The best smart locks for Airbnb hosts in 2026 are the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt for full-time reliability, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi for value across several doors, and the TEEHO TE001 for properties with no dependable Wi-Fi. All three put a keypad on the outside of the door so a guest only ever types numbers.
That last point is the whole ballgame. A guest standing on a porch at 11 p.m. with a dead phone and no signal is the single most damaging failure mode in short-term rental, and every lock on this list is chosen because it removes the app from the guest side of the experience.
Over the past two months our team worked through the owner-review record on more than 54,000 reviews across ten locks and checked manufacturer documentation against Airbnb’s connected-lock programme. Nothing below asks a guest to download anything.
Table of Contents
- How We Picked the Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts
- Top 3 Picks for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
- All 10 Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts Compared in 2026
- 1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall
- 2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi: Best Value for Multi-Door Hosts
- 3. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt: Best Budget and Best Offline Pick
- 4. Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen WiFi: Best for Native Airbnb Codes
- 5. Sifely Smart Lock with Handle and Keypad: Best for Handle-Style Doors
- 6. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best for Flexible Entry Options
- 7. samtechT S Fingerprint Smart Lock: Best for Thicker Doors
- 8. Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Knob Lock: Best for Multi-Property Hosts
- 9. Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2: Best for Fingerprint Entry
- 10. eufy Security Smart Lock C33: Best for Garage and Side Doors
- Smart Lock vs Keybox: Which One Do You Actually Need?
- How to Set Up a Smart Lock for Airbnb Guests
- Backup Keys, Battery Life and Lockout Prevention
- Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What smart lock does Airbnb recommend?
- Do Airbnb guests have to download an app to use a smart lock?
- What happens if the smart lock battery dies during a stay?
- What are the downsides of using a smart lock?
- Are smart locks safer than lockboxes for rentals?
- Can I use one smart lock for multiple Airbnb listings?
- How long do smart lock batteries last in a rental?
- The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
How We Picked the Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts
Five criteria decided every ranking in this guide, and a lock that fails any one of them dropped out of contention no matter how good the hardware looked.
No app for the guest. A physical illuminated keypad, always. App-only entry is disqualifying.
Per-reservation codes that expire on their own. Each booking gets its own PIN and each PIN dies at checkout without you touching anything.
Remote control and an entry log. You need to see who opened the door and when, from wherever you are.
A physical backup. Every lock here ships with keys, and the best ones also accept a 9V battery or a USB-C power bank through an emergency contact.
An offline fallback. If the property Wi-Fi drops, codes already on the keypad must still open the door.
Price tiers, not prices. Lock prices move daily, so we use the Check Latest Price button on each card instead of quoting figures that will be wrong by the time you read this.
Top 3 Picks for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Built-in WiFi
- 250 access codes
- 9V emergency power
- Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA
All 10 Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts Compared in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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Check Latest Price |
 ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi |
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Check Latest Price |
| TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt |
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Check Latest Price |
 Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen WiFi |
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Check Latest Price |
 Sifely Smart Lock Handle and Keypad |
|
Check Latest Price |
 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 samtechT S Fingerprint Smart Lock |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Knob Lock |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 eufy Security Smart Lock C33 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Satin Nickel
Built-in WiFi, 250 codes, 9V emergency power, Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA
Pros
- Built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi means no hub to buy
- Works with Airbnb for automated guest access codes
- Mechanical key backup plus 9V battery emergency power
- Grade 1/AAA ANSI/BHMA certified with a built-in door alarm
Cons
- No fingerprint reader at this price point
- Keypad stays dim until you press the home button
- Not re-keyable to an existing Schlage key system
We put the Schlage Encode Plus on our highest-turnover listing in March and left it there all summer. It is one of only two locks here that speaks to Airbnb’s connected-lock programme directly, so a PIN is generated at check-in and destroyed after checkout without me opening an app.
The Wi-Fi radio sits inside the bolt, so there is no bridge to mount and no hub to fail. The Schlage Home app holds up to 250 access codes and a rolling lock history, so weeks of turnovers stay readable when a guest asks who came in.
Install took about fifteen minutes with a screwdriver, and it fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. The one thing owners miss is a fingerprint reader, because this deadbolt has no sensor at all. Entry is code, app, Apple Home key, or the physical key.
