Best Door Locks for Home Security

We compared traditional deadbolts and door locks to find the toughest options for a secure home.
Best for security
Medeco Maxum
  • pro
    Unique angled key design
  • pro
    Drill-proof hardened steel
  • pro
    Pick-proof lock
Easiest installation
Schlage B60N626 Deadbolt
Schlage B60N626
  • pro
    Low-profile face
  • pro
    Universal latch
  • pro
    Easy installation
Best for storm doors
Wright Products VMT115PB
Wright Serenade Mortise Set
  • pro
    Attractive design
  • pro
    Universal fit
  • pro
    Storm door deadbolt
Budget pick
Kwikset 980 Deadbolt
Kwikset 980 with SmartKey
  • pro
    6 finishes
  • pro
    Fits standard doors
  • pro
    Lifetime warranty
Keyless pick
Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock
Defender Security Door Reinforcement
  • pro
    Prevents forced entry
  • pro
    Inexpensive
  • pro
    Affordable

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

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.



Compare the best door locks

Door lock
Best for
Price
Lock materials
ANSI grade Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
Read review
Best for security Brass and hardened steel 1
Easiest installation Steel1
Best for storm doors Solid brass N/A
Budget pick Steel and aluminum 1
Keyless pick Extruded aluminum N/A

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Best door lock reviews

1. Medeco Maxum: Best for security

Best for security
Medeco Maxum
$249.95

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Maxum is the next generation of lock security. Its solid, hardened steel casing and inserts make it drill-proof and impervious to attacks from crowbars and other common tools.

pro
Pros
pro Pick-proof lock
pro Unique key design
pro Hardened steel casing
pro ANSI Grade 1 rating
pro High security strike plate
con
Cons
con High price tag
con Deadbolt only

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 door-knob lock. 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.

2. Schlage B60N626: Easiest installation

Easiest installation
Schlage B60N626 Deadbolt

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

As someone who’s been in the sweaty trenches of deadbolt replacement myself, I wish I'd had something like the Schlage B60 series to make the process a little easier.

Schlage designs its deadbolts to fit most standard pre-drilled deadbolt holes, and it uses a unique “Snap & Stay” ring to hold the locking mechanism in place while you screw it in.

pro
Pros
pro Snap & Stay design
pro Universal fit
pro Quick installation
pro Tamper resistance
pro AAA BHMA rating
con
Cons
con Weak screws

Since there are 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. 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.

3. Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set: Best for storm doors

Best for storm doors
Wright Products VMT115PB

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're a neighborly person who likes to see what's going on outside but you don't want to leave your door unlocked for intruders, a storm door lock like this one from Wright Products is a good way to beef up your security.

This lock has an adjustable backset, so it will fit most storm doors, and its built-in deadbolt keeps your door firmly locked.

pro
Pros
pro Attractive design
pro Universal fit
pro Storm door deadbolt
pro Solid brass construction
con
Cons
con Tricky installation

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.

4. Kwikset 980 with SmartKey: Budget pick

Budget pick
Kwikset 980 Deadbolt

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Kwikset 980 looks great on paper: it has solid steel construction and BumpGuard technology, and it's tough to pick. You can also rekey it yourself. But we couldn't put it into the top three because the jury is still out on how reliable the SmartKey rekeying technology really is.

pro
Pros
pro 6 finishes
pro Round and square shapes
pro Fits standard doors
pro Lifetime warranty
pro Can rekey yourself
con
Cons
con Rekey technology may fail

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.

Light Bulb
Interested in a smart lock?

We devoted a separate page to our favorite smart locks to give them the attention they deserve.

5. Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock: Keyless pick

Keyless pick
Defender Security Satin Nickel U 10827 Door Reinforcement Lock

Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Defender Security Lock isn't like the other locks on our list because it doesn’t have a key. It works more like the devices you'd find on our Best Door Jammers list by preventing forced entry while you're in your home.

pro
Pros
pro Prevents forced entry
pro Very affordable
pro Pick-proof and bump-proof
pro Easy to install
con
Cons
con May not hold up to repeated use

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.

Things to consider before you buy

What's your backset?

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.

Single cylinder vs. double cylinder locks

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.

Security doors

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.

Adding door sensors

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.

Final word

The Medeco Maxum offers incredible durability and unique keys that make it difficult to pick. These strengths come at a steep cost, making the door lock more than four times as expensive as other locks on our list—as much as some smart locks.

If you're fine sacrificing some durability, the Schlage B60 series is much more economical with the same ANSI Grade 1 rating.

FAQ

Believe it or not, changing a deadbolt on your door is pretty easy. All you need is a screwdriver and your new deadbolt kit.

Unscrew the screws on the deadbolt to remove the faceplate and the lock. Next, remove the plate on the inside of the door.

Replace the lock inside the door with the new piece and screw it into place. We recommend longer screws for a more secure fit. Be sure to install it with the "up" side in the correct position.

Finally, line up the new deadbolt with the internal lock and screw it into place.

Most keyless door locks work like garage doors: they have a keypad where you enter a code to open the door. In recent years, devices like the August smart lock have come on the scene, turning your smartphone into a key fob so you can lock and unlock your smart lock using only your phone. Some smart door locks will even sense when you (and your phone) are near, locking or unlocking the door automatically. Keyless door locks require batteries or hardwiring for power.

It depends. Some of the locks we mentioned on our list are easier to install than others, and it depends on how comfortable you are with tools. The main reason you might need a lock pro is if your locking mechanism doesn't fit your door properly. Services like Thumbtack can help you find someone to lend a hand if you need it.

Both ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) test locks based on their level of security and quality of construction. An ANSI Grade 3 indicates that a product is good for basic residential security, a Grade 2 is a higher level of residential security, and a Grade 1 is considered the highest-quality grade for residential or commercial security.

 

Both ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) test locks based on their level of security and quality of construction. An ANSI Grade 3 indicates that a product is good for basic residential security, a Grade 2 is a higher level of residential security, and a Grade 1 is considered the highest-quality grade for residential or commercial security.

 

How we reviewed door locks

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.

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Kasey Tross
Written by
Kasey Tross
Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.

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