Smart Lock Recommendations?

[Mike Allen]

Hi. New to MTR here. I've seen this lock recommended because it integrates with some property management companies:
https://a.co/d/039XfxDz

According to this article (https://strhub.com/.../schlage-encode-smart-wifi-deadbolt/) it integrates with:

• Hospitable
• RemoteLock
• Operto
• Jervis Systems
• Lynx
• PointCentral

Any opinions on this or other locks?

[Matt Vohnoutka]

Hey @Mike Allen, I use the Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolts at my STR - one for the front porch door into the property (it's a duplex), a second for the main entry door into the upstairs unit itself, and then one on the supply closet in the unit for our cleaning team.

I don't have any third party management software in place at the moment, and therefore can't speak to the integrations at this point in time.  What I can tell you is that I specifically got these locks because they appeared to have the most third-party app integrations, so I wouldn't be limiting my PMS options if I did move that direction in the future.

For now though, I manually update the lock codes for each guest ahead of their arrival, which takes about 90 seconds in total - super quick and easy.  The locks and keypads have been very reliable overall, with the batteries in each lock lasting about 4 months with pretty active use, and handling some pretty extreme cold weather.  The app also gives you a real time battery life percentage, so you can tell when they're in need of being changed out.  I've found that the lock's wifi reliability drops pretty drastically when the lock batteries drop below 40%.

Speaking of, the Schlage app is very easy to use, allowing you to set up a maximum of 100 codes for each lock (admins, cleaners, guests, guest back-up codes, etc).  I like that you can set up specific start and end dates/times for each code as well.  We make sure the airbnb guest codes don't go live until our exact check-in time each day unless the guests specifically request an early check-in - this makes sure our guests don't try to get in early before the apartment is ready.

My only knock on the locks is that their wifi range isn't super robust, especially if the wifi signal has to travel vertically between floors to get from the router to the lock.  Try to get your wifi router on the same level as close as possible to the lock (<20 feet should give you great signal strength), and your Schlage Encode wifi reception should be in good shape.  Hope this helps!

[Jeremy Wirths]

@Mike Allen Shlage Encode or Yale Assure are the go-to’s

[Andrew Steffens]

Yes if you search on here this question comes up often - Schalge Enocde are #1 recommended.  We are a mid sized PM Co and use Lynx so it is important to interface with them.

[Bonnie Low]

I have units with the Schlage Encode and others with the Kwikset Halo and I far prefer the Kwikset. Unfortunately, I also use Hospitable for my PMS and they STILL haven't gotten the Kwikset integration. It's really not a big deal. I just have to assign the codes manually and make sure the code makes it in my automated check-in email. I just don't like the functionality of the Schlage. It's harder to program, the app is less user friendly, I find it glitchy and it drains the batteries much faster than the Kwikset.

[Jon Martin]

@Bonnie Low does the Kwikset Halo require a separate WIFI bridge? 

Also curious to hear what you prefer over the Schlage Encode. I have 2 properties with August deadbolts and they are usually great, but if the WIFI bridge goes out it is a huge process to reset it and requires someone onsite with customer service to get it going again. 

[Bonnie Low]

I haven't had any issues with the wifi in either the Kwikset or the Schlage but my Schlage is in a city location with usually reliable internet. However, my Kwikset is in a very rural, mountain area (Lake Lure NC) and I have a 3 story cabin. The router is on the top level, the lock is on the main floor and power goes out regularly. We have a backup generator that kicks on within seconds when the power goes out and even despite all that, I have zero issues with the Kwikset lock. There is no separate wifi bridge. 

I just find the Schlage to be glitchy. It's more difficult to program, the interface isn't as good as the Kwikset and the batteries drain much faster.

[JD Martin]

Schlage Encode for sure. We had nothing but problems with the Kwikset, and the Schlage is a commercial type lock. Take them both apart and the difference in construction is obvious. The Kwikset also ate batteries. The Schlage app is also superior. 

[Dan H.]

We had various issues with kwikset halo including too quick battery drain and keyboard issues (not all the numbers being initially displayed)   

We swapped all out STR kwikset halo to Kabo locks. It was the lock suggested by our PM and is integrated with the app they use. The batteries last significantly longer than the Halo batteries and Halo did not integrate with the app they use.

I do not have any experience with Schlage Encode but was aware that they have many happy customers.   

[Sarah Kensinger]

Yale Assure with the wi-fi connecter/box inside, is our first choice! We don't need to use anything besides our PMS that connects directly with the lock, and automatically populates the guest's code into the lock.  

[Tim Foley]

Great insight, everyone. I am buying my first STR and this information is very helpful.

[Zachary Cain Humphrey]

Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolt

[Miles Hobson]

Echoing what others have said here but I work for Hospitable and plenty of our customers recommend Schlage Encode. We have a long list of locks we support but that's the one I hear most positive comments about.