Quick Answer

The August Smart Lock Pro is your best bet for Airbnb properties. It installs over your existing deadbolt in minutes, handles guest access like a champ, and plays nice with pretty much any smart home setup you’ve got running.

FreshAirScore™ Ratings

Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.

Eufy Security Smart Lock — 81/100 (Great) ████████████████░░░░ Best for: Budget-Friendly

Yale Assure SL — 79/100 (Great) ████████████████░░░░ Best for: Keyless Entry

August Smart Lock Pro — 77/100 (Great) ███████████████░░░░░ Best for: Overall Convenience

Schlage Encode — 77/100 (Great) ███████████████░░░░░ Best for: Built-in Wi-Fi

Kwikset Halo Touch — 73/100 (Great) ███████████████░░░░░ Best for: Biometric Access

Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	Key Spec	Price Range	Rating
August Smart Lock Pro	Overall Convenience	Smart Lock, Retrofit Installation	$199 - $250	4.7/5
Yale Assure SL	Keyless Entry	Keypad & Smart Home Compatibility	$169 - $199	4.5/5
Schlage Encode	Built-in Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi Enabled	$199 - $229	4.6/5
Eufy Security Smart Lock	Budget-Friendly	Bluetooth & Keypad	$129 - $150	4.4/5
Kwikset Halo Touch	Biometric Access	Fingerprint Scanner	$200 - $240	4.3/5

Detailed Reviews

1. August Smart Lock Pro

Overview The August Pro lets you keep your existing deadbolt while adding smart features. No locksmith needed—you can have this installed during a commercial break.

Key Specs

• Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
• Installation: Retrofit over existing deadbolt
• Battery Life: Up to 6 months

Pros

• Stupidly easy to install
• Remote access management
• Activity tracking

Cons

• You’ll need their Connect hub for remote access (sold separately, naturally)
• Looks a bit chunky on the door

Best For Whom Perfect if you want smart features without the headache of changing locks. Property managers love this thing.

2. Yale Assure SL

Overview Yale’s touchscreen beauty gives guests a keypad to punch in their code. No fumbling with phones or apps—just tap and you’re in.

Key Specs

• Compatibility: Works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Apple HomeKit
• Battery Life: Approximately 1 year
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches

Pros

• Keypad for guest access
• Create custom codes for each guest
• Solid build quality

Cons

• Needs a hub for smart home features
• No backup key option (bold move, Yale)

Best For Whom Great if you prefer giving guests a code over managing app access. The one-year battery life is nice too. If you’re also considering cleaning solutions for your Airbnb, you might find our robot vacuum buying guide for 2026 helpful.

3. Schlage Encode

Overview The Encode cuts out the middleman with built-in Wi-Fi. No hub required—it connects directly to your router.

Key Specs

• Wi-Fi Enabled: Yes
• Battery Life: Up to 4 years
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches

Pros

• Direct Wi-Fi connectivity
• Set up takes minutes
• Solid security features

Cons

• Pretty bulky compared to others
• Doesn’t play well with many smart home systems

Best For Whom Ideal if you want something simple that just works without extra gadgets.

4. Eufy Security Smart Lock

Overview Eufy delivers decent smart lock features without the premium price tag. It won’t win any beauty contests, but your wallet will thank you.

Key Specs

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Keypad
• Battery Life: Up to 24 months
• Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches

Pros

• Won’t break the bank
• Impressive 2-year battery life
• Easy installation

Cons

• Limited smart home compatibility
• Bluetooth range is hit-or-miss

Best For Whom Smart choice if you’re managing multiple properties and need to keep costs down. The long battery life means fewer maintenance trips.

5. Kwikset Halo Touch

Overview The Halo Touch brings fingerprint access to your door. Guests just press their thumb and they’re in—very sci-fi, though it comes with a learning curve.

Key Specs

• Biometric Access: Yes
• Battery Life: 6 months
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 3 x 2 inches

Pros

• Fingerprint access feels futuristic
• Multiple user profiles
• Works with major smart home systems

Cons

• Pricier than most options
• Fingerprint reader can be finicky

Best For Whom Cool factor aside, I’d skip this unless you really love the idea of biometric access. The novelty wears off when guests can’t get the scanner to work.

How We Evaluated

I tested these locks based on what actually matters for Airbnb hosts:

• Performance: Does it lock and unlock reliably every time?
• Installation: Can you install it yourself without calling a pro?
• Smart Home Compatibility: Will it work with your existing setup?
• Security Features: Proper encryption and useful alerts
• User Feedback: Real reviews from people who’ve lived with these locks

Buying Guide

Here’s what to think about before buying:

1. Installation Type: Retrofit keeps things simple, but full replacement gives you more options.
2. Access Methods: Keypads are guest-friendly, but apps give you more control.
3. Smart Home Integration: Make sure it works with whatever ecosystem you’re already using.
4. Remote Access: Essential for managing guests without being there.
5. Security Features: Look for encryption and activity logs—the basics that actually matter.

FAQ

1. Can I use a smart lock with an existing deadbolt? Absolutely. The August Pro and several others just mount right over your current deadbolt. Takes about 15 minutes.

2. How do I manage guest access with a smart lock? Most come with apps that let you create temporary codes, set time limits, and see who’s coming and going. If you’re interested in smart home ecosystems, consider reading our comparison of smart home ecosystems. Pretty handy.

3. Do smart locks work during a power outage? They run on batteries, so yeah. Though Wi-Fi features obviously won’t work if your internet’s down.

4. How secure are smart locks compared to traditional locks? Generally more secure since you get alerts and can see what’s happening. Just stick with reputable brands.

5. What happens if I forget my smartphone or it dies? Most have backup options like keypads or traditional keys. The August Pro keeps your original key working, which is smart. For those looking to enhance their home security further, check out our review of the best smart home security systems in 2026.

The right smart lock makes managing an Airbnb so much easier. For more information on smart home devices, check out our guide to the best smart home devices in 2026. No more hiding keys under fake rocks or coordinating meetups with guests.