circumstances.)
For everyday use you can have each guest downloaded the lockly app and unlock the door this way.
If you add Lockly's Wi-fi hub you can add guest codes from anywhere and your guests can just use the code with no phone or app download required.
Comparison Table
| Name | Required Products | Total Product Cost | Subscription Fee? | Works with Airbnb Calendar? | Works with other booking products (ie: Homeaway, Booking.com?) | Lock Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
August
|
Lock + Wi-fi hub or Wi-fi doorbell + Keypad (if desired) | $240+ | No subscription | Yes | No | Interior Deadbolt Replacement |
LockState / Remotelock
|
Lock | $249 | Starting at $3/month for full control | Yes | Yes | Handle or Complete Deadbolt Replacement |
Aurmur (Formally Airlocking)
|
SmartThings Hub + Yale Lock + Software | $299 | $4.99 month per lock | Yes | Yes | Complete Deadbolt Replacement |
RBoy
|
SmartThings Hub + Lock (Any Z-wave/Zigbee/Bluetooth) + Software | Approx $300+ | No just a one-time lifetime software purchase | Yes | Yes | Varies |
Igloohome
|
Lock or Lock + Wi-fi access for remote control | $170-$200 | $4.99 month per lock | Yes | No | Deadbolt Replacement or Smart Lock Box |
Things to consider
Your door Fit
One of the first things to consider before falling in love with one particular model is to make sure it fits with your door in size and lock type for your rental.
Locks typically come in a few standard configurations
- Attach on your deadbolt (only 1 model on the market is like this and uses 3M tape to attach to your existing lock)
- Interior deadbolt replacement where on the outside your door looks the same but the interior deadbolt section controls the lock and is replaced
- Complete deadbolt replacement
- Handle / Lever / Knob replacement where you only have one hole on your door
- Integrated lock where your deadbolt and handle are in one mechanism where they lock but are separated on the door
- Mortise - a fully integrated system
Power / Internet outages
- If you have a power outage the door (they run on batteries) and codes will still work if added before they went down but adding new codes will not as it needs your rentals Wi-Fi connection to be operating.
- There are a few locks that use banking technology to get around this but they are the exception to this rule (igloohome and Lockly).
Access Codes
These smart locks typically have a few ways of providing access to your guests.
- Guests download the locks app and once in proximity are able to unlock the door given their access and check-in information
- Via Built-in or touchscreen keypad controls
- Via an add-on keypad
Additional Options
There are a few other products on the market that you could explore but we have not yet done in detail.
- Oracode Live 660i - $499
- Neome - Service that uses Yale locks, SmartThings hub and app (iOS / Android) to message your guests $5-20 a month
FAQ
Installation
Integration and Connectivity
Security
About Smart Lock Scout
We are here to help you keep your home and family safely connected. Whether you’re looking to pick a smart lock system, we’ve spent hundreds of hours researching locks to help you find the best product to fit your specific situation.
At Postscapes we combine our years of experience following the smart home market along with user reviews to take the guesswork out of living securely connected. Learn More
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