Operto vs. Lynx: A Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the best software for managing and automating your vacation rental operations and access control is an important decision that impacts your property’s efficiency, guest satisfaction, security, and overall profitability.

The right system can enhance safety, streamline staff workflows, and provide a seamless experience for guests.

 

In this article, we’ll look at two popular options, Operto and Lynx. We’ll compare their key features and functionalities, offering insights to help you determine which best aligns with your business needs.

Table of Contents

Who is it for?

Operto 

Operto is a comprehensive software solution that automates and streamlines the management of short term and vacation rentals, hotels, and other lodging businesses. It simplifies access control and digital check-ins by providing keyless entry through unique codes or mobile keys, ensuring a seamless, secure experience. Operto provides real-time access logs and notifications, giving managers full visibility and control. Compatible with a wide range of locks and easily integrated with property management systems (PMS), Operto enhances security, improves guest experiences, and simplifies operations. This saves time, reduces costs, and delivers professional, effortless stays for guests.


Lynx

Lynx (formerly VirtualKEY) is aimed at property managers seeking a solution for smart lock management and basic IoT automation. It focuses on access control and integrates with smart devices and PMS to automate check-ins and manage remote entry. While it can meet the needs of smaller operations or budget-conscious managers, Lynx locks may lack the deeper integration, advanced features, and customization options required for more complex property management needs.

Operto vs Lynx: Feature Comparison

Feature Operto Lynx
Digital check-in Yes (with ID verification) Yes (without ID verification)
Smart device integrations Deep integrations with key devices Wider but shallower integrations
Guest portal Fully customizable Limited customization
Upsells Yes Yes
Guest messaging Yes Yes
Housekeeping & maintenance management Extensive automation & customization Basic access-triggered status updates
Customer support Extensive Limited

Keyless Check-In/Check-Out

Operto: Offers a fully digital check-in experience with advanced verification options. Supporting over 100 lock options, it provides access solutions for all budgets and requirements, including apartment intercoms, elevators, common doors, parking garages, and full building control. Guests are automatically provided with secure, unique access codes or mobile keys for the duration of their reservation, made available by email, SMS, or Operto’s guest portal, for seamless arrivals. Real-time activity logs and backup codes provide added security and visibility.

Lynx: Integrates with a range of smart locks for basic keyless check-ins, automating access through scheduled codes for guests. However, it lacks built-in verification features which could leave operators vulnerable to unauthorized access and could be a concern for property managers who prioritize security.

Smart Device Management

Operto: Supports a variety of smart devices beyond locks, including thermostats and noise monitoring devices. It prioritizes deep integrations with key IoT devices, covering 95% of use cases for property managers. Operto’s focus on reliable and essential integrations ensures seamless operation and enhanced control.

Lynx: Integrates with a wide range of IoT devices including various thermostats and sensors. This range of supported devices offers flexibility for property managers who want to use a diverse set of smart technologies in their properties. However, with a focus on breadth rather than depth of integrations, the functionality may not be as robust.

Guest Experience and Customization

Operto: Excels in delivering exceptional guest experiences with its customizable guest portal that elevates the guest journey from pre-stay to check-out. Centralized information minimizes questions and reduces the workload for staff. Digital guidebooks offer property details, local attractions, and personalized recommendations. Upsells and offers enhance the stay and drive additional revenue. The experience can be branded with logos, company colors, videos, and images, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance.

Lynx: Provides a white-label guest app with limited branding options. While this may be sufficient for some operators, it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as Operto’s more flexible and feature-rich guest portal. Upsells like early check-in and late check-out are supported.

Customer Support

Operto: Sets itself apart with its exceptional customer support. Whether assistance is required for setup guidance, troubleshooting, or optimizing system usage, Operto’s team of experts is readily available, providing peace of mind for operators. Options for premium support packages are also available.

 

Lynx: Offers a standard level of customer support, providing assistance to resolve common issues and inquiries. While effective for general troubleshooting, Lynx does not offer premium support options, which could limit access for those who require more tailored assistance. For property managers who prioritize quick resolutions and continuous service availability, this may be something to consider when evaluating long-term operational needs.

Operto vs. Lynx: Which should I choose?

Operto is ideal for property managers prioritizing advanced access control, comprehensive property automation, and a seamless guest experience. It offers full digital check-in with verification, deep smart device integrations, and a customizable guest portal to enhance the guest journey. Operto’s extensive support and scalability make it an ideal solution for properties of all sizes, ensuring operations are efficient and guests have 5-star experiences.

Lynx is an option for property managers looking for basic access control and smart device automation. It integrates with smart devices and property management systems but lacks advanced features like digital guest verification and extensive customization. It offers fundamental features that allow property managers to automate aspects of their operations. However, Lynx locks may not meet the needs of those seeking more advanced capabilities or a personalized guest experience.

What do customers say about Operto?

Operto consistently receives positive feedback for its flexibility, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set. Many highlight that it significantly streamlines daily operations and enhances guest satisfaction. Operto’s dedicated customer support team frequently receives praise for its responsiveness and expertise.

See what our customers say about Operto on Trustpilot:

Less Questions From Guests! We manage roughly 125 units in Central Virginia and have struggled with piecing together multiple softwares for guest codes, automated messages, and guidebooks. We found Operto Access and Guest and felt like it was the level up our team needed. We are slowly integrating Guest & Access into all of our units and it has GREATLY reduced the amount of questions that guests ask our hosting ream. Additionally, we love the check-in, check-out feature, and guest messaging interface. I cannot recommend it enough - it has really reduced our hosting workload and the amount of questions that guests ask us.