Which is the best key safe for Airbnb self check in?
Looking for the best key safe for Airbnb self check-in?
A secure key safe can make it easy for guests to access your property without you needing to be there, while giving hosts a simple and reliable way to manage arrivals. But not all Airbnb key safes offer the same level of security, convenience or ease of use.
Looking for the best way to give Airbnb guests secure, convenient access without being there to meet them? A key safe can make self check-in simple for both hosts and guests – but not all key safes offer the same level of security.
Airbnb currently supports several self check-in methods, including key lockboxes, smart locks, keypads and key collection.F
For many hosts, a secure, wall-mounted key safe offers an excellent balance of security, reliability, convenience and cost. There is no app to manage, no batteries needed for a mechanical model and no need to arrange for someone to meet guests at the property.
But which key safe should you choose?
At a glance: the best Airbnb self check-in options
| Self check-in method | Security | Convenience | Ongoing cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Preferred key safe | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Low | Most Airbnb hosts, simple guest access |
| Electronic key safe | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Low | Hosts wanting app-controlled access |
| Smart lock | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Medium | Hosts wanting keyless entry |
| Management company | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | High | Fully managed properties |
| Off-site key exchange | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Medium | Hosts without suitable on-site access |
| Hidden key | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Low | Not recommended |
Our recommendation
For most Airbnb hosts, a Police Preferred mechanical key safe offers the best all-round combination of security, reliability and convenience.
It provides a secure place to store the property's key while allowing guests to let themselves in using a code.
Unlike electronic access systems, a mechanical key safe doesn't rely on an app, Wi-Fi or an internet connection, and there are no batteries to manage.
Electronic key safes and smart locks can offer greater flexibility when managing access remotely, but they introduce additional electronic components and, depending on the system, batteries, connectivity and software.
It's worth noting smart locks and electronic key safe also require a back up key in case of failures.
Looking for a secure Airbnb key safe?
Shop Police Preferred Key Safes for Airbnb Properties
Shop Electronic Key Safes and Smart Locks for Airbnb Properties
What should you look for in an Airbnb key safe?
Choosing a key safe for an Airbnb isn't simply about finding the cheapest box that fits a key. Your key safe is effectively controlling access to your property.
It needs to be secure enough to protect the key, reliable enough that guests can use it without assistance, and durable enough to withstand being installed outside.
Before buying, consider these five things:
1. Security accreditation
Look for independently assessed security credentials rather than relying solely on a manufacturer's description of a key safe as “secure”.
Not all Airbnb lockboxes are designed to withstand an attempted attack. If security is a priority, look for recognised independent accreditation.
Secured by Design, the official UK Police security initiative, is an important accreditation to look for when choosing security products. The Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) also operates independent testing and certification for security products.
These accreditations provide greater reassurance than simply choosing a product because it has a strong-looking metal body or a combination lock.
It's also worth considering the type of keypad. Push-button key safes allow codes to be entered without the need to scramble a wheel combination after each use, which can make them particularly practical for frequent guest access.
ark Tamo, Supra C500 Pro and P500 Pro mechanical wall-mounted key safes provide certified attack protection awarded by LPCB. A good quality Airbnb lock box means you can have peace of mind that guests can securely access your property without you needing to be present, while maintaining the overall security of your property.
Security: High
Price range: £69.95 - £179.95
2. Ease of use for guests
Your guests may arrive:
- Late at night
- In the rain
- With luggage
- After a long journey
- Without having used your particular key safe before
A complicated access system, or the need to search around for hidden keys, can create unnecessary messages and calls for the host.
Look for large, easy-to-use buttons, clear instructions and reliable mechanical operation.
The ark Tamo range offer the additional enhancement of illuminated buttons and interior, meaning clear visibility night and day, making a significant difference when guests arrive after dark.
3. A secure installation
A highly secure key safe is only as effective as its installation and the surface it's mounted on.
Consider where the safe will be positioned, what it will be fixed to and whether the manufacturer's installation requirements are followed.
Airbnb recommends that hosts keep keys and access codes secure and change lockbox or entry codes between reservations. The important thing is choosing a system that makes this practical for the way you manage your property.
A high-security key safe cannot provide its intended level of protection if it has been poorly installed: Airbnb also states that key boxes should not be installed on street furniture such as pavement barriers, bicycle stands or lighting columns.
For the best protection, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully and use the specified fixings and substrate.
4. Reliability
A self check-in system is only useful if it works when your guest arrives.
Mechanical key safes have an important advantage here: there is no internet connection required and no electronic door lock battery that can prevent access if it fails.
