Written & researched byDale FerrisSmart Home Editor
Updated August 2026
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. We do not buy, install, or physically handle the cameras we cover; our rankings come from aggregated owner reviews, ratings and expert consensus. Commissions never change our verdicts. How we rank · full disclosure.
How we’re funded: the links below are affiliate links — buy through them and we earn a small commission at no cost to you. It never changes a ranking. We do not buy or physically handle these locks; every verdict here comes from aggregated owner reviews. See how we rank and our affiliate disclosure.
Short version: for a rental you don’t visit between every stay, a WiFi-connected lock that lets you create and revoke guest codes remotely — the Schlage Encode — is worth the higher price. If you’re comfortable manually swapping a shared code between guests, the TEEHO TE001 does the job for a fraction of the cost. The Kwikset SmartCode 270 sits in between, cheaper than the Schlage with room to add smart connectivity later.
The Ranked Field: Star Rating, Consensus and Price
#1
Best Overall for Rentals
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Best for remotely generating and revoking unique guest codes for every stay.
Built-in WiFi for remote code management.
Up to 100 unique codes.
Activity log of who entered and when.
Over 16,500 verified owner ratings.
Why buy it: Built-in WiFi means you can create a fresh guest code and revoke the previous one remotely without a bridge accessory or an in-person visit.
$229.00 · Check Price Where to buy: Amazon Price as of Aug 22, 2026, 3:13 PM UTC, updated every 3h · subject to change
#2
Best Budget for Rentals
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt
Best for a low-cost lock for a rental where remote code management is not essential.
ANSI Grade keypad deadbolt.
No app or subscription required.
Backlit keypad for night entry.
Over 10,600 verified owner ratings.
Why buy it: A well-reviewed, low-cost option for a host who is comfortable manually changing a shared code between guests rather than managing codes remotely.
$35.98 · Check Price Where to buy: Amazon Price as of Aug 22, 2026, 3:13 PM UTC, updated every 3h · subject to change
#3
Best Value with Smart-Home Upgrade Path
Kwikset SmartCode 270 Keyless Entry Deadbolt
Best for a middle-ground option between manual code changes and full remote management.
Electronic touchpad deadbolt.
Auto-lock feature.
Compatible with Kwikset smart-home accessories.
Over 1,000 verified owner ratings.
Why buy it: A reasonable middle ground — cheaper than the Schlage Encode with a clear upgrade path to remote management if the property later needs it.
$98.99 · Check Price Where to buy: Amazon Price as of Aug 22, 2026, 3:13 PM UTC, updated every 3h · subject to change
We do not buy or physically install these locks. Every star rating and review count comes from licensed Amazon data. Full method on how we rank.
What Matters Most for a Rental
Remote Code Management
The single biggest differentiator for a rental specifically — being able to set a guest’s code before they arrive and have it expire automatically after checkout, without a property visit.
Activity Logs
Knowing when a code was used adds real operational value for a host managing a property remotely, beyond what a personal-residence buyer typically needs.
Durability for High Turnover
A rental lock gets used far more frequently than a household one — established brands with deep review histories (Schlage, Kwikset) have more evidence of holding up to that use than newer, thinly-reviewed listings.
The Verdict
For a rental you manage remotely, the Schlage Encode’s built-in WiFi and remote code management justify the higher price. For a property you visit regularly, the TEEHO TE001 is a well-reviewed, low-cost alternative. The Kwikset SmartCode 270 is the reasonable middle ground.
Do I need WiFi for an Airbnb smart lock, or can I manage it in person?
It depends on how hands-on you want to be. Built-in WiFi (like the Schlage Encode) lets you create and revoke unique guest codes remotely without visiting the property between every stay — the standard setup for hosts managing a property they don’t live near. A no-WiFi keypad lock (like the TEEHO TE001) works fine if you’re comfortable manually changing a shared code between guests, which suits a host who visits the property regularly anyway.
Can I give each guest a unique code that expires automatically?
On WiFi-connected locks like the Schlage Encode, yes — most host-facing property management tools and the lock’s own app support creating a code valid only for a specific guest’s date range, which then expires automatically without needing you to manually delete it. This is one of the biggest practical advantages of a WiFi-connected lock for a rental specifically.
Is an activity log useful for a rental property?
Yes — being able to see which code was used to enter and when is genuinely useful for a rental, both for confirming a guest checked in on time and for general property oversight. It’s a feature worth prioritizing on any lock you’re specifically buying for a rental rather than a personal residence.
We value your privacy
We use cookies to run essential site features and, with your consent, analytics (Google Analytics) to understand how the site is used. You can accept, reject non-essential cookies, or read our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