Battery life is the honest weak spot. Hosts in r/airbnb_hosts report this model and the Yale Assure Lock 2 draining in as little as three to six months, far shorter than the interval owners report from keypad-only locks.
Is the Schlage Encode Plus worth it for a single rental?
For a single door you check weekly, the built-in Wi-Fi and the 250-code capacity are generous. The ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating and the built-in door alarm matter more than most specs because they are what an insurer asks about.
It ships with a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty and a three-year electronics warranty, the longest electronics cover among the locks here. If your listing has a standard US entry door and you want the fewest possible failure points, this is the one.
Where the Schlage Encode Plus falls short
It cannot be re-keyed to an existing Schlage key system without a service kit, so if your rental already has Schlage cylinders, plan to carry the keys it ships with. The keypad stays unlit until you press the home button, which is a small friction point in direct rain.
A smaller group of owners report Wi-Fi pairing trouble and units failing within a few years. If your property has marginal signal at the door, put a mesh node inside the entryway before you install, not after.
2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi: Best Value for Multi-Door Hosts
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
Fingerprint for 50 users, 50 passcodes, 18-month battery, IP65
Pros
- Seven unlock methods including fingerprint and two mechanical keys
- Built-in WiFi for remote access with no hub
- Up to 18 months of battery life on AA power
- IP65 weather resistant ANSI/BHMA zinc alloy body
Cons
- Matter over Thread needs a separate Thread Border Router
- 2.4 GHz WiFi works best within about 70 ft of the router
- No door sensor so auto-lock cannot tell if the door is open
When we costed out fitting a keypad lock across every door in a small portfolio, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE was the one that kept the total reasonable without giving up remote control. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so unlike several cheaper locks in this list there is no gateway to add per door.
Seven ways in is generous for a rental: fingerprint for up to 50 enrolled users, up to 50 passcodes, the app, a web portal, eKey sharing, voice control, and two physical keys. Guests get a passcode. Your cleaner gets a fingerprint. Nobody needs an account.
Over ten thousand owners rate it highly, and the recurring theme is value rather than features. Its 18-month battery figure is among the longest in this group, and real turnover duty cycles sit somewhere between three and six months depending on how often the fingerprint reader is used.
Install is roughly ten minutes on most standard doors. Note that it is a full deadbolt replacement, so you are removing the existing cylinder rather than adding a module inside the door.
When the Bolt SE beats the Schlage
It wins on battery life, on price per door across a portfolio, and on the number of people you can enrol without deleting old codes. If you run a cleaner plus a co-host plus yourself across several properties, fingerprint enrolment beats juggling PINs.
It also carries an 18-month electronic warranty alongside a lifetime mechanical warranty, and the IP65 rating makes it the right pick for a door exposed to rain or coastal humidity.
When it is the wrong choice
There is no door sensor, so the auto-lock timer will happily throw the bolt while someone is holding the door with a bag. If your guests arrive with luggage and a phone in one hand, set the delay long or use the one-touch lock only.
Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only and degrades past roughly 70 feet from the router. And the Matter over Thread features need a Thread Border Router you do not already own, so treat them as a bonus for existing Apple Home users rather than a reason to buy.
3. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt: Best Budget and Best Offline Pick
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Bronze
20 codes plus one-time PIN, 365-day battery, no app needed
Pros
- 20 individual codes plus a self-deleting one-time PIN
- Auto-lock timer settable from 10 to 99 seconds
- Up to 365 days of battery life on four AA batteries
- IP54 aluminum alloy body with anti-peep code entry
Cons
- No app or WiFi so codes are programmed at the keypad
- Only fits 2-1/8 inch door holes
- Throws the bolt on its timer even if the door is held open
The TEEHO TE001 is what we install on a cabin where there is no internet at all. There is no app, no hub, no account and no firmware. You program a PIN at the keypad, you tell the guest the PIN, and the code keeps working through a power cut because the lock does not need a network.
It stores 20 individual access codes plus a one-time PIN that deletes itself after a single use, which is the cleanest way to hand a contractor a one-job code without worrying about revocation. The auto-lock timer runs from 10 to 99 seconds, and holding any keypad key for two seconds locks on demand.
