6 Best Lockboxes Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

A lockbox is an affordable way to facilitate remote (or self-serviced) guest check-ins. It’s a small storage container that contains a set or two of keys, which your guests can open via a manual code. For extra security, you can change the lockbox’s code after every stay. The perfect lockbox will be secure and durable, and can withstand any attempts at break-ins and lock picking.

Here are our top 6 lockbox picks for your Airbnb or vacation rental:

• Smaid Key Lock Box: Best Rated Lockbox Overall
• TTRWIN Security Key Lock Box: Top Budget Lockbox Pick
• Master Lock 5415D: Most Durable Lockbox
• Champs Combination Realtor Lock: Smallest, Most Space-Efficient Lockbox
• Master Lock 5441EC Bluetooth Wall-Mount Lock Box: Luxury Lockbox Pick
• Igloohome Smart Keybox 3: Coolest, Most High-Tech Lockbox

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How We Selected the Best Airbnb Lockboxes

All the lockboxes on our list come highly recommended by both top Airbnb hosts and reviews online. They’re also durable, secure, affordable, easily installed, and don’t stand out too much on your property’s entrance.

Here’s how we determined the best lockboxes for vacation rentals:

• Host Recommendations: We asked for recommendations from vetted Airbnb hosts that have first-hand experiences with these lockboxes.
• Online Reviews: We then looked towards reviews online (both positive and negative) to determine the best.
• Security Features: The main point of a lockbox is to keep your keys secure; of course one of our top criteria would be security features.
• Price: Lockboxes should be an affordable self check-in solution. To this, we considered the price of these lockboxes and rated affordable ones higher.
• Ease of Installation: Can the lockboxes be installed by a complete beginner? Or will you need a professional to come and install it for you. Lockboxes that can be installed easily are a huge bonus.
• Durability: We looked at the materials and construction of each of these lockboxes, because lockboxes should be tough and built to last.  
• Design: Finally, we considered how the lockbox would look at your entranceway, and if they come in a variety of finishes to suit any property. We also gave points to locks that look unobtrusive and can fit into tighter spaces.

Based on our criteria, the best lockbox for your rental property is the Smaid Key Lock Box. It’s small, durable, weatherproof, and extremely secure, with enough space to hold multiple keys. It also comes at a very reasonable price, and will look unobtrusive at the entrance of your property.

1. Smaid Key Lock Box: Top Rated Lockbox

Sometimes, the most simple lockboxes are the best. That’s because they work, and work well, without the need for any bells and whistles that break down. This rings true for our top pick: the Smaid Key Lock Box, which comes at the affordable price on Amazon.

The Smaid lockbox has four digits which you can set to make 10000 combination codes. It’s also hammer- and saw-resistant, which helps minimize the risk of break-ins.

It comes in a very plain, weatherproof design that won’t look out-of-place on any entranceway. It’s also quite small, measuring 3.5 x 4.7 x 1.57 inches, yet it still has enough room inside for multiple keys; great for families or multiple guests.

The lock itself is easy to open, and won’t be a hassle for any of your guests to figure out. However, it’s not the easiest to install: customers note needing power tools to install this lock on tougher materials. Still, it can be done if you have the right tools on hand.

“I wouldn't have to go over [to the property], I could just give the guest the code to the [lockbox], and [my guests] will have a way to get in and out and lockup.” - Lisa Harst, Airbnb Superhost

2. TTRWIN Security Key Lock Box: Best Budget Lockbox

This TTRWIN 4-digit combination lockbox is our top pick for a lockbox. You can get this lockbox on Amazon—it's much cheaper than anything else on this list.

It may have a no-frills approach, but the TTRWIN is a super secure, weatherproof lock that’s built with heavy duty steel and rust-resistant zinc alloy. It’s built to withstand hammering, sawing, and prying, and will keep your property (and your guests) feeling safe.

At 2.09 x 1.73 x 0.87 inches, this lockbox doesn’t look obtrusive on your front door, yet it’s roomy enough inside to fit a few keys. It’s also easily mountable, and can be installed by a complete beginner.

A few customers have reported problems with setting the combination code. This can be quite a hassle, and thankfully seems to be limited to just a few defective products. Amazon’s return policy covers this product, so it shouldn’t be that much of a deal-breaker.

