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
Comparison
Sifely vs RemoteLock
Pricing, pros and cons, and buyer-fit side-by-side. Pick the one that matches your operation — or see why neither should.
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
✓Editorial verdict
Which should you pick: Sifely or RemoteLock?
Pick Sifely if you want affordable hardware with no confirmed monthly fees and automated guest codes for Airbnb, Guesty, or Hostaway properties. Pick RemoteLock if you need centralized multi-brand lock management across a larger portfolio with PMS-driven automation spanning dozens of integrations.
Editorial perspective from the Sifely side; factual claims about RemoteLock are drawn from its review.
Pricing side-by-side
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.
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).
What each tool does well — and where it falls short
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which should you pick
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.
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.
Where Sifely and RemoteLock actually differ
- RemoteLock charges $6/lock/month (Premium) or $12/lock/month (Enterprise) on top of hardware; Sifely has no confirmed monthly subscription fees — hardware-only pricing starts at $79.99 per lock.
- RemoteLock supports Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, and August locks through one dashboard; Sifely only works with its own proprietary hardware.
- RemoteLock integrates with dozens of PMS platforms including Hostfully, Guesty, and Track; Sifely's Auto Booking Code supports Airbnb, Guesty, and Hostaway — a much smaller integration list.
- RemoteLock provides a centralized cloud dashboard with real-time access logs and alerts across all properties; Sifely has no documented fleet management dashboard for multi-property oversight.
- Sifely offers five unlock methods including fingerprint and fob; RemoteLock's access method depends on the third-party lock hardware chosen, typically limited to PIN codes and smartphone control.
Common objections
- RemoteLock has way more PMS integrations — doesn't that make Sifely too limited?
- If you use Hostfully, Track, or another PMS outside Sifely's supported list, RemoteLock is genuinely the better fit. But if you're on Airbnb, Guesty, or Hostaway — which covers a large share of STR operators — Sifely delivers automated guest codes without the $6/lock/month subscription. The integration gap only matters if your PMS isn't on Sifely's list.
- Sifely has reported touchpad and fingerprint reliability issues — isn't RemoteLock's established hardware more dependable?
- RemoteLock itself doesn't make locks — it manages third-party hardware from Yale, Schlage, and others, and users have reported those locks failing within two years. Sifely's touchpad works roughly 90% of the time per user reports, which is a real concern. Neither option is maintenance-free; RemoteLock gives you the ability to swap lock brands, while Sifely gives you multiple unlock fallbacks (fingerprint, fob, key) when the touchpad fails.
- I manage 15+ properties — can Sifely really compete with RemoteLock at that scale?
- Honestly, probably not. Sifely lacks a fleet management dashboard, has limited PMS integrations, and its hardware reliability concerns multiply across dozens of doors. RemoteLock's centralized dashboard and broad PMS ecosystem are built for multi-property operations. Sifely's sweet spot is 1–10 properties where its low cost and no subscription fees outweigh the management limitations.
Keep digging
Sifely
Budget-friendly guest access automation with hardware reliability trade-offs
RemoteLock
Solid access control platform held back by hardware reliability and support concerns