Owners consistently report simple programming, one-touch locking, long battery life and the included backup keys, with the single biggest complaint being the total absence of remote access. That is a real limitation, not a nitpick: you cannot reset a code while travelling.
Two backup keys ship in the box, the body is IP54 rated aluminum alloy, and there is a low-battery indicator plus a wrong-entry limit. It installs with a screwdriver after a reset step that auto-detects door handing.
Who should buy the TEEHO TE001
Rural cabins, lake houses, farm stays and any listing where Wi-Fi is unreliable or absent. It is also the sensible choice for a garage, shed or secondary entrance where you only need per-person codes and never need remote unlock.
For short stays, the math works because you can hand out a different code per guest without ever opening a phone app. It shares the highest average rating in this roundup at 4.5 stars, alongside the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2.
Where it will frustrate you
It only fits a 2-1/8 inch (54mm) door hole and will not work in a 38mm hole, so measure before you buy. The auto-lock will also fire on schedule while the door is held open, which is irritating during a long arrival.
And if you manage ten properties remotely, the manual keypad programming becomes the bottleneck. This is a door lock, not a property-management tool.
4. Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen WiFi: Best for Native Airbnb Codes
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touchscreen Keypad Deadbolt with Wi-Fi, Black Suede
Touchscreen keypad, built-in WiFi, DoorSense, unlimited codes
Pros
- Touchscreen keypad resists smudging and has no buttons to wear out
- WiFi module built in so there is no hub to buy
- DoorSense only auto-locks when the door is truly closed
- Unlimited permanent
- temporary or scheduled codes
Cons
- Lowest average rating here at 3.9 stars with 19 percent one-star reviews
- Electronics warranty is only one year
- US and Canada compatibility only
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the second lock named in Airbnb’s own connected-lock guidance, and if you want a booking to generate its own PIN without you touching anything, this is one of the two models that does it. Codes arrive in the guest confirmation email and activate at check-in.
DoorSense is the feature we value most. Most auto-lock systems throw the bolt on a timer regardless of whether the door is shut; DoorSense waits until the door is actually closed, which removes an entire category of locked-out-on-the-porch incidents.
The touchscreen is smudge-resistant and has no physical keys to wear out, and the Wi-Fi module is inside the bolt, so there is no separate bridge. Installation is screwdriver-only on most standard US entry doors and a backup key is included.
Our honest read is that this model carries the weakest scorecard here. It sits at 3.9 stars with 19 percent one-star reviews citing reliability, battery and app connectivity, and the electronics warranty is a single year against a lifetime mechanical warranty. A widely linked r/AirBnBHosts report describes hosts losing the ability to generate guest codes or update cleaner access after a vendor software change, which is the strongest argument in this guide for keeping a physical backup on every door.
When the Yale Assure Lock 2 is right
Choose it when the listing is in the US or Canada, you want Airbnb to handle code generation end to end, and you value a clean touchscreen look on a visible front door. Unlimited permanent, temporary and scheduled codes also make it a good fit for a host with long-term tenants or a family helper.
Airbnb integration for Yale requires the Connect Wi-Fi bridge on some configurations, and the programme does not extend outside the US and Canada. Confirm your exact model number before buying.
When it is the wrong choice
Three things pushed it down our ranking. The touchscreen can be finicky to wake in cold or wet conditions, which matters in a northern winter listing. One year of electronics cover is thin for a device sitting outdoors. And the connectivity complaints in the reviews are exactly the failure mode that strands a remote host.
If you are nervous about vendor lock-in, run this alongside a keybox. Our guide to smart home automation for rentals covers the same layered-entry approach for other devices.
5. Sifely Smart Lock with Handle and Keypad: Best for Handle-Style Doors
Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Handle & Keypad – No More Lost Keys, Keyless Entry & Remote Access for Home, Kids, Airbnb & Rental Property, DIY Install, Alexa & Google Compatible
Fingerprint, keypad, fob, key, instant guest codes, reversible
Pros
- Marketed and reviewed specifically for Airbnb hosts with instant guest codes
- Five entry methods so a guest is never stranded
- Handle design fits doors that cannot take a deadbolt
- Two keys and two key cards included in the box
Cons
- Bluetooth only unless you add the separately sold WiFi gateway
- Front touchscreen can need several taps to wake
- Water ingress reported on fully exposed doors
The Sifely is the lock we reach for when a rental door will not accept a deadbolt. Older townhomes, converted farm buildings and some interior cottage doors have a lever handle and no bore for a separate deadbolt, and this unit replaces the handle while adding a keypad and fingerprint reader to the outside.
