In this guide, we will walk you through selecting the best door knob for Airbnb properties. You will discover the essential features to prioritize, understand the different types of locks, and get our expert recommendations for your rental business.
Why Your Airbnb Lock is Key to Your Business Strategy
While traditional locks secure your property, a modern Short-Term Rental (STR) lock goes beyond keeping unwanted visitors out. It's a sophisticated tool for operational excellence in your rental business.
A seamless Airbnb self check-in process creates an outstanding first impression that can impact your reviews. Today's travelers expect convenience and autonomy; they don't want to coordinate arrival times or wait for a key handoff after a long journey. The ability to arrive on their own schedule and access the property with a simple code is becoming the standard expectation.
A smart lock transforms property management for hosts. No more driving for check-ins or coordinating key exchanges with cleaners. You can grant temporary access to guests, cleaning staff, maintenance workers, and co-hosts, all without leaving your home. This level of remote management changes the economics and scalability of your rental operation.
Core benefits of investing in the right door lock include:
- Enhanced Security: Create unique codes for each guest that automatically expire after their stay, reducing unauthorized access risks.
- Operational Efficiency: Eliminate physical key handoffs and provide service provider access with a few taps on your smartphone.
- Improved Guest Satisfaction: Offer a simple, modern, and flexible check-in process that guests rate highly in reviews.
- Increased Booking Appeal: Listings featuring "keyless self check-in" attract more bookings, especially from tech-savvy travelers and business guests.
The Best Vacation Rental Lock
Not all smart locks are equal. The demanding environment of a Short-Term Rental (STR) requires specific capabilities that casual homeowners might not prioritize. Here are the must-have features that separate adequate locks from exceptional ones:
Dynamic Code Management
The most crucial feature for rental hosts is the ability to create, schedule, and delete temporary guest codes remotely. Your lock should allow you to:
- Generate unique codes for each reservation that activate at check-in and deactivate at checkout.
- Create recurring codes for regular service providers like housekeepers.
- Set one-time use codes for maintenance workers or inspectors
- Manage all codes remotely, even from thousands of miles away.
This functionality eliminates the security risks of physical keys and creates clear access boundaries for all parties.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth
When selecting a smart lock for short-term rental properties, understanding the connectivity options is essential:
Wi-Fi-enabled locks connect to your home internet, allowing remote management from anywhere. You can create codes, lock/unlock doors, and receive notifications regardless of your location. The tradeoff is shorter battery life due to Wi-Fi power demands.
Bluetooth locks require you to be physically near the lock (typically within 30 feet) to manage it directly. While they offer better battery performance, they need a separate Wi-Fi bridge or hub for remote access. Without this bridge, you lose the ability to manage access when you're not on-site.
For most STR hosts, the best choice to maintain control of your property's access is direct Wi-Fi connectivity or a Bluetooth lock with a reliable bridge.
Battery Life & Low-Battery Alerts
Since most smart locks are battery-powered, it is crucial to understand their power management. Look for:
- Locks with a typical battery life
- Proactive low-battery notifications sent to your smartphone weeks before critical levels
- Backup entry methods for battery failure, like a physical key override or external 9V battery terminal.
You don't want a guest stranded outside due to a deadlock battery. The best locks provide ample warning and multiple contingency options.
Auto-Lock and DoorSense Technology
The auto-lock functionality secures your door after a predetermined period (typically 30 seconds to 5 minutes). This feature ensures your property remains secure if guests forget to lock up.
Door position sensing technology (like August's DoorSense or Schlage's features) confirms the door is fully closed before the lock engages. This prevents the false security of a locked deadbolt on an open door, a common issue with traditional locks.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Your rental's lock faces constant use and potential abuse. Prioritize:
- Models with high-grade materials and commercial-grade mechanisms
- If your door is exposed to the elements, use appropriate IP ratings for weather resistance.
- Corrosion-resistant finishes for coastal or high-humidity locations
- Keypads functional in extreme temperatures
A lock failure can derail your rental operation, so investing in durability pays off over time.
