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Guides

Best SmartLocks for Airbnb

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.

Table of Content

1 — Smartlock Feature Overview

This section discusses the must-have features for a smart locks in order to be used for Airbnb and other vacation rental settings

2 — Compatible PMS Software

A list of compatible PMS with which you can link your smart locks in order to automate reservations

3 — Recommended Smart Locks

A complete list of devices recommended by Seam's team

4 — Best Practices

Tips and tricks for using smart locks in your Airbnb

Photo of Airbnb guests entering a property

Recommended Features

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.

Remote Unlock

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.

Access Code

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).

Battery Life

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.

Compatible Software PMS

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.

List of Compatible PMSs as of Dec, 2024
Akia logo
Akia
ApartX logo
ApartX
B-Line logo
B-Line
Bookboost logo
Bookboost
Boom logo
Boom
Breezeway logo
Breezeway
Check-in Scan logo
Check-in Scan
Chekin logo
Chekin
DACK logo
DACK
Enso logo
Enso
Fresh Buzzer logo
Fresh Buzzer
Guest Ready logo
Guest Ready
Guest-way logo
Guest-way
Guesty logo
Guesty
Hospitable logo
Hospitable
Hostai logo
Hostai
Hostaway logo
Hostaway
Hosteeva logo
Hosteeva
Hostex logo
Hostex
Hostlabs logo
Hostlabs
HostTools logo
HostTools
Hostvana logo
Hostvana
Hotelmeister logo
Hotelmeister
iGMS logo
iGMS
Jurny logo
Jurny
KIO Home logo
KIO Home
Lodgify logo
Lodgify
Operto logo
Operto
Radefy logo
Radefy
RedAwning logo
RedAwning
RemoteLock logo
RemoteLock
Rental Ready logo
Rental Ready
RoomsPilot logo
RoomsPilot
Stay Flexi logo
Stay Flexi
SuiteOp logo
SuiteOp
Tokeet logo
Tokeet
Uplisting logo
Uplisting

Best Practices

To get started, check your door and make sure that it will be compatible with whichever smartlock you purchase.

Let's Connect

Ready to get started?

Explore our case studies or submit a request for consultation. You can also contact us if you have any specific question you want answered.