Guides

Best SmartLocks for Airbnb

Our team spends countless hours testing smart locks (along with thermostats, cameras, noise sensors, and other IoT devices). As a result, we know a thing or two about smartlocks and are often asked, "which smartlock models do you recommend for an Airbnb host?" This in-depth guide is our attempt to answer this question.

Table of Content

1 — Smartlock Feature Overview

This section discusses the must-have features for a smart locks in order to be used for Airbnb and other vacation rental settings

2 — Compatible PMS Software

A list of compatible PMS with which you can link your smart locks in order to automate reservations

3 — Recommended Smart Locks

A complete list of devices recommended by Seam's team

4 — Best Practices

Tips and tricks for using smart locks in your Airbnb

Photo of Airbnb guests entering a property

Recommended Features

When evaluating a smart lock, the first questions we typically ask are, "Is it connected to the internet?" and "Can you program access codes on it?" If a device meets these two criteria, it means you will be able to remotely unlock the door, issue PIN codes, and monitor guest access as well as battery levels. Those are essential for any Airbnb operator.

Remote Unlock

You should be able to unlock or lock the door even if you are not standing in front or near the device. This nearly always implies that your smart locks has a direct connection to the internet or is connected to a nearby hub that is connected to the internet.

Access Code

In our opinion, the best way to let guests into your home is to give them a temporary access code. This code should be set to become active at check-in and inactive at check-out. You can automate this process by connecting your device with your PMS (see list below).

Battery Life

For obvious reasons, you want a door lock that won't immediately run out of battery. At Seam, we've tested over 500+ smart locks and have statistically identified the models with best battery life. You'll still have to replace batteries, but you won't have to do it as often.

Notifications & Events

Having a record of who unlocked the door and when is a great way to keep track of who is coming and going. This is useful to know whether your guests successfully checked-in or if your cleaners arrived on time. Note that this, again, requires an active internet connection.

Compatible Software PMS

In order to automate guest access, we first assess the smartlock's compatibility with major Property Management Systems (PMS) that support direct smart lock integration. Brands such as August, Yale, Kwikset, and Schlage can be connected with PMSs like Hospitable and Guesty, or guest journey apps like Enso Connect.

By connecting your smart lock to your reservation software, temporary access codes can be programmed for each reservation, ensuring that guests can access your Airbnb only during their stay. It is important to note that, at the time of writing, several PMSs such as OwnerRez, Streamline, and Track do not yet support smart lock integrations.

List of Compatible PMSs as of Apr, 2024

Recommended Locks for Airbnb

Lastly, find below a list of recommended smart locks for Airbnb hosts. We have selected these locks based on their reliability, feature set, ease of use, and compatibility with major PMSs.

Kwikset Halo Keypad Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Lock

Model ID:

938 WIFI KYPD 15

Seam Status:

LIVE

Lock Type:

deadbolt

Connection:

wifi

Color Variants:

Satin Nickel

Features:

Seam API Compatible

Control using the Seam API

Seam Dashboard Compatible

Manage with Seam Dashboard

Remote Unlock

Unlock from anywhere

Access Code

Program access codes to unlock

Schedules

Program temporary codes for guests

Physical Key

Unlock with a physical key

Battery Powered

Requires batteries for operations