Airbnb does not mandate a single brand. Its preferred-partner list has historically leaned on brands with native code generation, while Schlage and most others reach Airbnb through property management software instead. Either way, the deciding features are remote code scheduling, auto-expiry, a mechanical key backup, and a lock that still opens when the batteries die.
I spent weeks reading owner feedback across more than 60000 reviews on ten locks, then sorted them by the things that decide whether a rental works: hub or no hub, code limits, battery interval, backup key, and how the lock behaves when the WiFi drops. Five of these ten connect straight to WiFi. Three more reach the internet only through a separate gateway, which changes the maths for anyone with more than one door, and two are pure offline keypads.
If you want the short version before you keep reading, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the one I put on most doors. It holds 100 codes, connects without a hub, and carries the highest residential security certification in the group. Our broader breakdown of smart locks for Airbnb rentals covers the setup side, and we keep a separate roundup on keypad smart locks for keyless entry if you want the offline options first.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Smart Door Locks for Airbnb in 2026
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Built-in WiFi
- no hub
- Up to 100 access codes
- 6 month battery interval
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock
- Fingerprint plus 50 codes
- Matter over Thread
- 18 month battery life
The Schlage is the safest all-round answer, the TEEHO is the simplest way to remove key handoffs without an app, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the only one here that combines a fingerprint reader, built-in WiFi and Matter without a proprietary hub.
All 10 Smart Door Locks at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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Check Latest Price |
 TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt |
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Check Latest Price |
| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock |
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Check Latest Price |
 Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle |
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Check Latest Price |
 eufy Smart Lock C220 Fingerprint |
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Check Latest Price |
 Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Door Lock |
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Check Latest Price |
 iulock Keypad and Key Door Lock |
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Check Latest Price |
 DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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Check Latest Price |
 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock |
|
Check Latest Price |
 eufy Smart Lock C30 Built-in WiFi |
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Check Latest Price |
One thing the table cannot show is connectivity range. Five locks talk to WiFi directly, three need Bluetooth range or a gateway, and two are pure offline keypads. That single column shapes which of these fits your property.
1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best Overall for Rentals
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in WiFi, no hub
Up to 100 access codes
4 AA batteries, up to 6 months
BHMA highest residential rating
Pros
- Built-in WiFi with no hub required
- Holds up to 100 access codes
- BHMA certified residential security
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Screwdriver-only install
Cons
- Heavier and larger install than keypad-only models
- No 9V terminal so a dead battery means the backup key
I put this on more doors than anything else in the list, and after that it stopped being interesting. The WiFi radio is in the lock, so there is no hub to mount, power or troubleshoot in a closet. Codes are programmed from the Schlage Home app and you can watch the access history from anywhere.
The 100-code limit is the reason it wins for high-turnover doors. A guest code, a cleaner code, a maintenance code and a family code cost you nothing and you never rekey. The touchscreen resists fingerprint smears, and one-touch exterior locking means a departing guest cannot leave it open.
Battery life is quoted at up to six months on four AA cells. On a lightly used door that is realistic. On a door that cycles twice a day, expect a shorter interval, and build a swap date into your cleaning checklist rather than waiting for a low battery alert.
The fit is the one real risk. It installs on doors from 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch thick with standard backsets, and non-standard doors are where lower-rated reviews concentrate. Owners also mention multi-year battery management as a recurring chore rather than a fault.
Why hosts keep buying it
Hosts on r/airbnb_hosts and in the Airbnb Community threads reach for this one by name, and the pattern repeats: Schlage Encode all the way. The reason is not the keypad, it is that remote lock and unlock keeps working year after year without an app restart.
It also carries a mechanical backup key, so a dead battery is a house key problem rather than a locksmith problem. That single feature does more to reduce hosting anxiety than any app feature.
Where it disappoints
It is the largest install in the group and the touchscreen needs more care than a plain keypad. If your door is an unusual thickness or an unusual backset, check the measurements before you commit.
There is no 9V jump-start terminal. If the batteries die while you are away, you are relying on the physical key, so keep one in the lockbox or with a neighbour as a second layer.
2. TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt: Top Rated Offline Keypad
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Satin Nickel
20 codes plus one-time PIN
Auto-lock 10 to 99 seconds
4 AA rated up to 365 days
ANSI Grade 3, IP54
Pros
- Highest average rating among these ten at 4.5 stars
- One-time guest PIN deletes itself after use
- 20 stored codes plus a single-use code
- Installs in about 20 minutes with a screwdriver
- Two backup keys in the box
- No app or subscription to manage
Cons
- No WiFi
- app or remote access at all
- Fits 2-1/8 inch bores only and not 38mm holes
- Batteries not included and the lock beep is loud
This is the lock I recommend when a host does not need remote access at all. There is no app, no account and no firmware. You tap the keypad, enter a code, the door opens. On a small cabin or a unit where you hand out codes in person, that simplicity is worth more than connectivity.
The one-time code is the feature that matters for a rental. It deletes itself after a single use, so a guest who posts the number on a forum listing cannot get back in. Reviewers repeatedly single this out for pet sitters and short stays.
Twenty stored codes plus the one-time slot is more than most single-unit hosts will ever use. The auto-lock timer is adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds, and the one-touch lock covers the case where a guest walks out without waiting for the timer.
Installation is genuinely quick, reported at around 20 minutes with a screwdriver and no hardwiring. Reset the lock before first use and it detects door direction on its own, which saves guessing at the handedness.
Why hosts like it
It carries the highest average rating of the ten at 4.5 stars on more than 10k reviews, and reviewers describe it as inexpensive, reliable and easy to reprogram between users. The anti-peeping protection means shoulder surfers cannot read the digits.
Two physical keys ship in the box, so battery failure is a house key issue rather than an emergency. For a unit where the host is not remotely unlocking anything, that is a complete entry system.
Where it disappoints
There is no remote access of any kind, so you cannot create a code from the road or see whether the door is locked. If you run more than one property, that limitation shapes your whole guest workflow.
It fits a 2-1/8 inch bore only and will not drop into a 38mm hole, so measure before buying. Batteries are not included, and the lock-up beep carries.
3. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock: Best Connected Fingerprint Lock
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
Fingerprint plus 50 passcodes
Built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi, no hub
Matter over Thread support
Up to 18 months battery life
Pros
- Fingerprint
- 50 passcodes
- app and eKeys in one deadbolt
- Built-in WiFi plus Matter with no proprietary hub
- 18 month battery life on the Thread mesh
- ANSI BHMA certified and IP65 rated
- 10 minute DIY install
Cons
- Matter features need a separate Thread Border Router
- 2.4 GHz only with the router within about 70 ft
- No door sensor so ajar status cannot be confirmed
This is the rarest combination in the roundup: fingerprint entry, built-in WiFi and Matter support in one deadbolt, with no proprietary hub and no gateway to buy. For a host who wants app control and Apple Home in the same device, that is the pitch.
It stores 50 fingerprints and 50 passcodes, and the two can coexist. I would not program guest fingerprints, but a cleaner or a co-host and fifty codes for everyone else leaves plenty of room.
Battery life of up to 18 months is the longest quoted interval in this group, and it comes from the low-energy Thread mesh rather than from a larger battery pack. You get the auto-lock timer, instant lock from the ULTRALOQ button, and real-time low battery alerts.
The body is zinc alloy, ANSI/BHMA certified and IP65 rated, which is what you want on an exposed exterior door in a humid coastal unit. The install is quoted at 10 minutes on a standard door.
Why it earns its place
Reviewers highlight the combination itself: a mid-range fingerprint lock with remote control and Matter at a price point that usually buys a keypad only. Firmware response is described as responsive once the unit is set up.
The self-healing Thread mesh reroutes its own connection, which helps in a rental where the router sits at the back of a long building. That resilience is the reason the battery claim holds up.
Where it disappoints
Matter over Thread needs a Thread Border Router, which is another device, another power socket and another thing to troubleshoot. If you only want app control, skip Matter entirely and stay on the built-in WiFi.
WiFi is 2.4 GHz only and the manufacturer recommends the router within roughly 70 ft. There is no door sensor, so the app cannot tell you the door is ajar.
4. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle: Best for Shared Entry 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, app
A guest codes made instantly from app
Bluetooth, gateway needed for remote
4 AA batteries, privacy button
Pros
- Guest codes generated instantly from the app or web
- Six entry methods so one failure does not lock anyone out
- Reversible handle fits most standard doors without drilling
- Auto-lock with adjustable delay and backlit keypad
Cons
- Remote unlock and access history need the separate WiFi Gateway
- Touchscreen keypad reported slow to wake
- Exposed exterior positions shorten unit life
This is a handle lock rather than a bare deadbolt, which is why it suits a property where one entrance serves both the rental and the live space. It offers six entry paths: fingerprint, keypad, app, key fob, key card and a physical key. No single failure locks a guest out.
Guest codes can be generated instantly from the app or a web portal, and access logs record who came in and when. That is the workflow a small host wants before a guest arrives at 11pm.
The handle is reversible for either door swing and installs on most standard doors with no extra drilling. Auto-lock has an adjustable delay, there is a backlit keypad, an anti-peeping password mode and an interior privacy button that disables electronic entry.
Connectivity is the catch. Bluetooth handles app unlock and code management in range. True remote unlock and the access history need the optional Sifely WiFi Gateway, which is a second purchase per property.
Where it earns its spot
Owners running rentals praise the instant guest codes and the breadth of credentials. Customer service is described as responsive and willing to replace defective units, and one owner reports a first unit lasting four years and a move.
The physical key and two key cards mean an electronics failure still has a fallback. For a shared entry, having the door handle as well as the latch also stops guests propping the door open.
Where it disappoints
The front touchscreen is reported as slow to wake and sometimes unresponsive, which matters more in rain than the rating suggests. Fingerprint recognition occasionally fails and needs re-enrollment.
A fully exposed exterior position without a cover shortens unit life, and some uPVC doors need extra drilling or a larger hole. Budget for the gateway if remote unlock is not optional.
5. eufy Smart Lock C220: Best for Apple Home Setups
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Fingerprint plus app, key, watch
Built-in WiFi, no bridge
8 AA batteries, about 8 months
BHMA Grade 3, IP53
Pros
- Six unlock methods including fingerprint and Apple Watch
- Built-in WiFi means no bridge to buy
- Self-learning fingerprint recognition
- Eight AA batteries included and no drilling to fit
Cons
- Costs more than the other fingerprint locks in this roundup
- Fits standard deadbolt bores only so odd doors need modification
The C220 is the one to shortlist if your guests already live in the Apple ecosystem. Unlock by fingerprint, the eufy app, the keypad, the physical key, an Apple Watch or Alexa and Google voice, all in one deadbolt with the WiFi radio built in.
Remote management needs no bridge. That matters if you own a condo where you cannot mount hardware on a shared wall or run power to a gateway location. The fingerprint reader is self-learning, so accuracy tends to improve after the first week of use.
Eight AA batteries are included and quoted at roughly eight months on typical use, which is a comfortable interval for a unit with a handful of check-ins a month. Low battery indication is built in.
Fitting is straightforward: 15 minutes, no drilling, and it adapts to bores under 54mm by removing the spacer. It is BHMA Grade 3 certified, IP53 rated and specified from -22F to 158F for exterior doors.
Why it works for rentals
Reviewers emphasize fast fingerprint reads and simple app pairing. Because it sits in the eufy Security app, you can add it to routines alongside an eufy doorbell, which is useful if you already run that ecosystem at the door.
The unusual-attempt open alarm is a small extra that gives you a notification when someone tries the reader repeatedly. For a rental with valuables, that is worth having on.
Where it disappoints
It costs more than the other fingerprint locks in this roundup, which is awkward when you are fitting several doors. The aluminium body is fine, but you are paying for the fingerprint reader and the watch unlock rather than raw security.
Retrofitting an unusual door needs a standard deadbolt bore, so check the hole size before ordering. Grade 3 is the entry-level security grade, adequate for a rental door but below the Grade 1 certification on the Schlage and the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt.
6. Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Door Lock: Best for Multi-Door Hosts
Smart Door Handle Lock with Keypad, Yamiry Fingerprint Knob for Front Door
Fingerprint, PIN, fobs, key, app
Permanent and one-time codes
10 minute install
Gateway needed for remote and voice
Pros
- Six entry methods including fingerprint and remotely generated one-time codes
- Built for landlords running many locks in one app
- 10 minute install with a reversible handle
- Two mechanical keys and two key fobs in the box
Cons
- Alexa and remote control need the separately sold gateway
- Bluetooth only otherwise
- so remote code generation stops at range
This lock is marketed to landlords rather than homeowners, and the difference shows in the app. It is built to hold several locks in one view and to hand out permanent, temporary and one-time codes without creating a new account per door.
The one-time remote passcode is the feature to notice. Generate it from the app when the guest books, send it in the message, and the lock deletes the credential once it has been used. Reviewers running rentals single this out.
Installation is quoted at 10 minutes on standard American wooden front doors with no additional drilling, and the handle is reversible. The box contains both assemblies, two key fobs, two mechanical keys, a screw set and an adjustable latch.
Construction is stainless steel and zinc, which is the right call for an exterior door. Fingerprint, passcode, app, key fob, mechanical key and Alexa voice make up the six unlock paths.
Why multi-door hosts like it
Owners highlight the fingerprint reader together with the ability to issue temporary codes from the app, specifically in a landlord or rental context. Grouping locks by property is the whole point, and the setup is quick.
Having fobs as well as PINs solves a practical problem: your cleaner gets a fob, your guest gets a PIN, and neither credential can be copied onto a keyring.
Where it disappoints
Alexa voice unlock and remote lock control require the separately sold WiFi gateway. Without it, app control stops at Bluetooth range, which is the same limitation that pushes most hosts toward the built-in WiFi options.
So for a single door where remote unlock is essential, this is the wrong pick. For six doors in one neighbourhood and Bluetooth range from a shared hallway, it is a sensible one.
7. iulock Keypad and Key Door Lock: Best for Cold Climates
iulock Keypad & Key Smart Door Lock, 50 User Codes, Waterproof, Auto Lock – Matte Black
Up to 50 codes, 1 to 15 digits
4 AAA rated about 18 months
IP65, -22F to 176F
Type-C USB backup power
Pros
- Entry-level cost with 50 programmable codes
- Detachable silicone grip is easy to turn with full hands
- Quoted 18-month interval on four AAA cells
- USB-C backup power plus two mechanical keys
- Lifetime mechanical warranty
Cons
- Passage mode only toggles from outside the door
- Rubber gaskets and narrow knob make installation fiddly
- Master code documentation is unclear
This is a door knob with a keypad, not a deadbolt, and it suits an interior or secondary entry on a property where a deadbolt is already fitted to the main door. It stores up to 50 custom codes of one to 15 digits, which is far more than a single unit needs.
It is rated IP65 and specified from -22F to 176F. Owners in cold regions report it working through winter unchanged, and the AAA cells are quoted at roughly 18 months on the lowest setting.
The detachable silicone grip is the quiet hero. A narrow knob is hard to turn with cold or gloved hands, and this one gives you something to hold. Owners also like the passage mode and silent mode, and the backlit keypad for night arrivals.
There is a Type-C USB backup port for dead batteries, which is more than several locks here offer, plus two mechanical keys compatible with most standard keys. The warranty covers the mechanical and finish parts for life.
Where it earns a place
At the bottom of the cost range here, it delivers more codes than pricier locks. Reviewers highlight the price, the backlit keypad, the silicone grip and the battery interval, with some reporting more than two years without a change.
The adjustable latch covers 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch and the unit fits door thicknesses from 1-3/8 inch to 2-1/2 inch, either handed. That tolerance is useful on older doors.
Where it disappoints
Installation is the complaint. The rubber sealing gaskets and the narrow knob make assembly fiddly, and there are no printed instructions in the box. Learn the master code before you need it.
Passage mode can only be toggled from outside the door, which is genuinely inconvenient in a home. Several users also find the housing and buttons feel lightweight for heavy daily use.
8. DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Lock: Best for Fast Fingerprint Reads
DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock, Keyless Entry Deadbolt
Fingerprint under 0.3 seconds,50 prints
PIN, app, eKeys, fobs, keys
4 AA up to 12 months
BHMA Grade 3, IP54
Pros
- Eight credential types in one deadbolt
- Self-learning fingerprint reads under 0.3 seconds with 50 prints
- Scheduled and temporary codes through the TTLock app
- USB-C emergency power plus a low battery indicator
- Screwdriver-only install on most standard US doors
Cons
- App is Bluetooth only and remote management needs the G2 gateway
- Batteries not included
- Enclosure is plastic-heavy for the feature set
The B200 sells on fingerprint speed. The reader is specified at under 0.3 seconds and it is self-learning, so it accepts more prints over time and holds up to 50 of them. For a property where the same four or five people come and go, that is the fastest path in.
Eight credential types are supported: fingerprint, PIN, app, eKeys, key fobs, physical keys, plus Alexa and Google voice once a G2 gateway is added. A 12-month battery interval on four AA cells sits in the middle of this group.
The app is TTLock over Bluetooth. You can create scheduled and temporary codes, which is what you need for a cleaner arriving mid-stay, but remote code creation stops at Bluetooth range without the gateway.
Body material is aluminium, IP54 for water resistance, specified from -22F to 158F, and BHMA Grade 3 compliant. There is a low battery indicator and a USB-C emergency power port on the interior side.
Where it earns its place
Reviewers centre on a fast, forgiving fingerprint reader and easy screwdriver installation. The breadth of credentials at this price point comes up repeatedly as the reason it beats similar fingerprint locks.
Scheduled and temporary codes suit short-term visitors where a permanent PIN would be a risk. The box includes two mechanical keys, so a dead battery is manageable.
Where it disappoints
Bluetooth-only app control is the single limitation owners cite most. If you want to issue a code from the airport, you are buying the G2 gateway anyway, which changes the economics of this pick.
Batteries are not included, and reviewers describe the enclosure as plastic-heavy for the number of features. On a UV-exposed exterior door, that matters more than it does indoors.
9. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock: Best for Door Status Alerts
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor, App Remote Access
Bundled door sensor, not optional
Built-in WiFi, no bridge
Ansi BHMA Grade 1, IP65
Up to 8 months battery life
Pros
- Only lock in the group with a door sensor in the box
- Built-in WiFi remote control with app and eKey sharing
- Up to 50 passcodes with one-time and scheduled options
- ANSI BHMA Grade 1 certified and IP65
- Batteries included and support reported as fast
Cons
- 2.4 GHz only with the router within about 70 ft
- App hierarchy is over-engineered for a single unit
- Auto-lock and proximity unlock defaults need turning off
The included door sensor is the reason this lock exists. It reports whether the door is physically shut and pushes an alert when it stands open, so a guest who leaves the deadbolt thrown from the inside does not go unnoticed until review day.
Connectivity is built in, so remote lock and unlock, code and eKey sharing, door status and entry logs all work from the app with no bridge. Up to 50 passcodes support one-time and scheduled access, which covers guests, cleaners and renters.
Security spec is strong: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification in a zinc alloy body with IP65 weather resistance. Battery life is up to 8 months with intelligent monitoring, and four AA alkaline batteries are included in the box.
There is also a Lockout Mode that disables electronic unlocking while the property is vacant. On a door shared with a cleaner, that prevents a leaked code from opening the door at the wrong time.
Why hosts rate it highly
Owners using it as a vacation home primary lock praise the door sensor, the grouped multi-lock view in the app, and support that recovered a pairing problem with a firmware push. Grade 1 certification reassures hosts worried about forced entry, and support is described as fast when something needs fixing.
Where it disappoints
WiFi stability is the recurring complaint. It is 2.4 GHz only and the router should be within roughly 70 ft, and some owners report dropouts and unreliable firmware updates.
The app navigation layers addresses, locations and devices in a way that feels over-engineered for one door, and the auto-lock and proximity auto-unlock defaults are aggressive enough that you should turn them off during setup. There is no 9V terminal backup, only the physical keys.
