Tested: The Best Door Locks For Your Home, Garage, or Rental

No home security system is complete without a good entry door lock. Choosing one might seem like a simple decision, but in reality, there are a number of considerations to weigh. Door locks vary in quality based on their type, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rating, construction, and the materials used. 

After researching the most popular options on the market, we tested 10 different locks from the best-known brands in the business to determine which locks are true standouts. The locks on our list range from standard deadbolts to the most advanced smart locks. Read on to learn the differences between common lock types as well as why we believe the models below are the best door locks available today.

1. BEST OVERALL: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt 
2. RUNNER-UP: Kwikset Juno Security Set Keyed Deadbolt 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kwikset 660 Keyed Deadbolt With SmartKey  
4. BEST SMART: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 
5. BEST TOUCH-SCREEN: Yale Assure Lock SL With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 
6. BEST FINGERPRINT-ACCESS: Eufy E130 Smart Lock 
7. BEST KEYLESS: Yale Assure Lock SL With Z-Wave Plus
8. BEST WITH KEYPAD: Schlage Keypad Lever With Flex Lock 
9. BEST DEADBOLT: Schlage B-60 Single-Cylinder Deadbolt  
10. BEST HIGH-SECURITY: Kwikset Halifax Deadbolt Security Set

How We Tested the Best Door Locks

All of the selections on our list went through extensive hands-on testing, during which we evaluated each lock on several points. We began with ease of installation, assessing how simple it was to install and set up each lock. Once installed, we considered how well the lock worked by using each over a 1-week period. For smart locks, we tested all of the smart features, including remote access, auto-lock and unlock features, and digital assistant compatibility. We also considered each lock’s size and appearance, evaluating how it impacted the aesthetics of a door. Finally, we combined our hands-on testing with external research, comparing lock security ratings, build quality, and finish options.

Testing Stats

• Products tested: 10
• Time spent testing: 15 hours
• Tests performed: 5
• Average price: $129.14

Our Top Picks

The products we highlighted are all high in overall quality and value—our testing helped confirm that. Whether you’re shopping for your home, garage, or rental property, this list should have something for you. We’ve given each product a unique award to highlight its standout features.

Best Overall

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Installation 3/5; Aesthetics 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Smart lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 1 
• Material: Zinc 

Pros

• Programmable keypad for reliable security; has a Grade 1 ANSI security rating
• Compatible with Amazon Key app for added security and remote locking/unlocking 
• Voice-control capability for added convenience 
• Offered in various colors to match a home’s outdoor fixtures 

Cons

• Expensive compared to other door locks on the market 

The Schlage Encode smart lock carries a higher price point than many, but it includes a range of high-end features that distinguish it from its competitors. Users can connect it to their home Wi-Fi network and pair it with the Schlage app to lock or unlock the door from anywhere without needing to purchase any additional accessories. 

The Schlage smart lock features a touch-screen keypad, providing multiple unlocking options. It can even be paired with voice control. Thanks to its ANSI rating of Grade 1, you can rest assured that your door is securely locked. Users can choose from bronze, chrome, satin nickel, or matte black. 

The Schlage Encode may be among the priciest locks you can put on your door, but if you’re after top-notch security, we think it’s worth the cost. Thanks to its quality construction and high ANSI rating, the lock has a sturdy, rock-solid feel out of the box. While it’s a bit of a challenge to install, once it’s up and running, we found it to be an excellent lock.

Since it’s Wi-Fi–ready, you don’t need to purchase a separate communication hub known as a “bridge” to link it to your Wi-Fi. We loved having the ability to control the lock from virtually anywhere via a smartphone. As we found, this is a real advantage for families with kids who get home before their parents each afternoon. We also like the auto-lock feature, which we found to be a great backup for forgetful kids and adults. 

As for looks, you’d be hard-pressed to find a smart lock with classier aesthetics than this one. If you’re after a lock that offers maximum security and smart capabilities—all while looking good—this is the one.

Get the Schlage Encode door lock at Amazon or Lowe’s. 

