Best smart lock for Airbnb hosts
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Schlage Encode Plus is our top pick for Airbnb hosts thanks to its dependable performance, built-in alarm, and broad smart-home support.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 offers seamless Apple Home integration, while the Kwikset Halo Touch is ideal for hosts who want fingerprint entry without relying on a phone.
A smart lock is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make as an Airbnb host. It lets you generate unique entry codes for each guest, revoke access instantly after checkout, and monitor door activity remotely, all without handing out physical keys. This convenience reduces last-minute coordination and eliminates lockout emergencies, directly improving your guest experience and your own peace of mind. When choosing a smart lock for your rental, focus on three things: compatibility with your existing smart-home ecosystem (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, or none), ease of managing temporary codes from a phone or web dashboard, and the physical installation process, most models fit standard US deadbolt holes, but some require more work. Battery life, built-in security features (like tamper alarms), and the ability to work offline also matter for reliability between guest visits.
Schlage Encode Plus
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Schlage Encode Plus is the smart lock that does everything well. It works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Schlage’s own app, so it fits almost any host’s setup. Its built-in alarm detects forced entry, and the lock retains its last programmed codes during a power outage, a real plus for rentals.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Yale Assure Lock 2
best for apple home
4.5out of 5The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a sleek, modular lock that shines in the Apple Home ecosystem. Its HomeKey support lets guests unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch, and it integrates smoothly with HomeKit automations. The modular design allows you swap out the module later if you switch platforms, though the base model requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote access.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Kwikset Halo Touch
best fingerprint pick
4.3out of 5The Kwikset Halo Touch is a solid option for hosts who want guests to enter with a fingerprint and have no need for a phone. The touchscreen keypad and built-in fingerprint reader work reliably in most weather, and the lock connects directly to Wi-Fi without a hub, which simplifies setup. However, the app experience is clunkier than competitors, and the lock lacks HomeKit support.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Schlage Encode Plus | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Hosts who want a reliable, platform-agnostic lock with extra security features and the abi | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Yale Assure Lock 2 | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Avid Apple users who want the convenience of HomeKey and HomeKit automations for managing | Check price → |
| Best value | Kwikset Halo Touch | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Hosts who want a fingerprint lock that works independently of guest smartphones and don’t | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Schlage Encode Plus — the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Schlage Encode Plus is the smart lock that does everything well. It works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Schlage’s own app, so it fits almost any host’s setup. Its built-in alarm detects forced entry, and the lock retains its last programmed codes during a power outage, a real plus for rentals.
Pros
- Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and the Schlage Home app
- Built-in alarm for forced-entry detection
- Retains codes and schedules during power loss
- Keypad codes can be set to expire automatically
Cons
- Bulky exterior can look large on standard doors
- No built-in fingerprint reader
- Requires Schlage’s Wi-Fi adapter for remote access (or a compatible hub)
Who it’s for
Hosts who want a reliable, platform-agnostic lock with extra security features and the ability to manage guests from any device.Who should skip it
You’re looking for a fingerprint model or prefer a slimmer, less conspicuous exterior.2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — best for apple home
Runner-upThe Yale Assure Lock 2 is a sleek, modular lock that shines in the Apple Home ecosystem. Its HomeKey support lets guests unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch, and it integrates smoothly with HomeKit automations. The modular design allows you swap out the module later if you switch platforms, though the base model requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge for remote access.
Pros
- Native Apple HomeKey and HomeKit support for easy guest unlock
- Modular backplate – upgrade platform modules without replacing the lock
- Compact, modern design that fits most doors
- Voice control via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant (with optional module)
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi in the base model – separate bridge needed for remote access
- Keypad illumination is a bit dim in low light
- Price climbs fast when you add the Wi-Fi/HomeKit module
Who it’s for
Avid Apple users who want the convenience of HomeKey and HomeKit automations for managing guest access.Who should skip it
You don’t use Apple products or want a lock with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter and a fingerprint reader out of the box.3. Kwikset Halo Touch — best fingerprint pick
Best valueThe Kwikset Halo Touch is a solid option for hosts who want guests to enter with a fingerprint and have no need for a phone. The touchscreen keypad and built-in fingerprint reader work reliably in most weather, and the lock connects directly to Wi-Fi without a hub, which simplifies setup. However, the app experience is clunkier than competitors, and the lock lacks HomeKit support.
