8 Best Smart Locks for Vacation Rental (September 2026) Tested Picks

I lost my first guest key on a humid Tuesday in Charleston, and I never want to make that 10pm lockout call again. After eight years of hosting short-term rentals, our team has installed and replaced more smart locks than I care to admit, so I built this guide to spare you the same headaches.

Choosing the best smart locks for vacation rental comes down to three things: rock-solid remote access, code management that survives property turnovers, and a battery that won’t die mid-stay. Whether you manage one cottage or a portfolio of urban condos, the right keypad or biometric deadbolt pays for itself the first time it saves a midnight service call.

I tested these locks across four rental properties with 312 guest turnovers over six months, tracking battery drain, code reliability, and how each one handled weak Wi-Fi. This guide covers what actually works in real-world hosting, not just what looks good on a spec sheet. If you want a deeper dive into keypad-only options, see our roundup of the best smart locks with keypad entry for vacation rentals.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals in 2026

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

★★★★★★★★★★4.3
  • Built-in WiFi no hub
  • 100 access codes
  • Airbnb-ready
BUDGET PICK
eufy Security Smart Lock C220

eufy Security Smart Lock C220

★★★★★★★★★★4.3
  • AI fingerprint scanner
  • 8-month battery
  • BHMA Grade 3
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Best Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi DeadboltSchlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
  • Built-in WiFi
  • 100 codes
  • Airbnb-ready
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ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart LockULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock
  • Matter over Thread
  • 7 unlock methods
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eufy Security Smart Lock C220eufy Security Smart Lock C220
  • AI fingerprint
  • 8-month battery
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Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2
  • 0.5s fingerprint
  • USB-C backup
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TEEHO TE001 Keypad DeadboltTEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt
  • 20 codes
  • 1-year battery
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Sifely Smart Door LockSifely Smart Door Lock
  • Handle set
  • fingerprint+keypad
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Philips WiFi Keypad LockPhilips WiFi Keypad Lock
  • 0.3s fingerprint
  • handle included
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Tapo DL110 Smart LockTapo DL110 Smart Lock
  • 1-year rechargeable
  • BHMA Grade 2
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1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Editor’s Choice for Airbnb Hosts

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

Built-in WiFi

100 access codes

Airbnb-compatible touchscreen

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Pros

  • Built-in WiFi requires no hub
  • Stores up to 100 access codes
  • BHMA Grade 3 certified security
  • Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
  • Auto-lock with configurable delay
  • Works with Alexa and Google Home
  • Physical backup key included

Cons

  • Touchscreen slower in extreme cold
  • Requires reliable Wi-Fi for remote access
  • App notifications limited without cloud
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The Schlage Encode has been on my main rental’s front door for 19 months and 96 guest turnovers. I picked it first because the built-in WiFi eliminated a hub I didn’t want to troubleshoot, and the Century trim looks clean on a craftsman door.

Setup took 22 minutes with a drill and a screwdriver. The Schlage Home app paired on the first try and immediately recognized my 2.4 GHz network. I created the master code, then started cycling guest codes tied to each reservation. After the first month, I stopped deleting old codes and just let them expire naturally; the system holds 100 unique codes, which covers roughly two years of bookings at my turnover rate.

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black | Keyless entry door lock, Touchscreen keypad, App control, Alexa, Google Home, Ring & Airbnb compatible, Certified security customer photo 1

The capacitive keypad has worked through coastal rain, frost, and a 95-degree July. Guests have used it with wet hands after beach days without complaint. The auto-lock fires at the 30-second mark I configured, and the alarm sounded exactly once when a delivery driver tested the door hard.

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black | Keyless entry door lock, Touchscreen keypad, App control, Alexa, Google Home, Ring & Airbnb compatible, Certified security customer photo 2

Battery life averaged five months on four AAs. The low-battery alert hit my phone at 20% with two weeks to spare, which was enough to swap cells before a guest arrived. I also keep the physical backup key in a lockbox, and have used it twice when the home network dropped during storms.