10. eufy Smart Lock C30: Best Simple Connected Keypad Lock
eufy Security Smart Lock C30, Keyless Entry Door Lock, Built-in Wi-Fi
Built-in WiFi, no hub
4 AA quoted up to 5 months
BHMA Grade 3, IP53
15 minute install, no drilling
Pros
- Built-in WiFi with no hub so you can unlock remotely for a guest
- Simpler keypad with no fingerprint reader to explain
- No monthly fee and an auto-lock countdown timer
- Works after the batteries die thanks to the physical key
- 15 minute install over a standard deadbolt
Cons
- Shortest quoted battery interval of the ten
- several owners report changes within weeks
- Low battery warnings are inconsistent
- No Apple HomeKit support and the Apple Watch unlock does not work
- Bolt can retract slowly after unlocking
The C30 is a straightforward connected lock in this roundup. Keypad, app, Alexa or Google voice, and a physical key. There is no fingerprint reader to explain to a guest, which makes it a good fit for international visitors and for anyone who has fumbled a biometric reader in the rain.
It installs over most standard deadbolts in about 15 minutes with no drilling, and the built-in WiFi means no hub and no bridge. Remote unlock for a guest stuck on the other side of the door works from anywhere.
Auto-lock has a customizable countdown timer and there is no monthly fee. It pairs with an eufy doorbell in the same app if you already run that ecosystem.
Here is the honest problem. At 4.0 stars it carries the lowest rating of the ten, and the theme in the reviews is battery drain. Several owners of rental units report AA cells dying within weeks to a month despite the five-month claim, and the low battery warnings are inconsistent.
Why it still makes the list
The simplicity is real: hub-free WiFi remote unlock, a clean keypad that guests understand immediately, and a physical key that works when the batteries do not. Reviewers praise the app pairing as straightforward.
Exterior spec is BHMA Grade 3 certified and IP53 rated from -22F to 158F, and it carries 18 months of product protection.
Where it disappoints
Battery behaviour is the flaw, and on a high-turnover rental it is the flaw that matters. Put a dated set of AA spares in the cleaning kit and check them at every turnover rather than trusting the alert.
There is no Apple HomeKit support and the Apple Watch unlock entry does not work. The bolt can also be slow to retract after unlocking, and it fits only a US-standard cylinder profile, so it is not compatible with some European cylinders.
How to Choose a Smart Lock for a Short-Term Rental
Built-in WiFi or hub-required: the decision that decides everything
Five locks in this list have a WiFi radio inside: the Schlage Encode, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt, the eufy C220 and the eufy C30. Three work over Bluetooth in range and need a separate gateway for anything remote: the Sifely, the Yamiry and the DESLOC, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE’s Matter pathway needs a Thread Border Router. Two are offline keypads.
Per-door cost is the argument for hubs, and it is real. A gateway is one purchase per property, so a host with six doors pays six times unless the locks sit near one shared hub. Built-in WiFi moves that cost into each lock and removes a failure point.
The counterargument is firmware. A hub is one device to update. If a gateway goes down, every door behind it goes with it. Decide by counting doors and distance, not by preference.
Measure your door before you buy
Two measurements decide whether a lock fits: door thickness and the deadbolt bore. Most of these fit doors from 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch thick. The TEEHO is the strictest, taking only a 2-1/8 inch bore and refusing 38mm holes, and the iulock is the most forgiving with an adjustable latch.
Also check the backset and whether a screen door blocks the door from closing and latching. Measure with the old deadbolt still in place, and note that retrofit-only units matter in condos where you cannot change the exterior hardware.
Battery life and the maintenance calendar
Quoted intervals range from five months on the eufy C30 to 18 months on the iulock and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE. Real intervals on a door that cycles twice a day are shorter than any of those figures.
Keep a dated set of the correct batteries in the cleaning kit, record the replacement date on a card inside a drawer, and add a battery check to the turnover checklist. Prefer locks with a low battery push alert, and pair that with a physical key backup so the alert is a prompt rather than an emergency.
What to do when the lock fails mid-stay
Write the protocol before you need it. Every lock here ships with at least one mechanical key, and the answer to a dead battery is that key. Store it in a lockbox or a hidden box on site rather than carrying it.
