In my opinion, Schlage makes the best and most reliable keypad deadbolts. They offer two basic levels of deadbolt.

For $100 you can get the no-frills BE365. This is a good Grade-2 lock. It’s not incredibly intuitive for first-time users, though. It has a knob on the front of it under the keypad. Under normal circumstances the knob spins freely and does nothing. But the user code engages that knob so it can be used to throw or retract the bolt. I’ve seen people punch in the code and then scratch their heads waiting for the deadbolt to unlock itself, not realizing they have to manually control the bolt with the knob. Once you’ve used it once, it’s easy. But this may not be the best option for Airbnb. Also, using the backup key with these locks requires a lesson. Half the time after I’ve given this lesson, my customer will say something to the effect of, “Well, I hope I never have to do that.” The key is principally for use when the battery dies. The 9-volt battery lasts for about three years. Changing it requires the removal of two screws. Installation is fairly simple, except that without a bit of door surgery the BE365 cannot be installed in doors with a 1-1/2” bore; it requires the more standard 2-1/8” bore.

For around $200 you can get a Grade-1 lock with all the bells and whistles—either the Schlage Connect or the Schlage Sense. Both of these have light-up touchscreens and both have bolts that are battery-powered so nobody will be confused. Using the key in these locks is also just like with a traditional deadbolt. With the right auxiliary equipment, these locks can be controlled with an app, both locally and remotely. These locks can be installed on doors with either bore size. They take 4 AA batteries, which can be replaced without the removal of any screws. Batteries last about a year (depending on use, of course) and for a much shorter period if the latchbolt rubs against the edge of the strikeplate as it extends and retracts.

So what’s the difference between the Connect and the Sense? Well, the Connect links up to your smart home system with Z-Wave technology and the Sense connects to your Apple TV via Bluetooth. For the Connect, Schlage would like you to buy the Nexia Bridge and pay $10/month for the rest of your life to use the more advanced features of these locks. But you can also remotely access the lock through some home security systems such as ADT Pulse. Another option is to buy a Samsung SmartThings hub for $99 and control it with that. The Sense does not work with the earliest versions of the Apple HomeKit, or if the HomeKit is placed too far from the lock. Once you have them all set up, the Sense and the Connect are mostly the same. I’m fairly confident that these locks can be hacked, but I don’t know how to do it and I doubt that your neighborhood meth fiend does, either. And to be fair, those glass windows all over your house are also very hackable.

One more thought before you make a purchase:

Think about all of the hardware on your door. For typical use, your keypad lock should be the only thing on your door that locks. This may mean replacing the locking doorknob with a passage knob (which has no locking function). Imagine that your front door is the regular point of entry for both your kids and your cleaning lady. Your cleaner arrives during the schoolday and gets in with the entry code. On her way out, thinking she’s being very conscientious, she locks both the knob and deadbolt. Your kid doesn’t carry a key because he loses everything and is supposed to be able to get in with just a code. So now he’s going to be calling you at the office when he gets home from school because he’s locked out. Isn’t work supposed to be your respite from stuff like this? Don’t be stingy; plan to also replace the doorknob if appropriate.