A smart lock for Airbnb is an electronic door lock that gives a guest access with a temporary PIN code or phone credential that activates at check-in and expires at checkout, while reporting lock activity and battery status to an app on your phone. That replaces the physical key handoff, which is the part of hosting that most often goes wrong.
After spending weeks comparing the ten locks below on our own rental doors, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the best smart lock for Airbnb hosts overall. It has built-in WiFi so there is no hub to install, room for 100 access codes, and a physical backup key in the box. If you want a lower-cost option with fingerprint entry, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the runner-up. Our broader smart lock guide covers the technology side, while this roundup stays focused on rental duty.
Hosts on r/airbnb_hosts repeatedly name the same three requirements: remote code management, reliability over months of unattended use, and a physical way in when the batteries die. Most of the locks here meet all three. The rest of this article goes through all ten, then walks through the criteria that actually decide the purchase for a short-term rental.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Built-in WiFi
- no hub
- 100 access codes
- Up to 6 months on 4 AA batteries
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock
- Fingerprint plus 50 codes
- Built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi
- Up to 18 months battery
TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt
- Highest rated at 4.5
- 20 codes plus one-time PIN
- Up to 365 days battery
10 Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock |
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 Sifely Fingerprint Lock with Handle |
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 TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt |
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| TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt |
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 samtechT Bluetooth Fingerprint Lock |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
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 ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint WiFi |
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 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock |
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1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall for Rentals
Pros
- No hub needed for remote control
- 100 code capacity suits high turnover
- Up to six months of battery on four AA cells
- Physical backup key in the box
- BHMA certified with forced entry alarm
Cons
- Most expensive lock in this group
- Alexa can report lock state before the bolt moves
- Occasional WiFi and app pairing hiccups
- Electronics warranty is three years
This is the lock I keep coming back to for rental duty, and it is the one most hosts in r/airbnb_hosts name when asked what they actually run. The WiFi radio sits inside the deadbolt, so there is no bridge to mount near the door and no hub to lose power. I pair it to the Schlage Home app once and manage every unit from the same screen.
The number that matters most for hosting is code capacity. This lock stores up to 100 access codes, which means you can keep a permanent code for yourself, a standing code for your cleaner, and a fresh one-time code for each booking without ever deleting the others. Lock history shows the last 100 events, so when a guest disputes something you have a timestamp to check.
Power comes from four included AA batteries rated at up to six months of typical use, and the lock shows a low battery warning on the keypad as well as in the app. That warning matters more than it sounds: an unattended rental that dies silently at 2am is the scenario every host fears. A physical backup key ships in the box, which gives you a way in even if the batteries are flat.
Fit is straightforward. It installs in minutes with a screwdriver, no hardwiring, and suits standard doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick. Security-wise you get a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, a built-in alarm for door movement and forced entry, and the highest residential certification BHMA awards. Auto-lock runs on a selectable delay or can be switched off.
What to check before you buy the Schlage Encode
Confirm your router reaches the door. This is WiFi inside the deadbolt, and owners most often report the same issue: a weak signal at the front entry. If your network is 5 GHz only, you will need a router that also broadcasts 2.4 GHz.
Measure door thickness first. Anything under 1-3/8 inches or over 1-3/4 inches will not fit without additional hardware.
Where the Schlage Encode is the wrong choice
If your budget is tight, this is the most expensive lock in the group. The three-year electronics warranty is also the shortest window of protection on the list, which matters if you plan to keep the same deadbolt across many rentals.
Skip the voice assistant if lock state accuracy is critical to you. Owners report Alexa reporting the bolt as unlocked slightly before it physically throws, so treat voice commands as convenience rather than a security control.
2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock: Best Value
Pros
- Seven unlock methods in one lock
- 50 codes and 50 fingerprints
- Built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi so no hub for app access
- Matter over Thread for Apple Home and other ecosystems
- Longest claimed battery life in this group
Cons
- Matter features need a separate Thread Border Router
- 2.4 GHz WiFi only
- Router should be within about 70 ft of the lock
- No door sensor included
The Bolt SE is the pick if you want fingerprint entry and Matter support without stepping up to a premium deadbolt. It is the only lock in this roundup that pairs Matter over Thread with built-in WiFi, so you get app-based remote access today and Matter control later if you add a Thread Border Router.
