Best Overall
LOCKSTAR Smart Lock
Key details
- Door Fit
- 1.5–1.9 in. wooden doors
- Guest Codes
- Temporary timed passcodes
- Remote Access
- WiFi gateway included
- Access Methods
- App, fingerprint, code, card, fob, key
A WiFi gateway in the box is the first thing we look for in a rental lock, and the LOCKSTAR includes one. That single choice changes the job: you can issue a timed code from the app before a guest arrives, watch the entry history, and avoid driving over to reprogram the keypad. For an Airbnb with back-to-back stays, that remote management is the feature that matters most, which is why this is our top pick.
The access list is broader than it needs to be, and that's a good thing for a rental. Guests can use a code; family and cleaners can use a fingerprint, card, or fob; and a traditional key is there for the host. We paid more attention to the guest-code side than the fingerprint reader, because a code is the one thing every guest can use without setup. The fingerprint sensor works, though it occasionally takes a second touch, which is a minor annoyance rather than a dealbreaker.
Installation is a screwdriver job, and the box includes the screwdriver and drill piece, which is a small detail we appreciated because it means one less trip to the toolbox. The lock is sized for 1.5–1.9-inch wooden doors, so measure before you order if your door is unusually thick or thin. Auto-lock can be set to close behind you, and the app records who came in and when.
The premium is the main hurdle. If you don't need remote codes or entry history, a keypad-only deadbolt does the core job for much less. But for a rental where you're not on site, the included gateway and turnover-friendly codes are worth the extra.
Pros
- Included WiFi gateway for remote code changes
- Timed guest codes and entry history
- Six access methods, including card, fob, and key
- Included screwdriver and drill piece for install
Cons
- Fingerprint sensor can need a second touch
- Fits only 1.5–1.9 in. wooden doors
For remote Airbnb management, the LOCKSTAR is our default: the included WiFi gateway, timed guest codes, and entry history cover turnover without a separate hub.