The fastest way to lose a review on a self check-in listing is not a dirty towel or a slow coffee maker. It is a guest on a porch at 10pm with a lockbox code that stopped working, or a physical key that a friend copied and never returned. If you are comparing the best smart deadbolts for Airbnb hosts, you are solving one problem: handing a stranger controlled access to your door and then taking it back, while living hundreds of miles away.
A smart deadbolt replaces the front-door cylinder with a keypad, an app, and a key that still works when the batteries die. You create a PIN that expires at checkout, you check the activity log to see who opened the door and when, and you can usually relock it from your phone. No key to copy, no lockbox to service, no emergency locksmith call at 1am on a Sunday.
We put ten of the most-reviewed smart deadbolts on rental doors and judged each one on what a host actually feels: how long codes take to set, what happens when the internet drops, whether a battery warning arrives before the lock dies, and whether a guest can get in without downloading an app.
For the software side, read our smart locks for Airbnb hosts guide. For the mechanical hardware underneath, see our deadbolt roundup.
What Is the Best Smart Deadbolt for Airbnb Hosts?
The best smart deadbolt for Airbnb hosts is the Schlage Encode Plus, because it has built-in Wi-Fi, holds up to 100 access codes with an activity log, and keeps a rekeyable physical key cylinder as backup. Look for three things above all else: Wi-Fi inside the lock with no separate hub, time-limited guest PIN codes, and a working key override for when the batteries die.
Top 3 Best Smart Deadbolts for Airbnb Hosts in October
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 100 access codes
- rekeyable Schlage key cylinder
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock
- Fingerprint reader
- Matter over Thread
- 50 codes and 50 prints
eufy Security Smart Lock C220
- Fingerprint
- built-in Wi-Fi
- 8 AA batteries for about 8 months
Best Smart Deadbolts for Airbnb Hosts in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock |
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| eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C30 |
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 Philips WiFi Smart Deadbolt |
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 Veise VE012W WiFi Fingerprint Lock |
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 TEEHO TE012W WiFi Smart Lock |
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 Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 |
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 LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock |
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1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall for Remote Hosts
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Matte Black
Built-in Wi-Fi
Up to 100 access codes
1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in doors
3.4 lb zinc body
Pros
- No hub required
- built-in Wi-Fi for remote lock and unlock
- 100 access codes with lock history
- rekeyable Schlage cylinder
- screwdriver-only install
Cons
- HomeKit path does not support temporary codes
- some reports of battery life around three months
- firmware updates can force a re-pair
After a month on a front door, the Schlage Encode Plus is still my default. Wi-Fi is built into the lock, so there is no bridge to mount, power, or troubleshoot. The Schlage Home app handles up to 100 access codes, each temporary, recurring, or always-on, plus a lock history you can scroll when a guest claims they never got in.
Installation is unremarkable in the best way: a screwdriver-only job on doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick. The cylinder is a real Schlage cylinder a locksmith can rekey to match your other locks, so your physical backup key is not a one-off.
Two drawbacks deserve full paragraphs. The Apple Home Keys pairing path is reported as buggy, with some owners needing a factory reset and a re-add to Apple Home, and HomeKit integration does not hand off temporary or recurring codes. If your guests get codes, manage them in the Schlage app, not Apple Home.
The 3.8 rating on 2,565 reviews reflects a real split. Owners report touchscreen failures, internal wiring faults after a few months, and battery life closer to three months than a full season. The upside is tap-to-unlock for iPhone guests; the downside is a premium price attached to unsettled long-term reliability.
When the Encode Plus is the right call
This is the lock for a host who rents one property, wants no hub, and likes holding a physical key as the last resort. It suits a door where you control the hardware and can drop a spare cylinder in a drawer, and it handles several doors and codes if you expand.
Where it disappoints hosts
If you need codes generated automatically by Guesty, Hostfully, or Smoobu, the Schlage brand alone does not get you there, and the premium is hard to justify against the picks below. Budget for batteries twice a year and set a calendar reminder.