Runner-up

Kwikset Juno Security Set Keyed Deadbolt

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 3/5; Aesthetics 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Single-cylinder 
• Lock quality: Grade 1
• Material: Metal

Pros

• Highly durable for long-term use and reliability; Grade 1 ANSI security rating
• Lock and door knob included; provides entire locking system 
• Available in various finishes to match a home’s current fixtures 

Cons

• May require professional installation

With an affordable price and the highest security rating offered on residential locks, the Kwikset Juno is our top pick for a residence or rental property. Each purchase includes both an entry door knob and a single-cylinder deadbolt. The ANSI rating of Grade 1 means the lock can resist being kicked, bumped, drilled, sawed, or picked open.

Rekeying the lock is a breeze with Kwikset’s patented SmartKey Security, which lets you rekey your lock quickly, ensuring that lost or stolen keys are no longer usable. While this listing features a satin nickel finish, a variety of other finishes are also available to best suit your home’s aesthetic. The door knob has universal handling, meaning that it can be installed on either the left or right side of the door. 

For those who don’t need a fancy smart lock or keypad access, the Juno is a worthy option. We found it to be one of the easier lock-and-handle combinations to install. Plus, the rounded shape of the knob and the attractive compact deadbolt lock gives it a classic look that’s ideal for a back door or garage door entryway. Its Grade 1 ANSI security rating makes it a good candidate for such doors, which are at higher risk for break-ins than a front door.

Because this includes both a handle lock and a deadbolt lock, you’ll get an added layer of security. While this helps prevent you from leaving the door unlocked, it also increases the chances of accidentally locking yourself out. Overall, this is an excellent manual lock that offers top-notch security at an affordable price. 

Get the Kwikset Juno door lock at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Kwikset 660 Keyed Deadbolt With SmartKey

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 4/5; Aesthetics 4/5; Durability 3/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs

• Type: Smart lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 3 
• Material: Zinc 

Pros

• Compact size makes it less conspicuous than larger door locks 
• Simple design and easy-to-follow instructions allow one to install it in minutes
• SmartKey technology enables rekeying in just seconds
• Kwikset Bump Guard technology protects it from lock bumping, a common means of defeating locks

Cons

• Low Grade 3 ANSI security rating limits it to low-crime areas and low-risk exterior doors

With the Kwikset 660, you can get an affordable deadbolt lock without compromising security. It offers Grade 3 security, which provides good protection for most residential uses. It also comes equipped with Kwikset’s patented SmartKey Security technology, which allows users to rekey the lock themselves in seconds. And since it comes in six different finishes, the 660 is easy to match to an existing door knob. 

Not only is this lock one of the most affordable we tested, but it was also one of the easiest to install. It helped that it fit the hole in our test door, eliminating the need to make additional cuts. We had it installed and ready for action in under 15 minutes. 

Though the Kwikset 660 only offers Grade 3 security, it does have a solid feel. When manually locking it from the inside, you can feel the bolt snap securely into place. It also comes equipped with Kwikset’s Bump Guard technology, which prevents lock bumping, a method commonly employed to defeat deadbolt locks. 

The 660 has a small profile compared to other locks we tested. Compared to many smart locks, which are frankly huge, this one boasts a much more minimalist look.

While the 660’s lower security rating doesn’t make it the ideal choice for doors that require the highest degree of security, it’s a great option for locales where break-ins are rare. It’s also a good pick for doors that don’t require the same degree of security, such as an entryway door between a garage and a house. 

Get the Kwikset 660 door lock at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Smart

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 5/5; Aesthetics 3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Smart lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 1
• Material: Zinc

Pros

• Smart-home compatible; pairs with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, and more 
• Automatic locking/unlocking for convenience and peace of mind 
• Low-battery alert included to keep the unit operational 
• Works with an existing deadbolt and does not require a plug-in adapter for proper operation 

Cons

• Expensive compared to other options available 

Designed to fit an existing deadbolt, the August smart lock doesn’t require a bridge for Wi-Fi capability, a feature that can save users money. This Wi-Fi smart lock can be programmed to automatically lock and unlock your door, alert you when the door is left open or if its batteries run low, and even assign temporary access codes—a feature August makes free, unlike some of its competitors. 