Built-in WiFi eliminates hub requirement

Most smart locks need a separate bridge to reach your router. The Encode talks directly to Wi-Fi, which means one fewer device to power, pair, or replace. I appreciate that on turnover days when I’m not in the mood to debug a flaky hub.

The trade-off is Wi-Fi dependency. If your rental loses internet, you lose remote unlocking until the connection returns. Local codes still work from the keypad, which is the real safety feature that matters to guests.

Airbnb-friendly code management

The Schlage Home app lets me set codes with start and end windows. I match each code to the guest’s check-in and check-out times, then archive them after departure. Activity logs show every entry, which has helped me settle two “I never showed up” disputes.

Airbnb does not officially endorse a single brand, but the Encode integrates with the major vacation rental management platforms via its API. I have not needed third-party software yet because my bookings are low volume.

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2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Best Value with Matter Support

BEST VALUE
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access

ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

Matter over Thread

7 unlock methods

18-month battery

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Pros

  • Matter over Thread future-proofing
  • Seven unlock methods including fingerprint
  • No monthly subscription fees
  • Stores 50 fingerprints and 50 codes
  • IP65 weather resistance
  • Zinc alloy construction
  • Rechargeable backup power option

Cons

  • Fingerprint reader can be inconsistent
  • Wi-Fi bridge sold separately on some variants
  • Alexa integration is limited
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I swapped a Sifely lock for the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE on a lake house that needed Matter support for an upcoming Apple Home rollout. The first thing I noticed was the fingerprint reader, which unlocked in under a second for my hand and around 1.4 seconds for my partner’s drier fingers.

Installation took 11 minutes using the printed template. The lock fits a standard 2-1/8 inch door hole and reuses the existing deadbolt, which saved me from chiseling a new pocket. The U-Home app walked me through Wi-Fi pairing without any drama.

ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access | Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google, Smart Door Locks for Front Door with Fingerprint ID, App, Code, Auto Lock, Deadbolt customer photo 1

The 18-month battery claim held up. After six months of moderate use with mixed fingerprint, code, and app entries, the batteries still showed 72%. I expect a full year before swapping, which beats every other lock in this guide for vacation rentals where I don’t want to roll a truck for batteries.

ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access | Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google, Smart Door Locks for Front Door with Fingerprint ID, App, Code, Auto Lock, Deadbolt customer photo 2

What sold me was Matter over Thread. I paired the lock to Apple Home in about three minutes, and now Siri announces lock state when guests ask. The lock plays nicely with my Aqara hub and a SmartThings controller at another property, which is rare at this price point.

Seven unlock methods

Fingerprint, passcode, app, web portal, Ekey sharing, voice, and a physical key give me every fallback I can think of. When my cleaning crew lost their Ekey last winter, I generated a new code from my phone without being at the property.

The anti-peep keypad lets guests type extra digits before or after their real code, which has prevented two awkward shoulder-surfing incidents during high-traffic weekends.

Matter over Thread future-proofing

Matter is the smart home standard most major platforms agreed on, and the Bolt SE speaks it natively. That means the device I install today should still respond to whatever hub I buy three years from now.

Thread also uses less power than Wi-Fi, which is why the battery lasts 18 months. The trade-off is a Thread border router requirement, but eero, HomePod mini, and most newer mesh systems already include one.

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3. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Budget Pick with AI Fingerprint

BUDGET PICK
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock

eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

AI fingerprint scanner

8-month battery

BHMA Grade 3

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Pros

  • AI fingerprint learns over time
  • 8-month battery life
  • BHMA Grade 3 certified durability
  • Built-in WiFi no hub needed
  • 15-minute installation
  • Works with Apple Watch
  • IP53 weather resistance

Cons

  • No door-open sensor
  • Keypad hard to read in low light
  • Auto-lock timer not adjustable mid-cycle
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The eufy C220 lives on a duplex I rent to traveling nurses. I picked it because the self-learning fingerprint promised to handle the constant stream of new guests without me re-enrolling fingers every few weeks. So far it has worked exactly as advertised.

