In this guide, we will walk through 10 battle‑tested smart home devices that are popular, highly rated, and specifically suited to short‑term rentals. Each pick is based on current expert reviews, Airbnb‑focused guides, and live product data, with an emphasis on reliability, automation, and guest privacy.
Here are the 10 devices we will cover: 3 smart locks, 2 noise and occupancy monitors, 2 smart thermostats, and 3 outdoor security cameras that are compatible with Airbnb’s camera policy.
1. August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) retrofits onto your existing deadbolt, so you get smart access control without replacing the exterior hardware. It integrates directly with Airbnb through August’s hosting bundles, which lets you automate guest codes and send them through the Airbnb app rather than texting lockbox combinations by hand.
For hosts, this means fewer lockouts, no rekeying costs, and a clear record of who entered and when. Guests enjoy smooth, key‑free self check‑in, which tends to reduce friction and support higher review scores.
2. Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi‑Fi
The Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi‑Fi combines a back‑lit keypad, app control, and a backup key so guests, cleaners, and maintenance vendors can always get in without you driving over. Yale’s Airbnb‑specific integration automatically generates time‑bound codes that expire at checkout, which is ideal if you manage multiple listings or have frequent turnovers.
For a low‑maintenance operation, this lock shines in busy urban or multi‑unit properties where many different people need controlled access. You keep a clear digital audit trail, while guests get a hotel‑style keypad experience that feels professional and secure.
3. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt has built‑in Wi‑Fi, so it connects directly to your network and the Schlage Home app without a separate hub. It can store up to 100 access codes and integrates with Airbnb to automatically send guests a stay‑specific code, removing one of the most repetitive admin tasks in hosting.
Hosts also benefit from the built‑in alarm that can detect forced‑entry attempts, plus strong security ratings from independent hardware standards. That combination makes it a solid choice if your listing sits in a busy area or you simply want a “set it and forget it” front door that is fully compatible with short‑term rental workflows.
4. Minut Smart Home Sensor (Noise, Occupancy, Temperature)
The Minut Smart Home Sensor is one of the most widely recommended noise monitors for vacation rentals because it tracks sound levels, motion, occupancy, temperature, and humidity without recording audio or video. Independent Airbnb‑focused guides consistently rate Minut as a top choice for party prevention and guest privacy, especially for multi‑property managers.
Installed in a common area, Minut can alert you when noise crosses your set threshold, giving you a chance to message guests before neighbors complain or city enforcement gets involved. It can also recognize smoke or CO alarms going off and notify you, so you are not relying on guests to report critical safety events in real time.
5. Layla Eco Smart Sensor (Noise, Air Quality, AC Control)
The Layla Eco Smart Sensor is a newer all‑in‑one sensor that tracks noise, temperature, humidity, smoke, carbon monoxide, crowding, and even Wi‑Fi quality, and is marketed directly to Airbnb and VRBO hosts. The device is camera‑free and designed around privacy‑safe monitoring with alerts for abnormal noise, poor air quality, or unsafe conditions.
For hosts, Layla’s multi‑signal data gives you a “control room” view of how guests are using the space and whether the HVAC and Wi‑Fi are performing well. That can translate into faster responses, fewer complaints, and fewer surprise maintenance issues, particularly in hot climates or dense urban buildings where comfort and compliance are both under the microscope.
6. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium combines advanced scheduling, occupancy sensing, and room sensors to cut unnecessary heating and cooling while keeping guests comfortable. Ecobee reports that its thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to about 26 percent on average, and energy industry analysis backs up double‑digit savings when smart thermostats are set up correctly.
In an Airbnb, that kind of optimization adds up, especially in markets with extreme seasons or when you manage several properties. You can lock in temperature ranges between stays, automate set‑backs when guests check out, and avoid the classic “guests left the AC on full blast all day with the windows open” scenario that quietly eats into your margins.
7. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is still one of the strongest options for short‑term rentals because it learns usage patterns, supports remote control, and looks premium on the wall. Independent studies show Nest thermostats can cut heating bills by around 10 to 12 percent and cooling bills by about 15 percent, which means the unit often pays for itself within a couple of years.
For hosts, the killer feature is schedule automation tied to occupancy and app control. You can pre‑heat or pre‑cool before check‑in, switch to eco temperatures at checkout, and avoid constant manual tweaking, which makes energy savings much more repeatable across a whole portfolio.
8. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera (Outdoor)
The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera delivers 2K HDR video, a wide 160‑degree field of view, color night vision, and two‑way audio in a completely wireless package. Security experts and Airbnb‑specific camera guides consistently rate it as one of the best outdoor cameras for rentals because it is easy to install, works with all major smart platforms, and produces high‑quality footage.
To stay compliant with Airbnb’s camera policy, place Arlo units only outdoors over entry paths, driveways, or parking, never inside the listing or pointed at private areas such as enclosed hot tubs, and clearly disclose their presence and locations in your listing.
9. Ring Outdoor Cam (Stick Up Cam Battery)
The Ring Outdoor Cam (Stick Up Cam) Battery is a flexible outdoor‑ready camera that works especially well for hosts already using Alexa or Ring doorbells. It offers 1080p HD video, night vision, two‑way talk, and a quick‑release battery pack, and security sites often highlight Ring as a top choice for vacation rentals thanks to its strong app and ecosystem.
Mount it to monitor entrances, gates, and parking areas so you can verify check‑ins, detect extra unregistered guests, and review incidents without stepping on guest privacy. As with any camera, call out its presence and location in your listing and avoid pointing it at spaces where guests would reasonably expect privacy, in line with Airbnb’s latest surveillance rules.
10. Blink Outdoor 4 Wireless Smart Security Camera
The Blink Outdoor 4 is an Amazon‑centric outdoor camera that focuses on simplicity, long battery life, and sharp 1080p video at a budget‑friendly price. It carries the Amazon’s Choice label on several listings and shows strong recent sales volume, which signals that hosts and homeowners alike are gravitating toward it for easy, wireless coverage.
For a host who wants “set and forget” security with minimal maintenance, the two‑year battery life and quick installation are a major advantage. Use Blink on exterior corners to cover wider areas or outbuildings while respecting Airbnb’s outdoor‑only, fully disclosed camera policy.
Bringing It All Together
If you deploy these 10 devices in a focused way, your Airbnb starts to behave like a well‑run hotel: fully automated access, proactive party and safety monitoring, tight energy control, and compliant outdoor security with clear guest communication. Start with smart locks and at least 1 noise monitor per unit, then layer in thermostats and cameras as budget and regulations allow so your property works harder while you work less.