This Wi-Fi smart lock links to smart-home systems and virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. There are other Wi-Fi–enabled smart locks on the market with similar capabilities, but when it comes to virtual assistants, these competitors don’t work as seamlessly as the August Smart Lock. They also lack the contemporary design of this small, minimalist design, which measures just 2.8 inches in diameter.

Because this lock is designed to fit an existing deadbolt, there’s very little assembly and disassembly involved. During our testing, this was by far the easiest of our smart locks to install. Another highlight was that the August app walked us through each step of the installation with helpful animations. And since the smart lock only needs to be installed on the inside of the door, we didn’t even have to change the house key on our key ring.

The August smart lock is full of useful user features. It comes with a door sensor that lets you know when the door is left open, and it uses geo-fencing to automatically lock the door when you leave home and auto unlock it when you return. We found this feature particularly useful when returning home with armloads of groceries. 

Because this lock doesn’t alter the functionality of your existing padlock on the outside part of the door, you can use your current house key to unlock it if the smart lock’s batteries happen to die, or if you find yourself at the door without your smartphone. In terms of aesthetics, the lock itself is a little bulky, but that’s true of most smart locks.

Get the August door lock at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best Touch-Screen

Yale Assure Lock SL With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 4/5; Aesthetics 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Smart lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 2
• Material: Steel

Pros

• Smart-home compatible; can be paired with a phone or Apple Watch
• Hands-free use makes it easy to operate; great for homes with children and seniors
• Offered in multiple finishes to match a home’s outdoor fixtures 

Cons

• Batteries don’t last very long; app does not have a low-battery alert

This Wi-Fi smart lock features a sleek touch screen and pairs with various smart-home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue, and Apple HomeKit. Users can enjoy hands-free use by syncing the lock with a phone or Apple Watch. 

An electronic deadbolt locks the door automatically when closed or after a set period of time. Users can share permanent, temporary, or scheduled access with friends or neighbors using digital “keys.” The lock is offered in various finishes: black, polished brass, satin nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze. Users can also choose between a keyless door lock and an option for keyed entry. 

We loved how well this lock worked. The touchpad was responsive, making it easy to use for manual unlocking, and the app provided total control over the lock. A standout feature was the auto-lock function, which automatically locks the door when it senses you’re more than a couple hundred meters away and then automatically unlocks it when you arrive home. We found this to be a great feature when returning home from a weekend away with armfuls of luggage. The ability to control the lock remotely was also useful for unlocking the door for a teen arriving home from school. 

In terms of looks, the padlock’s exterior was one of the more streamlined and less conspicuous models we tested, but it was rather large on the interior. Overall, the Yale is an exceptional smart lock for its price, which is neither the most affordable nor the most expensive. 

Get the Yale Wi-Fi lock at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Fingerprint-Access

Eufy E130 Smart Lock

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Installation 3/5; Aesthetics 3/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Smart lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 2
• Material: Zinc

Pros

• Automatic locking feature provides added peace of mind and security 
• Multiple locking/unlocking options; comes with fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth unlocking, keyed entry, or the touch-screen keypad 
• Weather-resistant construction is durable enough to last for years 

Cons

• Requires lever-handle door knob with a deadbolt for proper installation 

This Eufy smart lock can be unlocked in four different ways: fingerprint recognition, Bluetooth unlocking, keyed entry, or via the touch-screen keypad. It recognizes fingerprints within 0.3 seconds, and it takes only 1 second for the door to unlock. 

The door will lock automatically when closed, allowing you to rush out the door without having to manually fiddle with the lock. Fingerprint data is stored locally (rather than in the cloud) for optimal security. This smart lock is weather-resistant in both hot and cold temperatures. Do note that it must be paired with a lever-handle door knob with a deadbolt. 

Installing the Eufy E130 is similar to installing other keypad-style locks. Assembling the outer and inner half requires running a small wire through the door hole, lining up both pieces, and securing them together with two screws. While the installation can be a bit challenging with only one pair of hands, the Eufy app does a nice job of walking users through each step. 