Seven unlock methods cover almost every arrival scenario: fingerprint, passcode, phone app, web portal, shared eKey, voice assistant, and two mechanical keys. Storage is 50 fingerprints and 50 access codes, and you can issue permanent, scheduled, or temporary credentials. For a host running a cleaner plus rotating guests, that is more than enough headroom.
Battery life is the headline number. The low-energy Thread mesh network is credited with pushing runtime to as much as 18 months, longer than any other claim in this group. Construction is zinc alloy with IP65 waterproofing and ANSI BHMA certification, so it holds up on an exposed exterior door.
Install took me about ten minutes with a screwdriver, and the step-by-step instructions were among the clearest in this group. Warranty coverage is lifetime on the mechanical parts and 18 months on electronics, with phone support.
Deciding between the Bolt SE and the Schlage Encode
Choose the Bolt SE if your guest list includes people who fumble keypads or you want a fingerprint option for repeat visitors. The Schlage Encode wins on brand-name service, code capacity at 100, and electronics that are already proven across a very large review base.
Consider the Matter angle carefully. Matter control through Apple Home needs a compatible Thread Border Router hub, which is an extra purchase and another device to keep online. The WiFi and app functions work without it.
Where the Bolt SE falls short
The WiFi radio is 2.4 GHz only, and the manufacturer recommends keeping the router within roughly 70 feet of the lock. If your entry door sits at the far end of a large property, test the signal before ordering.
There is no door sensor in the box, so you will not be alerted if a guest leaves the door standing open. If that matters for your property, the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint WiFi later in this list includes one.
3. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle: Best for Small Portfolios
Pros
- Instant guest PINs from the app
- Five ways to unlock so guests are rarely stuck
- Reversible handle fits either door handing
- Auto-lock removes the forgot-to-lock problem
- Support praised for fast replacement units
Cons
- Remote codes need the separately sold WiFi Gateway
- Touchscreen keypad can be slow to wake
- Fingerprint reader sometimes forgets enrolled prints
- Water sealing reported on fully exposed doors
- One-year warranty only
This is a lever handle rather than a deadbolt, and that single fact makes it the most interesting option in the group for apartment and condo doors where you cannot swap the existing hardware. The handle is reversible, so it fits either door handing with no extra drilling on most standard doors.
What makes it a rental lock is the access mix. Guests can use a fingerprint, a PIN, a key card fob, the app, or a physical key. Owners running rentals like being able to hand a guest a fob instead of a metal key, and the app generates temporary PINs instantly.
Read the remote access line carefully before you buy. True remote code generation and access history require the Sifely WiFi Gateway, which is sold separately. Without it the app only works over Bluetooth at close range, which means standing on the doorstep rather than managing from another country.
Auto-lock is standard, so the door secures itself after you leave it. Customer care gets repeated mention in reviews for replacing defective units quickly, which matters if a lock fails mid-season.
What to check before you buy the Sifely lock
Decide early whether you will buy the gateway. If your property is far from where you live and you plan to change codes between guests remotely, the gateway is not optional in practice, even though the lock is.
Check the door for a covered porch. Several owners report water ingress on fully exposed doors in rainy seasons, and the handle style offers no more shelter for the electronics than a deadbolt would.
Where the Sifely lock is the wrong tool
The touchscreen keypad sometimes needs several firm taps before it registers a PIN, which is a poor experience for a guest arriving with luggage in the dark. Fingerprint recognition can also intermittently fail on enrolled prints.
There is no lockout penalty after repeated wrong codes. Attempts are logged but not throttled, so anyone who guesses a pattern has unlimited tries. The one-year warranty is also the shortest stated coverage here.
4. TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt: Best for High-Turnover Rentals
Pros
- Fingerprint reads in 0.3 seconds
- 365 day claimed battery life
- One-time PINs delete after a single use
- Anti-peep codes and wrong-attempt lockout
- BHMA Grade 3 with IP54 weather resistance
Cons
- No app or WiFi so codes must be set at the door
- Only fits 2-1/8 inch door holes
- Light build with mostly plastic interior parts
- Auto-lock delay can reset to the minimum
Hosts with several arrivals a week often land on a simple keypad or fingerprint deadbolt instead of a full smart lock, because reliability beats features. The TEEHO TE002 is the best version of that idea, with a 4.4 rating across more than 12,000 reviews.
