Locks are the primary source of protection for any house or office. Door locks that look good and strong on display may not always provide the desired security. There are indeed better security options like live feed from CCTV cameras, but sometimes, all you need is an excellent door lock to keep your house safe.
If you are buying a secure door lock, you have clicked on the right article. Here, I have discussed the 15 most secure door locks to simplify your purchase decision.
Features of a Secure Door Lock
The most secure door locks are those that not only provide security but are also hard to replicate. Even though break-ins have declined, burglaries are still common in houses.
Multiple factors are considered when choosing and purchasing a door lock. These include:
- Ease of installation
- Temporary accessibility
- Scheduled access
- Locking and auto-locking
- Pricing
- ANSI ratings
After choosing and installing a door lock, people also opt for additional protection like Door Reinforcement Locks.
Every lock must have a grading from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This is to identify how strong a lock is in terms of durability and security. Every lock can be classified under one of three grades:
- Grade 1. These locks are of the highest quality and are usually found in industrial buildings. However, they are now getting commercialized, and most locks in this list fall under the grade 1 category.
- Grade 2. The grade 2 locks are the ones that are most commonly used in residential houses. These are made from hardened steel and are strong enough to keep most intruders away.
- Grade 3. This is the lowest level, and hence, the quality is also low on these locks. The steel is sub-standard, and the locks do not provide a high level of protection from threats.
The Most Secure Door Locks
Choice of door lock depends on whether you want a simple deadbolt, lever handle lock, or a smart lock. Customers also buy locks that are available in colors and finishes suitable for the interior decoration of their offices and homes.
Smart locks have become popular these days, and that is why we have covered some of the best ones on this list. These locks are not only digital but also have Wi-fi and can be remotely accessed.
Here is a list of the 15 best door locks that you should invest in:
1. Kwikset 980
The Kwikset 980 is a single cylindrical deadbolt. It has a key input area on one side and a thumb turn operation to lock and unlock the door. Mostly single cylindrical, it can also be double cylindrical, which allows key input on both sides to lock and unlock the door.
It has an ANSI rating of grade 1 and comes in six finishes. The rekeying technology has enabled customers to set a single key for different locks.
The Kwikset also provides a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty. It means any mechanical damage will be taken care of by the company.
2. Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob
This product is a doorknob, which is nothing but round locks. It has key input on one side and may or may not have a thumb turn for the interior side of the lock. ANSI has given it a rating of grade 1.
Though it is easy to install, professional installation is recommended. It is similar to the above door lock in durability and function.
Some of its features include:
- SmartKey rekeying technology
- Comes in multiple finishes
- Universal handle that can be installed either on the left side of the door or the right side of the door
- Highly resistant to microbes, hence it is cleaner and safer than most doorknobs
3. Medeco Maxum
The Medeco Maxum is a highly secure single cylindrical deadbolt. It is grade 1, certified by ANSI. Traditionally developed for industrial use, it has developed a space among residential users.
New product developments are in progress keeping in mind the residential users as well. This means that the lock will now offer the same level of resistance as found in industrial doors.
Some of its features are:
- Hardened steel casing of one inch (2.54 cm), which protects against drilling and cutting
- The strike plate (the plate that connects the lock with the door) has a box design with screws of two inches (5.08 cm).
- Difficult to duplicate or change keys — requires an authorized locksmith
- Difficult to install — professional help required
- Comes in multiple finishes
- The keyhole part has additional security installations.
- Pick-resistant
- Protects from wrench attacks with a spinning solid brass collar
- It may be double cylindrical.
- Made of brass
4. Schlage BE469ZP Cen 622
The Schlage 622 is a deadbolt lock that can be operated using the internet. ANSI has given it a rating of grade 1.
One of the best things about this lock is that you don’t need to hardwire it since it runs on batteries. This saves you from additional drilling and the fear of short circuits.
Some of its features are as follows:
- Touchscreen keypad with voice control
- It is compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Schlage Home App to lock and unlock and grant lock access to everyone in the family.
- It comes in three finishes – aged bronze, satin nickel, and matte black.
- It is easy to install without professional help and does not require adding any extra accessories with the lock.
- Batteries power the screen
- It has built-in alarm technology to alert to any security breach.
5. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock requires minimal manual operation to lock and unlock. It is a grade 1 deadbolt attached to the thumb turn side of a single cylindrical deadbolt.
Customers appreciate the aesthetic value of its small size and easy installation. However, they also recommend that the August app be made easier to operate. They like auto unlocking when the phone is in Bluetooth or NFC range, a new feature in the 4th generation model.
Some of its features include:
- Setting automatic locking and unlocking as required
- Alerts when the door is open
- It can be connected with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home kit.
- Looks good as it is small in size
- Battery-operated
- Gives a low battery alert
- Sharing access to the lock and virtual lock password through smartphones with family members
- You can also use a key to lock.
- You may add August Keypad to provide guest access.
- Using the August app to operate
- Providing a biometric verification facility to access the lock
- Easy to install
6. Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular
The Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular is a single cylindrical deadbolt. A keycard or a magnetic strip card can be used to lock and unlock it in addition to the standard key. It requires professional installation.
One of the distinct features of this lock is that it comes with a keycard function. Every user gets a Mul-t id card that is unique for every lock.
Some of its other features are:
- The MT5+ mechanical keying platform
- It is pick-resistant.
- It is drill-resistant.
- Requires an authorized locksmith to make keycard copies
- Using a patented Alpha Spring as an addition to the key for additional locking, it engages in the innermost end of the keyway since it is attached at the tip of the key.
- It prevents jimmying attacks through ball bearings that separate the bearing races.
