The Best Smart Home Devices For Your Airbnb

As the popularity of Airbnb and short-term rental platforms continues to rise, hosts are seeking ways to elevate their properties and provide exceptional guest experiences. Smart home devices are an excellent way to achieve this, offering convenience, security, energy efficiency & monitoring. Here’s a rundown of some of the best smart home devices that can transform your Airbnb into a modern, hassle-free haven for travelers.

1. Smart Locks

The most popular smart device to add to your Airbnb is a smart lock for keyless entry, making check-ins and check-outs seamless. Hosts can generate access codes specific to each guest, ensuring they only have access during their rental. You’ll also want to have a physical key backup to make sure guests can get in even if something unexpected happens to the lock.

There are lots of options available on the market, but we highly recommend the Yale Assure Lock 2.

2. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats like the ecobee3 Lite allow guests to control the temperature easily while allowing the host to reduce costs & protect their home. These devices can be programmed with temperature limits and make sure guests can’t control certain things (like completely turning the furnace off in the winter). They can also provide temperature warnings, HVAC alerts & remote access for hosts. Check out this article for a full rundown on why we recommend the ecobee3 Lite thermostat.

If you have multiple temperature zones throughout your home, we can make some other recommendations (depending on the setup). Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.

3. Smart Security Cameras

Installing security cameras around the property helps monitor things and enhances security. However, many guests don’t like to feel like they are being watched and resist going to properties with too many cameras. You’ll want to check local laws on video recording and where you are allowed to place cameras. You’ll also want to make sure you communicate clearly with guests about camera locations to maintain transparency and trust.

One of the best ways to do a camera at your Airbnb is to do a doorbell camera. The doorbell cameras are generally easy to install (since they already have power wires) and they connect wirelessly. The best thing about the doorbell camera is it will capture things at the entryway of your property, and is something many guests will be familiar with and comfortable seeing.

4. Smart Lighting

This one takes a bit more finesse because you want to make sure that anything you for lighting do can be adjusted by your guests. It’s really nice to turn on some exterior lights and maybe a few key lights around the house so guests arrive at an inviting location (with lights on) after dark. You may also consider making sure you can control lights which guests may (or usually) leave on after their departure.

We’d recommend the Zoos Zen71 switches because you can turn them on and off remotely while still allowing the guests to turn them on and off as they please.

5. Smart Switches & Plugs

For more behind-the-scenes applications, smart switches and plugs can be used in a ton of different ways to control devices around your house including lamps, fans, heaters, etc. We recommend these devices, specifically the smart plugs, for most of our behind-the-scenes applications since they are more difficult for guests to find and control if they want to adjust things to their liking.

You can use the ThirdReality Smart Plug for simple applications like accent lights, and the Zoos Zen15 Smart Plug for heavy duty applications like a dehumidifier.

6. Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Exploring options to have a smart smoke detector can be a good idea for your Airbnb, but it can get complicated depending on local building code and safety regulations.

Instead of replacing the smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, you may also consider getting a “listener” which is a smart device which will listen for the alarms and notify you if one goes off. This is a great option to add a smart aspect without replacing or changing out your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

7. Streaming TV devices

Providing a TV with streaming capabilities is a great way to keep guests entertained. We recommend getting a streaming device and connecting it to your TV so you can replace your streaming device without needing to replace your TV. Devices like Google TV Streamer, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV allow guests to access their favorite streaming services with ease. Ensure that you have clear instructions available on how to log into their accounts and use the service.

Incorporating smart home devices into your Airbnb can significantly enhance the guest experience while streamlining property management. From smart thermostats that improve energy efficiency to smart locks that simplify access, these devices not only create a modern, comfortable environment but also provide additional security and convenience. By investing in these technologies, you can set your Airbnb apart from the competition, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings. Embrace the future of hospitality and transform your space into a smart getaway that travelers will love.