Best Front Door Locks Reviews & Editorial Ratings
The vast majority of homeowners have a preference for the deadbolt and for good reason. Besides the simplicity of design and the attendant ease of use, deadbolts add an extra layer of protection. They give you the peace of mind and confidence to keep some of your treasured belongings at home. For the best performance, keep your eyes peeled for high-end features. In addition to being resistant to typical break-in methods, the front door lock also needs to be easy to install, use, and convenient. Moving forward, you’ll no longer have to carry with you physical keys. And because of the ability to generate or create digital keys, you get to choose who to give access to your home and whose access you get to cancel. Even if you forget to lock your doors behind you, the locks will do it for you.
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Patently, front door locks overshadow their traditional counterparts on lots of fronts. If you want to make your life easy and secure, a high-quality front door lock is a must-have. Here we present you with 10 of the best front door locks on the market. Before we delve into it though, let’s walk you through the essential features to look out for.
10 Best Front Door Locks
1. Kwikset 980
Protecting your valuables and loved ones from common types of break-ins requires that you invest in a front door lock with the absolute best features. And the Kwikset 980 is just one such front door lock. Among other things, the front door lock is kick-in resistant, bump proof, pick resistant, drill resistant and saw resistant. These features are just enough to stop even the most experienced burglars and intruders from gaining access to your living space.
In sum, few front door locks combine an attractive designer style and utmost security like Kwikset 980 does. With its SmartKey re-key technology, it keeps you, your loved ones, and treasured possessions safe at all times.
Top-notch performance
Boasts ANSI Grade 1 rating
Easy to use
Durable construction
Lacks a strike plate
2. Schlage B60N 619
Despite being a cost-effective option perfect for value-conscious users working on a budget, the Schlage B60N 619 boasts Grade 1 certification by ANSI/BHMA, making it one of the most high-security deadbolts on the market, and therefore a perfect choice for guarding high-risk buildings. It may sound like an overkill for protecting residential properties but that’s what it’s optimized for. The lock is not only bolted strong and resistant to door impact, but it also resists sawing and prying meaning that irrespective of the tricks an intruder has up his/her sleeve, it will stay locked.
Expectedly, installing the front door lock and getting it up and running takes a matter of seconds. And because it's streamlined to match most hardware, there'll be no drilling to be done. You also get to choose among various finishes to ensure your pick best matches, compliments or improves the door's looks. On the flipside though, the lock doesn’t protect you against breaches of key management. Should you lose or misplace a key, you’ll have to replace the entire hardware.
In all, Schlage B60N 619 offers superior security for exterior doors and because of its satin nickel finish, it adds a tasteful and flattering accent to the house. It’s also incredibly strong and durable.
Easy to install on a wide range of doors
A cinch to operate
Comes with a generous limited lifetime warranty
Cost-effective
Not resistant to key breaches
3. Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt featuring SmartKey
Kwikset 909 comes with a bunch of features that stand out. The first such feature is the ease of installation. Compared to its cheap, run-of-the-mill counterparts on the market, you won’t be required to do any drilling or hardwire any of the components. Armed with just a screwdriver, you can get the front door lock working seamlessly and reliably without seeking professional assistance or any frustrations, especially considering that the latch comes with an easy-to-adjust backset 2-3/8 to 2-3/4-inch capable of fitting most door preparations.
An additional feature is the auto-lock that kicks in after just 30 seconds if you forget to lock the door. The front door lock also has a 6-digit backlit keypad and a sleek metal design with a tamper-proof cover. These, and the fact that it comes with a bump proof design and BHMA Grade 2 certification make it a worthwhile consideration for keeping your family and valuables safe.
Easy to install
Has an auto-lock feature with a lock button
A cinch to use
Backlit keypad
The lock button is a little flimsy
4. Segal SE 15361
Absolutely everything about the Segal SE 15361 is fantastic, right from its security, strength, ease of use, and exceptional construction. It's not surprising, therefore, that it's the go-to lock for the vast majority of households and even commercial buildings both in the United States and the rest of the world. The front door lock brings together strength, durability, and a game-changing jimmy-proof design to stop even the most skilled burglars and lock pickers from gaining access to your home. The fact that the front door lock is crafted from pro-grade bronze alloy and has a brushed brass finish means it has the requisite durability, strength, and resilience to stop burglars in their path.
To conclude, this Segal SE 15361 ticks all the right boxes. It’s cost-effective, easy to install and use, and best of all, offers tamper-proof security.
Strong and durable
Features an innovative jimmy-proof design
Commercial-grade all-bronze alloy construction
Provides for quick and easy installation
Not a brand product
5. Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock
The primary goal of any front door lock is to keep you and your loved ones safe and secure. With a tunnel focus vision, this Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock over delivers on that objective. The rigorous construction using high-quality materials enable it to withstand extreme abuse and use for years on end without the slightest bogging down or discernible flagging in performance. The potent combination of a random security feature, a bump, and pick-proof design, intrusion alarm, a PSB fire, and fire detection sensor, as well as an anti-tampering lockout, make it one of the best high-performance front door locks on the market.