Once physically installed, setting up the keypad code, fingerprint recognition, and Bluetooth connection to a smartphone is easy. One drawback of the E130 is that it requires a Wi-Fi bridge if you want to connect the lock to your home network. Without it, you won’t be able to control it while away from home. 

Aside from that gripe, we loved how the E130 performed. The fingerprint recognition was reliable during our testing. We also liked the keypad, which is larger than most, making it easy to key in numbers. The Eufy’s exterior side is quite large and isn’t particularly attractive, which could be a deal breaker for those concerned about maintaining the aesthetics of their front door.

Get the Eufy door lock at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.

Best Keyless

Yale Assure Lock SL With Z-Wave Plus

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 4/5; Aesthetics 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Smart lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 2
• Material: Stainless steel, zinc

Pros

• Smart-home compatible; works with Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Honeywell, Wink, and more
• Programmable backlit keypad holds temporary codes for convenience 
• Comes in multiple finishes to match a home’s outdoor fixtures 
• 4 AA batteries are included for ease of installation

Cons

• Does not include a backup key; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences 
• Wink-compatible hub sold separately

Boasting smart compatibility, the Assure smart deadbolt from Yale features a keypad with backlit numbers. Pair the lock with a Z-Wave smart-home or alarm system and apps like Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Honeywell, or Wink using a compatible hub (sold separately). 

Users can lock the door behind them by simply tapping the keypad, or they can automate locking by enabling the auto-lock function. This model allows one to assign recurring or temporary codes for people entering the home. The lock requires 4 AA batteries (included) and features a 9-volt backup battery in case the AA batteries run out of juice. Choose from three finishes: black suede, oil-rubbed bronze, or satin nickel.

Yale’s Assure lock offers the same performance as its Wi-Fi counterpart (reviewed earlier as Best Touch-Screen) with a compact, easy-to-use touchpad. The main advantage of this Z-Wave version is that it can integrate seamlessly with compatible home security systems. For us, this meant being able to control the Assure through our CPI Security app. This integration allowed us to set schedules and control both our security system and door lock seamlessly, eliminating the need to move between different apps to control both. 

This made the whole process of managing security for our home more efficient. Those interested in the Yale Assure who already have a compatible security system would be well advised to go with the Z-Wave option over the Assure’s Wi-Fi version. 

Get the Yale Z-Wave Plus door lock at Amazon.

Best with Keypad

Schlage Keypad Lever With Flex Lock

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Installation 3/5; Aesthetics 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Electronic lock 
• Lock quality: Grade 2
• Material: Unspecified

Pros

• Holds over 19 access codes; suitable for homes with 4 people or more 
• Fairly easy to install with the help of another person
• Battery included with purchase for ease of installation

Cons

• Only comes with 1 manual override backup key

Schlage’s keypad entry lock features a traditional, no-frills design and simple functionality. The lock is capable of storing up to 19 access codes, allowing you to create and delete temporary codes for anyone being given access to your home. It also arrives preprogrammed with two codes for immediate use. 

With the Flex Lock feature, users can switch between unlocked mode and automatic relocking mode with the push of a button. It’s rated as ANSI Grade 2, and the included backup override key provides peace of mind. The door knob is offered in seven colors, allowing shoppers to choose the option that best suits their existing hardware. The low-battery indicator gives plenty of notice when it’s time to replace the batteries. 

Installing this lock alone can be a bit of a challenge. It involves threading a wire through the door holes and simultaneously holding the exterior and interior panels along with a mounting bracket in place, then securing them with two screws. While someone who’s handy won’t have a problem with installation, it might give others fits unless they have an extra set of hands to help them.

Once in place, it’s an impressive lock in terms of both form and function. The curved shape and beautiful finish make it one of the more aesthetically pleasing locks one can add to a door. 

But this lock isn’t just about looks. It also has a solid, durable feel that befits its Grade 2 ANSI rating. The keypad is well designed with its responsive, easy-to-press buttons, which produce a reassuring audible beep when pressed. We particularly liked the Flex Lock switch on the lock, which automatically locks the door after 5 seconds when switched on. This is a great backup feature for absent-minded kids or forgetful adults who forget to lock it manually.

