Alternatives roundup

Best Smart Lock for Short-Term Rentals

Which smart lock to buy for reliable self check‑in and per‑guest access control

By HostPal Editorial TeamUpdated Aug 4, 2026

The short answer

Pick RemoteLock if you manage multiple listings or use a PMS and need automated per‑booking codes and central management. If you want offline PINs and simple Airbnb calendar sync for a few properties, pick Igloohome; choose Schlage Encode for a single property that needs a physical key and built‑in Wi‑Fi; Yale fits if you already run a Z‑Wave/Zigbee setup; avoid August if you need guest codes for non‑smartphone users.

Self check‑in is now the default expectation for many short‑term rental guests, and the lock you choose determines whether check‑in is smooth or a source of 2 a.m. headaches. The real decision isn't about gimmicks — it's about four practical things: can the lock generate a unique code or key per booking (rolling/time‑limited codes), how long the batteries last, what happens if a guest is locked out, and whether the lock integrates automatically with Airbnb or your property management software. Some locks use app‑based virtual keys (phone required), others use PINs delivered by calendar sync, and others sit behind a cloud controller that centralizes dozens of properties. This guide cuts past marketing to the differences that matter for hosts: which devices create time‑limited guest codes automatically, which will keep working even if Wi‑Fi or the manufacturer's cloud goes down, and which require a physical key or module to avoid lockouts. Note: HostPal is not a lock vendor — we integrate with whatever lock you pick. That integration works best when the lock exposes an API or calendar (iCal) feed; for locks with only app‑based guest keys we rely on guest app invites, and for devices without cloud APIs we fall back to calendar‑based PIN generation — which can be less immediate. Below you’ll find five commonly used locks, their realistic strengths and gaps, and who each one actually fits in the field.

August Smart Lock

A retrofit smart lock that gives phone‑based virtual keys and keeps your existing deadbolt hardware.

Score

5.0

Pricing: Hardware ~$149–229 one‑time; August Connect/Wi‑Fi bridge sometimes included or sold separately (~$59–79); no mandatory subscription for basic features.
Best for: Independent hosts with 1 property or tech‑savvy guests who will use an app and value keeping the existing keyed exterior deadbolt.

Strengths

Retrofit design attaches to the inside of an existing deadbolt so the exterior key remains unchanged (easy install).
Good phone‑key UX for hosts who want to issue app‑based guest keys rather than numeric PINs.
Works well for hosts whose guests are smartphone users and who prefer app access tracking.

Trade-offs

Phone‑based virtual keys require guests to install the August app — poor fit for guests without smartphones or for remote code delivery.
Limited or indirect Airbnb automation: fully automatic per‑booking code creation usually requires a third‑party channel manager or manual steps.
Battery life is moderate and drops faster if you use the Wi‑Fi bridge frequently (roughly 6–12 months depending on usage).
If August's cloud or guest app misbehaves, immediate remote access creation can be harder than PIN‑based systems.

Yale Assure

A family of smart deadbolts available with different modules (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, Z‑Wave) for flexible home automation setups.

Score

6.0

Pricing: Hardware ~$160–250 depending on model and wireless module; optional Yale Wi‑Fi module or Z‑Wave module ~+$50–80; typically no monthly fees from Yale.
Best for: Hosts who already run a Z‑Wave/Zigbee smart‑home hub or property managers who want flexibility by swapping wireless modules.

Strengths

Modular platform: choose a Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or Z‑Wave/Works‑with‑HomeKit module to fit existing hubs or automation.
Good battery life on most modules (often 12+ months under normal use).
Certain Yale models can generate temporary user codes and integrate with third‑party controllers for automated code creation.

Trade-offs

Some popular SKUs (Assure SL) are keyless — no mechanical key — which raises lockout concerns unless you plan extra failsafes.
Out‑of‑the‑box Airbnb integration is inconsistent: full automation usually requires a hub or PMS that talks to Yale’s modules.
Feature set varies a lot by module; you must pick the right variant at purchase to get the integration you want.

Schlage Encode

A built‑in Wi‑Fi deadbolt with a physical keyed option and local keypad for numeric entry.

Score

7.0

Pricing: Hardware ~$199–229 one‑time; no mandatory subscription for basic remote features because Wi‑Fi is built‑in.
Best for: Single‑property hosts who want a reliable deadbolt, a physical key backup, and simple remote access without added hubs.

Strengths

Built‑in Wi‑Fi (no separate bridge) makes remote management straightforward out of the box.
Physical key plus keypad gives a clear failsafe for lockouts — guests can use a code or key.
Sturdy hardware and straightforward battery replacement (4 AA batteries).

Trade-offs

Doesn’t offer robust, native per‑booking automation with Airbnb — code creation is possible but typically requires manual steps or a third‑party service.
Battery life varies (typically 6–12 months) and heavy Wi‑Fi usage reduces lifespan.
Keypad codes are static unless you rotate them or use an external system that can push temporary codes.

Igloohome

A PIN/Bluetooth‑based lock ecosystem focused on time‑coded PINs that can be generated offline and synchronized with Airbnb bookings.