Pros
- Built-in fingerprint reader for quick, phone-free entry
- Direct Wi-Fi connection – no extra hub needed
- Touchscreen keypad with auto-lock and vacation mode
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- No Apple Home (HomeKit) support at all
- App interface feels less polished than Schlage or Yale
- Fingerprint sensor can be finicky with wet or very dry fingers
Who it’s for
Hosts who want a fingerprint lock that works independently of guest smartphones and don’t need Apple Home integration.Who should skip it
You rely on Apple HomeKit or need a more refined app for managing multiple properties and complex code schedules.Best for specific needs
Best for remote access management
If you regularly need to create, update, or delete guest codes from afar and want the most robust scheduling tools, the Schlage Encode Plus is the clear winner. Its app interface lets you set start and end times for each code, view a lock activity log, and share access with co-hosts or cleaners without giving out a physical key. Our pick: Schlage Encode Plus.
Best for apple home users
For hosts embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is a natural fit. It supports Apple Home and HomeKey, so guests can unlock with a tap of an iPhone or Apple Watch, and you can trigger automations (like turning on lights when a door unlocks) via HomeKit scenes. Our pick: Yale Assure Lock 2.
Best for guest convenience without smartphones
When you want guests to enter with nothing more than a fingerprint, no app, no code to remember, no phone to pull out, the Kwikset Halo Touch is the best choice. It works directly with Wi-Fi for you to manage remotely, while guests simply touch and go. Our pick: Kwikset Halo Touch.
Our verdict
For most Airbnb hosts, the Schlage Encode Plus offers the ideal balance of reliability, security features, and broad smart-home compatibility. It’s a lock that simply works, whether you’re managing one rental or a dozen. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is an excellent alternative with its HomeKey support; and if you prefer fingerprint entry over phone-based access, the Kwikset Halo Touch delivers that convenience at a lower entry point. Consider your guests’ likely habits and your own preferred management style, and you’ll find the right lock for your property.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set a code that expires automatically after a guest checks out?
Yes, and this is the primary reason Airbnb hosts buy smart locks. All Wi-Fi enabled keypad locks (Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2, Kwikset Halo) let you create guest access codes through the app with a defined start and expiry time. You set a code for each booking, it activates at check-in and deletes itself at checkout, and you never have to coordinate a key handoff or change the code manually. Some locks also integrate directly with Airbnb, VRBO, or property management software through third-party connectors, automating the code creation from your booking calendar.
Does the lock work if my Wi-Fi goes down while a guest is there?
Yes. The access codes are stored on the lock itself, not in the cloud. A guest’s code will still work even if your router is offline, a power outage, or any other internet disruption, because the keypad reads the local code bank directly. What stops working during an outage is the remote management functions: you won’t be able to create new codes, get lock/unlock notifications, or check lock status from the app until internet is restored. For Airbnb use, the practical implication is: generate and confirm guest codes before the stay begins, so the local code bank is already loaded.
How many guest codes can a smart lock store?
Most Wi-Fi smart lock keypads store between 30 and 100 unique access codes. The Schlage Encode Plus supports up to 100 access codes; Yale and Kwikset vary by model but typically 30 to 50. For most short-term rental operators, even 30 codes is more than enough because each booking gets one unique code that expires and is deleted at checkout, freeing the slot for the next guest. Heavy multi-property operators who automate code creation through a property management system should verify the specific model’s code limit before purchasing.