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TL;DR — Our top pick: Schlage Encode Plus — built-in WiFi, Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock, up to 100 access codes, and no hub required. Airbnb’s Hosting app integrates directly.
| Pick | Best For | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best overall, Apple Home Key | Mid-range (~$230) |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best for multiple platforms | Mid-range (~$200) |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best retrofit, keep existing deadbolt | Mid-range (~$200) |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Best multi-method entry + door sensor | Mid-range (~$150) |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | Best fingerprint-only option | Mid-range (~$180) |
Key handoffs are one of the biggest friction points in short-term rental hosting. A guest arrives at midnight, your cleaner leaves a key under a mat, or a check-in gets delayed — none of these work well when you’re managing multiple listings. Smart locks solve this by letting you create unique time-limited codes for each guest through your phone, with no physical meeting required. The five locks below are the strongest options for Airbnb and VRBO hosts in 2026, covering WiFi-native models, retrofit locks, fingerprint readers, and hub-based setups.
1. Schlage Encode Plus
Buy Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon →
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most complete smart lock for Airbnb hosts who use iPhones. It has built-in WiFi (no hub needed), a backlit touchscreen keypad, and supports Apple Home Key — meaning guests with an iPhone or Apple Watch can tap the lock to open without typing a code. For hosts, you can create up to 100 unique access codes remotely through the Schlage Home app, set them to expire automatically at checkout time, and receive lock/unlock alerts for every entry.
Airbnb’s Hosting app has a direct integration with Schlage that auto-generates guest codes tied to reservation dates. Setup is a standard single-cylinder deadbolt replacement that takes 15–30 minutes with a screwdriver. Battery life is rated at 6 months on AA batteries, and low-battery alerts come via the app before you’re left stranded.
The main limitation is the Apple ecosystem focus. Google Home and Amazon Alexa integration exists, but the Home Key tap-to-unlock feature only works on Apple devices. Android guests fall back to the keypad, which is perfectly functional but less seamless. The lock body itself is significantly larger than a standard deadbolt — it will stand out visually on most doors, which some hosts prefer (visible security signal) and others don’t.
For hosts who already have a video doorbell for their rental, Schlage integrates with Apple Home automations so you can trigger the camera when the lock is used.
2. Yale Assure Lock 2
Buy Yale Assure Lock 2 on Amazon →
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the best option if you want broad platform compatibility. It works natively with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and the Yale Access app — all without a separate hub. The built-in WiFi model supports remote code management, real-time alerts, and auto-lock scheduling. Keypad codes can be set with time-based schedules, which is exactly what you need for rotating guest access.
The lock has a clean, flat keypad design that blends into most door hardware better than the Schlage. Available in multiple finishes including matte black, satin nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze to match existing hardware. Code capacity is 250 entries — higher than any other lock on this list, which matters if you’re running high-turnover properties with cleaners, maintenance contacts, and guests all needing separate codes.
Battery life is comparable to the Schlage at around 6 months. The Yale Access app is more polished than some competitors and has a guest management flow that’s well-suited to rental hosts. The trade-off versus Schlage is no fingerprint option and no physical key backup on some configurations, so check your local requirements before buying. Pairing this with a home security camera at the entry point gives you a complete remote-monitoring setup.
3. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Buy August Wi-Fi Smart Lock on Amazon →
The August 4th Gen is unique on this list: it attaches to your existing deadbolt’s thumb turn from the inside, so the outside of your door keeps its existing keyway. Guests and cleaners who have a physical key can still use it normally. Hosts get app control, remote lock/unlock, and guest access codes via the August app without replacing the full hardware.
This retrofit approach has real advantages for rental hosts. If you have a property managed by a building with its own exterior key requirements, or if your rental is in a condo with specific deadbolt requirements, August works with what’s already there. Installation takes under 10 minutes for most standard deadbolts and requires no drilling.
The August app integrates with Airbnb directly through the August Smart Access program, auto-creating access codes for confirmed reservations. DoorDash and Amazon Key delivery integrations are also available for hosts who want package access without code sharing. The main downside is that August doesn’t include a keypad, so guests without the August app must use a physical key. A separate August Smart Keypad (sold separately, around $60) adds keypad entry if needed. Remote access requires the built-in WiFi (this 4th Gen model has it; earlier versions needed a bridge sold separately).
4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
Buy Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi on Amazon →
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is the most feature-dense lock on this list for the price. It offers six entry methods: fingerprint, keypad code, auto-unlock via Bluetooth proximity, key fob, physical key, and app. For Airbnb hosts, the built-in door sensor is the standout feature — it sends an alert when the door is left ajar, which is useful for verifying checkout or flagging an open door before bad weather hits.
Built-in WiFi means no hub is required, and the U-tec app supports time-limited access codes, one-time codes, and recurring schedule codes for cleaners. The fingerprint reader works reliably and stores up to 100 fingerprints locally on the lock, allowing you to register your own print for physical access without a phone. Battery life runs 6–8 months on AA batteries depending on usage.