Get the Schlage Flex Lock door lock at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Deadbolt

Schlage B60 Single-Cylinder Deadbolt

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 5/5; Aesthetics 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Single-cylinder
• Lock quality: Grade 1
• Material: Unspecified

Pros

• Pick- and bump-resistant; boasts ANSI’s highest security rating
• Available in various finish options, making it easy to pair with most door knobs
• Small, sleek design makes it a great partner for larger door knobs
• Self-aligning screws make it easier to install than most deadbolt locks

Cons

• Doesn’t have smart key technology for easy rekeying

This deadbolt from Schlage is a little pricey for a single deadbolt lock, but it’s worth it if you’re after the best security possible. With its Grade 1 ANSI rating, it’s one of the most secure locks you can put on your exterior doors. It features a 1-inch deadbolt, anti-drill plates, and anti-pick pins that make it well equipped to defend against a variety of attempts to defeat it, including bumping, picking, prying, and kick-ins. The Schlage single-cylinder deadbolt is designed to fit most door thicknesses and comes in seven different finishes, making it a good match for most exterior doors. 

In our tests, the Schlage B60 was one of the easiest locks to install, largely thanks to the self-aligning screws. These eliminated the frustration of trying to attach the interior plate to the exterior plate. Once installed, the lock fit tightly to the door and had a very secure feel. 

Along with the level of security this model offers, we also liked its sleek design. It’s a bit smaller than other deadbolt locks we tested, making it a great option if you plan to pair it with a larger door knob. If you don’t care about smart features and want top-notch security at an affordable price, this model is the one. 

Get the Schlage B60 door lock at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best High-Security

Kwikset Halifax Deadbolt Security Set

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Installation 3/5; Aesthetics 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Single-cylinder 
• Lock quality: Grade 2
• Material: Zinc

Pros

• Lever-and-deadbolt combo for a full locking system 
• Fully reversible, so it can be installed on right- or left-handed doors
• Bump-proof design provides ample safety when the door is locked 
• Easy to rekey in 3 simple steps 

Cons

• Heavyweight construction may be somewhat hard to install 

This lock set from Kwikset includes a single-cylinder deadbolt and a keyed door lever, providing a double layer of security. The keyed single-cylinder deadbolt is rated ANSI Grade 1, while the keyed door lever is rated ANSI Grade 2. It’s also bump-proof, making your home even safer when the door is locked. 

The lever is fully reversible and can be installed on either left-handed or right-handed doors. Using ​​Kwikset’s patented SmartKey Security rekeying technology, users can rekey the lock in three easy steps. 

As for the look of the lock, both the interior and exterior components boast a sleek, modern design that can instantly elevate the look of your entryway. If you want to add a more sophisticated look to your front door, this is the lock-and-handle combo. The square shape and lever-style handle certainly upgraded the aesthetics of our back entry door. 

The installation was similar to other locks we installed. While it wasn’t particularly complicated, it was sometimes frustrating getting the outer and inner parts of the lock to line up. Its square shape requires more precision during installation, as you’ll notice if the lock or door knob isn’t completely square to the door frame once you’re done. 

Once installed, the lock felt sturdy and secure. While we liked that the keyed handle added an extra layer of security, beware that the handle lock—as with any handle lock—makes it possible for you to lock yourself out accidentally. Overall, this is an excellent-quality lock-and-handle combo with the most attractive design of any door knob or lock we tested.

Get the Kwikset Halifax door lock at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Door Lock

Establish the type of door lock you would like to install (as well as the type of lock you are replacing, if applicable). Then, consider the quality of its components, extra features, and installment requirements.

Type

Choosing a new lock can be confusing if you don’t know the lingo. There are several different designs to choose from.

