GuestsKey vs RemoteLock vs Rental Home Automator: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right smart lock automation platform can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of options, each claiming to be the best. In this guide, we'll compare three popular solutions: GuestsKey, RemoteLock, and Rental Home Automator (RHA)—with honest assessments of where each excels.

Quick Comparison Table

GuestsKey: Built for SmartThings + OwnerRez

GuestsKey was built specifically for vacation rental hosts who use SmartThings for their smart home hub and OwnerRez for property management. If that's your stack, it's the most streamlined option available.

Strengths

• Proactive failure alerts – Validates lock health and code status 15 minutes before check-in, auto-distributes emergency backup codes if something's wrong
• Native cleaner gap detection – Automatically identifies gaps between bookings and schedules cleaner codes (no Turno/TIDY subscription required)
• Phone-based codes – Guests use last 4 digits of their phone (memorable)
• Emergency backup codes – Auto-generated fallback codes with automatic rotation after checkout
• 5-minute setup – OAuth connections, no complex configuration
• Per-property pricing – $8/property regardless of how many locks (front door + back door + garage = still $8)

Weaknesses

Pricing

$8/property/month for 1-3 properties, with volume discounts for larger portfolios. No per-device fees, no setup costs, 14-day free trial.

Best For

Hosts with 1-20 properties using SmartThings and OwnerRez who want the simplest possible setup and memorable guest codes.

RemoteLock: Enterprise-Grade Access Control

RemoteLock is a professional access control platform used by hotels, commercial buildings, and large property management companies. It's the most feature-rich option but comes with corresponding complexity and cost.

Strengths

• Wide lock compatibility – Supports many direct-connect Wi-Fi locks
• SmartThings support – Works with Z-Wave locks via SmartThings hub
• Enterprise features – Access schedules, user groups, audit logs
• Many PMS integrations – OwnerRez, Guesty, Hostaway, and more
• Phone-based codes – Supports guest phone number codes via PMS integrations
• Established company – Years of track record, enterprise support

Weaknesses

Pricing

Starts at $5.99/device/month. A property with 2 locks would cost ~$12/month, 3 locks = $18/month. Enterprise plans available for larger deployments.

Best For

Large property management companies, commercial properties, or hosts who need features beyond vacation rental automation (employee access, schedules, etc.).

Rental Home Automator (RHA): Budget Option

Rental Home Automator emerged as an alternative after RBoy Apps stopped working. It offers basic SmartThings lock automation at a lower price point.

Strengths

• Low price – Starting at $3/property/month
• SmartThings support – Works with existing Z-Wave locks
• Multiple PMS options – Supports several property management systems

Weaknesses

Pricing

$3/property/month base, with add-ons for additional features.

Best For

Budget-conscious hosts with basic needs who prioritize cost over features and user experience.

Decision Guide: Which Should You Choose?

The Bottom Line

There's no universally "best" solution—it depends on your specific setup and priorities.

If you're using SmartThings and OwnerRez and want the easiest possible setup with memorable guest codes, GuestsKey is purpose-built for you.

If you need enterprise features or have specific lock requirements, RemoteLock's broader compatibility might be worth the higher cost and complexity.

If you're on a tight budget and just need basic functionality, RHA gets the job done at the lowest price point.