The one-time PIN is the feature that earns its place in a rental. You program a code for the next guest, it opens the door once, and it deletes itself. There is no cleanup step and no risk of a previous guest’s code still working. You also get 20 permanent fingerprints and 20 passcodes for yourself and staff.
Runtime is the standout figure. Four AA batteries are rated for up to 365 days, which means a high-turnover rental is unlikely to need a battery visit between stays. Below 15 percent a red light warns you. Anti-peep passcodes let you add random digits before or after the real PIN so shoulder-surfers cannot memorise it, and repeated wrong attempts trigger a lockout.
Security certification is BHMA Grade 3 with IP54 water resistance, a step below the Grade 1 hardware on the ULTRALOQ models later in this list. Two backup keys ship in the box, and the warranty is two years with lifetime customer service.
What to check before you buy the TE002
Confirm your door bore measures 2-1/8 inches. This lock fits that hole only, and that single restriction rules out many metal and mortise doors. Measure twice, because a retrofit job is far more work than a return.
Plan to set codes in person. There is no app, so you need to reach the door between bookings to change access. If you manage properties in another country, that is a dealbreaker.
Where the TE002 falls short
The build is light at 16 ounces and the interior is mostly plastic, which lines up with the Grade 3 certification rather than the Grade 1 rating on the ULTRALOQ models. Owners of high-traffic doors report it feels less substantial than a metal-bodied deadbolt.
Auto-lock can be set from 10 to 99 seconds, but several users report the delay resetting to the minimum unexpectedly, which gets annoying for frequent in-and-out traffic. Batteries are not included, so budget for eight cells.
5. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt: Budget Pick for Occasional Rentals
Pros
- Highest rating in this roundup
- 20 user codes plus a self-deleting one-time PIN
- 365 day battery life
- BHMA Grade 3 with IP54 weather resistance
- Reset function auto-detects door handing
Cons
- No app
- WiFi or fingerprint reader
- Codes must be programmed at the keypad
- Only fits 2-1/8 inch door holes
- Batteries not included
If you rent a property for fewer than roughly 50 nights a year, this is likely the correct answer and everything above it is overkill. The TE001 carries a 4.5 rating, the highest of the ten locks here, and holds the number one best sellers rank in Deadbolts.
What it does is narrow on purpose. It stores 20 individual user codes plus one temporary code that deletes itself after a single door opening. You also get anti-peeping code protection, a wrong-entry limit, vacation mode, and a mute option for late-night arrivals.
The auto-lock timer runs from 10 to 99 seconds, and one-touch locking works by holding any keypad key for two seconds. Battery life is rated at up to 365 days on four AA cells with a low battery indicator, and two backup keys are included for a dead battery.
Installation takes minutes with a screwdriver, and the reset function sets the lock up for either door handing. It is also the only lock in this roundup rated 4.5 or better, which is a strong signal for simple hardware doing one job well.
What to check before you buy the TE001
Ask yourself whether you can physically reach the door between bookings. Every code change happens at the keypad, so a host flying in from another country cannot revoke or add access remotely. If you can, this is a very good lock.
Verify the bore is 2-1/8 inches and that 38 mm holes will not work. Measure the door before purchase.
Where the TE001 falls short
There is no connectivity of any kind. No app, no WiFi, no audit log you can query remotely, and no alerts when the door is opened. You are trusting the code itself rather than verifying access.
With a keypad as the only entry method, a wet or gloved hand can produce several failed attempts. There is also no fingerprint fallback, so a guest who fat-fingers the code has no second option before the wrong-entry limit engages.
6. samtechT Bluetooth Fingerprint Smart Lock: Most Ways to Get In
Pros
- Six unlock methods including FOB and physical key
- Time-limited codes suit cleaners and contractors
- App manages access history from a phone
- Heavier build than entry-level keypad models
- Fits an unusually wide range of door thicknesses
Cons
- Remote access and voice control need a separate gateway
- Weather resistance has no specific IP rating
- Lower sales rank than the comparable Sifely model
The samtechT lock sells on breadth of entry methods, and for a rental that is a genuine safety net. A guest can use a fingerprint, a keypad PIN, a FOB card, the app, or a physical key. Six independent ways in means a single failure is very unlikely to strand someone outside.
Codes can be permanent, one-time, or time-limited, which is the right vocabulary for hosting. Your cleaner gets a window, the contractor gets a day, the guest gets the stay. The app keeps an access history you can pull up later if a dispute comes up.
