With such busy lives and new businesses like Airbnb rentals, giving access to a home in a secure way has been challenging. But now, more companies have developed smart products. One of these companies is igloohome, which offers smart key boxes.
Although the company has previously introduced various versions of their smart key box, I only recently heard about them with the release of the igloohome Smart Keybox 3. Here’s my review of this much larger smart lockbox.
About igloohome
The founders of igloohome were once Airbnb hosts that hated the idea of handing over keys at various hours of the day or night. This inconvenience led them to create their own solution in the form of a smart lock. Now, the company is a preferred partner of Airbnb.
Although the company is based in Singapore, it now serves more than 100 countries with its products. The company has more than 100 integration partners and 100 distribution partners for its product portfolio.
How Smart Keybox 3 Works
Attach the Keybox 3 to your doorknob, fence, or any solid structure. Then, place your spare keys inside and give a PIN code to anyone who needs access to your property.
Behind all of igloohome’s products is their technology called algoPIN
that sets it apart from any other Bluetooth smart lock out there. This technology lets you grant PIN codes remotely without the need for Wifi. The technology is a similar technology that works like tokens that banks use — known as a One Time Password (OTP).
Design
The Smart Keybox 3 is made from sturdy black zinc and aluminum alloy enclosure that has an IP66 weatherproof rating. It has two rubber-coated hardened steel shackles. The thicker of the shackles is what you use to attach the Smart Keybox to a doorknob while the slimmer shackle can be used to attach it to a non-removable item like a fence or a pole.
There is also mounting hardware that is included with your purchase if you want to attach the Smart Keybox to something like a doorframe or house siding.
Features and Functionality
The Smart Keybox 3 has a round, backlit touch keypad with the numbers 0-9. There is also an unlock button, back arrow, and LED indicator. You can unlock the box with a PIN code or your smartphone. Doing so will lead to four short beeps and two green flashes from the LED indicator.
When locking the Keybox, there will be one long beep and the LED will remain green for two seconds. You can also initiate a Security Lockout after a predetermined number of incorrect PIN code attempts, after which an alarm will sound.
You need to install four AAA batteries to power the lock. If the batteries die, you can regain power by connecting the Keybox’s USB-C to an external source.
App Use
The Keybox 3 has a mobile app for Android and iOS that also work with igloohome’s other products like Smart Padlock and Deadbolt 2S. You will be able to see your property (or multiple properties) from the app’s home screen. An icon for each lock can be used to access that lockbox or lock. The app also gives you an Auto-Lock option.
The app is user-friendly with clear menu options, including buttons that navigate you through different features.
- The Basic button is for the Basic Unlock screen.
- The Access button shows you a list of users and is where you go to create new users and give them a PIN for a designated amount of time.
- The Log button lets you track use.
- The Settings button gives you options like editing the lock name, view a list of Bluetooth and PIN codes, and adjust the beep volume.
The Pros and Cons of Smart Keybox 3
There are many pros to using Smart Keybox 3. First, it’s weatherproof, which is helpful regardless of the climate you live in. Second, this smart lockbox that can be controlled with a smartphone and without the need for WiFi, which adds even more convenience to an already convenient smart device.
Third, installation is easy, including fast app/device syncing. Finally, the Smart Keybox 3 is reliable and does what it promises. The keypad is easy for everyone to read and highly responsive. I tested it with a wide demographic, including everyone from kids to seniors, and no one had a problem getting the keys they needed from within the lockbox.
Although some may see the lack of WiFi as a con, the other technology used is reliable and provides good connectivity. Also, some think it is expensive. However, I think it’s a reasonable investment for added convenience. Plus, as a business expense if you use it for an Airbnb it’s a write-off that’s well worth the money.
Instead, there are only two cons that I can see while using the smart key lockbox. The first is that there are no push notifications that alert me on my smartphone.
The second is that the Keybox doesn’t work with other smart devices or support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit or IFTTT applets.
Purchase Options
The Smart Keybox 3 is $189 and available through its website. Other purchase options include Amazon, Home Depot, Newegg and Walmart. Some retailers like Walmart offer the smart lockbox at a lower price point than igloohome’s website.
Overall Thoughts
The Igloohome Smart Keybox 3 is a reasonably priced smart lockbox that makes it more convenient to safely store spare keys for family, service personnel, real estate agents, or vacation rental guests.
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