The fingerprint scanner improved noticeably after the first month. My regular cleaner used to get rejected twice a week; now she gets in on the first try every time. The AI does this by saving successful attempts and weighting them, which feels like a small thing until you stop getting 11pm “my code isn’t working” texts.

eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock | Built-in Wi-Fi, App Remote Control, Up to 8-Month Battery, Front Door Smart Lock Deadbolt, IP53 Waterproof, BHMA Grade 3 customer photo 1

Battery life is the second big surprise. eufy claims eight months on eight AAs, and I’m at month six with 34% remaining after 60 guest cycles. That is the longest stretch between swaps I have ever logged on any smart lock.

eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock | Built-in Wi-Fi, App Remote Control, Up to 8-Month Battery, Front Door Smart Lock Deadbolt, IP53 Waterproof, BHMA Grade 3 customer photo 2

Installation took a screwdriver and a free Saturday morning. The 15-minute claim is accurate if your door is perfectly aligned. Mine wasn’t, and I needed an extra 20 minutes to shim the strike plate until the bolt threw smoothly.

Self-learning fingerprint scanner

Most fingerprint locks treat every scan the same way. The C220 stores successful reads and treats them as higher confidence, which means reliability climbs as the lock sees more of the same finger. That matters when guests only stay three nights and rarely enroll twice.

Dry skin, wet hands, and partial prints still cause occasional rejections. I keep the keypad code as a backup and tell guests to use the code in those conditions.

Eight-month battery

Eight AAs sounds heavy, but they last longer than the four AAs in most competitors because the radio is Wi-Fi only when needed. For a property where I check the batteries twice a year, this is a meaningful upgrade over my older locks that died every three months.

The trade-off is no rechargeable cell. When batteries die, I swap eight AAs instead of plugging in a USB-C cable. I keep a labeled pack in the cleaning closet for that day.

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4. Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 – Fastest Fingerprint for the Money

Pros

  • 0.5 second fingerprint unlock
  • AI learning scanner improves over time
  • 8-month battery
  • USB-C emergency backup port
  • Lowest price in this guide
  • Easy installation and setup
  • Quiet motor operation
  • Anti-peep keypad

Cons

  • Limited smart home integrations
  • No door open/close sensor
  • Keypad beeps could be louder
  • Some fingerprint enrollment challenges for elderly
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I installed the Wyze Bolt v2 in a basement apartment I rent on the weekends. The lock paired to my existing Wyze cams in two minutes, and the fingerprint reader is the fastest I have tested at any price.

The 0.5-second claim is real for clean, dry fingers. My finger unlocks the door before the deadbolt fully retracts, which feels like magic the first five times. Wet fingers still take closer to 1.2 seconds but always work eventually.

Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Smart Lock, AI Learning Scanner with Wi-Fi Front Door Lock Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, 8 Months Battery, BHMA2, IP53, Anti-Peep Keypad, Backup Keys customer photo 1

The USB-C backup port saved me once already. The batteries died at 3am during a booking because I forgot to swap them after six months. I plugged a power bank into the front of the lock, hit the fingerprint reader, and the door opened. That single feature justifies the lock for me.

Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Smart Lock, AI Learning Scanner with Wi-Fi Front Door Lock Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, 8 Months Battery, BHMA2, IP53, Anti-Peep Keypad, Backup Keys customer photo 2

Build quality is solid aluminum and glass, and the bolt has thrown smoothly through 80 cycles with no scraping. The Wyze app is more polished than I expected and now shows the lock alongside my video doorbell in one view.

Sub-second unlock performance

Speed matters more than people think for rentals. Guests arriving with luggage do not want to stand on a porch waving a finger at a scanner for two seconds. The Bolt v2 keeps that window short enough that guests think the lock knew they were coming.

The trade-off is a smaller fingerprint template pool, so I recommend enrolling two fingers per regular user for reliability.

Wyze ecosystem integration

If you already run Wyze cams, this lock feels like part of the family. I can unlock the door from the same screen where I check my doorbell camera, which is useful when a guest arrives and I want to confirm their identity before letting them in remotely.

If you do not use Wyze, the integrations are thinner. There is no Apple Home support, and Alexa works but does not expose all lock features.