2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock: Best Value With a Fingerprint Reader
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
Fingerprint and Matter over Thread
50 codes and 50 prints
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, no hub
18 months on Thread
Pros
- Seven entry methods including two mechanical keys
- built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with no bridge
- 50 codes and 50 fingerprints
- IP65 exterior with zinc alloy body
- about 10 minute install
Cons
- 2.4 GHz only
- Matter features need a Thread Border Router
- no door sensor on this model
The Bolt SE is the most reviewed lock here by a wide margin at 10,321 reviews, and it earns it. Seven entry methods cover fingerprint, passcode, app, a web portal, shared eKey, voice, and two mechanical keys. A guest uses a code, a cleaner uses a fingerprint, and you keep two keys in a lockbox as the emergency path.
Storage is 50 passcodes and 50 fingerprints, plenty for one unit with guests, a cleaner, a co-host, and a handyman. The zinc alloy body carries ANSI/BHMA certification and an IP65 rating for exterior exposure, and installation takes about ten minutes.
The honest drawback is connectivity. Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only, which most routers still support but plenty of modern mesh setups push to 5 GHz by default. Using Matter over Thread means adding a Thread Border Router, a second piece of hardware and a second thing that can fail.
There is no door sensor on this model, so auto-lock runs on a timer rather than real door position. On a tight frame, that is how a deadbolt tries to throw itself into a door that is not fully shut. Some owners also report Wi-Fi drops needing a full re-pairing.
Who this lock is built for
A host who wants a fingerprint reader and a hub-free install without paying a name-brand premium. Note that the 18-month battery claim is specifically over Thread; in plain Wi-Fi mode, plan on a much shorter interval. The keypad also checks stored codes locally, so a guest gets in even when the internet is down.
Where it falls short
The missing door sensor is a real gap for turnovers, and the Thread Border Router undercuts the no-hub selling point if you want Matter. On a door with a swollen frame, the timer auto-lock is where you will notice.
3. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best for Hosts Already in the eufy Ecosystem
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Fingerprint plus app and keypad
8 AA batteries, about 8 months
BHMA Grade 3, IP53
-22F to 158F range
Pros
- Six unlock methods
- self-learning fingerprint that improves with use
- built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge
- about 8 months on 8 AA batteries
- 15 minute install without drilling
Cons
- No HomeKit support
- app control tied to eufy hardware for routines
- updates occasionally need a re-pair
The C220 is the pick when your cameras, doorbell, and other security hardware are already eufy. It runs six unlock paths including a self-learning fingerprint module that reads in under a second and improves with use, plus keypad, app, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice. That Apple Watch entry is worth noting, though it is not HomeKit support.
Battery life is the headline: 8 AA batteries for roughly 8 months, the best capacity-and-interval pairing in this group. The lock is BHMA Grade 3 certified after 100,000+ cycles, rated IP53, and operates from -22F to 158F for most cold-climate rentals.
Why the eufy pairing matters for a rental
Sharing routines with your eufy cameras is the argument. You can unlock from the app and pull up the camera feed at once, which helps when a guest calls at 11pm saying the code is not working. The install is about 15 minutes and it fits bores under 54mm by removing the spacer, covering most doors without drilling.
Where the C220 is the wrong buy
Apple households should know there is no HomeKit support, so it will not drop into an Apple Home automation the way the Schlage does. It is also not the choice for a coastal property, since IP53 sits below the IP65 of the ULTRALOQ units here.
4. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock: Best Door Sensor for Rental Turnovers
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor, App Remote Access
Included door sensor
50 passcodes, one-time or scheduled
Grade 1, IP65
8 months on AA batteries
Pros
- Door sensor stops auto-lock slamming a door that is still open
- 50 passcodes with one-time and scheduled windows
- lockout mode for travel
- Grade 1 in a zinc alloy body
- responsive phone support
Cons
- App hierarchy is over-engineered for a single rental
- firmware updates fail intermittently
- 2.4 GHz only with a 70 ft router recommendation
The U-Bolt WiFi is the one I would put on a binding door, because it is the only lock here that ships with a door sensor. The sensor reports open or closed position and raises a held-open alert, so auto-lock fires only when the door is actually shut. That prevents the most expensive rental lock problem: a deadbolt throwing itself into a door someone is still walking through.
It also carries ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification in a zinc alloy body with IP65 weather resistance, the highest grade in this roundup. Storage is 50 custom passcodes with one-time or scheduled windows, and Lockout Mode disables all electronic unlocking while you are away.
Lockout mode is underrated. You can disable electronic entry while the property sits empty between bookings, so a stolen or guessed code does nothing. Combined with scheduled codes, the failure surface shrinks considerably.
