The Best Smart Locks for Your Airbnb (And Why You Need a Backup Plan)

When it comes to running a successful short-term rental, smart locks are one of the most important investments you can make. They streamline check-in, enhance security, and eliminate the need for key handoffs. But not all smart locks are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to frustrating guest experiences, lockouts, and unnecessary stress.

In this post, we’ll break down the best smart locks for Airbnb hosts, the ones we don’t recommend, and the must-have backup system every host should have in place.

The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts

After years of managing and co-hosting properties, we’ve tested many different smart locks. Here are the two we trust the most:

1. Yale Assure with Backup Key

🔗 Check it out on Amazon

• Seamlessly integrates with most PMS (Property Management Systems)
• Auto-generates unique codes for each guest
• Sturdy, reliable, and built to last
• Offers a backup key option (a must-have!)

2. Schlage Encode with Backup Key

🔗 Check it out on Amazon

• Works with Airbnb’s built-in smart lock integration
• Highly rated for durability and security
• Allows remote access and code generation
• Includes a physical key backup

If you’re using a property management system (PMS), be sure to check which smart locks integrate directly—this will automate your key code generation and make guest access seamless.

The Smart Locks We Avoid

We’ve had frustrating experiences with a few brands, and while they may have improved over the years, we’re not willing to take that risk again.

Locks we do NOT recommend:

🚫 August Smart Locks – Too many connectivity issues and unreliable code syncing.
🚫 Kwikset Smart Locks – Prone to malfunctions and often require manual resets.

Your guests should never have to struggle with getting into your property. A high-quality lock is worth the investment.

Why Every Host Needs a Backup Lock System

Even the best smart locks can fail—whether due to battery issues, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, or system glitches. That’s why we always have a backup system in place.

Our Two-Step Backup System:

✅ Wall-Mounted Lockbox for a Physical Key
🔗 The lockbox we use

• Securely stores a backup key on-site
• Can be mounted discreetly near the doorframe
• Provides emergency access for guests and service providers

✅ A Second Backup Key Stored Off-Site

• Keep an extra key in a separate location—whether at your home, office, or with a trusted neighbor.
• This ensures you’re never completely locked out of your own property.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right smart lock is crucial to ensuring a smooth guest experience. The Yale Assure and Schlage Encode are our top picks for reliability, security, and seamless integration with Airbnb and PMS platforms. But no matter which smart lock you choose, make sure you also have a backup plan—because smart locks aren’t perfect, and one lockout is all it takes to ruin a guest’s experience.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

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