Our team spends countless hours testing smart locks (along with thermostats, cameras, noise sensors, and other IoT devices). As a result, we know a thing or two about smartlocks and are often asked, "which smartlock models do you recommend for an Airbnb host?" This in-depth guide is our attempt to answer this question.
This section discusses the must-have features for a smart locks in order to be used for Airbnb and other vacation rental settings
A list of compatible PMS with which you can link your smart locks in order to automate reservations
A complete list of devices recommended by Seam's team
Tips and tricks for using smart locks in your Airbnb
When evaluating a smart lock, the first questions we typically ask are, "Is it connected to the internet?" and "Can you program access codes on it?" If a device meets these two criteria, it means you will be able to remotely unlock the door, issue PIN codes, and monitor guest access as well as battery levels.
You should be able to unlock or lock the door even if you are not standing in front or near the device. This nearly always implies that your smart locks has a direct connection to the internet or is connected to a nearby hub that is connected to the internet.
In our opinion, the best way to let guests into your home is to give them a temporary access code. This code should be set to become active at check-in and inactive at check-out. You can automate this process by connecting your device with your PMS (see list below).
For obvious reasons, you want a door lock that won't immediately run out of battery. At Seam, we've tested over 500+ smart locks and have statistically identified the models with best battery life.
In order to automate guest access, we first assess the smartlock's compatibility with major Property Management Systems (PMS) that support direct smart lock integration.
Lastly, find below a list of recommended smart locks for Airbnb hosts. We have selected these locks based on their reliability, feature set, ease of use, and compatibility with major PMSs.
BE499WB CAM 619
deadbolt
wifi
Satin Nickel
Control using the Seam API
Manage with Seam Dashboard
Unlock from anywhere
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
Unlock with a physical key
Requires batteries for operations
n/a
deadbolt
wifi
Black
Unlock from anywhere
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
Unlock with a physical key
Requires batteries for operations
IGB4
deadbolt
Metal Grey
Control using the Seam API
Manage with Seam Dashboard
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
Unlock with a physical key
Program access codes even if offline
Requires batteries for operations
TLV2.0
cylinder
wifi
Black
Control using the Seam API
Manage with Seam Dashboard
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
PGD728FSN
deadbolt
wifi
Satin Nickel
Control using the Seam API
Manage with Seam Dashboard
Unlock from anywhere
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
Unlock with a physical key
Program access codes even if offline
Requires batteries for operations
n/a
deadbolt
wifi
White
Control using the Seam API
Manage with Seam Dashboard
Unlock from anywhere
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
Unlock with a physical key
Requires batteries for operations
938 WIFI KYPD 15
deadbolt
wifi
Satin Nickel
Control using the Seam API
Manage with Seam Dashboard
Unlock from anywhere
Program access codes to unlock
Program temporary codes for guests
Unlock with a physical key
Requires batteries for operations
To get started, check your door and make sure that it will be compatible with whichever smartlock you purchase.