Best smart lock for Airbnb.
Self check-in is one of the highest-rated amenities on Airbnb. A good smart lock eliminates key handoffs, enables remote management, and Airbnb reports a 4.95 average check-in rating for listings using connected smart locks.
STRKit Editorial
Updated October 6, 2026
Based on editorial research, expert reviews, and host community feedback. How we choose →
Our top pick
Yale Assure Lock 2 · $200–$280
Best overall smart lock for Airbnb. Broad compatibility, auto-lock, and easy code management make it the most versatile choice.
Read the full reviewTorn between the top two? Read the head-to-head: Yale vs Schlage →
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, STRKit earns from qualifying purchases.
Our top picks
Yale Assure Lock 2
Yale · $200–$280
Best overall smart lock for Airbnb. Broad compatibility, auto-lock, and easy code management make it the most versatile choice.
Schlage Encode Plus
Schlage · Approx. $280–$350
Best premium smart lock. Built-in Wi-Fi + Apple Home Key support — no extra hub needed.
Why smart locks are essential for STR hosts.
Key handoffs are the #1 friction point in the guest check-in experience. Smart locks eliminate this entirely — guests get a unique code before arrival, it works on their schedule, and it auto-expires after checkout.
Beyond convenience, smart locks give you an operational advantage: you know exactly when guests arrive and leave, you can issue codes to cleaners and maintenance crews, and you never get a 2 AM call about a lost key.
Side-by-side comparison.
| Product | Price | Best For | Overall | Durability | Value | Guest Delight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yale Assure Lock 2 Yale | $200–$280 | Every listing type, Hosts managing remotely | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
Schlage Encode Plus Schlage | Approx. $280–$350 | Premium listings, Apple-heavy markets | 8.8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | 9.0 |
Detailed reviews.
Yale Assure Lock 2
Best OverallYale · $200–$280 · 3-year limited
Our Verdict
Best overall smart lock for Airbnb. Broad compatibility, auto-lock, and easy code management make it the most versatile choice.
Why This Matters for Short-Term Rentals
The Yale Assure Lock 2 works with every smart home ecosystem (Apple, Google, Alexa, Samsung). Create unique codes per guest, schedule auto-expiry after checkout, and get arrival notifications. Airbnb reports a 4.95 average check-in rating for listings with connected smart locks.
- +Works with all major smart home ecosystems
- +Guest codes auto-expire on checkout date
- +DoorSense tells you if the door is actually closed
- +Easy retrofit — fits standard deadbolt prep
- +Clean, modern aesthetic
- −Wi-Fi module sold separately for some models
- −Battery life is 6-9 months (plan battery schedule)
- −Touchscreen can be finicky in extreme cold
Best For
- ✓ Every listing type
- ✓ Hosts managing remotely
- ✓ Properties with multiple guest turnovers
Avoid If
- ✗ Properties where landlord prohibits lock changes
Editorial Score
9.0/10
Budget Horizon
5 years
Planning estimate; inspect condition
Warranty
3-year limited
As an Amazon Associate, STRKit earns from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Schlage Encode Plus
Best PremiumSchlage · Approx. $280–$350 · 3-year electronics, lifetime mechanical
Our Verdict
Best premium smart lock. Built-in Wi-Fi + Apple Home Key support — no extra hub needed.
Why This Matters for Short-Term Rentals
Built-in Wi-Fi means no extra hub or bridge. Apple Home Key support lets guests with iPhones tap to unlock. Schlage's commercial-grade heritage means this lock is built to withstand thousands of lock cycles — important for high-turnover units.
- +Built-in Wi-Fi — no extra hub required
- +Apple Home Key (tap-to-unlock with iPhone)
- +Commercial-grade durability
- +BHMA Grade 1 security rating
- +Up to 100 access codes
- −Premium price point ($280+)
- −Best features require Apple ecosystem
- −Larger form factor than some competitors
Best For
- ✓ Premium listings
- ✓ Apple-heavy markets
- ✓ Hosts wanting hub-free simplicity
Avoid If
- ✗ Budget properties where $200 Yale does the job
- ✗ Android-primary guest base
Editorial Score
8.8/10
Budget Horizon
7 years
Planning estimate; inspect condition
Warranty
3-year electronics, lifetime mechanical
As an Amazon Associate, STRKit earns from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Implementation checklist.
Create a battery replacement schedule
Check battery and connectivity alerts at each turnover. Use the battery type and replacement guidance specified for the model; keep compatible spares and a local responder available.
Set up auto-code generation
Connect your lock to your PMS or Airbnb directly so guest codes are auto-generated and shared via check-in instructions. Verify model and region eligibility, test booking changes, and monitor failed synchronization.
Program a cleaner/maintenance code
Give team members separate, identifiable access where supported. Review access when roles change and remove codes or invitations at offboarding.
Have a backup entry plan
Smart locks can fail. Keep a physical key in a lockbox as backup, or ensure your lock has a keyhole override. Brief guests on the backup method in your house manual.
Check local regulations
Some municipalities and HOAs have rules about lock modifications. Verify before installing. Most smart locks are retrofits that don't require structural changes.
An offline code is not a dead-battery backup.
For Airbnb-connected locks, an existing code can work during a WiFi outage while the lock still has power. A dead battery, damaged keypad, or jammed door needs another entry method and someone who can respond locally. Test that method before the first stay.
Airbnb-managed codes should be changed through Airbnb; edits in the lock app may be overwritten by synchronization. Confirm code timing after date changes and extensions. Keep backup credentials out of publicly shared manuals and provide them securely when needed.
Sources checked October 6, 2026: Airbnb’s backup entry guidance, battery and connection alerts, and code management. Other integrations and lock models can behave differently.
Complete the setup.
The rest of what this room needs, at the tier we recommend. Worth adding to the same order.
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$150–$200
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Approx. $40–$60
IKEA EKTORP 3-Seat Slipcovered Sofa
$650–$900
TP-Link Deco BE63 WiFi 7 Mesh
Approx. $300–$400
Setting up the whole listing? The Airbnb starter kit covers every room, and the stocking checklist lists every staple with one pick each.