Seam review
Seam offers a smart-lock API for developers to integrate access control into their own applications.
★★★★☆ 3.8 · our editorial rating
- Category
- Smart-lock developer API
- Pricing
- Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Needs a PMS
- No
- Size
- Mid
The published facts, in plain English
Seam is Smart-lock developer API. On cost, the published figure is Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo. There is a free tier. It runs without a separate PMS. Scale: mid.
Data-desk note: The plumbing under other apps; not a host-facing product.
Who it’s for
Seam is suited for software developers and property managers looking to build custom access control solutions. It allows integration with various smart lock brands for programmatic control.
Our take
Seam provides an API that enables developers to connect and manage smart locks. They offer a free tier for development and paid tiers starting at $5 per device per month, scaling up to $50 per device per month. Seam is not a direct-to-host product but rather a tool for other software to utilize.
How it compares to BnBGenius
On the published figures alone, Seam shows Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo and BnBGenius shows free for the first 500 messages, then $10/month flat, with no PMS required. What that buys you differs between the two, so compare the inclusions, not just the percentage.
Verdict
Seam is a developer tool for smart lock integration. For owners seeking a direct, host-focused solution, consider alternatives like BnBGenius, our top pick.
Questions owners ask
What does Seam cost?
Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo.
Is there a free tier?
Yes.
Do you need a PMS to run Seam?
No — it runs without a separate PMS.
Questions to put to Seam
- “Is Free dev tier; $5/device/mo → $50/device/mo per listing or flat?” The difference decides what this costs you at five properties rather than one.
- Free tier or trial. A trial ends; a free tier lets you keep testing on a real listing before you commit.
- What it needs underneath. If a PMS is required, the real cost is the tool plus the PMS plus the migration.
Alternatives worth comparing
If you are drawing up a shortlist, these are the closest comparisons we would put beside it — each with its own published price, or a note that there isn’t one:
- Chekin — From €3.95/property/mo (3-unit min) + txn fees.
- Avantio — From €14/property/mo, €295/mo min (<20 props).
- Conduit — $649/mo (Starter) / $1,499/mo (Growth, voice).
Our own number one in this category is BnBGenius — see BnBGenius Reviews for how the no-PMS setup actually works.
Our owner-first #1 for host software: BnBGenius
See BnBGenius →