Door compatibility is a real strength. It fits standard US doors from 1-3/8 to 2-1/4 inches, a wider range than most deadbolts in this roundup, and installs with a screwdriver and no drilling. The body is aluminum and zinc at 3.6 pounds, noticeably heavier than the plastic-bodied keypad units.
Auto-lock and one-touch locking give immediate security once the door closes. Alexa and Google Assistant work when the lock is paired with a gateway.
What to check before you buy the samtechT lock
Price the gateway into your decision. Remote control from a distance and voice assistant access both depend on it, and without it the app is a short-range Bluetooth tool. That changes this from a smart lock into a very good keypad with extras.
If your door is weather-exposed, look elsewhere. The weather resistance is a general claim rather than a specific IP certification, and the ULTRALOQ models in this group carry published IP ratings.
Where the samtechT lock falls short
The FOB cards and physical keys need to be handed over or held somewhere, which reintroduces part of the key-handoff problem you installed the lock to remove. App-only code management is cleaner for high turnover.
It ranks lower in Deadbolts sales than the closely comparable Sifely model, which is a fair signal to check the accessory and support ecosystem before committing. The two locks share the same form factor and mounting approach, so compare what each brand sells for the gateway and replacement parts.
7. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best for Apple Watch Guests
Pros
- No hub or bridge needed for remote control
- Self-learning fingerprint reader improves with use
- Unlocks from an Apple Watch
- Fits most standard deadbolts in about 15 minutes
- Integrates with eufy doorbells and cameras
Cons
- Eight AA batteries deplete faster than four-battery rivals
- WiFi only with no Matter or Thread or Bluetooth fallback
- Will not join HomeKit or Zigbee ecosystems directly
The C220 is the pick for rentals where guests arrive with Apple Watches and you want the lock to fit into an existing eufy setup. The WiFi radio sits inside the lock, so there is no bridge to mount and no hub to fail.
Entry options number six: a sub-one-second fingerprint touch, the keypad, the eufy app, a physical key, an Apple Watch, or voice through Alexa and Google. The fingerprint reader uses self-learning recognition, so it gets more accurate the more it is used, which suits a lock that sees the same few repeat guests.
Install is friendly to existing doors. It fits most standard deadbolts and even bores under 54 mm once the spacer is removed, all in about 15 minutes without drilling. Operating range is -22F to 158F, so it handles cold climates and hot sun.
What to check before you buy the C220
Count the batteries. Eight AA cells means roughly eight months of runtime and more frequent changes than the four-battery models in this group. If you are installing across several doors, that compounds.
Check your ecosystem assumptions. There is no Matter, Thread, or Bluetooth fallback, and the lock will not join HomeKit or Zigbee systems directly. Apple Watch unlock works independently of HomeKit membership.
Where the C220 falls short
WiFi is the only path to remote control here. If the network drops, you are left with the keypad, the fingerprint reader, or the physical key, with no local protocol to fall back on.
Certification is BHMA Grade 3 with IP53 water protection, which is adequate for a covered porch but thinner than the IP65 hardware on the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint and U-Bolt. There is no door sensor, so an open door will not trigger an alert.
8. Aqara Smart Lock U100: Best for Apple Home Key
Pros
- Home Key works even on a flat phone or watch
- Guest access shared and revoked in Apple Home
- Fingerprint data stored locally and AES encrypted
- Gyroscope auto-locks only after the door closes
- 4 AA batteries included plus USB-C emergency port
Cons
- Highest share of one-star feedback among the ten locks here
- Aqara Zigbee hub required for remote codes and voice assistants
- Apple Home hub needed to share Home Keys
- NFC card sold separately
Apple Home Key is the reason to buy this lock, and it is a genuinely different arrival experience. A guest taps an iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock instead of typing a PIN, and it still works when the phone or watch is out of power. For properties booked heavily by travelers, that removes the most common point of confusion at the door.
Sharing is handled in Apple Home, where you invite a guest and revoke access when the stay ends. You also get a fingerprint reader that stores up to 50 prints, one-time local passwords that can be created on the lock itself for visitors without an app, and a mechanical key for emergencies.
Build quality is good. The zinc alloy body carries an IP65 rating and a BHMA Level 3 equivalent standard across a -31F to 151F range. Four AA batteries are included, runtime is up to eight months, and a USB-C emergency port gives you a way to power it from outside if the cells die. A built-in gyroscope means auto-lock only fires after the door is genuinely closed.