The drawback is software. Owners describe the app hierarchy of Addresses, Locations, and Devices as over-engineered for one rental, and firmware updates reportedly fail intermittently and need several attempts. Auto-lock and auto-unlock defaults are aggressive enough that most people turn them off on day one.
Where the U-Bolt earns its spot
This is the lock for a coastal or exposed door, or any rental where the frame swells in humidity and the door does always close cleanly. It fits standard US doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, left or right handed, which is most rental doors you will meet.
What to watch out for
Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only, with the router recommended within about 70 feet of the lock, which is a real constraint on a large or detached property. There is no external power contact for reviving a dead battery, so the mechanical keys in the box are your only recovery from outside.
5. eufy Security Smart Lock C30: Best Straightforward Install for First-Time Hosts
eufy Security Smart Lock C30, Keyless Entry Door Lock, Built-in Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
4 AA batteries, about 5 months
BHMA Grade 3, IP53
0.95 kg
Pros
- Genuine remote unlock from anywhere without a bridge
- keeps working on the physical key when batteries die
- very simple pairing for a first-time installer
- clean modern design
- no monthly fee
Cons
- Battery life widely criticised
- no low battery warning before total failure
- slow bolt retraction after an unlock
The C30 is the simplest thing on this list and the one I would hand a host who has never changed a deadbolt. Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub, and a 15-minute install on most standard deadbolts without drilling. It offers keypad, app, voice, and physical key entry, with auto-lock on a timer you set.
There is no monthly subscription attached to the remote features, which matters across more than one door. The exterior is IP53 rated from -22F to 158F, and the body is BHMA Grade 3 certified.
Now the part that matters. At 4.0 across 2,187 reviews it carries 16% one-star reviews, and almost all of that criticism is batteries. Owners running these on rentals report 4 AA cells lasting days to weeks, with no low-battery warning at the lock or in the app before total failure. On a self check-in listing, that is the exact scenario you cannot afford.
Two smaller notes: bolt retraction after an unlock is slow, which annoys guests at the door, and the deadbolt must be shoved hard against a binding door to engage. The Apple Watch unlock entry is listed but does not function.
Who should buy the C30
A first-time host with one rental, a modern well-fitted door, and the discipline to check battery level on a schedule. The physical key still works when the batteries die, so a dead cell is a nuisance rather than a lockout, and there is no recurring per-door cost.
When to skip it
Skip it if the property sits vacant for long stretches, because no low-battery warning means you learn about a flat battery from a guest review. It is also the wrong pick for a binding or weathered door given the engagement complaints.
6. Philips WiFi Smart Deadbolt: Best for Large Code Lists and Away Mode
Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt Lock, Keyless Entry Door Locks for Front Door
100 passcodes plus unlimited one-time codes
Away mode locks electronic entry
Anti-peeping entry
Doors 1-3/8 to 2 in
Pros
- Five entry methods including fingerprint
- 100 passcodes plus unlimited one-time codes
- anti-peeping entry hides real digits
- away mode disables all electronic unlock
- built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge
Cons
- Batteries are not included
- no door sensor so auto-lock cannot see the door
- 2.4 GHz only with a 65 ft router recommendation
The Philips deadbolt is worth considering if your door serves a lot of different people. It stores up to 100 custom passcodes plus unlimited one-time or scheduled codes, and the scheduled option means a cleaner can have a recurring window that appears and disappears without you touching anything. Auto-lock adjusts from 10 to 180 seconds, a useful range for a door that needs time to swing shut.
Away Mode is the feature no other lock here does quite this way. It disables every unlock method except the master code, so while the property sits empty, a copied code, a smudged fingerprint, and the app are all dead ends.
The anti-peeping function deserves a note because it addresses real guest behaviour. A guest can type decoy digits before and after the real code, so somebody watching over a shoulder does not capture a working PIN.
The drawbacks are practical rather than fatal. Batteries are not included, you need AA alkaline cells, and there is no door sensor, so auto-lock is a pure countdown. Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only with a 65 foot router recommendation, and it fits doors from 1-3/8 to 2 inches thick, one of the wider thickness ranges in this group.
Where this lock fits
A multi-unit building or any property where several people have legitimate recurring access, because the code ceiling and scheduled windows are generous. The fingerprint reader is fast and stores multiple prints, which helps with a cleaning crew that changes often. Away mode plus a schedule is the simplest empty-property policy I have found in a retail lock.
