Smart Locks
RemoteLock
Cloud-based smart lock access control for vacation rentals
Solid Option
Solid access control platform held back by hardware reliability and support concerns
From $6/listing • No free trial
Comparison
RemoteLock vs Sifely
Pricing, pros and cons, and buyer-fit side-by-side. Pick the one that matches your operation — or see why neither should.
Smart Locks
Sifely
Smart locks with auto-generated guest access codes for STR operators
Solid Option
Budget-friendly guest access automation with hardware reliability trade-offs
From $79.99 • No free trial
✓Editorial verdict
Which should you pick: RemoteLock or Sifely?
Pick RemoteLock if you manage 5+ properties across multiple booking channels and need centralized lock management with broad PMS integration spanning dozens of platforms. Pick Sifely if you're a budget-conscious host with under 10 properties who wants automated guest codes without recurring subscription fees.
Editorial perspective from the RemoteLock side; factual claims about Sifely are drawn from its review.
Pricing side-by-side
RemoteLock
Full pricing →From $6/listing • No free trial
Per listing
Per-lock pricing at $6/lock/month (Premium, billed annually) or $12/lock/month (Enterprise). Hardware costs additional (~$279+ per compatible smart lock).
Sifely
Full pricing →From $79.99 • No free trial
Custom
Hardware-only pricing confirmed ($79.99–$199.99 per lock). No subscription fees publicly disclosed. Auto Booking Code feature pricing not published — contact vendor for current terms.
What each tool does well — and where it falls short
What RemoteLock does well
Seamless PMS integration automates guest code workflows
Connects with Hostfully, Guesty, Track, and other PMSs to automatically generate and deliver access codes tied to reservations. Reduces manual key handoff entirely.
One dashboard to monitor and control all locks remotely
Cloud-based centralized console shows real-time access logs, sends alerts, and lets managers control devices across all properties from anywhere.
Broad hardware compatibility across major lock brands
Supports Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, and August locks, so operators can choose hardware that fits their property type and budget rather than being locked into one manufacturer.
What Sifely does well
Auto Booking Code pulls reservation data and generates time-limited passcodes automatically
The feature integrates with Airbnb, Guesty, Hostaway, and other platforms to create guest codes without manual entry — a meaningful time-saver at 5+ properties.
Five unlock methods give guests multiple fallback options
Fingerprint, code, fob, smartphone, and physical key mean a single failure mode rarely locks a guest out entirely. The reversible handle simplifies installation on any door.
Configurable auto-lock prevents the common STR problem of unsecured doors
The lock re-engages after a set delay, removing reliance on guests remembering to lock up — a frequent pain point flagged in STR operator forums.
Where RemoteLock falls short
Lock hardware failures reported well before expected lifespan
Capterra reviewers report that despite significant investment, nearly every lock has required replacement, with many failing in under two years from moisture damage and sudden failures.
Customer support is hard to reach and slow to resolve issues
Users report difficulty contacting anyone, resolution processes stretching weeks or months, and no emergency services — a significant gap for a product that controls property access.
Monthly per-lock fees add up on top of upfront hardware costs
At $6/lock/month plus ~$279+ per lock in hardware, the total cost of ownership can be substantial for larger portfolios compared to simpler one-time-purchase solutions.
Where Sifely falls short
Touchpad responsiveness is inconsistent, working roughly 90% of the time
User reviews report intermittent touchpad failures. For high-turnover STRs where every check-in matters, a 10% failure rate creates real guest friction and support burden.
Remote management requires purchasing a separate WiFi gateway
The base lock is Bluetooth-only. Remote code management — the core value for multi-property hosts — is locked behind an additional hardware purchase at undisclosed pricing.
Fingerprint scanner reliability is a recurring user complaint
Reports describe the scanner reading correctly (green light) but failing to unlock. For hosts relying on biometric access as the primary unlock method, this undermines the convenience promise.
Which should you pick
Pick RemoteLock if
Property managers with 5+ units who need centralized access control and automated code delivery through PMS integration.
Skip RemoteLock if
You're a single-property host on a tight budget — the required subscription on top of hardware costs may not justify the investment.
Pick Sifely if
STR hosts managing multiple properties who need automated passcode generation tied to booking platforms like Airbnb, Guesty, or Hostaway — and want to avoid monthly lock software fees.
Skip Sifely if
You need guaranteed 24/7 hardware reliability for high-turnover properties, require integrations with PMS platforms beyond the currently supported list, or need enterprise-grade remote fleet management.
Where RemoteLock and Sifely actually differ
- RemoteLock charges $6/lock/month (Premium) or $12/lock/month (Enterprise) as an ongoing subscription; Sifely has no confirmed monthly fees — hardware-only pricing from $79.99 to $199.99 per lock.
- RemoteLock supports four major lock brands (Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, August) through one dashboard; Sifely only works with its own proprietary hardware, locking you into a single manufacturer.
- RemoteLock integrates with dozens of PMS platforms including Hostfully, Guesty, and Track; Sifely's Auto Booking Code supports only Airbnb, Guesty, and Hostaway.
- RemoteLock provides a centralized cloud dashboard with real-time access logs and alerts across all properties; Sifely has no fleet management dashboard and requires a separately purchased WiFi gateway per property for remote access.
- Sifely offers five unlock methods (fingerprint, code, fob, smartphone, physical key); RemoteLock's unlock options depend on the third-party lock hardware chosen, typically PIN codes and smartphone control.
Common objections
- Sifely has no monthly fees — why should I pay $6/lock/month for RemoteLock?
- If you run fewer than 10 doors on Airbnb, Guesty, or Hostaway, Sifely's zero-subscription model is a legitimate cost advantage. But RemoteLock's fee buys centralized fleet management, real-time access logs across all properties, and automated code delivery through dozens of PMS platforms — not just three. For operators at 5+ units across multiple channels, the time saved on manual management and the breadth of integrations typically justify the per-lock cost.
- Sifely's hardware is much cheaper upfront — doesn't that make RemoteLock's total cost hard to justify?
- Sifely locks start at $79.99 versus ~$279+ for RemoteLock-compatible hardware like Yale or Schlage, so the upfront gap is real. But Sifely requires a separate WiFi gateway per property for remote management (pricing undisclosed), and you're locked into one hardware brand. RemoteLock lets you choose from four established lock manufacturers and swap brands if one underperforms — that flexibility has value when you're outfitting a growing portfolio.
- Sifely's touchpad has a reported ~10% failure rate — but RemoteLock also has hardware reliability complaints. Is either actually reliable?
- Neither is bulletproof. Sifely's touchpad inconsistency and fingerprint scanner failures are documented user complaints. RemoteLock's issues stem from third-party lock hardware failing within two years, not the platform itself. The key difference is that RemoteLock gives you the option to switch lock brands (Yale to Schlage, for example) without changing your management platform, while Sifely ties you to its own hardware with no alternative.
Keep digging
RemoteLock
Solid access control platform held back by hardware reliability and support concerns
Sifely
Budget-friendly guest access automation with hardware reliability trade-offs