The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts

Stop handing off keys. Start hosting smarter.

If you are still using a lockbox or meeting guests in person for key handoffs, you are working harder than you need to. Smart locks eliminate the logistics, improve your check-in rating, and give you control over who enters your property — all from your phone.

But not every smart lock works with Airbnb. The platform only natively integrates with three brands: Schlage, Yale, and August (US and Canada only). That integration matters. It means Airbnb automatically generates a unique door code for every reservation, sends it to guests before they arrive, and expires it at checkout. You never touch a code manually between bookings.

This guide breaks down the best options from each brand so you can pick the right lock for your property.

Why Native Airbnb Integration Matters

Before getting into specific models, it is worth understanding what you are actually getting with a natively integrated lock.

When your lock is connected to your Airbnb listing:

• Guests receive a unique door code automatically in the Airbnb app after booking
• Codes activate at your listed check-in time and expire at checkout
• You get an in-app notification when guests arrive
• You can maintain separate permanent codes for yourself, co-hosts, and cleaners
• You receive alerts for Wi-Fi connectivity issues that could affect guest access

Listings with a connected smart lock average a 4.95 check-in rating according to Airbnb's own data. That is not a coincidence. Smooth, keyless entry removes one of the most common points of friction in a guest's first impression.

One important requirement: the lock must connect via Wi-Fi and have a keypad or touchscreen. Bluetooth-only locks do not work with Airbnb's integration.

The Locks

1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall for Reliability

Best for: Hosts who want a bulletproof, set-it-and-forget-it lock with top security ratings

The Schlage Encode Plus is the gold standard for short-term rental hosts who prioritize durability and security over style. Schlage holds a BHMA AAA security rating — the highest available — and the Encode Plus carries that through with Grade 1 construction.

What makes it stand out:

• Built-in Wi-Fi (no hub or bridge required)
• Works directly within the Airbnb app without third-party apps
• Apple HomeKit compatible (note: HomeKit features are disabled for guest codes per Airbnb's integration)
• Available in multiple finishes to match your property aesthetic
• Backed by over 100 years of lock manufacturing

The tradeoff: It is on the pricier end, typically $250–$300. It also replaces your entire deadbolt, so installation requires a screwdriver and about 30 minutes.

Models in the Encode family:

• Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt — flagship model, HomeKit compatible
• Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt — slightly lower price point, no HomeKit
• Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Lever — good option if your door uses a lever-style handle

→ Shop Schlage Encode on Amazon

2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Balance of Features and Price

Best for: Hosts who want a clean, modern look with flexible access options

Yale's Assure Lock 2 is the most versatile option in this roundup. It connects through the Yale Access app, integrates natively with Airbnb, and comes in more configurations than any competitor — including a touchscreen version with fingerprint access that's ideal for cleaners and frequent on-site staff.

What makes it stand out:

• Compact, low-profile keypad design
• Wi-Fi connectivity built-in (no separate hub)
• Touch version adds fingerprint unlock — great for giving cleaners permanent fast access
• Compatible with Z-Wave for home automation setups
• ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 rating — solid for residential rental use
• Mid-range price: typically $180–$250 depending on model

The tradeoff: Grade 2 security rating vs. Schlage's Grade 1. For most single-family rentals and condos, this is not a meaningful real-world difference. If you are in a high-traffic urban market or have had security concerns, lean toward Schlage.

Models to consider:

• Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi) — standard keypad, clean look
• Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch — adds fingerprint sensor
• Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi and Z-Wave — best for smart home integration

→ Shop Yale Assure Lock 2 on Amazon

3. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — Best Retrofit Option

Best for: Hosts who want smart lock capability without replacing their existing deadbolt

August takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of replacing your entire lock, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs on the interior side of your existing deadbolt. Your exterior hardware stays the same — guests still see a normal keyhole from the outside, which many hosts prefer from a security optics standpoint.

What makes it stand out:

• Installs in minutes — no exterior hardware change
• Keeps your existing keys functional as backup
• Integrates with Airbnb natively via the August app
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
• Landlord-friendly — easier to remove and restore original hardware
• Good price point: typically $150–$200

Important: The Airbnb integration requires a compatible keypad add-on. The lock itself does not have a keypad — guests need a way to enter a code, and August's keypad accessory provides that. Factor this into your total cost.

The tradeoff: Shorter battery life — expect to change batteries every 3 months under normal use, compared to 6–9 months for Schlage and Yale. If you manage multiple properties remotely, set a calendar reminder. A dead battery at check-in is a support nightmare.

→ Shop August Wi-Fi Smart Lock on Amazon

Side-by-Side Comparison

What to Buy: Our Recommendation by Situation

You own the property and want the best long-term setup: Go with the Schlage Encode Plus. The Grade 1 security rating, dead-simple Airbnb integration, and durability make it the right investment.

You want solid performance without the premium price: Yale Assure Lock 2 is the move. The Touch version is especially good if you have a cleaner who visits frequently — fingerprint access is faster and more reliable than code entry.

You rent the property or want a reversible install: August Wi-Fi is the clear choice. You are not modifying your exterior door hardware, and you can remove it when your lease ends. Just budget for the keypad add-on and stay on top of battery replacements.

Don't Overlook the Setup Details

Regardless of which lock you choose, a few things will determine whether your setup runs smoothly:

Wi-Fi coverage at the door is non-negotiable. Most front doors are at the edge of router range. Test signal strength before you install. A cheap Wi-Fi extender placed near the door can save you from connectivity issues at the worst possible time.

Set up guest codes and test them before your first booking. Go through the full Airbnb connection flow — lock app, Airbnb arrival guide settings, and a test reservation. Do not assume it works until you have verified it end-to-end.

Keep backup access. A hidden key lockbox as a backup is not a bad idea for your first few months while you validate that the system works reliably for your specific door and Wi-Fi setup.

The Bottom Line

A smart lock is one of the highest-ROI purchases you can make as a short-term rental host. It eliminates check-in coordination, improves your guest rating, and gives you real-time visibility into property access. The Schlage, Yale, and August locks covered here are the only options that connect natively to the Airbnb platform — and any of the three will serve you well.

Pick the one that fits your install situation and budget, set it up before your next booking, and enjoy never chasing down a key handoff again.

Setting Up Your Full Airbnb — Not Just the Lock

A smart lock is one piece of a well-equipped short-term rental. If you are still in the setup phase — or want to make sure you have not missed anything — grab our free Setup and Furnishing Checklist. It covers every room, every essential item, and helps you stay organized as deliveries come in from every direction.

Download the Free BNB Startup Setup & Furnishing Checklist →

No fluff. Just the checklist we wish we had when we started.

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