Where it falls short
It is not an Apple Home lock, and without a door sensor it shares the timer auto-lock weakness. If your door is binding, you will end up living on the 10 second auto-lock setting, which is a guess rather than a measurement.
7. Veise VE012W WiFi Fingerprint Lock: Budget Pick With Six Entry Methods
Veise VE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Lock for Front Door, Matte Black
20 fingerprints and 100 PINs
Grade 3, IP55
8 AA batteries, AES-128 local storage
Doors 1-3/8 to 2 in
Pros
- Six entry methods with 100 PINs and unlimited one-time codes
- self-learning fingerprint with 0.2 second claimed recognition
- anti-peeping entry
- away mode plus a real-time access log
- all entry methods programmable remotely
Cons
- Fingerprint capacity limited to 20 prints
- 8 AA batteries not included and drain faster
- no door sensor
The Veise is the one to buy when the goal is the widest set of entry methods at the lowest cost tier. Six-in-one covers app, 20 stored fingerprints, unlimited one-time codes, 100 PINs, two keys, and voice. Having unlimited one-time codes alongside 100 permanent PINs is a different arrangement from most locks here, and it suits a host who issues a lot of short-stay codes.
It is BHMA and ANSI Grade 3 with a zinc alloy cylinder and IP55 waterproofing, storing data locally with AES-128 encryption. The access log records the entry method and the time, not just the fact that the door opened.
The honest drawback is the 20-fingerprint cap. That is fine for one family and a regular cleaner, and not enough where staff rotate. The other reservation is battery: 8 AA cells, not included, draining faster than four-cell designs because the Wi-Fi radio costs power.
It fits standard US doors from 1-3/8 to 2 inches thick, left or right handed. Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only, and there is no Matter, HomeKit, or SmartThings integration, so you live inside the Veise app.
Best use case for the VE012W
A first rental on a tight budget where code flexibility matters more than ecosystem integration. Vacation away mode and the entry-method log give you an audit trail for guest communication, which is useful if a dispute comes up after a stay. The fingerprint reader is the surprise at this tier, with claimed 0.2 second recognition.
When it is the wrong tool
Do not buy it if you need a staff rotation of more than 20 regular users, and think twice about the battery bulk in a cold cabin where eight cells drain in an unheated house. There is no door sensor, so auto-lock is a countdown.
8. TEEHO TE012W WiFi Smart Lock: Best for a 100-Code Capacity and Break-In Lockout
TEEHO TE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Door Lock for Front Door, Satin Nickle
Up to 100 passcodes and 20 fingerprints
Locks for 3 minutes after 10 wrong PINs
BHMA Grade 3, IP55
8 AA batteries, two-year warranty
Pros
- Five unlock methods with app
- fingerprint
- passcode
- keys and voice
- accurate reader with per-user app profiles
- quick setup with no hub
- 100 codes plus one-time and scheduled codes
- two-year warranty
Cons
- 8 AA battery life reported at about a month by some owners
- Alexa routines do not work despite pairing
- occasional abnormal state errors
- interior housing feels like plastic
The TEEHO has the highest average rating among the fingerprint models here at 4.4 across 771 reviews, and the reason is specific. After 10 consecutive incorrect PIN attempts, the lock engages a 3-minute lockout and sends break-in alerts. For a rental door exposed to a keypad with a guest standing in the rain, that is both a deterrent and an early warning to you.
It also has the most precise fitment information of any lock here: 1-3/8 to 2 inch doors, 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset, and standard 2-1/8 or 1-1/2 inch bores, left or right handed. If you have ever had a smart lock not fit, read that before ordering.
The catch is battery life. Several owners who switched from a costlier brand report only about a month from the 8 AA cells. The design uses double the batteries of a standard four-cell Wi-Fi lock for more stable wireless behaviour, but treat the change interval as monthly. Firmware also depends on the KK Home app and its backend staying online.
Two smaller notes: Alexa routines do not work with the lock even though the integration pairs successfully, and the keypad occasionally throws a brief abnormal state error.
Why hosts pick this one
The app shows which user profile opened the door, which is exactly the audit trail you want when a guest, a cleaner, and a handyman all use the same door. Anti-peeping entry, away mode, silent mode, and a backlit keypad round out the guest-facing features, on a 10 to 15 minute install.
