Self check-in is the new standard for short-term rentals. We looked at the top smart locks for Airbnb hosts and compared built-in Wi-Fi vs. hub-based systems, keypad vs. app-only access, and what matters most for guest satisfaction and security. Our top picks work for single-unit hosts and scale to multi-property setups.
Self check-in isn't a nice-to-have anymore — it's what guests expect. A smart lock lets you issue unique codes, revoke them after checkout, and never hand over a physical key. For hosts, that means fewer headaches. For guests, it means arriving on their own schedule without coordinating a meetup.
But not all smart locks are built the same. Some connect directly to Wi-Fi, others need a hub. Some rely on a keypad, others on a phone app. Here's what we recommend after digging through the guides.
Built-in Wi-Fi vs. hub-based. A lock with built-in Wi-Fi (like the Schlage Encode) connects straight to your router — no extra hardware, no hub to buy, no hub to explain to a co-host.1 Hub-based systems (like some Yale models with the August module) can be more flexible if you already have a smart home hub, but they add complexity and a potential point of failure.
Keypad vs. app-only. A keypad is the safer bet for rentals. Not every guest wants to install an app, and not every phone has battery left after a long flight. A keypad code works for everyone, every time. App-only locks create friction.
Remote code management. You need to generate unique codes per guest, set them to expire automatically, and revoke them instantly if something goes wrong. Both Schlage and Yale offer this through their apps.2
Audit trails. Knowing who came and went — and when — is useful for security and for resolving disputes. Look for locks that log access events.
Reliability. A lock that jams, runs out of batteries without warning, or drops its Wi-Fi connection is a liability. Stick with established brands that have been tested at scale.
The Schlage Encode Plus is the lock we'd put on our own rental door. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so there's no hub required, and it supports both a keypad and a physical key backup.1 You can create and manage up to 100 access codes from the Schlage Home app, set schedules, and get activity alerts. It works with Amazon Key for in-garage delivery, Apple Home Key for NFC tap-to-unlock, and most major smart home platforms.
The build quality is solid — metal construction, a responsive touchscreen, and a finish that doesn't show fingerprints easily. Battery life is advertised at about six months, and the lock gives you a low-battery warning before it dies.
Best for: Hosts who want a set-and-forget lock with the widest compatibility and no extra hardware.
Yale's Assure Lock 2 is a close second, especially if you like the idea of swapping modules later. It ships with a keypad and supports Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Matter modules (sold separately), so you can choose your connectivity.2 The touchscreen keypad is clean and responsive, and the lock integrates with Airbnb's direct integration in some markets for auto-generated codes.
The Yale Access app handles code management, scheduling, and activity logs. The lock also supports Apple Home Key and works with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit depending on the module you choose.
Best for: Hosts who want to customize their smart home setup or already have a Z-Wave or Matter hub.
| Feature | Schlage Encode Plus | Yale Assure Lock 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi / Z-Wave / Matter (module) |
| Keypad | Yes, backlit touchscreen | Yes, touchscreen |
| Hub required | No | Depends on module |
| Max codes | 100 | 250 |
| Apple Home Key | Yes | Yes |
| Physical key backup | Yes | Yes |
For most Airbnb hosts, the Schlage Encode Plus is the smartest choice. It's simple to install, doesn't need a hub, and covers everything a single-unit host needs: remote codes, audit logs, and reliable keypad access. If you're already invested in a smart home ecosystem or want the flexibility to swap connectivity later, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is a strong alternative.
Both locks will make your guests happier and your life easier. Pick one, install it, and stop worrying about key handoffs.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our recommendations are based on research and industry guides, not commissions.
This page was written by the engine and the engine is still on the line. The conversation below picks up where the article stops.
Yes — the picks above are the engine's current verdicts. Ask a sharper version of this question below and you'll get a custom answer with the latest pricing.