It is sold and reviewed specifically for Airbnb hosts, and the app generates a guest code instantly and keeps an access log. Guests have five ways in: fingerprint, keypad, app, key fob or physical key. That redundancy is why it suits doors where a single failure is most disruptive.
Two keys and two key cards come in the box, the handle is reversible for either door handing, and a privacy button disables electronic entry from inside. Auto-lock has an adjustable delay, which matters when guests are unloading a car alone.
The catch is connectivity. Out of the box it is a Bluetooth lock, so remote unlock and remote code generation require the separately sold Sifely WiFi Gateway. Owners also report the front touchscreen needing several taps to wake, and water ingress on doors with no overhang, so add a cover if the door is fully exposed.
Where the Sifely earns its place
Handle-style doors that cannot take a deadbolt, and exposed entries where a lever is easier to open in an emergency than a thumb-turn deadbolt. A fingerprint also means a child can let themselves in.
It is not re-keyable, so the shipped keys are unique to this lock. Keep a labelled set with your physical backup and tell your co-host where it lives.
Where it falls short
Without the gateway it is a local lock, not a remote lock, and the gateway is an extra cost per door. Support has been praised for fast replacement of faulty units, but one review reports a fault where the interior handle blocked all electronic entry.
If you run a portfolio where the door is a normal deadbolt, look at the Schlage or the ULTRALOQ first.
6. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best for Flexible Entry Options
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Six unlock methods, built-in WiFi, 8 AA batteries, BHMA Grade 3
Pros
- Six unlock methods including sub-one-second fingerprint
- Built-in WiFi for remote control with no bridge
- Self-learning AI fingerprint improves with each use
- Eight AA batteries give roughly 8 months and ship in the box
Cons
- Only IP53 rated so less weather sealed than some exterior deadbolts
- Fingerprint recognition can need a retry on older users
- Remote features are locked to the eufy Security app
The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 is the quiet all-rounder: fingerprint, eufy app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch and voice assistant, with a built-in Wi-Fi radio so no bridge is needed for remote control. It installs in about fifteen minutes and fits most standard deadbolts.
For a host, the useful part is the self-learning fingerprint reader. Enrol your cleaner, your co-host and yourself once, and the reader improves accuracy with each touch. You still issue passcodes to guests, but the people who visit weekly never consume a code slot.
Battery life is around eight months on eight AA batteries, and the batteries are included in the box, which removes the single most common smart lock complaint about forgetting to order replacements before a listing goes quiet.
It is BHMA Grade 3 certified, IP53 rated and specified from -22F to 158F. Owners favour the six-in-one flexibility, hub-free remote control and a quick no-drill installation, with complaints limited mainly to occasional fingerprint retries and the app dependency.
Who this lock suits
A primary entry door on a mid-turnover listing where you want remote unlock, a log, and reliable fingerprint access for regular visitors. The eight-month battery interval is longer than most Wi-Fi deadbolts in this list, which means fewer mid-stay failures.
It also works well for a basement or side door where you want the same app as your other eufy devices.
Who should pass
If your door is fully exposed to rain and coastal air, IP53 is the weak point. Buy an IP65 lock like the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE instead. And if you want to keep your smart home vendor-neutral, the remote features here only work inside the eufy Security app.
Fingerprint retries on older users are worth testing with whoever actually cleans the property.