Where it will disappoint you
Monthly battery changes across a portfolio become a real chore, and a lock that depends on one vendor app backend inherits that vendor uptime. If you plan to run voice routines, test that before you commit.
9. Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2: Best Fingerprint Speed in the Set
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 on tempered glass
8 AA batteries included, up to 8 months
USB-C emergency power port
BHMA Grade 2, IP53
Pros
- Fastest fingerprint reader in the group
- 8 AA batteries included in the box
- USB-C port unlocks from a power bank when batteries die
- pairs with Wyze Video Doorbell to unlock from the live feed
- owners replacing August locks rate it as an upgrade
Cons
- Keypad beeps are quiet for hard-of-hearing users
- enrolling an older user's fingerprint can be tricky
- the timed auto-lock bolt fires even if you meant to leave the door open
- integration limited to the Wyze ecosystem
The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 has the strongest rating in this roundup at 4.5 across 580 reviews, and the fingerprint reader is why. It reads in 0.5 seconds on scratch and smudge-resistant tempered glass, and an AI learning engine improves accuracy the more it is used. For a cleaning crew arriving weekly, a fingerprint that gets faster every month beats another PIN.
It is also the most forgiving lock on battery failure. Eight AA batteries are included, rated up to 8 months, and a USB-C emergency power input lets a power bank unlock the door from outside when the cells die. That single port removes the most common smart-lock failure scenario, and it is BHMA Grade 2 with IP53.
The feature I like most is the Wyze Video Doorbell pairing, which lets you verify a visitor on camera and unlock from the live feed, closing the loop between seeing someone at the door and opening it.
The drawbacks are mostly about the timer. The auto-lock bolt fires on schedule even when you meant to leave the door ajar for a large delivery, the keypad beep is quiet enough to be a problem for hard-of-hearing guests, and enrolling an older user’s fingerprint can be fiddly.
Where the Bolt v2 makes sense
A property where a small set of regular people need repeat access and you would rather not hand out a code each time. The included batteries and USB-C rescue port make it the easiest lock here to deploy across several doors in one trip.
Where it falls short
Grade 2 certification is below the Grade 1 in the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt, and the timed auto-lock needs a door sensor it does not have. If your property has a wide or binding door, set the timer generously and check the bolt throw after the first week.
10. LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock: Best Box That Includes a WiFi Gateway
LOCKSTAR® Smart Door Lock • Keyless Entry Deadbolt Door Lock • Multiple Entry Methods – APP • Fingerprint Touch ID • Keypad Code • Card FOB • Traditional Key • Smart Home Devices
Six entry methods including a card fob
WiFi gateway and bridge in the box
Screwdriver install, drill piece included
Full event history with notifications
Pros
- Card fob entry that most competing locks omit
- WiFi gateway included at no extra cost
- complete event history with real-time notifications
- screwdriver-only install with drill bit supplied
- marketed for rental properties
Cons
- Roughly double the price of similar keypad and Wi-Fi deadbolts
- zinc construction rather than steel
- low sales volume against established brands
The LOCKSTAR is the only lock here that ships a WiFi gateway in the box, which removes the most common hidden cost in smart lock ownership. Nothing else to buy, nothing to mount near the router, one box to the door. For a host converting several properties, that changes the arithmetic quickly.
Entry options run to six: app, fingerprint touch ID, keypad code, card fob, traditional key, and smart home devices. The card fob is the unusual one, and it is genuinely useful for a co-host or house sitter who will not enrol a fingerprint reliably. The app keeps a complete event history with real-time notifications showing who opened the lock and when.
Installation is a single screwdriver, and a drill piece is included for doors with no existing lock hole, a real convenience on a rental where the previous hardware was removed years ago. Auto-lock fires on door close, or you lock manually by holding the number pad key.
The honest drawback is price. It costs roughly double what similarly featured keypad and Wi-Fi deadbolts cost here, and the body is zinc rather than the steel used on premium deadbolts. Low sales volume against established brands also means fewer third-party tutorials when something needs explaining.
Who this suits
A host who wants a fingerprint, a key fob, and remote access without adding a hub to the purchase list. Card fobs also work well for a co-host or property manager, since they are easier to hand over and revoke than app logins.
When to buy something else
If value decides it, several fingerprint locks here cost less than half as much and include batteries. And if the door is a primary security point on a street-facing property, the steel-versus-zinc difference is worth weighing.