- The strike plate is attached using screws of three inches (7.62 cm).
- It has a UL437 listed cylinder that comes in a bright brass finish and satin chrome finish.
- No additional parts need to be attached to the lock.
7. Mul-T-Lock Cronus
The Mul-T-Lock Cronus is a single cylindrical deadbolt. It comes with a duplicate card to make copies of the key. It is a grade 2 deadbolt and is different from the other deadbolts since it was primarily made for residential use and later developed for industrial use.
This lock is often more secure than other residential deadbolts because it was primarily built for that purpose.
Some of the features of this lock are:
- It has a drill-proof cylinder.
- The bolts come with a hardened steel pin.
- It requires a professional locksmith to create duplicate keys from the duplicate cards.
- It comes in four different finishes.
- They come with the option of the same key for all Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular deadbolts in your house or a different key for each deadbolt.
8. Yale Assure Lock SL
Yale Assure Lock SL is an electronic lock deadbolt. It has a touchscreen keypad on one side and a turn lock on the other. You just have to enter the set code to lock and unlock the door. It runs on Wi-fi.
It is available either as a single lock with a lever or with a garage control. This means you get a range of options for your house.
Some of its features are:
- It can be connected with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc., to access the lock.
- It can be connected with your smartphone and smartwatch to access the lock when you are away from your house or office.
- It automatically locks when you close the door.
- You can auto set lock and unlock intervals.
- The unlock password can be shared among family members when connected with smartphones and other smart devices.
- It comes in multiple finishes.
- It has a charging system.
- It is easy to install.
- It works as a single lock on the door. All other deadbolts have to be removed from the door.
- It mostly runs on a battery.
9. Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave
The Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave is an electronic lock deadbolt. Z Wave locks use radio frequencies to be operated. It has a touchscreen keypad with backlit numbers on one side and a turn lock on the other.
It is paired with the Z Wave home system or any other smart home system. You can also connect it with smartphones through apps like Samsung SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Wink, etc.
Some of the features of this lock are:
- Press a button to lock the door when closed or electronically lock the door.
- Allows both scheduled and temporary passwords to lock the door
- Runs on a battery
- It comes in multiple finishes.
- The alarm system alerts the users on their phone or smart home systems in case of any breach of security or an ajar door.
- It is easy to install.
10. eufy Security Smart Lock
eufy Security Smart Lock has a touchscreen keypad on one side and a turn lock on the other. You just have to enter the set code to lock and unlock the door. It also uses biometric recognition features like fingerprints to unlock the door.
You can operate the lock through smartphones via the eufy Security app. This can be used with Bluetooth. You can also use the traditional key to lock and unlock the door.
It is a grade 2 deadbolt. This lock must be paired with a deadbolt or a lever handle door knob. The lever handle door knob has a keyhole on one side or both sides and a handle on the strike plate.
Some of the features include:
- Automatically locking the door when it is closed
- Storing fingerprints locally so that it is not misused on cloud storage
- It is water-resistant.
- It is weather-resistant.
- It is relatively easy to install.
- WiFi plugin can be used to operate the lock on Wi-Fi.
- It also has a charging facility that can be used when the battery is low or there are no batteries to replace.
11. Kwikset 660 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
Just like the 980, the Kwikset 660 Single Cylinder Deadbolt is a single cylindrical deadbolt. ANSI has given it a rating of grade 1. It is highly suitable for customers looking for traditional locks.
The price is lower compared to other deadbolt locks and easily affordable.
Some of its features are:
- It is drill-resistant.
- It is pick-resistant.
- It has strong bolts to avoid kicking in, bumping, and sawing.
- It has a smart key security system that allows rekeying.
- Comes in multiple colors and finishes
- It is easy to install.
12. Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set
A mortise lock is a particular type of lock where a box lock is installed inside a deep pocket. This pocket or mortise is located at the edge of the door.
The Wright Mortise Set is one of the best mortise locks currently available. It is a lever handle lock that is strong enough for storm doors. Although installation is worrisome with complex mechanical instructions of lock installation, it is one of the most secure locks on the market.
Some of its features include:
- Built-in deadbolt
- Complex structure and cylinders
- Made of brass
- Comes in multiple finishes
13. Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock
It is a lock that is installed near the handle on the door frame. A part of the lock slides manually on the door to lock it. It is used as an addition to the main lock on the door.
Customers like it as it provides additional security and is easy to operate. The finish it comes in is also aesthetically pleasing.
Some of the features of this lock are:
- It is pick-proof.
- It avoids bumping.
- It is easy to install.
- It can be installed at any height.
14. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is a smart lock with a sensor. It has a keypad on one side and a turn lock on the interior side. It operates on Wi-Fi.
You can lock and unlock your door from your smartphone. It also works on all virtual assistants. You can control the lock through your voice also, or you can use a traditional key to lock and unlock the door.
The features of this smart deadbolt include:
- It can be paired with all smart Home Kits.
- It can be operated on all smartphones through Schlage Home App.
- It has sensors that operate through Bluetooth so that whenever you are near the door, it automatically unlocks.
- It comes in multiple finishes.
- It is easy to install.
15. Baldwin Prestige Carnaby
The Baldwin Prestige Carnaby is a deadbolt with a keyhole on one side and a turn-lock on the other. ANSI has given it a rating of grade 2.
One of the things you should keep in mind while buying this lock is that it is more suited to halls and closets. So, if you are looking for something for the interior doors, the Carnaby is a perfect choice.
Its features include:
- Made of brass and steel
- Comes in multiple finishes
- It comes with long screws, which give added protection.
- Has a strong strike plate
- Has smart key rekeying technology
- It comes with adjustable backset latch fittings.
- Easy to install
