Top 4 Best Door Locks to Prevent Break-Ins (2025 Expert Picks)

We knew our best door locks to prevent break-ins would have to be "The Rock" of traditional locks: big, tough, and unmovable. Schlage, Wright, Kwickset, and Defender checked all the boxes. A bonus is that they're affordable! Here's our top picks for the best deadbolts and even a keyless lock that will work on a variety of doors.

Since you can install just three pieces with a standard Phillips-head screwdriver, your total work time will be less than 10 minutes.

This ANSI Grade 1 lock isn't as impervious to attacks, but it is pick-and-bump-resistant. 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. 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.

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.

Schlage has been in business for over 100 years. The Schlage B60 series is economical, tough, and has an ANSI Grade 1 rating. That's why it's our pick for the best home security door lock.