The Best Door Locks of 2023

To find the best door lock for your property, lifestyle, and budget, start with the tips and recommendations outlined in the guide ahead.

By Glenda Taylor and Savannah Sher | Updated Aug 21, 2023 11:05 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more.

Best Door Lock

Photo: amazon.com

An entry door lock is an essential element of home security. Choosing one might seem like a simple decision, but there are actually 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.

Read on to learn the differences between common lock types and to understand why we’ve chosen the below as top-performing picks among the best door lock options available.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Kwikset Juno 99910-034 Knob Keyed Entry Door Knob
  2. RUNNER-UP: Schlage BE489WB Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Schlage B60N 619 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
  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 FE595 CAM 505 ACC Keypad Flex Lock
  9. BEST DEADBOLT: Kwikset 660 Keyed One Side Smartkey Deadbolt
  10. BEST HIGH-SECURITY: Kwikset 991 Halifax Security Set Deadbolt
Best Door Lock Options

Photo: amazon.com

How We Chose the Best Door Locks

The right door lock can provide convenience and security for your home. Many of the above door locks are made with durable and reliable lock types, with multiple designs to choose from. With most of the locks offering Grade 1 security, each is made to be reliable and tamper resistant.

With options like smart locks, deadbolts, and door knob and deadlock duos, each pick comes with ample security and satisfies your personal preferences. The smart lock options are the most popular in this selection, as they come with programmable touchpads, smart home capability, and even voice control. But, the deadbolts and door knob picks are also effective and easy to use if you are looking for simple and easy to use options.

Many of these locks are available in multiple colorways to match your home’s outdoor accessories. With durable metal construction, these side, back, or front door locks are also weather-resistant to avoid corrosion. Finally, many of these locks are easy to install in minutes with the use of a screwdriver.

Best Door Locks

Photo: amazon.com

Our Top Picks

These top picks are high in overall quality and value, plus they include features to keep in mind when shopping for the best front door locks. Read on to discover some of the top-quality options on the market in a variety of categories for a secure door.

Best Overall

The Best Door Lock Option: Kwikset Juno 99910-034 Knob Keyed Entry Door Knob
Photo: amazon.com

With an affordable price and the highest grade of residential lock on the market, the Kwikset Juno is our top pick for a residential or rental property. Each purchase includes both an entry door knob and a single cylinder deadbolt. The ANSI rating of Grade 1 ensures optimal home security and indicates the lock is kick-in resistant, bump proof, pick resistant, drill resistant, and saw resistant.

Rekeying the lock is a breeze with Kwikset SmartKey Security, which ensures 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 handing, meaning that it can be installed on either the left or right side of the door.

Product Specs

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

Pros

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

Cons

  • May require professional installation

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

Runner Up

The Best Door Lock Option: Schlage BE489WB Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Photo: amazon.com

The Schlage Encode smart lock features a higher price point but includes a range of high-end features that make it stand out from its competitors. It connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and pairs with the Amazon Key App so that you can lock or unlock the door from anywhere without purchasing any additional accessories.

The Schlage smart lock features a touch screen keypad, providing multiple unlocking options. It can even be paired with voice control. With an ANSI rating of Grade 1, you can rest assured that your door is securely locked. It comes in two styles: Camelot (which has a traditional look) and Century, which is more modern. Choose from an Aged Bronze, Bright Chrome, Satin Nickel, or Matte Black finish.

Product Specs

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

Pros

  • Programmable keypad for reliable security; has a Grade 1 security level
  • Compatible with Amazon Key app for added security and remote locking/unlocking
  • Voice control capability for added convenience
  • Comes in multiple colors to match a home’s current outdoor fixtures

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other door locks on the market

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

Best Bang For The Buck

The Best Door Lock Option: Schlage B60N 619 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
Photo: amazon.com

This Schlage lock is an affordable yet highly secure Grade 1 deadbolt. It comes with an anti-pick shield, an oversized bolt, and a reinforced strike plate for kick-in resistance. It’s smooth to operate and has a straightforward installation process.