Platform Integration (The "Nice-to-Have")
Some advanced locks integrate with booking platforms or property management systems. These can automatically generate and send access codes to guests based on their reservation dates, automating the guest experience. This feature represents the gold standard in operational efficiency for serious hosts managing multiple properties.
Our Top Picks: Best Door Knobs & Smart Locks for Airbnb
After analyzing the key features, here are our top recommendations for the best door knob for Airbnb hosts, tailored to different needs and budgets.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt - Best Overall
The Schlage Encode is the go-to smart lock for Airbnb properties, balancing reliability, functionality, and ease of use. As a standalone Wi-Fi lock, it requires no hub or bridge for remote access. Just connect it to your home network during setup, and you're ready to manage your property from anywhere.
The Encode stands out due to its robust build quality (Schlage has made locks since 1920) and user-friendly interface. The touchscreen keypad is responsive even with gloves, and the app provides intuitive access management for recurring and temporary users.
Pros:
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity (no hub required)
- Stores up to 100 unique access codes
- Integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home platforms
- A 3-year electronic warranty
- No wiring required for installation
Cons:
- Higher price than some competitors
- 6-month battery life is shorter than Bluetooth-only models.
- A bulkier design may not suit minimalist aesthetics.
Key Specifications:
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi
- Code Capacity: 100 unique codes
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries
- Physical Key Override: Yes
- Finishes: Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Aged Bronze, Bright Chrome
The Schlage Encode for Airbnb offers exceptional value through its reliability and straightforward operation. This makes it our top recommendation for hosts wanting a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) - Best for Retrofitting
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock stands out for its design that installs over your existing deadbolt in minutes, preserving your original exterior hardware and keys. This makes it ideal for hosts in buildings with strict exterior guidelines or those who prefer a traditional outside look.
The 4th generation model packs impressive functionality, including built-in Wi-Fi that eliminates the need for a separate bridge, despite its compact size. The lock automatically engages when the door closes and can unlock as you approach, though most hosts disable this feature for rentals.
Pros:
- Installs in about 10 minutes over existing deadbolt.
- N/A
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- DoorSense technology confirms when your door is securely closed.
- Sleek, compact design (45% smaller than previous generations)
Cons:
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for reliable remote operation.
- Battery life of 3-6 months is shorter than competitors.
- No default keypad (requires separate purchase)
Key Specifications:
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi
- Guest Access: Unlimited virtual keys
- Power Source: 2 CR123 batteries
- Physical Key Override: Uses your existing key
- Finishes: Silver or Matte Black
The August smart lock for rental properties offers an elegant solution for hosts wanting smart functionality without changing their door's appearance or replacing existing hardware.
Yale Assure Lock 2 - Most Versatile Option
The Yale Assure Lock 2 series offers flexibility through its modular design. Hosts can start with a keypad or touchscreen base model and then add Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or other connectivity modules to match their smart home ecosystem. This adaptability makes it ideal for hosts who change their smart home strategy.
The sleek, modern design complements most door styles, and the lock's performance is backed by Yale's century-plus legacy in security products. The keypad version offers tactile feedback that works well in all weather, while the touchscreen provides a sleeker look.
Pros:
- Modular design allows upgrades without replacing the entire lock.
- Compatible with multiple smart home platforms through module options
- Slim design with minimal footprint on both sides of the door
- Auto-unlock based on geofencing (can be disabled for rentals)
- Available in keyed and key-free versions
Cons:
- Base models need additional modules for remote access.
- Setting up is more complex than competitors.
- Key-free models offer no backup entry method if batteries die completely.
Key Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth standard; Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or HomeKit modules available
- Code Capacity: 250 unique codes
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries
- Physical Key Override: Optional (model dependent)
- Finishes: Black Suede, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel
Yale's approach gives hosts the flexibility to start with a basic solution and expand capabilities as needs evolve. This makes it a future-proof investment for keyless entry for Airbnb.
