What's the best AirBnB Integrated Smart Lock - Looking for Reliable and User Friendly

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What's the best AirBnB Integrated Smart Lock - Looking for Reliable and User Friendly

Corinne UlloaPro Member
Member since 2023 · 25 posts · 5 votes

How goes it?!

My hubby and I just closed on our first investment property that we intend to deploy as a STR. I have been doing some research on smart locks that are integrated with the major platforms. A few, listed below, have continuously come up and are our top contenders.

Now, the bigger even more important question is...What does the BP STR community recommend?

Yale Assure 2 (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth-enabled)

August Smart lock (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth-enabled)

Schlage Encode Smart (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth-enabled)

Thanks in advance!

Corinne

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Michael BaumPro Member
Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
3y

We have the Schlage Encode. It is more than WiFi and Bluetooth. We use it in Z Wave mode connected to a Samsung SmartThings hub.

We don't use any kind of integration and just deal with codes manually. Takes 25 seconds.

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    We have the Schlage Encode. It is more than WiFi and Bluetooth. We use it in Z Wave mode connected to a Samsung SmartThings hub.

    We don't use any kind of integration and just deal with codes manually. Takes 25 seconds.

    3Reply
  • Corinne UlloaPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 25 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Michael Baum:

    We have the Schlage Encode. It is more than WiFi and Bluetooth. We use it in Z Wave mode connected to a Samsung SmartThings hub.

    We don't use any kind of integration and just deal with codes manually. Takes 25 seconds.

    Hey,

    Thanks for the recommendation! I ran across the term "Z-Wave" a couple of times while researching but didn't look into what it means. I quickly Googled and see that it's a more secure and reliable form of "Wi-Fi". Noted and taken into consideration!

    Thanks,

    Corinne

    0Reply
  • Melissa Nash
    Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2016 · 740 posts · 529 votes
    3y

    I actually removed mine. The reason: because when the wifi goes out, so does the lock and my renters freak out and then I am having to give out my back up code with no wifi. 

    So, if you want to do that- make sure you are in an area with strong wifi connection that doesn't go out a lot. My property had issues bc of the desert and wasn't worth the pain. 

    Best of luck!!! Melissa

    1Reply
  • Nathan W.
    Austin, TX · Member since 2013 · 153 posts · 104 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Melissa Nash:

    I actually removed mine. The reason: because when the wifi goes out, so does the lock and my renters freak out and then I am having to give out my back up code with no wifi. 

    So, if you want to do that- make sure you are in an area with strong wifi connection that doesn't go out a lot. My property had issues bc of the desert and wasn't worth the pain. 

    Best of luck!!! Melissa

    Which door lock where you using? 
    I have several Schlage Encode door locks. If we lose power or Internet the door lock still works. I use Remotelock for integration and it sets the door code several days in advance. I do have a physical key onsite in a lockbox as a backup but I've never had to use it. 

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    So the Schalge Encode stores up to 30 codes at one time. It runs on 4 AA batteries so once the codes are loaded, it will work just fine regardless of house power.

    The lock might not be connected to the internet, but if you have the codes in there already, then no problem.

    I usually create codes as new bookings come in regardless of arrival. That way they are already in there long before they arrive.

    Regarding Z Wave, it is a wireless protocol, but not like WiFi really. I would take some time to read up on the advantages. It doesn't have the distance that WiFi has but each device acts as a repeater.

    The best thing about Z Wave is the low power radio. My batteries last about a year and that takes them down to 75% when I swap them out.

    It does add a level of complexity but once setup, it just works. We have a thermostat as well connected and everything it reliable.

    1Reply
  • Nathan W.
    Austin, TX · Member since 2013 · 153 posts · 104 votes
    3y

     I'm sure you're well versed on all this but I love the automation that Remotelock provides. For $6/month per lock I never have to think about it. 

    0Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Sure. You use what you want to use. I have never used it but others, like yourself, have reported that it works just fine.

    I like communicating with our guests so sending them personal messages with the code along with other info makes them happy and feel taken care of. 

    1Reply
  • Allan Smith
    Contractor · Nashville, TN · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    We've used Encode for 2 years. Works good, but hospitable.com had integration issues. The lock itself does its job tho.

    1Reply
  • Melissa Nash
    Rental Property Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2016 · 740 posts · 529 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Nathan W.:
    Quote from @Melissa Nash:

    I actually removed mine. The reason: because when the wifi goes out, so does the lock and my renters freak out and then I am having to give out my back up code with no wifi. 

    So, if you want to do that- make sure you are in an area with strong wifi connection that doesn't go out a lot. My property had issues bc of the desert and wasn't worth the pain. 

    Best of luck!!! Melissa

    Which door lock where you using? 
    I have several Schlage Encode door locks. If we lose power or Internet the door lock still works. I use Remotelock for integration and it sets the door code several days in advance. I do have a physical key onsite in a lockbox as a backup but I've never had to use it. 

    I ended up switching all my locks to Schlage basic with batteries that last forever. 
    2Reply
  • Corinne UlloaPro Member
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 25 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Melissa Nash:

    I actually removed mine. The reason: because when the wifi goes out, so does the lock and my renters freak out and then I am having to give out my back up code with no wifi. 