• Single-cylinder locks: A single-cylinder lock can only be opened with a key on one side. To lock or unlock the door from the other side, the user only needs to twist or turn a lever or similar mechanism. In addition to the keyhole on the key-entry side, some newer single-cylinder locks feature a keypad that lets the user enter a numerical code to unlock the door. A keypad makes it handy for family members who wish to avoid fumbling for keys in a purse or pocket.
• Double-cylinder locks: Like single-cylinder locks, a double-cylinder lock opens from the outside with a key. However, unlike single-cylinder locks, the same key can be used to lock and unlock the door from inside. Double-cylinder locks are great for doors that contain glass windows because if an intruder breaks the glass, there will be no deadbolt for them to reach in and unlock. That being said, local fire codes often ban these locks, deeming them a potential hazard should a home emergency occur that requires residents to quickly evacuate.
• Vertical locks: This type of lock employs a vertical bolt that extends through a set of rings to secure the door. The strike plate (the metal plate that attaches inside the door frame) features steel rings that interlock with additional steel rings on the lock itself when the door is closed. Vertical locks can incorporate either single cylinders or double cylinders and are most commonly used in commercial applications, such as hotel doors or large apartment complexes.
• Smart locks: As technology advances, so do ways of securing our homes. Smart locks use your home’s Wi-Fi network to send and receive information to your smartphone or computer. They may be operated by voice control, from your smartphone, or by fingerprint recognition. In addition to locking and unlocking your door, some smart locks feature motion-activated cameras to record all visitors to your door.
• Electronic locks: These are advanced locking systems that grant access using electronic lock components such as keypads, card readers, or biometric scanners. These locks eliminate the need for traditional keys and provide enhanced security features such as remote access control and audit trails. 

Lock Quality

The rating issued by ANSI can help you suss out the strongest door locks available. Locks are given a grade rating of 1, 2, or 3 based on a lock’s durability and its potential to withstand attempted forced entry.

• Grade 1: This is the highest rating a lock can receive. Grade 1 deadbolts were once primarily limited to industrial buildings, but in recent years, more lock manufacturers have started making Grade 1 locks for residential use. Grade 1 locks can withstand 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force and 1 million opening and closing cycles. 
• Grade 2: Many locks found on today’s homes are Grade 2 locks. They feature high-quality steel construction and are designed to deter most attempts at forceful entry. Unless you have high-security needs, a Grade 2 lock is probably sufficient. Grade 2 locks can withstand 5 strikes of 75 pounds of force and 800,000 opening and closing cycles. 
• Grade 3: While a Grade 3 deadbolt still offers some protection, it may contain substandard components that will not withstand a determined intruder and will not last as long as a higher-quality lock. Grade 3 locks can withstand two strikes of 75 pounds of force and 800,000 opening and closing cycles. 

Additional Features

Door locks come with a variety of additional features to improve ease of use and increase security. 

• Access logs: Some smart door locks offer access logs, providing information on who opened the lock and when. 
• Alarms: A built-in alarm detects a potential security breach and sounds an alert. 
• Rekeying: The most basic door locks are easy to rekey, meaning you can increase your home’s security and prevent entry with old keys without completely replacing the existing lock. 
• Reinforced strike plate: The strike plate, or just “strike,” is the metal plate that attaches inside the door frame. It is an important aspect of any home security locking system. Inexpensive locks may come with flimsy strike plates that bend easily when the door is kicked. Look for quality locks that come with reinforced strike plates for better protection against a would-be intruder.
• Universal handling: Locks with universal handling can be installed on both right-handed and left-handed doors.

Installation

No matter the type, most residential deadbolt locks fit the standard predrilled hole in an exterior door, so installation is a DIY-friendly endeavor—all you need is a good drill or screwdriver set to get the job done. Quality locks often come with 3-inch screws for attaching the strike plate to the door frame. 

If your deadbolt’s screws are shorter, it’s wise to purchase 3-inch screws separately and use them in place of the shorter ones, which won’t embed deeply enough in the wall framing that lies behind the door frame. The longer screws will make it more difficult for an intruder to kick the door open.

FAQs

You might still have questions about how door locks work and how to use them. The following are answers to some of the most common questions about how they operate and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Meet the Tester

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag. 

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor and Savannah Sher.