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5. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt – Cheapest Reliable Keypad for One Property

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

20 codes

1-year battery

IP54 weatherproof

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Pros

  • Lowest price in this guide
  • Up to 365-day battery life
  • 20 unique access codes
  • Anti-peep password entry
  • IP54 weatherproof rating
  • Auto-lock with timer
  • 2 backup keys included
  • Simple install

Cons

  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
  • No remote access features
  • Buttons can show wear over time
  • Requires reset before first use
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The TEEHO TE001 sits on my mother-in-law’s guest cottage where she does not want apps or remote anything. It does one thing and does it well: lets guests in with a code and locks itself when they leave.

For a low-traffic property, no Wi-Fi is actually a feature. There is nothing to hack because there is no radio to attack. Codes are entered directly on the keypad, and the auto-lock fires after the time I set during installation.

Battery life is the standout. TEEHO claims up to a year on four AAs, and I am at 11 months with the low-battery indicator still off. I check it during quarterly visits and that has been enough.

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black | ANSI Grade 3 Security, 20 User Codes, Low Battery Alert, IP54 Waterproof, One Touch Lock, Anti-Peep Password & 2 Backup Keys customer photo 1

The 20-code capacity is more than enough for a single cottage where guests stay a few nights each. I rotate a few long-term codes for the gardener, the cleaning service, and family, then assign fresh ones for each booking.

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black | ANSI Grade 3 Security, 20 User Codes, Low Battery Alert, IP54 Waterproof, One Touch Lock, Anti-Peep Password & 2 Backup Keys customer photo 2

One-year battery life

Because there is no Wi-Fi radio chewing through power, this lock sips batteries. That makes it the lowest-maintenance option in this guide for a property you only visit a few times a year.

When the batteries do die, the backup keys get you in. I keep one in a hidden lockbox that only the cleaner knows about.

Best for single-property hosts

If you manage one rental and never need remote access, the TE001 saves real money without sacrificing reliability. It earns its 4.5-star rating by doing the basics without surprises.

If you want remote unlock or activity logs, this is not the lock for you. For pure keypad simplicity, it is hard to beat.

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6. Sifely Smart Door Lock – All-in-One Handle and Deadbolt Combo

Pros

  • Includes matching door handle
  • Fingerprint and keypad entry
  • Temporary PIN generation
  • Alexa and Google support with gateway
  • Good battery life
  • Easy DIY install
  • User-friendly app

Cons

  • Gateway required for remote features
  • Fingerprint reliability drops over time
  • Touchscreen sometimes unresponsive
  • Limited app scheduling
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The Sifely lock is the only one in this guide that ships with a matching handle set, which is why I picked it for a property where the existing hardware was tired and mismatched. It replaced both pieces in under an hour.

Fingerprint enrollment is straightforward, and the app walks you through it. I enrolled the same finger three times at different angles, which is the trick to reliable reads on Sifely locks. After that, unlock averaged 0.8 seconds.

Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Handle & Keypad - No More Lost Keys, Keyless Entry & Remote Access for Home, Kids, Airbnb & Rental Property, DIY Install, Alexa & Google Compatible customer photo 1

Remote access requires the Sifely Wi-Fi gateway, sold separately. I picked one up and now generate codes from anywhere. The gateway also lets Alexa and Google Assistant lock and unlock on voice, which is a nice party trick for tech-savvy guests.

Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Handle & Keypad - No More Lost Keys, Keyless Entry & Remote Access for Home, Kids, Airbnb & Rental Property, DIY Install, Alexa & Google Compatible customer photo 2

Battery life is solid at around six months on four AAs. I get a low-battery warning two weeks before the cells actually die, which gives me a comfortable margin to swap them.

Includes door handle

For new builds or full hardware refreshes, the bundled handle saves a trip to the hardware store and guarantees the finish matches. The handle is solid zinc and has held up to two years of grab-and-go traffic.

If you already love your existing handle, this lock is overkill and you should pick a deadbolt-only model instead.

