Any Airbnb Superhost will tell you this: Smart locks and exterior cameras are among the most important things to improve a rental property. Last year, I took a trip to Sarandë, a resort town in southern Albania, and worked with a key that kept getting stuck in my pants while I was walking around. That, along with poor infrastructure, made the stay less smooth than expected.
I like the trend where hosts set the code as the last four digits of the guest’s phone number. My memory needs that kind of help. This is where the best smart lock with camera for Airbnb hosts comes in. I’ve done the research so you can position your site with confidence and provide an exceptional guest experience.
What you can see in Airbnb’s smart lock
You’ll see several types of smart locks: deadbolt adapters, full deadbolt replacements, and full knob or lever replacements. Each type has a role, but short-term rentals require gear that works regularly, is easy for visitors, and allows for remote control. That makes the full deadbolt your go-to option.
Smart locks focus on convenience. They offer several login options, such as keypad codes, fingerprint scans, or an app. Keypad locks are perfect for rental owners and vacation hosts who handle multiple handoffs.
Most keypad locks allow you to set temporary codes for each guest and remove them after check-out. You can add or remove PINs and digital keys from your phone. Guests enjoy the freedom to check in on their own and skip the meeting, and avoid the risk of losing the key.
The smart keypad lock also sends alerts when someone uses it. You can unlock the door or change the codes from anywhere at any time.
Built-in vs. add-on camera: which one works best?
Many hosts choose a smart lock and pair it with a separate doorbell camera from brands like Ring or Nest. If the lock app fails, the camera still works. When the camera stops, the lock is still active. Some locks now connect with Airbnb to generate guest codes, and most of those models don’t include a camera. If you want to lock with a built-in camera, there is a solid option below that earns its price.
The best smart lock with built-in camera: eufy Video Smart Lock S330
eufy Video Smart Lock S330
In 2026, hosts tend to look at Lockly Vision Elite and eufy Video Smart Lock S330. The Vision Elite offers a lock and doorbell in one unit, but the eufy S330 costs less, captures sharper 2K video, and holds up better over time.
Battery life stood out to me. Locks with Wi-Fi, cameras, or motion tracking use more energy. The S330 packs a 10,000 mAh non-rechargeable battery for long-term use. eufy says a full charge can last about four months, and a user reports that claim. Many say they’ve changed the battery once, maybe twice, in that time.
You get five ways to unlock: fingerprint, eufy app, voice control with Alexa or Google, keypad, or key. From any location, you can view your front door through the camera and control the lock from the app. The S330 can detect the difference between human and other movements, so it avoids continuous alerts when a dog passes by. I saw reports of problems with human detection, and eufy fixed that with an update.
Smart locks compatible with Airbnb
If you manage multiple guest accommodations, you’ll love that certain locks now work with Airbnb to create codes for each guest. August, Yale Assure, and Schlage Encode locks offer coded keys that the Airbnb app sets and expires upon checkout. Here’s how that setup makes your hosting life easier:
- Stay in control: View guest codes and set access times right in the Airbnb app
- Guests get a smooth check-in: They receive their code in the email with the travel details, so they can check in without any hassle
- Setup takes little effort: Use a compatible smart lock and connect your smart lock account
- You retain full access: Your personal codes work the same as before
Wi-Fi touch screen deadbolt: Schlage Encode
With Schlage Encode, you can lock or unlock any location, manage up to 100 codes, and view lock history on the Schlage Home app via Wi-Fi. The application can write a message for new guests with their code and access window. When their stay ends, the code stops working.
Schlage includes four AA batteries that can last six months with regular use. Some users report a year or more, based on usage. You can check the battery status in the app, to avoid problems for visitors. Battery replacement takes about 15 seconds and requires no tools, unlike other keys that need to be removed with screws.
The lock sends alerts when someone opens or closes it, but the timing can vary. I suggest you pair it with a home camera system, like the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus.
Wi-Fi lock with built-in key: Yale Assure Lock 2 Deadbolt
Yale Confirm Lock 2 Deadbolt
Yale offers several models of Assure Lock 2, but the base version suits most hosts. Its keypad uses physical keys, making entry easier and reducing input errors. The key slot also provides a backup in case of technical problems.
You can set the lock to automatically lock itself when DoorSense detects that the door is closed. Users say it works even if one lock uses several listings, such as rooms in the same home. I stayed in a guest house in Sarandë with many guests upstairs, and this setup would have made check-in easier.
Like other Airbnb-friendly locks, the Yale Assure Lock 2 doesn’t include a camera, but it works well with external systems. It supports activity logs, sends alerts, and connects with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Pair it with a smart camera, like a doorbell, to track arrivals and lock usage.
Why August Smart Locks are not available to Airbnb hosts
August offers a few Airbnb-friendly locks, but the price doesn’t stand out to me. The closest entry is the August Home Silver Wi-Fi Smart Lock with smart keypad. However, users say that the batteries in both the lock and the keypad drain frequently, even when the light is in use. Another issue is that the app doesn’t show the battery status until it reaches a critical level and sends an alert.
Quick start advice
I suggest you first decide between an all-in-one unit or a modular setup. If you’re looking for a formal porch, an integrated camera lock like the eufy S330 is your best bet. If you prefer the reliability of established lock products and already have a doorbell camera, a dedicated smart deadbolt like the Schlage Encode or Yale Assure 2 is the way to go.
Your next steps:
- Check your login: Measure your current deadbolt and test your Wi-Fi signal strength at the door before buying anything
- Select your hardware: Order an integrated camera lock for convenience, or a standalone smart lock if you want to pair it with an existing security system.
- Automatic access: Link your new lock to your Airbnb account to ensure that guest codes are automatically generated based on their booking dates
- Configure alerts: Enable notifications so you know exactly when visitors arrive and when the door is secured
Separate thoughts
Smart locks and cameras complement Airbnb hosting and take the stress out of guest access. You should choose a system that provides codes, tracks entries, and allows you to control access to your phone. I trust the eufy Video Smart Lock S330 for a camera and lock unit, and I prefer the Schlage Encode or Yale Assure for easy setup with tight control.