“Being able to control access points for vendors is crucial. The most important reason is for safety! Having a device that can be reset per a guest's occupancy and/or for vendor exclusive access is crucial for liability. Safety is the most important feature a [lockbox] should have!” - Laura Martin, Airbnb Host

3. Master Lock 5415D: Best for Durability

The Master Lock 5415D is an extremely durable, heavy duty wall-mounted lockbox, and is our top pick for a heavyweight lockbox that will last. Get it on Amazon. This lock is one of the more expensive options on this list, but it will last you forever.

The build quality of this Master Lock box is one of the most durable we’ve seen: built with a solid zinc body and a weatherproof cover, this lockbox will withstand the wear of a vacation rental.

At 5.5 x 4.1 x 1.7 inches, this lockbox will look massive on your entranceway. Unlike other lockbox brands, Master Lock also doesn’t come with a variety of finishes. Though we think the all-zinc body looks quite modern, it can be an eyesore for some guests. If a consistent look to your rental is important to you, then we suggest purchasing a different lockbox.

4. Champs Combination Realtor Lock: Best for Tight Spaces

Looking for a discreet lockbox for your entranceway? We recommend the Champs Combination Realtor Lock. This light (yet durable) compact lockbox can fit up to 5 keys: perfect for multiple guests. Get this lock on Champs’ Amazon store.

Made with steel and zinc alloy, this lockbox measures ‎4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches. It isn’t as compact as the TTRWIN lockbox, but it’s built to be much more heavy duty—the perfect combination of security and compact features. 

You and your guests won’t have a problem with this lock. Installing it only takes a few minutes with basic house tools, and it’s safe from break-ins by being hammer- and saw-proof. The combination lock is also easy to use and reset, and won’t give your guests any headaches.

However, some users report the latch gets stuck every so often. Fortunately, Champs has a generous 1-year warranty, so you can return and replace any defective locks without complications.

“This [lockbox] is great because no matter what happens, you don't have to physically be there to assist in any way.” - Lisa Harst, Airbnb Superhost

5. Master Lock 5441EC Bluetooth Lock Box: Luxury Pick

For a more tech-friendly, luxurious (yet still relatively affordable) option, try the 5441EC Bluetooth lockbox from Master Lock. Get it now on Amazon, or check it out on the Master Lock website.

This lockbox can be accessed without WiFi—once your guests book their stay, simply share access via Bluetooth or give your guests the key code, and they’ll be able to access the keys inside. Its seamless tech integration makes this our favorite luxury pick if you’re looking to splurge on a lockbox.

However, it has a battery, so keep that in mind when purchasing. Bluetooth locks (in general) are also susceptible to digital tampering, unlike physical lockboxes that need to be pried open.

Unlike the other lockboxes on this list, the 5441EC can be set remotely. Access to the lockbox can also be monitored through the Master Lock app. This is perfect for Airbnb owners who live far away from their rentals and still want to reset codes after every stay without having to hire a property manager.

“As a host myself, I believe having the remote control keylock is the best option.” - Laura Martin, Airbnb Host

6. Igloohome Smart Keybox 3: Best High-Tech Lock

The Igloohome Smart Keybox 3 is a brand new smart lockbox that packs a punch when it comes to high-tech features that will keep your property secure.

This lockbox, available on Amazon, is the most expensive on our list. You can also purchase it for the same price via the Igloohome website.

This Bluetooth-enabled lockbox features a patented algoPIN technology that lets you share access remotely without your guests needing to download an app. You can choose to grant permanent, one-time, or duration-based access to your property’s keys: great for guests and maintenance personnel alike.

If Bluetooth doesn’t work for you, you can always set a manual access code. Either way, this smart lockbox syncs with Airbnb, so guests who have confirmed their stay will automatically get a unique access code without you having to worry.

Though this lock may be expensive, it has impressive security features: it has an auto-lock feature, a lockout feature (for invalid codes), and a built-in alarm. You can also easily manage and monitor your lockbox through the mobile app.

Key Takeaway

The best lockboxes will make the self check-in process extremely smooth for your guests. Whether you prefer a manual lockbox or one with cool high-tech features, your lockbox should be secure and durable enough to prevent unwanted access to your property’s keys. Though these 6 are all fantastic, our top pick would have to be the Smaid Key Lock Box. It doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but it’s extremely secure and easy-to-use, all for an affordable price.