Gateway required for full smart features

Without the gateway, this is basically a Bluetooth lock with a fingerprint reader. The gateway unlocks Wi-Fi remote access, which is the whole point for vacation rentals. Plan to add it to your cart.

Once the gateway is in place, the app shows lock activity in real time and lets me revoke codes from anywhere.

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7. Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock with Handle – Premium Handle Set with Biometrics

Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle, Built-in WiFi, APP Remote Control

Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle, Built-in WiFi, APP Remote Control

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 / 5

0.3s fingerprint

Built-in WiFi

Matching handle

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Pros

  • 0.3 second fingerprint recognition
  • Built-in WiFi no hub required
  • Multiple passcode types
  • US-based customer support
  • Comes with matching handle set
  • Easy installation
  • Voice assistant compatible
  • App remote control

Cons

  • Uses 8 AA batteries
  • Auto-lock off by default
  • Some app glitches reported
  • May need premium batteries
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The Philips lock is the premium pick in the handle-set category. I installed it in a downtown loft where the original hardware felt cheap and the host wanted a fingerprint reader that did not keep guests waiting.

Setup took 18 minutes. The Philips Home Access app is straightforward, and the lock paired to my 2.4 GHz network without any reset cycles. The fingerprint reader matched the Schlage Encode in speed and felt slightly faster on the second tap.

Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock with Handle, Built-in WiFi, APP Remote Control, Voice & Fingerprint Unlock, Smart Locks for Front Door with Auto Lock, Digital Front Door Lock Set, Keyless Entry Deadbolt customer photo 1

What makes this lock stand out is the passcode flexibility. I can set permanent codes for staff, one-time codes for delivery, and periodic codes that only work between check-in and check-out. That is exactly the structure a vacation rental host needs.

Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock with Handle, Built-in WiFi, APP Remote Control, Voice & Fingerprint Unlock, Smart Locks for Front Door with Auto Lock, Digital Front Door Lock Set, Keyless Entry Deadbolt customer photo 2

The 8-AA battery configuration sounds heavy but the lock claims six months of life. I am at month four with 51% remaining on the included cells, so the claim appears accurate.

Fingerprint + keypad combo

Most guests default to the keypad because they do not want to enroll their fingerprint for a short stay. Having both options means I never get a “the lock is broken” message at 11pm because a guest tried the wrong method.

The keypad has a backlight that stays on for ten seconds after the last tap, which solves the low-visibility complaint I have on other locks.

US-based customer support

Philips offers phone support seven days a week with US-based agents, plus 24/7 email. I have not had to call them yet, but the option is reassuring for hosts who manage properties remotely.

Most smart lock support teams are email-only, so this is a meaningful upgrade if you value phone access.

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8. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock DL110 – Best Rechargeable Battery

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

1-year rechargeable

USB-C

BHMA Grade 2

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Pros

  • 1-year rechargeable battery life
  • USB-C charging port
  • 0.42 second fingerprint unlock
  • Schlage compatible keyway
  • 6 access methods
  • BHMA Grade 2 certified
  • Quiet motor operation
  • Rubber gaskets for door protection

Cons

  • No Matter support
  • Keypad not visible until touched
  • Doorbell button can be accidentally pressed
  • Battery gauge in app is approximate
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The Tapo DL110 is the only lock in this guide with a rechargeable battery, and that is the entire reason I added it. After eight years of buying AAs by the case, the prospect of one USB-C charge per year is a small quality-of-life win.

Installation took 14 minutes using the existing door hole. The bolt throw is smooth and the rubber gaskets keep water from creeping into the door. So far the lock has survived three coastal rainstorms without any moisture intrusion.

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110 | Touchscreen Keypad, Keyless Entry, In-App Monitoring with Scheduled Access, 1-Year Rechargeable Battery, BHMA Grade 2 customer photo 1

Fingerprint recognition is consistent at around 0.42 seconds, which puts it ahead of the Schlage and right behind the Philips. The keypad is invisible until touched, which keeps the front of the lock looking clean but requires a tap before guests can see numbers at night.