Like other single-cylinder locks, the Schlage accepts a key on the exterior and features a thumb-knob on the inside of the door. The thumb-knob is large and simple to turn, making it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Product Specs

  • Type: Single cylinder
  • Lock quality: Grade 1
  • Material: Zinc

Pros

  • Durable build has a Grade 1 security level for long-term and reliable protection
  • Anti-pick shield prevents tampering and unwanted entry
  • Easy to use compared to similar door locks on the market
  • Comes in many finishes to match a home’s current fixtures

Cons

  • 1-sided lock; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences

Get the Schlage cylinder deadbolt door lock at AmazonLowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Best Smart

The Best Keyless Door Lock Option: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Photo: amazon.com

The August smart lock works with your existing deadbolt but doesn’t require a plug-in adapter for Wi-Fi capability, a feature that saves you money. You can program this Wi-Fi smart lock to automatically lock and unlock your door, alert you when the door is left open or its batteries run low, and even assign temporary access codes (August makes that feature 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 WiFi-enabled smart locks on the market with similar capabilities, but they don’t work as seamlessly as the August Smart Lock when it comes to virtual assistants. They also lack the contemporary design of this small, minimalist design (2.8 inches by 2.75 inches).

Product Specs

  • Type: Smart lock
  • Lock quality: Unspecified
  • Material: Zinc

Pros

  • Smart-home compatible; pairs with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
  • 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

Get the August door lock at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Touch-Screen

The Best Door Lock Option: Yale Assure Lock SL With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Photo: amazon.com

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

The door locks automatically when closed, or after a set period of time using an electronic deadbolt. Share permanent, temporary, or scheduled access with friends or neighbors using digital “keys.” Choose from a black, polished brass, satin nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze finish on your Wi-Fi smart lock. While this version provides a keyless door lock, the listing also includes an option for keyed entry.

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 is easy to use for homes with children or older adults
  • Comes in multiple finishes to match a home’s current outdoor fixtures

Cons

  • Batteries not included with purchase; may need to be bought separately

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

Best Fingerprint-Access

The Best Keyless Door Lock Option: Eufy E130 Smart Lock
Photo: amazon.com

This Eufy smart lock offers four options for unlocking: fingerprint recognition, connection to the Eufy Security app with Bluetooth, or by using either a traditional key or the touch screen keypad. It will recognize your fingerprint within 0.3 seconds, and it takes just a single second for the door to unlock.

The door will lock automatically when closed, allowing you to rush out the door without dealing 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.

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

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

Best Keyless

The Best Keyless Door Lock Option: Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave Plus
Photo: amazon.com

Yale’s smart deadbolt features a keypad with backlit numbers and offers smart compatibility. 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).

Press any button to lock the door, or set up auto-relock for hands-free locking using the motorized deadbolt. This model allows you to set up scheduled or temporary codes for people entering your home. The lock requires 4 AA batteries (included) and features a 9V backup charger in case they run out. Choose from black suede, oil-rubbed bronze, or satin nickel finishes.

Product Specs

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

Pros

  • Smart-home compatible; works with Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Honeywell, or Wink
  • Programmable backlit keypad holds temporary codes for convenience
  • Comes in multiple finishes to match a home’s current outdoor fixtures
  • Batteries included with purchase for ease of installation

Cons

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

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

Best With Keypad

The Best Door Lock Option: Schlage FE595 CAM 505 ACC Keypad Flex Lock
Photo: amazon.com

Schlage’s keypad entry lock features a traditional design and simple functionality. The lock is capable of holding up to 19 codes, allowing you to create and delete temporary codes for anyone being given access to your home. It’s also preprogrammed with two codes for immediate use.

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

Product Specs

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

Pros

  • Holds over 19 codes; suitable for homes with 4 people or more
  • Comes ready to use and should be easy to install
  • Available in multiple finishes to match a home’s current outdoor fixtures
  • Battery included with purchase for ease of installation

Cons

  • Only comes with 1 manual-override backup key

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

Best Deadbolt

The Best Door Lock Option: Kwikset 660 Keyed One Side Smartkey Deadbolt
Photo: amazon.com

For shoppers wanting a traditional lock, the Kwikset 660 is an excellent, affordable pick. Despite its low price, it features a top-of-the-line locking mechanism that’s rated Grade 1 by ANSI. Due to its strong bolt, it’s resistant to ​​kick-ins, bumping, picking, drilling, and sawing.