The Ultraloq lacks the ecosystem polish of Schlage or Yale. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant but does not have Apple Home Key or SmartThings native support. The app is functional but less refined than the competition. For hosts prioritizing value and feature count over platform integration, the U-Bolt Pro punches above its price point. For hosts embedded in the Apple or Google Home ecosystems, pick #1 or #2.
5. Kwikset Halo Touch
Buy Kwikset Halo Touch on Amazon →
The Kwikset Halo Touch is the best option when you want fingerprint as the primary entry method. It supports up to 100 fingerprints stored on the lock, works with built-in WiFi, and connects to Alexa and Google Assistant. For hosts who check in personally and want to register their own biometric access alongside keypad codes for guests, the Halo Touch covers both without a separate hub.
Fingerprint unlock on the Halo Touch is fast under most conditions — typically under a second in dry conditions. Cold, wet, or calloused fingers can reduce reliability, which is worth considering depending on your property’s climate and the guests you typically host. The keypad fallback means guests always have an alternative entry method regardless.
Kwikset uses their SmartKey Security cylinder, which allows rekeying to match other Kwikset locks without a locksmith. If you already have Kwikset hardware throughout a property, consolidating on Halo Touch makes key management simpler during the transition period while you migrate to full keyless operation. The Kwikset app is straightforward for code management, though it lacks the Airbnb-direct integration that Schlage and August offer. It pairs well with the best smart locks for front door setups if you’re upgrading an entire property.
Who Should Buy What
- For iPhone-forward Airbnb hosts wanting seamless guest tap-to-unlock: The Schlage Encode Plus is the cleanest end-to-end solution with Apple Home Key and direct Airbnb integration.
- For hosts managing multi-platform smart homes or Android guests: The Yale Assure Lock 2 has the widest platform support and the highest code capacity at 250 entries.
- For hosts who can’t replace the existing deadbolt hardware: The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock retrofits inside and keeps the existing exterior keyway untouched.
- For hosts who want maximum features at the lowest price: The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi adds a door sensor and six entry methods at a lower price point than the Schlage or Yale.
- For hosts who check in personally and want fingerprint as their own access method: The Kwikset Halo Touch handles biometric plus keypad in a single unit.
FAQ
Do Airbnb guests need to download an app to use these locks?
For keypad-based locks (Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2, Ultraloq), guests just enter the code on the keypad — no app download required. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock does support app-free keypad entry if you add the August Smart Keypad separately, but out of the box guests need either the August app or a physical key. The Schlage Encode Plus’s Apple Home Key feature requires an iPhone or Apple Watch but is optional — the keypad always works as a fallback.
How do I generate guest codes automatically for each reservation?
Schlage Encode Plus and August both have direct integrations with the Airbnb Hosting app that create and expire codes automatically based on booking dates. Yale Assure Lock 2 supports this through the Yale Access app and third-party property management software integrations. For Ultraloq and Kwikset, you’ll manage codes manually through their respective apps or via IFTTT/Zapier automations — slightly more work but fully controllable.
What happens if the lock battery dies during a guest’s stay?
All five locks on this list use standard AA batteries and send low-battery alerts via their apps before failure. In a true dead-battery emergency, most smart locks have a 9V battery emergency contact point on the exterior — pressing a 9V battery to the terminals gives enough power to enter a code and open the door. Always leave physical key backups with a trusted neighbor or in a lockbox as a failsafe for rental properties.
Will these locks work if my WiFi goes down?
Keypad codes stored locally on the lock will continue to work without WiFi — guests can still enter using their assigned code. Remote features like adding or removing codes, receiving alerts, and remote unlock require WiFi. The August lock’s Bluetooth proximity unlock also works offline within range of a paired phone. Planning for occasional WiFi outages means pre-setting guest codes before check-in rather than relying on last-minute remote code creation.
Should I use a retrofit lock or replace the full deadbolt?
Replace the full deadbolt if you’re starting fresh or want the cleanest look — the Schlage, Yale, Ultraloq, and Kwikset all replace the deadbolt completely and look purpose-built. Use a retrofit lock (August) if you have building restrictions on exterior hardware, need to maintain an existing keyed cylinder for other reasons, or want to keep installation quick across multiple units without changing door hardware.
Bottom Line
For most Airbnb and VRBO hosts, the Schlage Encode Plus is the best all-in-one choice: direct Airbnb integration, Apple Home Key for seamless guest access, and 100 customizable codes — all with no hub. If you’re on Android or need broader smart home compatibility, the Yale Assure Lock 2 covers every major platform. For properties where hardware replacement isn’t an option, August’s retrofit approach is the only sensible path. Whichever lock you choose, the goal is the same: no key handoffs, no lockboxes, and a guest experience that starts smoothly the moment they arrive.