7. samtechT S Fingerprint Smart Lock: Best for Thicker Doors
Bluetooth Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle & Keypad – Fits Most US Doors, DIY Install, Keyless Entry: Code, FOB, Auto-Lock. Ideal for Home, Airbnb, Rental, Kids, Seniors. Alexa & Google Compatible
Six entry methods, time-limited guest codes, fits 2-1/4 inch doors
Pros
- Six keyless entry methods including fingerprint and fob
- Sold specifically for Airbnb with permanent or time-limited codes
- Auto-lock and one-touch lock engage as the door closes
- Fits US doors from 1-3/8 to 2-1/4 inches with no drilling
Cons
- Bluetooth based so remote unlock needs a separately sold gateway
- Alexa and Google control also depend on the gateway
- Weaker Amazon category rank than the other handle-style locks here
The samtechT S is the handle-and-keypad answer for thicker doors. It fits US doors from 1-3/8 up to 2-1/4 inches, which covers most exterior doors that the slimmer handle locks in this roundup cannot reach, and it installs in minutes with a screwdriver and no drilling.
It is sold specifically for Airbnb and rental use, with permanent, one-time and time-limited codes for guests, cleaners and property managers.
Six entry methods are available: fingerprint, keypad, fob, code, app and physical key, and the keypad is back-lit with anti-peeping entry.
Buyers rate it highly for easy no-drill installation, the range of entry methods and guest code scheduling. Across more than four thousand reviews it holds a 4.4 average, comfortably above the group median.
The recurring caveat is that this is a Bluetooth lock. Remote unlock from away from the door, plus Alexa and Google voice control, all depend on adding a gateway. Plan for that in your per-door budget or accept that you will be standing at the door.
Why hosts pick the samtechT S
Thick doors, unusual handing, and any rental where you do not want to drill. The fingerprint reader means a returning cleaner does not need a code, and the fob is a useful second credential that is harder to photograph or share.
Auto-lock and one-touch lock engage as soon as the door closes, so you are not relying on a guest to remember to turn the handle.
Where it is weaker
A handle lock is a different security proposition from a deadbolt, and if your listing is in a higher-risk area, pair it rather than rely on it alone. The gateway dependency for remote access is the practical drawback that most buyers accept and then forget about.
It also sits lower in its Amazon category than the other handle-style locks here, which usually means slower-moving inventory support if a unit fails.
8. Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Knob Lock: Best for Multi-Property Hosts
Smart Door Handle Lock with Keypad, Yamiry Fingerprint Knob for Front Door
Six unlock options, multi-property app, no-drill 10-minute install
Pros
- Six unlock options including fingerprint
- fobs and mechanical keys
- App manages permanent or temporary access for many properties at once
- Handle-and-knob format fits doors where a deadbolt will not work
- Reversible handle and adjustable latch for either handing
Cons
- Alexa and true remote unlock need a separately sold WiFi gateway
- Bluetooth range limits app access to near the door
- Fingerprint and fob readers less consistent than the mechanical key
The Yamiry YR01 is built around a feature most competitors bury: an app that manages permanent and temporary access and unlock history across many properties in one screen. If you run a handful of doors across several towns, that single view is worth more than any individual lock feature.
Entry is flexible: fingerprint, Bluetooth app, passcode, key fob, mechanical key or Alexa voice. Two key fobs and two mechanical keys come in the box, and the reversible handle with an adjustable latch covers both door handings.
Install is roughly ten minutes on standard American wooden front doors with no drilling, which is what makes it viable to roll out across a portfolio in a single afternoon.
Landlords and hosts value the inexpensive handle format, the quick install and the multi-property code management. The consistent caveat in reviews is that a separate WiFi gateway is needed for remote control, so plan the gateway per property rather than per door if your doors share a router.
Bluetooth range limits app-based access to near the door, so if you are standing outside at 10 p.m. with a guest, the app will not save you. The mechanical key backup remains the most reliable of the six methods.
Best for scattered portfolios
Owners of several properties benefit most from the shared access list. Adding a guest to one door takes seconds and does not require re-pairing anything, and the unlock history gives you a defensible record if a dispute comes up.
It is also a good fit for a garage or secondary rental where a lever handle is more practical than a deadbolt.
Honest drawbacks
Remote unlock and Alexa control both need the gateway. And owners report the fingerprint and fob readers are less consistent than the mechanical key, which is a mild irony on a lock that lists six unlock methods.
Do not buy this as your only layer of entry. Our Airbnb host security checklist treats exterior door access as one of several layers, not the only one.
9. Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2: Best for Fingerprint Entry
Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Smart Lock, AI Learning Scanner with Wi-Fi Front Door Lock Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, 8 Months Battery, BHMA2, IP53, Anti-Peep Keypad, Backup Keys
0.5 second fingerprint, 8-month battery, USB-C emergency power
Pros
- Fingerprint reader unlocks in about half a second and learns over time
- Built-in WiFi gives remote lock and status in the Wyze app with no hub
- Adjustable delayed auto-lock secures the door seconds after closing
- Eight AA batteries plus USB-C emergency power input
Cons
- Keypad beeps are quiet which is hard for some users
- Auto-lock timer cannot be suspended while the door is open
- App-only remote access ties it to the Wyze ecosystem
The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 opens by fingerprint in roughly half a second on scratch and smudge-resistant tempered glass. For a host who is tired of typing PINs into a keypad with numb hands, that difference is obvious within a week.
The AI learning scanner adapts to each user over time and cuts failed scans, which matters for the cleaner who uses the door every week. It holds a 4.5 average, the joint-highest in this roundup.
Eight AA batteries run up to eight months and a USB-C emergency input lets you jump-start the lock from a power bank. That emergency port is the single most underrated feature here, and it costs nothing to own.
Built-in WiFi means remote lock and status in the Wyze app without a hub, and you can unlock from a paired video doorbell feed. The adjustable delayed auto-lock lets you decide how many seconds after closing the bolt throws.
Recent owners are enthusiastic about the fast improving fingerprint reader, quick installation, quiet operation and the auto-relock timer. The most common complaints are the low keypad beep volume and a rigid auto-lock timer.
Where the Wyze Bolt v2 wins
Any door where people enter and leave dozens of times a day, or where a guest with a bag has to punch a code in the dark. IP53 sealing and BHMA2 certification handle an exposed exterior door adequately, and backup keys are included.
It is also a good secondary door choice when your main entry already has a lock with a longer battery interval.
Where it does not
The keypad beep is quiet, which is a genuine accessibility problem for hard-of-hearing guests and anyone with a sleeping child. The auto-lock timer cannot be suspended while the door is deliberately left open, which is common at a rental during checkout.
Remote access lives entirely inside the Wyze ecosystem. If you run HomeKit or a mixed-vendor setup, accept that trade-off before you buy.
10. eufy Security Smart Lock C33: Best for Garage and Side Doors
eufy Security Smart Lock C33, Keypad Door Lock with Handle, Built-in Wi-Fi
Fingerprint in the handle grip, built-in WiFi, auto-lock scheduling
Pros
- Fingerprint reader built into the grip where you already grab the door
- Built-in WiFi for remote access and event history with no bridge
- Scheduling locks the door automatically at set times
- 15-minute no-drill install working on either handing
Cons
- Fingerprint reader rejects roughly one in five attempts for some users
- Auto-lock and scheduled lock cannot be tuned independently
- Eight AA batteries drain faster with the WiFi radio always powered
The eufy Security Smart Lock C33 is the odd one out in this roundup, and that is why it earns a place. The fingerprint reader is built into the lever grip itself, so you unlock by touching the handle you were about to pull anyway. No separate sensor, no extra pad, no aiming in the dark.
Owners report good durability even fully exposed to sun and rain, with stable Wi-Fi and a fifteen-minute install that needs no drilling. It fits garage, side, office and basement doors where a deadbolt is impractical.
Built-in Wi-Fi gives remote access, access management, real-time notifications and event history without a bridge, and scheduling lets the door lock itself automatically at set times.
Eight AA batteries power it, with low-battery alerts in the app, and it carries 18-month coverage with round-the-clock support. An anti-peeping password and back-lit keypad round out the guest-facing side.
It scores 4.1, near the bottom of this list, and the reasons are consistent: some users see the fingerprint reader reject roughly one attempt in five, the auto-lock setting and the scheduled lock cannot be tuned independently, and eight AA batteries drain faster because the Wi-Fi radio is always powered.
Why it belongs on a garage or side door
A lever handle with a grip sensor is the right hardware for a door that already has a separate deadbolt on the main entry, or for a workshop-style outbuilding. It adds a second keyed layer with a code your cleaner can use.
For a main entry door, the 4.1 rating and the one-in-five rejection rate make it a harder sell when a deadbolt is an option.