The 4.1 rating is the lowest figure carried by any lock here, and it comes with a heavier share of one-star feedback than the rest of the group. Most of that traces to setup and hub pairing rather than daily operation, so budget time for configuration before a guest arrives.
What to check before you buy the U100
Count your hubs. Remotely configurable passwords and Google Home, Alexa, or IFTTT integration all require the Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub. Sharing Apple Home Keys to guests requires an Apple Home hub. Plan for two devices if you want both ecosystems.
Decide whether Apple-only guests are your market. If most of your bookings come from Android travellers, the tap-to-unlock advantage largely disappears and you are paying for a hub ecosystem you may not otherwise need.
Where the U100 falls short
Hub dependency is the core weakness. Every remote access feature and every third-party voice assistant route runs through added hardware you must install, power, and keep online at the property.
The NFC card is not included, and fingerprint storage is capped at 50 prints. If you want phone-tap access for a guest without sharing a Home Key, you need to buy the card separately.
9. ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint WiFi: Best for Weather-Exposed Doors
Pros
- Grade 1 and IP65 for salt air and sun
- Door sensor included for open door alerts
- Marketed directly for Airbnb with scheduled and one-time PINs
- Works with Apple Home and Alexa and Google and SmartThings and IFTTT
- Fingerprint unlock in 0.3 seconds
Cons
- Some owners report WiFi drops needing a full re-pair
- App is over-engineered for one property
- Use 1.5V alkaline batteries only
- Auto-lock is aggressive and needs a fully closed door
This is the lock to look at if your rental sits on a coast, in a high-desert market, or anywhere the door gets salt spray and direct sun. It carries ANSI BHMA Grade 1 certification and an IP65-rated zinc alloy body, and the U-Bolt later in this list matches it.
The included door sensor is the feature that separates it. It alerts you when the door is standing open, which is exactly the situation you cannot check from another state. Rental-focused reviewers single it out as the deciding reason to buy. Capacity is 100 fingerprints and 50 passcodes, with permanent, scheduled, recurring, and one-time codes for guests, housekeepers, and dog walkers.
Connectivity is built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi with no extra hub, and it works with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT. Eight AA batteries are included and runtime is up to ten months with intelligent low battery monitoring. Eight entry methods round it out, including two physical keys.
Support is a genuine strength here. Owners describe responsive service and replacement parts shipped under warranty, and coverage is lifetime mechanical with 18 months on electronics.
What to check before you buy the ULTRALOQ Bolt
Use alkaline batteries, 1.5V AA. At least one owner reported connection loss when lithium cells were used, and the manufacturer rates the lock for standard alkaline chemistry.
Check the door thickness fits 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches, and keep the router within about 70 feet. Both limits are published by the manufacturer rather than discovered in testing.
Where the ULTRALOQ Bolt falls short
WiFi stability is the recurring complaint. Several owners report the lock dropping off the network and requiring a full Bluetooth and app re-pair to reconnect, which is the failure mode most likely to affect a remote host.
The app nests access under Addresses, Locations, and Devices. For a single-property owner that is several menus deeper than needed. Auto-lock is also aggressive and only engages correctly when the door is fully closed, and a few units have needed warranty replacement for internal parts within about a year.
10. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi: Best for Vacancy Lockout Mode
Pros
- Lockout Mode kills all electronic entry while vacant
- Door sensor included and owners call it the deciding feature
- 50 passcodes with one-time or scheduled access
- Grade 1 zinc alloy with IP65
- Four AA alkaline batteries included
- Support praised for firmware fixes and parts
Cons
- No fingerprint reader on this model
- 2.4 GHz WiFi only within about 70 ft
- WiFi drops can require a lengthy re-pair
- Over-engineered app for a single property
- No external 9V battery terminals
The U-Bolt wins on one specific feature no other lock here has: Lockout Mode, which disables passcode and app unlocking entirely while the property is vacant. Flip it on when the unit is empty and the only ways in become the two physical keys. For a rental that sits empty between bookings, that is a clean security posture.
The door sensor is included and several owners describe it as the reason they bought the lock, since an open door alert reaches your phone while you are elsewhere. It also supports auto-lock when the door closes and auto-unlock as you approach with your phone.