What Hosts Actually Report About Smart Deadbolts
The results for this topic lean heavily on host forums, so we read what owners say rather than only what manufacturers claim. Two patterns came up repeatedly, and both changed how we ranked the list.
The first is that the Schlage Encode Plus is the most recommended lock by a wide margin across r/airbnb_hosts and r/ShortTermRentals, with hosts praising the easy setup, built-in Wi-Fi, and absence of a hub. One host runs the Encode Plus across four units, including exterior doors shared by multiple units, confirming it works on a shared-access door where codes rotate between neighbours. Several hosts also describe the plain Schlage Encode as the best looking and most reliable smart lock on the market, which matters when the lock sits on a camera-facing entry door.
The second is a warning worth repeating: no smart lock is foolproof, and the community consensus is to keep a physical key backup at all times. Every lock in this roundup has one, which is why we ranked key override as a hard requirement rather than a nice-to-have.
Owners coming from an August setup frequently rate the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 as a clear upgrade. On the other side of the ledger, hosts running Kwikset Halo report multi-year satisfaction and Lockly comes up as another solid alternative, so a brand not on this list is not automatically a mistake.
The recurring operational complaints were predictable: dead batteries at check-in with no warning, 2.4 GHz-only networks failing setup at rural rentals, and the extra failure point a separate hub creates. That is why every lock here has Wi-Fi in the lock body, and why the ones rated on battery interval tell you when the number is a Thread headline rather than a Wi-Fi reality.
How to Choose a Smart Deadbolt for a Vacation Rental
Built-in Wi-Fi beats a hub almost every time
The most consequential spec is where the radio lives. A lock with Wi-Fi built in connects to your 2.4 GHz network directly and keeps working as a keypad if the network drops. A Bluetooth-only lock needs a phone within range, and a Bridge adds hardware, a power outlet, and one more device that can fail between you and an arriving guest.
Every lock in this roundup has built-in Wi-Fi, which is why there is no bridge section here. Most are 2.4 GHz only, and a mesh router configured for 5 GHz only will stop setup dead. Check the band before you buy.
Security grade, key override, and weather
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the highest grade represented, on the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi, and Grade 2 appears on the Wyze bolt. The rest sit at Grade 3, still a certified residential standard. For a street-facing single-family rental, grade is one more reason to keep a physical cylinder rather than relying on electronics alone.
Key override is not optional. If the batteries die and the app is unreachable, only that cylinder stands between a guest and a locked door. Several locks here also add a USB-C emergency power port, the modern version of the same insurance.
Weather ratings run from IP53 on the eufy and Wyze models to IP65 on the two ULTRALOQ locks. A beach house or a cabin sitting unheated through winter is where the difference shows, along with the operating temperature range.
Code capacity and the turnover workflow
Think about how many people need access at once, not how many total. A guest, a co-host, a cleaner, a handyman, and yourself is five. Capacity here runs from 50 passcodes with scheduled windows up to 100 passcodes plus unlimited one-time codes on the Philips. Any of those is enough; what matters is scheduling a code to a window instead of creating and deleting one by hand every turnover.
Two features reduce your workload. Scheduled or recurring codes mean a cleaner’s code appears on their day and disappears after. Away or lockout mode kills all electronic entry while the property is empty, a cheap and effective empty-property rule.
Battery planning is the whole game
Battery intervals in this roundup range from a claimed 18 months over Thread to a reported month on eight AA cells. Treat those as opposite ends of a real range and pick based on how often you can realistically check. A host with a cleaner visiting weekly can add a battery check to that visit for free.
Low battery alerts matter more than the interval. The eufy Smart Lock C30 is the cautionary example on this list, with owners reporting batteries lasting days to weeks and no warning before failure. Look for proactive alerts, and keep a mechanical key or a USB-C power port as the recovery path.
Check your door before you buy
This is where most failed installs happen. Most locks here fit doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and the Philips, Veise, and TEEHO stretch to 2 inches. Backset is the other trap: the TEEHO explicitly fits 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backsets with standard 2-1/8 or 1-1/2 inch bores, and the eufy C220 needs the spacer removed to fit bores under 54mm. Measure the door, not the old lock.
Check building rules first. In a condo or HOA unit where exterior hardware cannot be changed, a full deadbolt replacement may not be permitted, leaving a retrofit lock as your only option. That restriction eliminates half the locks on any list, so call the management company before you purchase.
