RemoteLock alternative for Airbnb hosts
Switch from RemoteLock for $10/device/mo
Key by PrepBnB does the same auto-rotating door codes — pulled straight from your Airbnb iCal — but skips RemoteLock's hardware push and bundles cleaning ops free. Most hosts cut their door-code spend by 30–60% in the first month.
No card needed · 1 listing free forever · US-based properties
Quick verdict
$10/device flat vs. RemoteLock's $7–15/door + per-listing ops fees. The bigger hosts get, the more the gap widens.
Yale, Schlage, August, Level, Salto — keep what you have. No hardware re-spend. RemoteLock pushes branded hardware.
PrepBnB's turnover schedule, cleaner pool, photo proof — all bundled with Key. RemoteLock has none of this; you'd still need a separate cleaning tool.
Feature-by-feature
Honest comparison — including the spots where RemoteLock still wins.
| Feature | Key by PrepBnB | RemoteLock |
|---|---|---|
| Per-device monthly cost | $10 | $7–15 |
| Hardware required from vendor | yes (their locks pushed) | |
| Auto-rotate codes from Airbnb iCal | partial (CSV/API) | |
| Last-4-of-phone code derivation | ||
| Custom code format (random_4 / random_6 / pattern) | ||
| Per-reservation manual override | ||
| Cleaner pool / turnover schedule included | ||
| Photo proof per turnover | ||
| Built specifically for Airbnb | partial (multi-vertical) | |
| Setup time | 5 min | 1–2 weeks (ship + install) |
| Multi-property property-manager UX | ||
| Hardware vendor lock-in / contracts |
Pricing reflects published rates as of 2026. RemoteLock often quotes individually for multi-listing hosts; ask for a custom quote if you're running > 5 properties.
Where RemoteLock still wins
We tell you the truth about where the other guys do it better.
- Property managers running 50+ doors. RemoteLock has bulk-provisioning tooling, role-based access, and a CRM-style dashboard built for portfolio operators. Key is built for individual hosts running 1–10 properties.
- Their hardware ships pre-paired.If you want zero installation friction and don't mind the hardware cost, RemoteLock's lock-in-a-box experience is genuinely good.
- Non-STR verticals. RemoteLock works for multi-family, gyms, coworking. Key is Airbnb-only at v1.
Switching from RemoteLock — FAQ
Is Key really cheaper than RemoteLock?+
Most hosts pay $10/device/mo with Key vs. $7–15/door/mo with RemoteLock. The bigger gap is hardware: RemoteLock pushes you toward their branded locks ($200–400 each), while Key lets you keep whatever Yale, Schlage, August, or Level you already own. Multi-listing hosts also get PrepBnB's cleaning ops (cleaner pool, turnover schedule, photo proof) bundled — RemoteLock charges separately for any of that.
Does Key work with locks I already bought from RemoteLock?+
If your RemoteLock-installed device is one of the supported brands (Yale, Schlage, August, Salto, Kwikset, igloohome, etc.), yes — you can re-authenticate it through our connect flow and keep using the hardware. Codes generated by Key live alongside any codes RemoteLock previously set; we never delete codes we didn't create.
How long does it take to migrate?+
About 10 minutes. (1) Sign up for a free PrepBnB account; (2) connect your Airbnb iCal — Key reads the same feed RemoteLock does; (3) authenticate your lock vendor through our connect flow. Your existing RemoteLock subscription can be canceled separately at the end of its period.
What about my cleaner's permanent code?+
Key only manages codes it creates (named `Guest_NNNN`). Your cleaner's manual code, owner code, and any other static codes set by you or RemoteLock stay on the lock untouched. We even detect collisions — if a guest's auto-generated code matches your cleaner's code value, we skip the write and surface it as a conflict.
Does Key support multi-unit properties like RemoteLock does?+
Yes — multiple devices can attach to one listing (e.g. front door + garage), and one device can attach to multiple listings (e.g. shared building entrance). Each device is billed at $10/mo regardless of how many listings reference it.
Ready to switch?
Sign up free, connect a lock, and Key can run alongside RemoteLock for as long as you want — no need to cancel until you're sure.
Get early access
Drop your email and we'll send a 5-step migration guide tailored to RemoteLock setups.
See also