This makes them particularly useful for holiday lets where the host may live some distance from the property.
5. Code management
Your guests shouldn't all have access using the same code indefinitely.
Airbnb recommends that hosts change lockbox and entry codes between reservations.
Choose a key safe that allows you to change the code easily and regularly.
Electronic products support with remote changes.
Mechanical key safes are manual changes, but offer over 9.7 million code combinations, so plenty to choose from!
Which is the best self check-in option for an Airbnb?
Police Preferred key safe – best for security and reliability
Best for: most Airbnb hosts and holiday-let owners
For hosts looking for a secure Airbnb lockbox, a Police Preferred key safe is one of the best options to consider.
It provides a dedicated place to store your property key while allowing guests to let themselves in using a code. The Key Safe Company offers a range of high-security key safes suitable for Airbnb properties and holiday lets.
There is no need to:
- Wait at the property for guests
- Arrange a key handover
- Leave a key under the doormat
- Give a neighbour responsibility for your keys
- Pay someone to meet every guest
Instead, you can provide your guests with clear self check-in instructions before they arrive.
An electronic key safe box – best for convenience
Best for: hosts who want to manage guest and third-party access electronically
Electronic key safes can be a useful alternative for Airbnb hosts who want more flexibility when managing access.
Depending on the system, hosts can create temporary access for guests and provide different people with access without needing to manually change a mechanical code each time.
The trade-off: electronic products introduce batteries and electronic components, so hosts should consider battery life, backup access and what happens if the system becomes unavailable.
For hosts who value remote access management, this can make an electronic key safe a very convenient option.
eSafe and Igloo are innovative ways to handover keys to your Airbnb property.
Best for: hosts who value flexible access management and are comfortable managing an electronic system.
Security: Moderate
Price range: £75.00 - £219.99
Airbnb smart lock
Best for: hosts who want guests to unlock the door without a physical key
An Airbnb smart lock will come in a range of types and functionalities. Smart locks usually handle Airbnb self check-in via a PIN code or mobile phone, granting access to your holiday let property.
This can provide an excellent guest experience, but there are some security considerations.
Many smart locks are internet-connected which leaves them vulnerable to hacking, something that many security experts consider to be a fatal flaw with the technology.
Smart locks that rely on mains power could also become inoperable in the case of a power failure, meaning a physical back up key is still required in case of emergencies.
Other security concerns include the mounting of the lock, as many smart locks mounted on a wooden door can be removed using a flat head screwdriver. Smart locks also usually come at a higher price point than wall-mounted key safes and do not universally fit all doors.
Smart locks can be more expensive to purchase and install than a key safe, and hosts need to consider connectivity, batteries, compatibility with their door and what happens if the electronic system fails
Best for: hosts who want a completely keyless check-in experience and are happy to invest in the technology.
Security: Moderate
Price: £219.99
Key hider or leaving keys hidden outside Airbnb properties
Not recommended: low security, poor guest experience.
Some people may be content providing Airbnb self check-in with a key hiding rock or by leaving the keys in an arranged place, but this is highly risky. This may be the cheapest solution but it is also the least secure and therefore not recommended.
While a key hider may seem discrete and difficult to spot, they are mass-produced and could be easily identified by anyone who knows what they are looking for.
Depending on your policy, leaving keys unsecured may also have implications for your insurance cover, so it's important to check the requirements of your property and contents insurance..
If a break in occurs during a guest stay, this could potentially be traumatic and will definitely create a very negative experience for your guest.
There is also the question of the guest experience. Asking a guest who has just arrived at your property to rummage around outside looking for a hidden key isn't the welcome most hosts want to provide - particularly if they're arriving after dark or in poor weather.
If you're going to offer self check-in, it's worth doing it properly.
Security: Low
Price: approx. £20 for a key hiding rock
What is the most secure way to manage Airbnb self check-in?
For most Airbnb hosts, a Police Preferred mechanical key safe offers an excellent balance of security, reliability and convenience.
It allows guests to access the property without waiting for the host, while keeping the property's key in a purpose-built security product rather than leaving it hidden outside.
Choose ark Tamo if: you want a premium mechanical key safe with illuminated buttons, enhanced code flexibility and a range of high-security features.
Choose C500 Pro or P500 Pro if: you want a straightforward, reliable mechanical key safe for regular guest access.
Choose eSafe or Igloo electronic solution if: flexible electronic access management is more important to you.
Find the right key safe for your Airbnb
Not sure which Airbnb key safe is right for your property?
Tell us about your property and how you manage guest access, and our team can help you find the most suitable solution.