The Best Smart Lock for Airbnb Hosts
If you want to become a great Airbnb host, you need to invest money into your property. When people book an Airbnb for their travels, they expect a seamless experience into one’s home. The best Airbnbs that I’ve stayed at are the ones that are decorated nicely, clean, and hassle-free. This all starts with checking into the Airbnb.
Have you ever walked into a hotel to see a long line of guests waiting to check-in? Imagine starting your vacation waiting 30-minutes to check into your hotel after a long flight. Not very pleasant. So why would you want your guests to experience that on their trip? After all, they’re doing you the favor of booking with YOU over the hundreds of other hosts in the area. That’s why I list my favorite smart locks that are host-friendly. The last one is a hidden gem!
The Schlage Encode is one of, if not, the most well-rounded smart lock on the market. It’s also one of the most expensive ones. It connects to your home’s wifi network allowing you to lock/unlock remotely from anywhere through the phone app (as long as you have data coverage). It also works with Alexa if you have one in your home, but you don’t need a smart home hub like most locks. You can add specific key codes for guests remotely as well. I have a specific code for my cleaners, handyman, and for each guest. I use the last 4 digits of their registered phone number as their entry code and delete it once their booking is complete. There is a built-in alarm in case of any security breaches using sensors. It’s battery-operated and the app tells you how much battery is remaining and even sends a notification when the battery is low. I have my cleaners replace the batteries once it hits 20%. If this lock is a bit pricey for you, there are cheaper alternatives, but this is my #1 recommended lock!
The Schlage Connect is very similar to the Encode model. The difference is that it doesn’t have built-in wifi capabilities so you will need a smart home hub. There are 2 different models for the Connect – one supports Zigbee and the other supports Z-Wave. The model that uses Z-Wave will require a hub like Samsung’s SmartThings platform and the Zigbee, which is more common. You will still need a smart home hub to connect with it remotely. Personally, I wouldn’t buy a smart home hub just for this, but if you already have one, this would be a great addition!
This smart lock is similar to the Schlage Connect. With the wifi bridge, you’ll be able to control your Eufy smart lock anywhere. The wifi bridge is plugged into an outlet and connects your lock to the home’s wifi network! The lock comes with a keypad to enter a code and can be accessed via fingerprint. This is a convenient lock especially if you live in the home. Instead of entering a code for the Connect or Encode, you can just use your fingerprint to access your home.
This lock is one of the most popular smart locks among Airbnb hosts. It’s sleek, stylish, and easy to install. It integrates with Airbnb and sends out invites to guests to download the app in order to access the listing during their stay. The built-in sensor detects when the door is shut and locks it. If I didn’t have the Schlage Encode, this would be one I’d try.
This is the most budget-friendly lock (with A LOT of value) on this list. When combined with the Sifely WiFi Gateway, it offers hosts full remote control. The lock itself offers the best features at a relatively affordable price like a backup battery storage, fingerprint scan, and even a web portal to manage/monitor access. The reviews on Amazon are stellar so this is a solid option!