Score

8.0

Pricing: Hardware ~$169–279 depending on model (deadbolt, mortise, padlock); optional Wi‑Fi Smart Hub/bridge ~$79–99 for instant remote PIN issuing; no recurring fee for basic PIN features.
Best for: Hosts with a handful of listings who want automatic calendar‑driven PINs and guests who may not use smartphone apps.

Strengths

Strong short‑term rental focus: time‑based PINs and Airbnb calendar (iCal/API) sync for automatic per‑booking PIN generation.
Offline PINs mean guests don’t need the app or Wi‑Fi at the door — good for unreliable networks or non‑smartphone guests.
Battery life commonly ~9–12 months depending on use; low battery warnings are reliable.

Trade-offs

Remote management (real‑time PIN issuing) requires the optional Wi‑Fi hub; without it you rely on PINs generated and synced via calendar updates.
Hardware and integration options vary by region — double‑check model compatibility and local mortise standards before buying.
No mechanical key on some models; choose the version with a keyed option if you want a physical failsafe.

RemoteLock

A cloud access management platform that issues per‑stay PINs or virtual keys across many locks and integrates with PMS/marketplaces.

Score

9.0

Pricing: Platform subscription typically ~$6–9 per lock/month (annual billing reduces rate); hardware depends on chosen lock (Z‑Wave or compatible deadbolts ~$100–250).
Best for: Property managers and hosts with multiple listings who need automated code provisioning and PMS integration across many doors.

Strengths

Designed for property managers: centralized dashboard, automated per‑booking code issuance, and integrations with Airbnb, Guesty, Hostaway, and many PMSs.
Supports a wide range of lock hardware (Z‑Wave, smart deadbolts) and can manage hundreds of doors from one account.
Rolling and time‑limited codes are the core feature — codes are created automatically per reservation and expire after checkout.

Trade-offs

Requires a subscription per lock, so ongoing cost is higher than one‑time hardware‑only purchases.
The experience depends on the underlying lock hardware — some Z‑Wave locks still have quirks (battery life, local failsafes).
Setup is more involved (controller/Gateway, Z‑Wave pairing) and is heavier than a DIY single‑door Wi‑Fi lock.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a subscription to get per‑booking guest codes?

It depends. Systems like RemoteLock typically require a monthly subscription so the cloud can generate codes per booking and integrate with PMSs. Igloohome and August can generate guest access without ongoing fees, but Igloohome often needs a Wi‑Fi hub for real‑time issuance and August relies on app invites (which are phone‑based). Schlage and Yale can accept temporary codes but often need a third‑party or manual process to automate them.

Which lock is best if my guest doesn't have a smartphone?

Choose a PIN‑based system such as Igloohome or a keypad‑equipped Schlage Encode; both allow numeric entry without a guest app. August's phone‑key model is a poor fit for guests without smartphones.

What should I do to avoid lockouts?

Pick a lock with a mechanical key backup or a secondary access method. Schlage Encode includes a keyed option; many retrofit solutions like August leave the existing key usable. If you choose a keyless model (Yale Assure SL or some Igloohome models), add a keyed alternative, install a keypad version, or maintain a local keybox as an emergency fallback.

How important is battery life and how often will I need to replace batteries?

Battery life varies by model and usage. Expect roughly 6–12 months under typical STR use: Wi‑Fi bridged devices and locks used heavily will drain faster. Monitor low‑battery alerts (most modern locks provide them) and schedule battery checks between turnovers.

Will HostPal work with these locks?

Yes — HostPal integrates with most of these locks. We connect best to locks that expose an API or support calendar (iCal) synchronization. For app‑only locks without an API we rely on guest app invites or calendar workarounds; HostPal does not sell locks or manage firmware/physical maintenance.

Is Airbnb integration the same as secure per‑guest codes?

Not always. Airbnb integration can mean anything from an automatic calendar feed that triggers PIN generation to a deep API connection that creates user keys. RemoteLock and Igloohome offer calendar/API driven code creation suitable for automated per‑guest codes; other brands require third‑party tools or manual input to achieve the same level of automation.

There’s no single smart lock that’s right for every short‑term rental — the correct choice comes down to how you manage access and how many doors you run. If you operate multiple properties or use a PMS, RemoteLock is the pragmatic pick because it centralizes code generation and connects with booking systems, albeit with a per‑lock subscription. If you run a few listings and want simple, offline PINs and calendar sync, Igloohome is a strong, lower‑maintenance option. Schlage Encode is an easy choice for single properties that need a physical key backup and built‑in Wi‑Fi. Yale is best when you want module flexibility and already have a smart home hub. Avoid relying on app‑only locks like August if you expect many non‑smartphone guests or want seamless, automated Airbnb code creation. Finally, remember HostPal integrates with your chosen hardware but does not replace physical maintenance or warranties — plan for battery checks and a mechanical failsafe where needed.

About this article

Written by the HostPal Editorial Team. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by a human before publishing.

Last updated Aug 4, 2026. Market data sourced from the HostPal Invest API; regulation data from the relevant municipal regulator. See our editorial standards · See an error? [email protected]

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