Wyze Lock Bolt - Best Budget-Friendly Option
The Wyze Lock Bolt delivers functionality at a fraction of competitors' prices for hosts seeking reliable keyless entry without breaking the bank. This Bluetooth-enabled lock features a fingerprint reader and a backlit keypad, providing multiple entry options for guests and service providers.
The Wyze Lock Bolt lacks built-in Wi-Fi but excels at secure access control and reliable operation. The fingerprint reader unlocks in under a second, and the anti-peep keypad lets guests enter random digits before or after their code to prevent detection from fingerprint smudges.
Pros:
- Exceptional value, typically under half the price of premium models.
- Fast fingerprint recognition (optional for guests)
- Impressive battery life (up to 12 months)
- Clean, minimalist design
- Simple DIY installation
Cons:
- Bluetooth-only connectivity limits remote management capabilities.
- No Wi-Fi or bridge option for remote access
- Requires Bluetooth range to manage codes
- No integration with major vacation rental platforms
Key Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth only
- Code Capacity: 50 unique codes, 50 fingerprints
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries
- Physical Key Override: No
- Finishes: Matte Black
The Wyze Lock Bolt is ideal for budget hosts, those with nearby properties, or as a supplementary lock for additional entrances where advanced remote features are not essential.
RemoteLock OpenEdge RG - Best for Multi-Unit Properties
The RemoteLock OpenEdge RG offers enterprise-grade access control with specialized features for property managers managing multiple units or entire apartment buildings. This cloud-based solution allows centralized management of unlimited locks across multiple properties from a single dashboard.
The OpenEdge RG stands out due to its direct integration with major booking platforms and property management systems. The lock automatically generates and sends access codes to guests based on reservation details, eliminating manual code management.
Pros:
- Direct integrations with Airbnb, VRBO, Guesty, and other platforms
- Centralized management of multiple properties
- Cellular connectivity option for properties without reliable Wi-Fi
- Commercial-grade durability for high-traffic applications
- Comprehensive audit trail of all access events
Cons:
- Higher price plus monthly subscription fee
- More complex setup process
- Utilitarian design prioritizes function over aesthetics.
Key Specifications:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Cellular (subscription required)
- Code Capacity: Unlimited cloud-based codes
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries
- Physical Key Override: Yes
- Finishes: Satin Nickel, Polished Brass
The RemoteLock OpenEdge RG is the gold standard for property managers seeking to automate access management across vacation rental lock systems.
Installation and Maintenance
Most smart locks on our list are designed for DIY installation on standard American doors. You'll need a screwdriver and 20-30 minutes to install. Before purchasing, verify your door has the standard 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset (edge to center hole) and a thickness between 1-3/8" and 2".
For maintenance, be proactive rather than reactive. Replace batteries every 6 months as preventative maintenance, even with low-battery notifications. This routine costs a few dollars but prevents guest frustration and negative reviews. Keep the keypad clean by wiping it with a damp microfiber cloth; avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the finish or electronics.
The Goal is a Smart Management System.
Congratulations on modernizing your rental operation! Choosing the right smart lock solves a major challenge in the short-term rental business. Secure, convenient access is just one component of an optimized rental business.
A full-service property management partner is the answer for hosts who want to automate their entire operation, not just the front door. Checkmate Rentals helps property owners across all 50 states maximize revenue and minimize workload. With our unique co-hosting model, you retain full ownership of your listing and its reviews, while our local teams handle everything from guest messaging to turnover management. We believe in transparency and partnership, which is why our service is contract-free.
You can create a passive income stream and a 5-star guest experience by combining smart tech like a keyless lock with smart management. The right tools and expert support transform a demanding side hustle into a hands-off investment.
Conclusion
Finding the best door knob for Airbnb properties involves balancing security, convenience, and guest experience. The ideal lock provides robust security through customizable access codes, operational efficiency through remote management, and a seamless check-in experience.
Even a small upgrade like the right smart lock can transform your hosting experience. By eliminating key exchanges and providing secure, customized access, you're not just changing a piece of hardware, you're enhancing your business model, improving your guest experience, and reclaiming valuable time. That's an investment that pays dividends with every booking.
