With the rise of smart home products including virtual assistants like Alexa and learning thermostats like Nest, the selection of smart door locks and other keyless entry options are becoming more vast – and more confusing. When choosing a smart door lock for your vacation rental, there are many things to consider, including:
- Reliability
- Durability
- Convenience (can you access it via your smartphone?)
- Ease of use
- Integration (can it be paired with your various smart home platforms?)
- Style
- Security (what’s the likelihood of getting hacked?)
The options are overwhelming, so we’ve created a list of some of our favorite smart door locks. Get ready to rest easy knowing that you’re keeping intruders out and your guests in, at the right times and under your control.
August Smart Lock
August’s clean, minimalist Smart Lock installs effortlessly onto your existing deadbolt in just five easy steps. Once installed, this smart door lock lets you grant visitors keyless entry into your vacation rental. Most noteworthy, with unique guest keys and an Auto-Lock feature, this smart door lock is one of the most secure options out there. Monitor activity 24/7 from the convenience of your iPhone, Nest, Google Assistant, or other popular voice control service and August’s easy-to-use app. Finally, you can view entries, exits, and ensure the door is fully closed at all times. Therefore for its updated technology, easy install, and undeniable security, this lock definitely wins Best in Class for us.
RemoteLock
RemoteLock has partnered with Airbnb to provide hosts with an easy-to-use integrated platform. First, you can manage your bookings, smart door lock codes, usage, and history all within your Airbnb account. Second, with Wi-Fi built into the locks, you can create, manage, and delete guest codes on your smartphone, which allows keyless guest check-in 24/7, 365. Therefore while the smart door lock is not as sleek or durable as other locks on the market, this one wins for ease of access and Airbnb integration.
Kwikset Kevo
The Kevo’s unassuming design may look like your standard deadbolt, but this smart lock is far from standard. With the touch of a paired smartphone, the Kwikset Kevo will use bluetooth-enabled technology to unlock without the slightest bit of effort. Send guests with compatible smartphones unique “eKeys,” which also gives you the ability to view activity from the Kevo’s user-friendly app. For guests without smartphones, unlock the door remotely and give guests access to the Kevo’s fob accessory. The fob is a small, bluetooth-enabled piece of plastic that allows easy, trackable touch-to-unlock entry.
In conclusion, finding the right smart door lock for your vacation rental may take time and some ‘shopping’ around. Therefore, to avoid the headache of constantly monitoring your Airbnb profile or second-guessing whether you provided your current guests with the correct entry code, leave it up to the pros at MyVRHost. You will make more, see better reviews, and truly enjoy being a vacation rental host without all the hassle.