Best Door Locks for Home Security

We knew our top pick would have to be "The Rock" of traditional locks: big, tough, and unmovable. The Medeco Maxum's solid, hardened steel construction and unpickable locking mechanism checked all the boxes. The price tag on the Maxum is definitely higher than the other locks on our list, but for everything it offers in protection, we think the triple-digit price is well worth it.

We especially liked that the unique lock style means unique keys, making them hard to duplicate. But keep in mind that if you need a duplicate key, or if you ever need to get the lock re-keyed, its uniqueness means you'll have some hoops to jump through.

The Maxum lock is available in a variety of different finishes, and it comes with a high-security, box-style strike plate with two-inch, high tensile screws—not as long as the three-inch screws we prefer for a truly secure door, but better than the standard one-inch. Installation can be difficult, so you might want to have a locksmith on call just in case. You can order several Medeco locks for your home and have them keyed the same or differently.

Medeco locks are deadbolt only, so you'll have to find a matching doorknob lock, but the deadbolts come in more than a dozen finishes, so you can find just the right match. Medeco is by far the priciest door lock on our list, but it's top quality, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

Since there’s just three pieces to install with a standard Phillips head screwdriver, you'll be looking at less than 10 minutes total work time.

This lock isn't as impervious to attacks as the Medeco, but it is pick- and bump-resistant, and at around $30, it won't break the bank. It's available at most local hardware stores, and it comes with a AAA rating (best of the best) from BHMA for security, durability, and finish.

The simple, curved handle design fits most décor styles, and it goes with other locksets from the Wright Products line, so you can match it to your front door.

The only drawback to this lock is that it's tricky to install. The instructions that come with it aren’t very clear, so if you're not mechanically minded, you might want to enlist a friend or professional to help with the job.

On the bright side, one reason mortise locks are hard to install is because they're designed to be more complex than cylinder locks, so they're also harder for intruders to beat.

Some users say their key stopped working in the lock after a few years, and some say the rekeying failed altogether.

The good news is that it's an affordable option, and if you run into any trouble with your Kwikset lock, it's covered under a lifetime warranty that covers mechanical problems and finish blemishes.

No keys means it's pick-proof and bump-proof, so it's a great way to put an extra layer of security on exterior doors that have windows next to the locks. At under $20, it's inexpensive, and it's easy to install and use, but users say it doesn't hold up well with repeated use over time.

The backset on your door is the measurement between the center of the drilled hole for your lock and the edge of your door. This is an essential measurement to have before you go shopping for locks to ensure you get a lock that fits.

Most backsets on US doors are either 2 3/8 in. or 2 3/4 in., so most locks are designed to fit those measurements. Still, every once in a while, you'll get a door that's drilled differently, so be sure to check.

The deadbolt locks we've included here are single cylinder locks, which means they have a keyhole on one side and a thumb turn or lever on the other side.

You can purchase double cylinder locks that require keys on both sides, but needing a key to unlock the door from the inside could delay or prevent you from getting out of your home in an emergency.

For that reason, we recommend using only single cylinder locks for your home security.

Before outfitting old doors with new locks, consider whether you might want the added protection of a security door. Security doors are much sturdier and more kick-resistant than standard builder-grade doors, and they can provide extra security at your home's most vulnerable point.

Today's security doors come in a wide variety of stylish finishes to match your décor, so you won't have to feel like you're living in a bank vault.

If you're focusing on beefing up your door security, it's a good idea to think about adding door and window sensors to your home. These sensors are included in many home security systems and will alert you whenever a door or window is opened when the system is armed.

To choose our top picks for the best door locks, we studied each lock's construction and security features to find locks that were not only built to last but also designed to foil even the most talented lockpicker. To find out more about how we review security products, check out our full methodology.

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