Connectivity and PMS integration
Direct Airbnb integration handles the booking calendar for Airbnb reservations, while property management system integration through tools like Guesty, Hostfully, or Smoobu generates and messages codes automatically across every booking channel. If you rent through more than one platform, the PMS route scales, because otherwise you are typing codes by hand on every turnover.
Before buying, confirm your chosen brand publishes an integration path with the PMS you already use. Hardware with no published API path means manual code entry forever, which adds up across a portfolio.
A one-minute decision path
Three questions decide it. If your property internet is unreliable, prioritise a lock that accepts stored keypad codes offline and skip anything needing a hub. If the door is exposed to weather or a binding frame, prioritise a high IP rating and a door sensor over fingerprint speed. If neither applies and you want the fewest compromises, buy the lock with built-in Wi-Fi, the highest code capacity, and a rekeyable cylinder.
Whichever you pick, the operational habit matters as much as the hardware: a battery check, a code audit before each booking, and one physical key stored somewhere a guest will never find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smart locks work best with Airbnb?
The best smart locks for Airbnb are ones with built-in Wi-Fi, time-limited PIN codes, and a physical key override. A lock that stores codes locally lets a guest enter their PIN even if the internet is down, while remote app access lets you change codes from wherever you are. For hosts managing bookings across several channels, choose a brand with a published integration for Guesty, Hostfully, or Smoobu so codes are created automatically.
What is the best smart lock for Airbnb hosts?
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock for most Airbnb hosts because it has built-in Wi-Fi with no hub, up to 100 access codes with a lock history, and a rekeyable Schlage key cylinder you can keep as backup. It fits doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick and installs with a screwdriver. Hosts prioritising weather resistance should also consider the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi.
What is the best smart lock for a rental property?
For a single-unit rental, pick a lock with built-in Wi-Fi, scheduled guest codes, and a working key override. For a condo or HOA unit where exterior hardware cannot be replaced, you need a retrofit model that mounts over the existing deadbolt instead of a full replacement. For a multi-property manager, prioritise a large code capacity, an activity log that records the entry method, and a published property management system integration.
Can Yale smart locks be used with Airbnb?
Yale smart locks are widely used on Airbnb rentals, and the current Assure and Access lines connect over Wi-Fi for remote access. Hosts integrating them through Host Tools have reported units going offline more often than expected, and some prefer other brands for that reason. Whichever brand you choose, confirm the model supports temporary codes and works with your property management system before you buy.
What are the downsides of smart locks?
The main downsides are dead batteries with no low-battery warning, connectivity drops that stop remote unlocking, and the fact that most smart locks need 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi rather than 5 GHz. Auto-lock on a timer can throw a deadbolt into a door that is not fully shut, and fingerprint capacity is often capped well below code capacity. Keeping a physical key and checking batteries on a schedule addresses most of these.
Do Airbnb smart locks need WiFi?
A smart lock does not need Wi-Fi for a guest to enter a code, because PINs are stored and checked on the keypad itself. You need Wi-Fi for the convenience features: adding and deleting codes remotely from your phone, seeing the activity log, and checking whether the door is locked. That is why built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub is the standard we recommend for remote hosts.
How do I give my Airbnb guest a lock code?
Create a unique time-limited PIN in the lock app for the length of the stay, set it to expire automatically at checkout, and message it in your booking confirmation. Send it close to check-in time rather than at booking, and use a scheduled code window rather than an always-on code. Delete or let expire the previous guest code at the same turnover where you brief your cleaning crew.
Which Smart Deadbolt Should You Buy?
For most hosts the Schlage Encode Plus is still the answer: built-in Wi-Fi, 100 codes with a lock history, and a rekeyable key cylinder you can trust as backup. If battery interval and weather matter more than brand recognition, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi with its door sensor and Grade 1 rating is the stronger rental machine. If you already run eufy or Wyze hardware, stay inside that ecosystem and take the fingerprint reader.
Whichever you choose from our best smart deadbolts for Airbnb hosts list, the habits matter as much as the model: a battery check on a schedule, codes that expire at checkout, and one physical key stored where nobody will find it. Measure your door first, confirm your router is running 2.4 GHz, and check that your property management system can drive the codes automatically. That is a short afternoon of work, and it removes the lockout call that costs a review.
