The Best Door Locks, Bolts and Latches

Keeping a home safe and secure from intruders starts at the door. That's why choosing quality door locks, bolts, and latches for your home is an easy way to achieve greater peace of mind. There are even some options that prevent youngsters from wandering outside. With so many options to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to find the perfect pick. That's why we decided to whittle down the list to the very best of the best. Read on to discover the right lock, bolt, or latch for you and your home.

EverPlus Home Security Door Lock

If you’re not looking for any high-tech features then this home security door lock from EverPlus is your best option. It’s easy to install and can keep your home safe from intruders with the capacity to resist up to 800 pounds of force. It also comes with smooth sides to prevent damaging your doors. With a fantastic price tag, a minimalist design, and easy installation, this one is a no brainer.

Pros:

  • It comes with a 5-year warranty from EverPlus.
  • All you need to install is a screwdriver and a drill to complete the installation in less than 5 minutes.
  • It is made from high-quality materials capable of withstanding over 800 lbs. of force.

Cons:

  • It only works for inward swinging doors.
  • Not compatible with all door types.
  • It must be drilled into the door’s frame.

Defender Security Door Guard

This tiny security door guard might fool you at first with its small design. But, when it’s locked, it can withstand a tremendous amount of force, keeping your home secure. It’s by far one of the best budget-friendly options you can find out there, so you can easily install one on each entry door of your house. This is one of those classic door guards you can have for extra security on all your exterior and interior doors. Made from steel construction and finished with satin nickel, this door chain will look fabulous no matter where you place it.

Pros:

  • Extremely easy to install and comes with everything you need.
  • Its design is child-safe because you can place it anywhere you’d like.
  • Easy to engage quickly.

Cons:

  • It can get rusty when used outdoors.
  • Must be drilled into both the door frame and the door.

HELEMAN Portable Door Lock

This portable door lock is small, slim, and can travel with you anywhere you go. It’s the perfect size for a suitcase, purse, or backpack and it works on different types of doors. Made of stainless steel and hard plastic, you can install this little lock from the inside of a door — no tools necessary. Once you get the hang of how to use it, you’ll be able to set it up in just a few minutes. It’s a must-have for whenever you’re traveling alone or with your family to get peace of mind while you’re in the room.

Pros:

  • The design is exceptionally lightweight, versatile, and portable, making it a must-have accessory for travelers.
  • It requires no tools for installation.
  • Includes a small carry bag for transportation.

Cons:

  • Only works for inward swinging doors.
  • Can only be used when you’re inside the room.

Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

If you’re one to forget your keys all the time, consider investing in this keyless deadbolt from Schlage. The exterior comes with a touchscreen that lets you program unique entry codes and gain access to your home without needing a key. The interior handle also features a thumb turn to secure the door from the inside. It’s so easy to install that anyone in the house can do it. Plus, unlike many auto-lock doors, this one allows you to leave it unlocked in case you’re going in and out all the time.

Pros:

  • The touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it looking dirty and greasy.
  • The smart code technology directly connects with the deadbolt to prevent tampering.
  • Also includes a keyhole for preference use.

Cons:

  • The battery life is relatively short.
  • It is not set up to connect with other home automation devices.
  • Does not include built-in alarm technology.

August Smart Lock

Our homes are getting smarter each day, which means our doors need to keep up. The August Smart Lock links with your phone and other smart devices to give you full control over your door lock. Send limited-use passcodes to your guests, grant someone access through your phone when you’re away, or triple-check you locked the door from your phone when you’re at work. This smart lock does it all.

Pros:

  • Compatible with various smart home products and protocols.
  • The auto-lock function connects with your phone to lock or unlock as you get close to the door.
  • It works with existing single-cylinder deadbolts, and you can complete the installation in less than 10 minutes.

Cons:

  • Some features are inaccessible without buying a separate wifi bridge connector.
  • Not suitable to work with all types of cylinders.
  • It’s not a bolt replacement, so someone can still tamper with your bolt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can keypad and smart door locks be hacked?

Generally speaking, keypad locks and smart locks aren’t much more secure than traditional locks. Although they often feature technology that guards against hacking, these electronic locks could still potentially be hacked. However, this would require highly advanced hacking skills, so it really shouldn’t be a concern. Also, these locks are often engaged by default. If you’re concerned about some techno-wizard hacking your door lock, we recommend investing in an additional traditional lock for peace of mind.

Do smart door locks need wifi?

In most cases, yes. To connect with the rest of your smart home setup and with your phone, smart door locks need wifi. However, some smart door locks work with Bluetooth even without a wifi connection. These are the ones that basically connect with your phone and open and close as your phone gets close to the lock.