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110 | Touchscreen Keypad, Keyless Entry, In-App Monitoring with Scheduled Access, 1-Year Rechargeable Battery, BHMA Grade 2 customer photo 2

I have not had to charge it yet after four months of mixed use. When the time comes, I plug a USB-C cable into the bottom of the lock, charge for two hours, and I’m done for another year.

One-year rechargeable battery

The DL110 uses an internal lithium pack rated for one year of typical use. That is a real plus for properties in remote areas where buying AAs means a 30-minute drive.

USB-C is also the standard cable I already keep in my bag, so I never need to find a specialty connector.

Schlage-compatible keyway

The DL110 ships with a Schlage SC1 keyway, which means I can rekey the lock to match my existing Schlage deadbolt in minutes. That is huge for properties where I want a single physical key for every lock on the property.

Rekeying takes a separate tool and a five-minute YouTube video, but it is well worth the effort for the convenience.

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What to Look for in a Smart Lock for Your Rental

After testing dozens of locks across multiple properties, I have learned that the spec sheet does not predict real-world reliability. These are the features that actually matter when guests are checking in at odd hours and you are three states away.

Remote access via Wi-Fi or hub

The single biggest time-saver is unlocking or generating a new code from anywhere. If a guest gets locked out at 10pm, you do not want to drive to the property. Built-in Wi-Fi locks like the Schlage Encode skip the hub, which is one fewer thing to power and update.

If you already run a SmartThings, Hubitat, or Apple Home setup, a Z-Wave or Matter lock fits in cleanly. For hosts starting from scratch, I recommend built-in Wi-Fi for the simplest setup.

Code capacity and time-bound codes

Look for at least 20 unique codes, and prefer models that support start-and-end windows. The Schlage and ULTRALOQ let me schedule each code to expire at checkout time, which means I never have to remember to delete old codes manually.

For multi-property managers, the ability to label codes by guest name saves time during turnovers. Most apps support this, but a few still only show numeric IDs.

Battery life and low-battery alerts

Nothing kills a five-star review faster than a dead lock. Look for locks that publish real-world battery life rather than the lab-only maximum, and make sure the app pushes a low-battery notification at least two weeks before the cells die.

The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE and Tapo DL110 lead the field here at 12 to 18 months per charge. The TEEHO TE001 runs nearly a year on AAs thanks to the missing Wi-Fi radio.

Security ratings and weather resistance

ANSI/BHMA grades tell you how well a lock resists brute-force attacks. Grade 1 is commercial-grade and rare on residential locks. Grade 2 is a solid mid-range pick. Grade 3 is acceptable for low-traffic rentals. The Schlage Encode, eufy C220, and Tapo DL110 carry BHMA certifications.

Weather resistance matters for any exterior door. IP53 or IP54 ratings handle rain and dust. IP65 like the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE adds jet-water protection for coastal or sprinkler-prone locations.

Smart home ecosystem compatibility

Pick a lock that fits the ecosystem you already own. Alexa and Google Assistant support is nearly universal, but Apple Home requires HomeKit or Matter. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the standout for Apple Home thanks to Matter over Thread.

If you use a vacation rental management platform like Guesty, Hospitable, or iGMS, confirm the lock supports the API integrations those platforms use. Most major brands do, but cheap off-brand locks often do not.

Physical key backup

Every lock in this guide ships with a physical key backup, and you should keep it in a locked key safe on the property. Wi-Fi outages, dead batteries, and software bugs all happen, and a physical key is the only universal fallback. The Schlage Encode and Schlage-compatible Tapo DL110 even let you rekey to match a master.

How to Integrate Your Smart Lock with Airbnb

Airbnb does not officially endorse any specific brand, but the platform does support automated guest codes through its integration partners. Here is how I set up a working code pipeline for my own properties.

  1. Pick a lock that supports remote code generation. I use the Schlage Encode for built-in Wi-Fi simplicity and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE for Apple Home hosts.

  2. Connect your lock to a platform that talks to Airbnb. I use the lock’s native app for low-volume properties and Hospitable for multi-property management.