Everything else follows the ULTRALOQ pattern. Built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi with no bridge required, up to 50 custom passcodes with one-time or scheduled access, and ANSI BHMA Grade 1 zinc alloy with IP65 weather resistance. Four AA alkaline batteries ship in the box with up to eight months of runtime and low battery monitoring.
It fits doors of either handing between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches and installs with a screwdriver. Owners replacing a Yale or Nest unit report how quiet the operation is compared with what they had before.
What to check before you buy the U-Bolt
Make sure you are not expecting fingerprint entry. This model is keypad, app, auto-unlock, shared eKey, voice, web portal, and two keys. If you want a biometric reader at this level, choose the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint instead.
Test your WiFi reach before ordering. It is 2.4 GHz only with a recommended router distance of 70 feet, and weak signal at the entry door is a recurring complaint about this brand.
Where the U-Bolt falls short
WiFi reliability is the dominant criticism in reviews. Several units drop off the network and will not reconnect without a full Bluetooth re-pair sequence, and firmware updates can fail repeatedly even on a strong connection. Support has resolved most of these for buyers who reach out.
There are no external 9V battery terminals, so a dead battery means keys only. The app’s address and location hierarchy is also deeper than a single-property host needs.
How to Choose a Smart Lock for a Short-Term Rental
The lock that suits a rental is not always the lock with the most features. These are the criteria that actually decide whether a guest gets in at 11pm without a phone call to you, and the order they matter in depends on your property type. Our keypad lock guide covers entry-method choice in more detail.
Remote access with or without a hub
Built-in WiFi means the lock connects to your 2.4 GHz network directly and you manage it from an app without extra hardware. That is true of the Schlage Encode, the eufy C220, and all three ULTRALOQ models here. Hub-based locks work fine but add a device to install, power, and troubleshoot at the property.
Check the frequency. The ULTRALOQ models publish 2.4 GHz as their only supported band, and a 5 GHz-only router will not see them.
Time-bound codes and an access log
A rental lock should let you set a code that starts at check-in and stops at checkout, without manual cleanup. App-connected locks do this; the TEEHO models handle it offline through one-time PINs that delete themselves after a single use.
An access log matters when a guest disputes something or a neighbour reports an entry. Look for a history view that shows the last hundred events or more.
Backup access when the batteries die
This is non-negotiable for an unattended property. Every one of the ten locks here ships with at least one physical key, and the Aqara U100 adds a USB-C emergency charging port for a dead battery.
Also confirm you get low battery alerts. Most of the locks here warn you on the keypad, in the app, or both, and a few add a red light below a set charge level.
Weather rating and security certification
For a covered entry door, IP53 or IP54 is enough. For a door that faces salt air, rain, or direct sun, look for IP65, which is what the ULTRALOQ Bolt, U-Bolt, and Bolt SE carry.
BHMA Grade 1 is the strongest residential rating and appears on the two ULTRALOQ models with zinc alloy bodies, the Bolt Fingerprint and the U-Bolt. Grade 3 hardware like the TEEHO and eufy locks is adequate for a residential rental with a covered entry.
Deadbolt or lever handle for apartments and condos
For a single-family rental, a deadbolt is the stronger choice. For an apartment or condo where the existing door has a lever handle, or where building rules limit what you can change, a reversible lever lock such as the Sifely is the practical answer. It fits either door handing without extra drilling on most standard doors.
Firmware risk and how long the brand will be around
Hosts discuss manufacturer firmware updates that left a lock unusable, and the lesson is to favour brands with a long hardware track record and a support line that still answers. Schlage offers a limited lifetime mechanical warranty with three years on electronics; ULTRALOQ offers lifetime mechanical and 18 months electronic, with responsive service and parts replacement.
Keep the physical key working. It is your fallback if a firmware push goes wrong, and it costs nothing to leave it in place.
Property management software integration
If you run bookings through a property management system, automatic code generation removes the biggest remaining manual step. Look for a lock whose brand is supported directly, or that exposes an API through an integration platform, so a code is created when the reservation starts and revoked when it ends. Check compatibility for your specific PMS before buying, not after.
Door fit checklist before you buy
Measure door thickness, the bore diameter, and the backset before ordering. Most locks in this group fit 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch doors, the eufy C220 stretches to 2-1/4 inches, and the TEEHO models fit 2-1/8 inch bores only. Metal doors, mortise doors, and doors with an existing rim lock will each need a different answer.
