The right smart lock eliminates key handoffs, enables self-check-in, and auto-generates a unique PIN for every guest. That's the bar. Everything else is feature bloat. After testing the leading models across occupied listings, our pick for most hosts is the Schlage Encode Plus, with the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock as the best retrofit option.

Our pick: Schlage Encode Plus

Best for: solo hosts and small operators running 1–10 properties who want built-in Wi-Fi, Apple Home Key, and a physical keypad that holds up to daily use.

Starting price: $299.

It's the only deadbolt in our test that combines a proven mechanical core, native Wi-Fi (no hub), and clean integrations with major PMS platforms via SmartThings and third-party bridges. Battery life lands at 6–8 months in real use. The keypad is the one people actually like typing on at 11 p.m.

Pros

• Native Wi-Fi, no hub required
• Works with Apple Home Key, Alexa, Google, SmartThings
• ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt — rated for commercial use
• Schlage's 100-year warranty on mechanical parts

Cons

• No direct native integration with Hostaway or Guesty — needs a bridge (RemoteLock, PointCentral, Operto)
• Keypad numbers wear visibly after ~18 months of heavy use

Best retrofit: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen)

Best for: hosts who can't (or don't want to) swap the exterior hardware — condos with HOA restrictions, historic homes, or rentals where the existing deadbolt works fine.

Starting price: $229.

August installs on the interior side of your existing deadbolt, keeping the exterior untouched. You keep your physical keys; guests get auto-generated PINs via the August Smart Keypad (sold separately for $59). Battery life is shorter — about 3–5 months — but installation is 10 minutes with a screwdriver.

When to skip it

If your exterior deadbolt is old, loose, or a cheap builder-grade lock, replace the whole thing. August's reliability depends entirely on the lock underneath it.

Best for multi-property operators: igloohome Deadbolt 2S

Starting price: $249.

igloohome's PIN-generation works offline — the lock and the code are generated using a shared algorithm, so you can issue a time-bound code without the lock ever touching the internet. For operators with spotty Wi-Fi properties or remote cabins, that's a meaningful reliability advantage. Deep integration with Hostaway, Guesty, and Hospitable.

How we picked

1. Reliability over 6+ months in live listings. We didn't trust anything we hadn't run through a full busy season.
2. PIN management via API or native PMS integration. Manual code entry doesn't scale past 3 properties.
3. Battery life and failure modes. What happens when the battery dies at 2 a.m.? Every lock we recommend has a physical key backup or a 9V contact override.
4. Build quality. ANSI Grade 1 or 2 only. Grade 3 locks are residential-quality and will fail under STR-level use.
5. Cost of ownership. Not just the lock — the bridge, the keypad, the replacement batteries, the subscription if there is one.

Who should buy what

If you're running a single property and want the simplest path, buy the Schlage Encode Plus and pair it with your PMS via RemoteLock. If you can't change your exterior hardware, August is the only honest answer. If you're running 5+ properties with mixed Wi-Fi quality, igloohome's offline PIN generation will save you more headaches than its lower brand recognition costs you.

Bottom line

Smart locks are the single highest-ROI piece of hardware in a short-term rental. Every lockout call you avoid is a $50 locksmith bill and a guest complaint you don't have to absorb. Buy once, integrate it with your PMS, and stop thinking about keys.

FAQ

Do I need a hub for a smart lock?

Not for the locks we recommend. Schlage Encode Plus and igloohome both have native Wi-Fi. August requires its own bridge for remote access but the bridge is included in current bundles.

What happens if the batteries die?

Every lock we recommend has a 9V terminal on the exterior or a physical key backup. Replace batteries every 6 months as a standard turnover task.

Can smart locks be hacked?

Mainstream smart locks from Schlage, August, and igloohome use AES-128 encryption and have not had a documented real-world breach. The larger risk is operational — PINs shared between guests — which you solve with auto-rotating codes per reservation.