    So, if you want to do that- make sure you are in an area with strong wifi connection that doesn't go out a lot. My property had issues bc of the desert and wasn't worth the pain. 

    Best of luck!!! Melissa


     Thanks for the input and good luck wishes! I had planned to also leave a physical key in a lockbox, as a last resort, to be a step ahead of technical issues that will inevitably occur.

    Thanks again!

    Corinne

    1Reply
  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Check into RemoteLock, they're a great software that helps keep guests happy with working locks and make a host's life easier.

    [email protected]330-557-3021
    2Reply
  • Daniel Netzer
    Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes
    3y

    I have a few Yale Assure 2's, and the battery life is $hit. Wifi seems to eat it up in a 2-3 month period, max.  The software and automation is great, but without legit battery life whats the point. 

    0Reply
  • Jon Martin
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    I use the August and I'm happy with it. App is simple and intuitive. The lock mechanism is on the inside so the weather doesn't affect it. Still works if WIFI goes out. 

    Not sure if the competition all do the same thing.

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    I have a few Yale Assure 2's, and the battery life is $hit. Wifi seems to eat it up in a 2-3 month period, max.  The software and automation is great, but without legit battery life whats the point. 

    Yeah, that is the big downside with WiFi. A WiFi radio can use a ton of energy compared to the Z Wave or Zigbee radios.

    Yale Assure 2's have a Z wave radio. You could add a Samsung SmartThings hub to the mix and switch over. It can add a bunch of home automation functionality to your STRs. Thermostats, smart plugs, sensors etc.

    Our Schlage Encode gets it's batteries swapped 1x a year now. They are at 75% at that time. Full Z Wave.
    0Reply
  • Brandon Atkinson
    Property Manager · CO · Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 2 votes
    3y

    We use the august smart lock but we don’t integrate it with Airbnb because I don’t want to make guests download the app. I feel like older clients would be hesitant to do that and most of the guest in our price range have been older. Instead we use the august keypad that is paired with the lock so they can just type in a code. We REALLY like it because I can lock or unlock the door remotely (if they forget to lock it after checking out) and I can add or delete codes remotely. I can also set up the codes to expire at an exact date and time. The only downside to this is that our keypad batteries seem to die every 3-4 months. They’re just AAA’s though so it’s cheap. We get about 6 months battery life on the actual lock because we are running the august “connect” that utilizes Bluetooth rather than the lock using wifi. This doubles battery life. 

    1Reply
  • Daniel Netzer
    Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Brandon Atkinson:

    We use the august smart lock but we don’t integrate it with Airbnb because I don’t want to make guests download the app. I feel like older clients would be hesitant to do that and most of the guest in our price range have been older. Instead we use the august keypad that is paired with the lock so they can just type in a code. We REALLY like it because I can lock or unlock the door remotely (if they forget to lock it after checking out) and I can add or delete codes remotely. I can also set up the codes to expire at an exact date and time. The only downside to this is that our keypad batteries seem to die every 3-4 months. They’re just AAA’s though so it’s cheap. We get about 6 months battery life on the actual lock because we are running the august “connect” that utilizes Bluetooth rather than the lock using wifi. This doubles battery life. 

    So there is an option to turn off Wifi and use August Connect as a relay to the network? I need to look into that because otherwise, the battery life is worthless. 
    0Reply
  • Brandon Atkinson
    Property Manager · CO · Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 2 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Brandon Atkinson:

    We use the august smart lock but we don’t integrate it with Airbnb because I don’t want to make guests download the app. I feel like older clients would be hesitant to do that and most of the guest in our price range have been older. Instead we use the august keypad that is paired with the lock so they can just type in a code. We REALLY like it because I can lock or unlock the door remotely (if they forget to lock it after checking out) and I can add or delete codes remotely. I can also set up the codes to expire at an exact date and time. The only downside to this is that our keypad batteries seem to die every 3-4 months. They’re just AAA’s though so it’s cheap. We get about 6 months battery life on the actual lock because we are running the august “connect” that utilizes Bluetooth rather than the lock using wifi. This doubles battery life. 

    So there is an option to turn off Wifi and use August Connect as a relay to the network? I need to look into that because otherwise, the battery life is worthless. 
    Ya. I forget how we did it but it was fairly simple. I believe the app has instructions for it. 
    1Reply
  • Shawn G.
    Investor · Shreveport, LA · Member since 2015 · 16 posts · 10 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Melissa Nash:

    I actually removed mine. The reason: because when the wifi goes out, so does the lock and my renters freak out and then I am having to give out my back up code with no wifi. 

    So, if you want to do that- make sure you are in an area with strong wifi connection that doesn't go out a lot. My property had issues bc of the desert and wasn't worth the pain. 

    Best of luck!!! Melissa

    We set emergency codes in the lock that are " set to always" for these incidents.


    1Reply
  • Shawn G.
    Investor · Shreveport, LA · Member since 2015 · 16 posts · 10 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Allan Smith:

    We've used Encode for 2 years. Works good, but hospitable.com had integration issues. The lock itself does its job tho.


     That issue is fixed. It works well now. 

    0Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    Im sure some of this is a matter of preference but we use Schalge Encodes on over 80 doors.  Aside from 1 or 2 duds they have performed great. 

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
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