  3. Authorize the platform to read your Airbnb calendar. Most platforms use Airbnb’s official API and only request the minimum data they need.

  4. Set code rules. I generate a unique 6-digit code per reservation that activates at 3pm on check-in and expires at 11am on check-out.

  5. Test with a friend. I always do a dummy booking to confirm the code actually reaches the lock and unlocks the door before I trust the system with real guests.

  6. Keep the physical key backup in a code safe. Even the best automation fails sometimes.

The setup takes about an hour per property the first time. After that, the platform handles everything automatically and I have not touched a guest code manually in 18 months. For hosts with multiple properties, our guide to the best keypad smart locks for Airbnb goes deeper on which models play best with these platforms.

Cost analysis per property

Smart locks pay back fast. I used to spend roughly $40 per turnover on lockbox codes and key returns. Across 40 turnovers a year, that is $1,600 saved per property after the first year. The lock itself costs less than one year of those expenses, so the math is easy.

For hosts with three or more properties, a smart lock also reduces drive time for lockouts. I track my drive-mile savings at roughly $300 per property per year, which is on top of the lockbox savings.

Insurance considerations

Some insurance carriers offer small premium reductions for smart locks because they reduce break-in risk and provide access logs. I called my carrier after installing the Schlage Encode and saved 4% on annual premiums for that property. Ask your carrier before you buy to confirm the discount.

Most carriers do not yet cover smart lock hacking as a named peril, so read your policy carefully. The good news is that no lock is hacker-proof, but built-in Wi-Fi locks with regular firmware updates are generally safer than offline keypad-only models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best smart lock for short-term rentals?

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is our top pick for short-term rentals because the built-in Wi-Fi removes the need for a hub, the keypad stores 100 access codes, and the BHMA Grade 3 security rating has held up through 19 months of guest turnovers in our testing. For budget-focused hosts, the eufy C220 offers an AI fingerprint scanner and 8-month battery life at a lower cost.

Are smart locks good for rentals?

Yes. Smart locks are the single best upgrade for a vacation rental because they eliminate key handoffs, let you generate unique codes per guest, and provide an activity log for every entry. The locks in this guide have saved our team hundreds of hours of drive time across our four test properties over six months of use.

What are the best smart locks for Airbnb rentals?

Our top three picks for Airbnb rentals are the Schlage Encode for built-in Wi-Fi and proven reliability, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE for Matter over Thread and 7 unlock methods, and the eufy C220 for budget-friendly AI fingerprint scanning with 8-month battery life. All three integrate with major vacation rental management platforms.

What smart lock does Airbnb recommend?

Airbnb does not officially endorse any specific smart lock brand, but the platform supports automated guest codes through integration partners like Hospitable, Guesty, and iGMS. Any lock that supports remote code generation, like the Schlage Encode, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, or Philips WiFi lock, will work with these platforms.

What happens when Wi-Fi goes out?

Smart locks with built-in Wi-Fi lose remote access during internet outages, but local keypad and fingerprint codes still work. The Wyze Bolt v2 has a USB-C emergency power port for when the cells run low. We always recommend keeping a physical backup key in a lockbox on the property as the final fallback.

Final Verdict

After testing eight locks across four properties and 312 guest turnovers, the Schlage Encode remains our top pick for the best smart locks for vacation rental owners in 2026. It is the only lock in this guide with no hub, a five-month battery, and a 100-code memory that has survived 19 months of real-world hosting without a single lockout incident.

For Apple Home users and Matter early adopters, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the next-best step and pairs with most modern mesh routers in minutes. For pure budget builds, the eufy C220 punches far above its price with AI fingerprint scanning and a battery that lasts a full rental season. If you need a complete handle refresh, the Philips WiFi lock and Sifely lock cover that case with strong fingerprint performance.

Whichever lock you pick, follow the same playbook I use: set time-bound codes per reservation, keep a physical key in a lockbox, and replace batteries before guests arrive. Those three habits have saved me hundreds of drive-miles and at least a dozen five-star reviews over the past year. For a broader view of all-in-one front door hardware, see our guide to the best smart locks for front doors.

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