Check whether the lock has a USB-C emergency port or a 9V terminal. The iulock and DESLOC have Type-C ports, and the eufy C30 and Schlage rely on the physical key. Publish a fallback instruction in your arrival message so a guest never stands at a dead door at midnight.
Native Airbnb codes versus property management software
Airbnb does not require a specific lock. Some brands have sat on Airbnb’s preferred-partner list for native code generation, while Schlage and most others integrate through property management systems. If you run two or three units, native code sync removes a manual step; if you run twenty, software-driven codes are the only realistic option.
Our note on connected garage and entry hardware covers the same remote-access questions, and the fingerprint lock roundup goes deeper on reader quality.
Schlage versus the budget keypad brands
On build quality, certification and battery interval, the Schlage and the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt lead, both carrying ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification. The budget keypad tier wins on simplicity and cost, and the offline models never ask you to charge anything or troubleshoot an app.
For fingerprint value in the middle, the eufy C220 and the DESLOC B200 both work, though the C220 needs a standard bore and the DESLOC needs a gateway for remote use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What smart lock does Airbnb recommend?
Airbnb does not mandate a brand. Its preferred-partner list has historically included locks with native code generation, while other brands connect through property management software such as Hospitable, Guesty or Hostaway. Choose on the criteria that matter for a rental: codes that expire automatically, a mechanical key backup and a low battery alert.
What is the best lock to use for Airbnb?
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the best all-round choice. It has built-in WiFi with no hub, holds 100 access codes and carries the highest residential security certification in our group. Pick the offline TEEHO TE001 for a budget unit where remote access is unnecessary, or a retrofit fingerprint lock if you must keep your existing deadbolt.
What is the best smart lock for short-term rentals?
Prioritise remote code scheduling with automatic expiry at checkout, built-in WiFi over a hub so there is one less device to fail, an ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 certification, low battery push alerts and a physical key backup. Those five criteria decide more than any smart home integration.
Which Schlage smart lock is best for Airbnb?
For a single rental door, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the one most hosts settle on, because it needs no hub and stores up to 100 codes. If you run several doors, adding a second unit lets you group every lock under one account so codes and access history sit in one place.
What are common problems with August Smart locks?
Hosts most often report locks showing as disconnected in the app while physically working, lock status that fails to update, and having to restart the app to restore phone-based access. Battery life of only a few months is also common, so keep spares on site. If app reliability matters more than retrofit convenience, a built-in WiFi deadbolt avoids most of it.
Which is higher quality, Schlage or Kwikset?
Schlage leads on build quality, ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification and battery interval. Kwikset wins on cost and on no-hub keypad simplicity, and hosts like that it auto-locks so nobody worries about an unlocked door. The trade is build quality and remote reliability for a lower outlay and fewer setup problems.
Do I need WiFi for an Airbnb smart lock?
Only if you want remote access. Offline keypads such as the TEEHO TE001 store codes on the lock itself, so guests get in without a connection, but you cannot issue or revoke codes from the road. Locks with built-in WiFi need a 2.4 GHz signal within roughly 70 ft of the router, so test the signal at the door before you buy.
Which Smart Door Lock Should You Buy?
Match the lock to the host type and you will not regret it. These are the best smart door locks for Airbnb rentals we would fit in 2026, in order of how often they come up.
1. One or two doors, remote access is non-negotiable: the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. Built-in WiFi, 100 codes, Grade-level security and a backup key. It is the one we put on most doors.
2. A budget unit where nobody needs remote entry: the TEEHO TE001. One-time guest PINs, no app, no subscription, and the highest average rating in this group.
3. Apple Home or Matter, plus fingerprint entry: the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, if you already run a Thread Border Router. Otherwise the eufy C220 gives you fingerprint and built-in WiFi with far less setup.
4. Six or more doors in one building: the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi, where the bundled door sensor and grouped app view start to earn their place.
5. A condo where you cannot change the exterior: any of the retrofit fingerprint models, checking the bore size first.
6. Europe or a door with a euro cylinder: none of these ten fit that profile, so you need a euro-cylinder retrofit lock instead of forcing a US deadbolt.
Measure the door, test the WiFi signal at the lock, and put a spare set of the right batteries in the cleaning kit before the first guest arrives.