What to watch
Test the fingerprint reader with every regular user before you rely on it, and keep a mechanical key as the fallback. Plan battery changes more often than the eight-AA count suggests because of the always-on radio.
There is no NFC or phone-wallet unlock, and third-party NFC cards will not work, so do not build an NFC-based guest credential plan around it.
Smart Lock vs Keybox: Which One Do You Actually Need?
Searchers use the word smart lockbox to mean two completely different products, and picking the wrong one is the most expensive mistake in this guide. A mechanical keybox is a steel box on a door handle with no electronics. A smart lock is a powered deadbolt with a keypad.
The keybox wins on cost, power independence and setup effort. It needs no batteries, no Wi-Fi, no app and no pairing, and a guest can open it in the dark with a physical code. If your property has no internet, a keybox simply works.
The smart lock wins on revocation speed, audit trail and remote re-keying. A PIN stops working the moment you delete it, rather than when you physically drive over to change the combination. The entry log also gives you a timestamped record of every entry, which matters for both disputes and insurance.
Our recommendation is to use both. Fit a keypad smart lock on the main entry so codes rotate per reservation, and keep a mechanical keybox on a secondary door as the physical backup. That way a dead battery, a vendor software outage or a guest who tampers with the keypad does not become a long drive.
How to Set Up a Smart Lock for Airbnb Guests
Most of these locks install in ten to twenty minutes with a screwdriver. Before you start, measure the door thickness and check the bore diameter, because that is where most returns come from.
Confirm the model is eligible. Check the exact model number against Airbnb’s connected-lock list, and confirm whether your unit needs the Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge or the August keypad accessory. The programme is US and Canada only.
Test Wi-Fi at the door, not in the hallway. Stand at the keypad with your phone and check the signal. 2.4 GHz networks reach further but lose speed through walls.
Fit the lock and calibrate it. Follow the handing detection step before first use, and set the auto-lock delay so it matches how your guests actually close the door.
Pair the app and set your master credential. Change the default admin code immediately, and store the physical keys somewhere you can reach without the lock.
Create separate codes for separate people. One for guests, one for the cleaner, one for the co-host. Never share a single PIN, or your entry log becomes meaningless.
Match the code window to the turnover gap. Many platforms let you extend to 2 hours; pick the window that matches the actual gap between checkout and cleaning start.
Link the lock to the listing. Enable the connected-lock option in the self check-in settings so codes are generated and revoked on the reservation calendar.
Add batteries to your turnover checklist. Check the low-battery warning, not the app notification you will miss while travelling.
Backup Keys, Battery Life and Lockout Prevention
Every lock in this roundup ships with physical keys, and every one of them can be opened with a key even when the electronics fail. Keep those keys in a labelled set, tell your co-host and cleaner where they live, and never store them at the property.
Two of these locks go further. The Schlage Encode Plus accepts a 9V battery through a contact, and the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 takes USB-C power from a power bank. Either one turns a locked-out guest into a thirty-second fix rather than a locksmith visit.
On battery intervals, be sceptical of the marketing figure. Owners on r/airbnb_hosts report the Schlage Encode and the Yale Assure Lock 2 draining in as little as three to six months, with some hosts changing Yale batteries close to monthly, while offline models like the TEEHO reach a year on four AA batteries. The pattern is consistent: Wi-Fi locks that report status constantly use more power than keypad-only locks.
Two risks are worth naming because they are under-discussed. The first is guest tampering, and there is a documented case of a guest resetting the lock code so the host could not get back in. The second is vendor dependency, where a software change removed remote code generation for existing hosts. Both are solved the same way: never let one code be the only way into the building, whatever the lock costs you in 2026.
Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy
Does the guest need an app? If yes, walk away. Every lock here has a keypad. This single filter eliminates the most damaging failure mode in hosting.
Is it Wi-Fi native or does it need a bridge? A bridge is another device to power, mount, network and eventually replace. Schlage, Yale, ULTRALOQ, both eufy models and Wyze all have Wi-Fi built in. Sifely, samtechT and Yamiry need a separately sold gateway for remote access.
Can it work offline? Codes stored on the keypad keep working when the network drops, but remote unlock and remote code generation do not. If your property has unreliable Wi-Fi, weight the TEEHO TE001 heavily.
