A smooth and stress-free check-in process for your guests is probably the most important part of hosting a great Airbnb. Although smart locks are growing ever-more popular, lock boxes are still one of the cheapest, most secure and convenient ways to manage your property's keys.

From one vacation rental to several short term rental properties, having the right lock box can ensure maximum protection of your property as well as making life easier for yourself and your guests.

Here are some of the best lock boxes on Amazon and some reasons why.

What to Look for When Buying an Airbnb Lock Box?

When buying lock boxes, make sure you pay attention to these elements:

• Protection against tampering and stealing
• Resistance to weather and external damage
• Ease of use for your guests
• Requirement for installation
• Durability over many years of use
• Visibility during the night time
• Ability to store various types of keys, key cards and keyfobs

Let's see which lock boxes meet those requirements best!

Thlevel Electronic Lock Box – Best Lock Box for Airbnb

 

 

This lock box combines a proven lock box technology with an advanced electronic access. Your guests can simply enter a code using a built-in digital pad, eliminating the need for twisting mechanical dials.

Pros

• Electronic keypad for easy access
• User-friendly
• Stronger security than with traditional lock boxes
• Water resistant
• Professional look

Cons

• Needs batteries to operate
• More expensive than other options

Rating

 

Durability: 4/5

Weather Resistance: 4/5

Security: 4.5/5

Installation: 3/5

Master Lock 5423D Push Button Lock Box – Best Lock Box for Airbnb Hosts who Value Security

 

 

The Master Lock 5423D uses push buttons instead of mechanical dialing to provide an even higher security than with a traditional lock box. Additionally, this mechanism is harder to tamper with than regular lock box mechanisms.

Pros

• Lots of combination options
• Easier use than dial lock box
• High durability
• Very reliable

Cons

Wall-mounting required

More expensive than simple mechanical lock boxes

Rating

Durability: 4.5/5

Weather Resistance: 4/5

Security: 4/5

Installation: 3/5

Master Lock 5400D Portable Lock Box – Most Affordable and Reliable Option

 

 

Probably the most popular option for real estate agents and Airbnb hosts, due to its low price and simplicity.

Pros

• Portable design allows to put it practically anywhere
• Established manufacturer
• Proven durability
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Exterior shackle
• Lower protection than wall-mounted designs
• Traditional mechanical dial

Rating

Durability: 4/5

Weather Resistance: 4/5

Security: 3/5

Installation: 5/5

Illuminated Dial Lock Box – The Best for Night Check-ins

 

 

Night-time access to lock box content may be difficult due to the poor visibility. However, this issue may be solved with illuminated dial lock boxes.

Pros

• Lighted display
• Night-time usability
• Fancy looking
• Simple usage

Cons

• Has less history of usage than other lock boxes
• Same level of security as the non-illuminated ones

Rating

Durability: 3/5

Weather Resistance: 4/5

Security: 3/5

Installation: 4/5

Magnetic Combination Lock Box – The Best for Emergencies and Backup

 

 

Most often used for storing the backup key as well as for an emergency key access.

Pros

• Super easy installation
• Easy-to-hide location
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Low security
• May be easily discovered and tampered with
• Not recommended for regular use

Rating

Durability: 2.5/5

Weather Resistance: 3/5

Security: 2/5

Installation: 5/5

How to Properly Install Your Lock Box

Besides picking the right lock box, you also have to consider proper installation.

First of all, wall-mounted lock boxes should be installed on hard surfaces such as bricks or mortar, as wood is too vulnerable to forceful attacks. Try to use the longest screws compatible with your lock box, preferably stainless steel. Mount your lock box close to eye level of the average person – this way your guests won't have troubles operating it, but not right above the doorknob. Make sure to properly anchor shackle-based boxes – simply attaching shackle to railings or pipes won't be enough.

Finally, after installation try to pull lock box to check whether it holds up and run some test combinations before welcoming your first guest.

Setting Guest Codes on the Lock Box

One of the main advantages of lock boxes is ability to quickly change access codes for different guests. However, most Airbnb hosts never change codes at all! Here are some guidelines for setting up and maintaining guest codes.

With traditional dial lock box, changing the combination takes roughly two minutes, and must be done after each checkout. With electronic lock boxes (like the Master Lock 5441D), you have to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to set up a new code. Using a code based on check-in date makes the task simpler, especially when managing multiple properties – for example, use 0615 for June 15.

Provide the code to the guests in your Airbnb message thread on the morning of check-in, not days or even weeks before the arrival. This way there will be no chance of anyone knowing the code other than during check-in day or week. Also, maintain a spreadsheet where codes and their expiration dates for various properties are tracked.

Conclusion: Which Airbnb Lock Box to Buy?

Considering the benefits provided by electronic lock boxes, the Master Lock 5441D is the best choice.

Alternatively, wall-mounted push button lock box (5423D) is equally useful but without the requirement for batteries.

If you don't wish to invest much into lock box purchase, then portable design lock box (5400D) is the most appropriate option for you.

So, pick the lock box that will provide both maximum safety and ease of use for your guests.