Home security is a vital piece of home maintenance. The cornerstone of any secure home is a sturdy, high-quality lock. With so many on the market today –all varying in style and technology– it can be difficult to narrow down which ones are the best for the job. If you’re on the hunt for a new home lock that will offer the best home security, read on to learn more about our top 8 picks.
Before we dive into the best locks currently on the market, let’s cover some basics.
When shopping for a lock, know what you’re looking for. Do you want a deadbolt, an in-handle lock, or perhaps a smart lock? Each type of lock has different advantages to offer a homeowner. You can combine a deadbolt with an in-handle lock or a smart lock.
You should also pay attention to something called an American National Standards Institute or ANSI grade. Every lock will be on a scale of 1 to 3 with Grade 1 being the most secure and Grade 3 the least.
Grade 1 is usually only awarded to the most sturdy of deadbolts. It indicates that a lock is kick-in resistant, bump proof, pick resistant, drill resistant, and saw resistant. Even locks that fall into the Grade 3 category will offer security but if you’re looking for the safest lock, aim for Grade 1 or Grade 2.
Now let’s get into our top choices for secure locks.
The following is a list of our 8 best in-handle, deadbolt, and smart lock options for optimal home security.
This affordable, high-grade favorite is a quintessential residential lock. It’s a top-seller due to its ease of install and eye-catching finishes. It comes in satin nickel, polished brass, and Venetian bronze (pictured above). It includes both an entry doorknob and a single cylinder deadbolt, sweetening the deal even more. This single cylinder features a sleek design and is easy to rekey.
ANSI Rating: Grade 1
Price: $45 - $65
Purchase it: Amazon | Wayfair | Home Depot
Featuring a keypad and a traditional design style, this lock marries simple functionality with familiarity. It can hold up to 19 codes which means that it will allow you to create and delete temporary codes for anyone who might need access to your home. It comes ready with two pre-programmed codes for immediate use. Its Flexlock feature makes it easy to switch back and forth from auto-lock.
The 9V battery is housed on the interior side of the door lock—keeping it out of extreme temperatures that can drain battery life. It will give the homeowner plenty of notice before it’s time to get new batteries.
ANSI Rating: Grade 2
Price: $105 - $120
Purchase it: Amazon | Ace Hardware | Home Depot
The Yale Premier Single Cylinder is one of the strongest deadbolts on the market. It can withstand drilling and kick-ins. With a heavy-duty shroud and added anti-pry security, you can be sure that your home is secure with this lock. It comes in nine different finishes and comes with a lifetime warranty.
ANSI Rating: Grade 2
Price: $46
Purchase it: Amazon
Those looking for a stylish, elegant front door lock can look no further than the Kwikset Belleview Handleset. It should be noted that this lock may not have the highest ANSI rating but it still provides peace of mind and a secure home. It can also easily be rekeyed with Kwikset’s SmartKey mechanism.
ANSI Rating: Grade 3
Price: $44 - $90
Purchase it: Amazon | Home Depot | Lowes
Extremely secure and traditional as they come, this deadbolt is a longstanding favorite renowned for its simple installation and operation. SmartKey Security allows you to re-key in just a few steps. It comes with two keys and is offered in a variety of finishes to match your current hardware. Do note that it does require a door thickness of 1 3/8 to 1 3/4 inches.
ANSI Rating: Grade 1
Price: $15 - $18
Purchase it: Amazon | Build | Home Depot
This lock may be on the higher end of the price range but it includes a range of high-end features that make it worth the cost. It features WIFI connectivity and can pair with the Amazon Key App for easier locking and unlocking – even remotely. It features a sleek touch screen keypad and voice control. You can buy it in two styles: traditional Camelot or modern Century. Each comes in several different finishes.
ANSI Rating: Grade 1
Price: $130 - $250
Purchase it: Amazon | Ace Hardware | Lowes
If you’re looking for top-tier security for a lower price tag, the Schlage B60N 619 Single Cylinder Deadbolt is the lock for you. Featuring an oversized bolt, anti-pick shield, and reinforced strike plate, it’s kick-in resistant and durable. The thumb-knob is also large and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It comes in a variety of finishes to match your door hardware.
ANSI Rating: Grade 1
Price: $30 - $35
Purchase it: Amazon | Home Depot | Build
The ultra-tech-savvy will adore this sleek, futuristic lock. It can unlock in four different ways: touchscreen keypad, fingerprint recognition, the eufy app, or a traditional key. It can recognize a fingerprint in under 0.3 seconds. It automatically locks every time it closes and is extremely easy to install.
ANSI Rating: Grade 2
Price: $170 - $260