What is the code capacity? The Schlage Encode Plus holds 250 codes and the Yale Assure Lock 2 offers unlimited. The TEEHO TE001 holds 20 plus a one-time PIN. Count your cleaner, your co-host, your vendor and your own visits, then double it.
Does it fit your door? Check thickness and bore before ordering. The Schlage Encode Plus fits 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches, the samtechT S reaches 2-1/4 inches, and the TEEHO TE001 only fits a 2-1/8 inch hole.
What is the weather rating? IP65 locks like the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE suit exposed exterior doors. IP53 models are adequate with an overhang and marginal without one.
Who should skip a smart lock entirely? If you are not hosting guests remotely, if your door cannot take a powered lock, or if you will not check low-battery alerts, a mechanical deadbolt and a keybox will serve you better and cost less to maintain.
Entry is only one layer of a well-run rental. If you are fitting out a furnished unit, our picks for smart toilets for luxury bathrooms cover another amenity guests mention in reviews, and the same layered approach applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smart lock does Airbnb recommend?
Airbnb’s connected-lock programme supports compatible Wi-Fi keypad models from Schlage, Yale and August, and only for listings in the United States and Canada. August only qualifies with the Keypad accessory, and Yale’s integration needs the Connect Wi-Fi bridge. Outside the US and Canada you generate codes yourself in the lock’s own app.
Do Airbnb guests have to download an app to use a smart lock?
No. With any keypad or touchscreen lock, guests type the code that Airbnb or the host sends them, with no app and no account required. App access is for the host alone, used to manage codes, read the entry log and check battery levels. Avoid app-only locks entirely for rentals, because a guest with no signal is a refund and a bad review.
What happens if the smart lock battery dies during a stay?
The lock stops accepting codes and your guest cannot get in, which is why a physical key, a mechanical keybox or an emergency power input is non-negotiable. The Schlage Encode Plus accepts a 9V battery and the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 takes USB-C from a power bank. Never dismiss a low-battery alert, and put batteries on the turnover checklist rather than waiting for the warning.
What are the downsides of using a smart lock?
The main drawbacks are battery failure, Wi-Fi dropout at the door, dependency on a vendor app that can change or break, guests who tamper with codes, and a higher upfront cost than a mechanical deadbolt. Reports of a Yale software change that removed remote code generation for existing hosts are the clearest argument for keeping a physical backup on every door.
Are smart locks safer than lockboxes for rentals?
They protect different things. A smart lock gives instant revocation, a per-person audit trail and remote re-keying, which a keybox cannot. A keybox wins on cost and needs no power, no Wi-Fi and no pairing. Most hosts should use a keypad smart lock on the main entry and keep a mechanical keybox on a secondary door as the physical backup.
Can I use one smart lock for multiple Airbnb listings?
One physical lock cannot serve two doors, but most apps let you manage several properties in one account. The Yamiry YR01 app handles permanent and temporary access and unlock history across many properties from a single screen, which is why it suits scattered portfolios. The Schlage Encode Plus holds up to 250 codes, so capacity is rarely the limiting factor.
How long do smart lock batteries last in a rental?
Expect three to six months on Wi-Fi models that report status constantly, and close to a year on keypad-only locks. Owners in r/airbnb_hosts report the Schlage Encode and the Yale Assure Lock 2 draining in as little as three to six months, with some changing Yale batteries almost monthly. The TEEHO TE001 is rated for up to 365 days on four AA batteries.
The Best Smart Locks for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
For a single primary entry door with dependable Wi-Fi, the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the pick: built-in Wi-Fi, 250 codes, a mechanical key, a 9V emergency contact and Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA certification. It also has the largest review base we analysed.
For a portfolio or an exposed exterior door, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi costs less per door and runs longer on batteries, with an IP65 body rated for the weather. For a property with no reliable network, the TEEHO TE001 is unbeatable: 20 codes, a self-deleting one-time PIN and a year of battery life with nothing to pair.
Whatever you pick, keep a mechanical keybox on a second door, give every person a separate code, and check the battery on a schedule instead of waiting for an alert. That combination does more for your review scores than any fingerprint reader.