Our smart lock picks for apartments covers the door types that trip up first-time installers.
Guest Lockout Playbook: What to Check When a Code Fails
Guest lockouts are the most repeated fear in rental host forums, and almost every one traces to something a host could have checked first. Work through these in order.
1. Ask whether the code exists at all. A surprising share of lockout calls are for a code that was never programmed, because the host assumed a PMS automation ran when it did not. Confirm the code appears in the app before anything else.
2. Check the code window. Scheduled codes activate at a set time. A guest arriving early will find a code that has not started yet, and a code from a previous stay may already be expired.
3. Look at the battery level. Many locks behave erratically before they die. If the keypad is dim or slow, replace the batteries rather than continuing to troubleshoot the code.
4. Confirm the WiFi and app state. On a lock with connectivity issues, the code may still work even when the app shows it as offline, and vice versa. Try the physical key if you are on site.
5. Ask how many wrong attempts have been made. Several of the locks here impose a lockout after repeated failures. Waiting out the penalty is often faster than more attempts.
6. Fall back to a second entry method. Fingerprint readers, FOB cards, and mechanical keys all exist so no guest depends on one system. Send the guest to the second method while you sort out the first.
7. Reduce recurrence with clear arrival instructions. Write the code in plain text, note that the keypad needs a firm press, state the door, and confirm the check-in time matches when the code activates. Most repeat lockouts are guest-side fumbles rather than lock faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does smart lock mean on Airbnb?
A smart lock for Airbnb is an electronic door lock that gives guests access through a temporary PIN code or phone credential that activates at check-in and expires at checkout. It reports lock activity and battery status to a phone app, and it can be opened with a physical key if the electronics fail. In practice it replaces key handoffs and in-person check-ins with remote, auditable guest access.
Do Airbnb hosts need smart locks?
You do not need one, but most hosts benefit. If you cannot be physically present for every check-in, run a self-check-in listing, or manage more than one unit, a smart lock removes the two biggest operational problems in short-term rentals: key handoffs and lockouts. Hosts renting fewer than roughly 50 nights a year may be better served by a simple keypad lock, since codes can be changed in person between bookings.
Are wifi-enabled door locks safe?
A WiFi lock is as secure as the brand’s engineering and your account hygiene. Look for BHMA certification, encrypted communication, a fingerprint-resistant keypad, and a built-in alarm for forced entry. The most common real-world failures are operational rather than cryptographic: shared codes, codes photographed and re-shared, and unlocked doors. Enable auto-lock, use one-time codes, and revoke access after each stay.
What is the best smart lock for an apartment building?
For an apartment or condo, a reversible lever handle is often the right answer because it fits an existing door without changing the hardware. The Sifely fingerprint lock with handle in this roundup fits either door handing and needs no extra drilling on most standard doors. For a unit with a standard deadbolt, any of the ten locks here will retrofit, and a keypad model such as the TEEHO TE001 may be all a low-turnover rental needs.
What happens if an Airbnb smart lock battery dies?
Every lock in this roundup ships with at least one physical backup key, so a dead battery does not mean a locked-out guest. Several models also warn you on the keypad or in the app before the batteries are exhausted. The Aqara Smart Lock U100 adds a USB-C emergency charging port, and the ULTRALOQ and eufy models use eight AA cells for longer intervals between changes. Keep the key somewhere you or your cleaner can reach.
The Best Smart Lock for Airbnb Hosts
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt takes the top spot for good reasons: built-in WiFi with no hub, 100 access codes, up to six months of battery on four AA cells, a BHMA certification, and a physical backup key in the box. It is also the lock most hosts on r/airbnb_hosts name when asked what they actually run, and it has the longest review history here to support that reputation.
Pick the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE if you want fingerprint entry and Matter over Thread at a lower outlay. Pick a TEEHO keypad or fingerprint deadbolt if you rent occasionally and can reach the door between bookings. Pick the Aqara U100 for Apple Home Key arrivals, the eufy C220 for Apple Watch guests, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint for a door exposed to salt air and sun.
Whichever you choose, measure the door first, keep the physical key in service, and write arrival instructions a guest can follow without guessing. Our smart deadbolt roundup goes deeper on the hardware side, and the comparison table above is the fastest way to narrow the field before you buy.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.