This Kwikset model features SmartKey Security, allowing you to rekey your lock in a few easy steps if your keys are lost or stolen. Choose from a satin chrome, Venetian bronze, satin nickel, or polished brass finish. Installation is easy and requires only a screwdriver.

Product Specs

  • Type: Single cylinder
  • Lock quality: Grade 3
  • Material: Zinc

Pros

  • Affordable lock compared to other options currently available
  • Comes with 2 keys for multiple users to enter the home
  • Durable build lasts for years of use and keeps the home secure
  • Comes in multiple colorways to match a home’s current outdoor fixtures

Cons

  • Outdoor use only; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences

Get the Kwikset 660 door lock at Lowe’s or Amazon.

Best High-Security

The Best Door Lock Option: Kwikset 991 Halifax Security Set Deadbolt
Photo: amazon.com

This lock set from Kwikset includes a single-cylinder deadbolt as well as 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 ​​Smart Key rekey technology, users can rekey the lock in three steps. Both pieces have a sleek, modern design that can instantly elevate the look of your entryway.

Product Specs

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

Pros

  • Lever-and-deadbolt combo for a full locking system
  • Fully reversible to suit any users’ current side, back, or front door
  • 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

Get the Kwikset 991 door lock at Amazon.


Jump to Our Top Picks



What to Consider When Choosing a Door Lock

Establish the type of door lock you would like to install—or the type of lock you are replacing—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 opens with a key from the outside and operates inside by turning a thumb-knob. In addition to the exterior keyhole, some newer single cylinder locks feature a keypad that permits residents to 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 the single cylinder lock, a double cylinder lock opens from the outside with a key, but instead of a thumb-knob, the same key is used to lock and unlock the door from inside. Double-cylinder locks offer break-in security on entry doors that contain glass windows, since an intruder cannot break a pane and then reach in to unlock the deadbolt because there is no thumb-knob. Local fire codes often ban these locks, however, deeming them a hazard should a home emergency occur and residents need to get out quickly.
  • 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 use electronic locks components such as keypads, card readers, or biometric scanners to grant access. 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 the American National Standards Institute (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 are making Grade 1 locks for residential use. Grade 1 locks can withstand 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force and one 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 a measure of protection, it may contain substandard components that will not hold up to a determined intruder, and it won’t last as long as a higher quality lock. Grade 3 locks can withstand 2 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”—the metal plate that attaches inside the door frame—is an important aspect of your 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

Most residential deadbolt locks, no matter the type, fit the standard pre-drilled hole in an exterior door, so installation is a DIY-friendly endeavor. 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

Though you now know more about door locks, you might still have questions about how they work and how to use them. The following are answers to some of the most common questions about how to select a high-quality door lock for your home.

Q. What are keyless door locks?

Keyless locks eliminate the need for a key by using a keypad, facial recognition, or a fingerprint scanner.

Q. How do electronic door locks work?

Basic electronic door locks have internal control boards that recognize when you enter a correct entry code. The board then activates a motor and gear combination to retract a deadbolt or flip a lock into the unlock position. The simple press of a button usually reverses this, locking the door with one touch.

Q. What are ANSI/BHMA security ratings?

The three ANSI/BHMA lock grades are:

  • Grade 1: The toughest and most durable, intended primarily for commercial settings.
  • Grade 2: The second toughest and most durable, usually used in residential settings.
  • Grade 3: The lowest standard acceptable by ANSI/BHMA, intended only for residential settings.

Even if a lock has a Grade 3 rating, it’s no indication that it’s a low-quality lock. For a lock to receive an ANSI/BHMA grade of any sort, it must pass rigorous testing.

Q. What kind of door lock is most secure?

The most secure door lock will have an ANSI rating of Grade 1.

Q. How do smart locks connect to other devices? 

Many smart locks use downloadable apps to communicate with other devices. They link to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to include them in IFTTT programs, themes, and routines.

Q. Can smart door locks be hacked?

It is possible for smart door locks to be hacked, just like any other digital device. High-quality smart locks prevent this by providing advanced encryption processes.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.