SALTO vs Onity: Which Hotel Lock System is Right for You?

Choosing between SALTO and Onity for your hotel or multifamily property is a significant decision. Both are industry leaders with proven track records and millions of installations worldwide.

Here's a factual breakdown of each system to help you evaluate which fits your property's needs.

Company Background

Onity has been in the electronic lock business since 1986 and is now part of Carrier Global Corporation (recently acquired by Honeywell in 2024). They pioneered many of the technologies we take for granted in hotel locks today. With over 5 million electronic locks sold, Onity systems are installed in over 30,000 properties across nearly 125 countries.

SALTO is a Spanish company founded in 2001 by Javier Roquero and Marc Handels in Oiartzun, Spain. They've rapidly grown to become a major player in access control with over 3 million doors secured worldwide, 1,500 employees across 40+ offices globally, and a presence in over 90 countries.

Technology Approach

Onity

Traditional approach with proven reliability
Strong standalone lock options
Magnetic stripe and RFID options
Mobile key integration available on newer models

SALTO

Focuses on wireless and cloud-based solutions
SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) uses data-on-card technology - access information is stored on the smart card itself, which updates locks as users move through the building
Strong mobile credential support with JustIN Mobile
BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and NFC standard across product line
Can scale up to 65,000 doors across multiple sites

Installation Considerations

Onity locks often integrate well with existing infrastructure, especially if you're upgrading from an older Onity system. Their backward compatibility can save significant installation costs.

SALTO's SVN technology means you don't need to run wires to every door - only to "update points" where cards sync with the system. This can dramatically reduce installation costs in retrofit projects. The data-on-card approach also means the system keeps functioning during power failures since locks are standalone battery-powered units.

Mobile Access

Both brands offer mobile key solutions, but the implementation differs:

SALTO JustIN Mobile uses BLE and NFC to deliver digital keys to smartphones. It features bi-directional communication, sending lock events and battery status back to the system over the air without additional infrastructure. Compatible with XS4 and AElement lock series.

Onity DirectKey has been deployed across 6,000+ properties globally and unlocked doors over 100 million times. The DirectKey 3.0 system (released 2024) offers cloud-based IoT capabilities. Hotels can integrate DirectKey through their loyalty app or use Onity's standalone DirectKey app alongside their OnPortal access management software.

Support and Service

Both manufacturers work through authorized dealer and partner networks for installation and ongoing support.

Onity has an established dealer and service network built over decades in the industry.

SALTO works through certified partners for customer support and technical assistance.

For either system, having a knowledgeable local partner is important for installation, training, and ongoing maintenance.

Cost Comparison

Pricing varies significantly based on:

Property size
Lock features (standalone vs. networked)
Integration requirements
Installation complexity

Generally speaking:

SALTO tends to have higher upfront costs but lower installation expenses for retrofit projects
Onity can be more economical for new construction with traditional wiring
Both have ongoing costs for cards, batteries, and software licensing

Factors to Consider

The right system depends on your property's specific situation:

Current infrastructure - Do you have existing wiring, or is this a retrofit project?
Existing systems - Are you already running one of these brands and looking to expand?
Property type - Hotels, apartments, and commercial buildings have different access patterns
Integration needs - What PMS or access control software do you need to connect with?
Mobile access requirements - How important is smartphone-based entry for your guests or tenants?
Scale - How many doors now, and how many might you add in the future?

How RevKey Systems Can Help

As certified installers for both Onity and SALTO, we can provide:

Unbiased recommendations based on your needs
Site assessments to evaluate infrastructure
Professional installation by certified technicians
Ongoing support and training
Access to parts and equipment

We're not locked into one brand, so our only goal is finding the right solution for your property.