The front door lock does the heavy lifting of course. All you do is shut the door and it automatically locks it. And you can program up to 71 user codes and RF ID tags to share with those you trust. So, for the homeowners out there in search of the best front door lock, don’t look any further than the Samsung SHS-3321.
Rigorous construction using high-quality materials
Easy Installation
Feature packed
Easy setup
Features a sleek, modern anodized finish
Packed with several unnecessary features
6. Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt with Z-Wave in Satin Nickel
Devoid of the performance hitches that randomly creep out of the woodwork, as most of its competitors are known to behave, Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt is your best bet for keeping your loved ones safe. Its one unique selling point is the Z-Wave technology. Thanks to the technology, you’ll be able to experience superior functionality considering that it allows for the seamless integration of the lock into the home’s automation or alarm system.
As is the case with virtually every other option on this list, installing the Yale Touchscreen Deadbolt is a straightforward and quick endeavour. In the case of standard doors, all you'll ever need is a screwdriver and nothing else. The user manual contains easy-to-follow instruction to walk you through the process in the off chance that you encounter difficulties. You won't have to do any hardwiring or drill new screw holes. Other-stand out features include a privacy mode, voice-guided programming, and an auto-lock. Clearly, the lock ticks all the right boxes and is guaranteed to cover your back from the date of installation all through its useful life.
Easy stores several entry codes
Compatible with a wide range of doors
Installation is a snap
Comes with the Z-Wave technology
Costly
7. August Smart Lock 2nd Generation - Dark Gray, Works with Alexa
With this lock, the sun conveniently sets on the use of physical keys for accessing and securing your home. Moving forward, you’ll be enjoying the convenience of using your smartphone as the key. Through the lock’s intuitive and easy-to-use app, you’ll be able to create and share virtual keys with members of your family and guests.
Because it runs on battery, you won’t have to drill any holes or do any hardwiring. Installation is further simplified by the fact that it’s compatible with most standard deadbolts. The lock is sleek and modern-looking and matches well with the high-quality finish of most doors.
Overall, this is a solid and prudent choice for homeowners in search of an intuitive, easy-to-use, and high-performance front door lock. It’s also easy to use and install and it works like a charm.
Compatible with your smartphone
Keeps tracks of visitors to your home
Cost-effective
Installation is easy
Prone to calibration issues
10. Defender Security U 9970 Deadlock
The deadlock is a perfect deterrent to forced entry. It seamlessly brings together strength, durability, and a jimmy-resistant design to effectively stop unauthorised people from gaining or forcefully accessing your home. The front door lock achieves this by spreading the door frames and reinforcing the connection between the door and its jamb. A no-nonsense option, it also comes with a tamper-proof shutter guard to further prevent forced entry.
As is the case with other options on this list, the thought of installing the front door lock won’t be as frustrating. The included instructions are in easy-to-understand English and will be of great help to walk you through the installation procedure, allowing you to finish the process quickly and easily. Since its cross-bolt and mounts to the surface, it works great with wood and metal doors between 1-3/8 and 2-3/8 inches thick.
For homeowners in a frantic search for a strong, durable, and easy-to-use front door lock, your search ends with the Defender Security U 9970 Deadlock. It packs all the auxiliary features and in spite of its no-frills design, its performance is nothing short of exceptional.
Offers formidable layer of security
Pocket-friendly price
Long lasting die-cast construction
Boasts a brass-colored finish
Nothing significant
8. Kwikset 99250-003
It also has the most essential features that provide for excellent performance all year round. For those who’re tired of fumbling for keys every time before they enter the house, this front door lock is for you.
As is the case with all modern front door locks, you can single-handedly install the front door lock. The user manual diligently walks you through the entire process and should be encounter difficulties, the brand’s knowledgeable and customer-friendly representatives will be more than glad to be of assistance.
Kwikset 99250-003 substantially makes your life easy and fun by conveniently replacing your traditional keys. You no longer have to fumble around in your pockets or purse in search of keys and you can create and share digital keys with anyone you choose to.
Works wirelessly and seamlessly without a hub
It’s cost-effective
Provides robust security
Quick installation
Perfect customer support
Unreliable connection
9. MiLocks DF-02SN
MiLocks DF-02SN offers its users a keyless keypad entry. You can easily and quickly create and share up to 6 access codes with your loved ones, your guests, friends, or even the house help. The system is also easy to programme. The simple design of the keypad and the remote programming procedures make it easy to add or cancel access to your home in a matter of seconds. The keypad is back-lit, taking away the time and frustration of keying in your key in case the lighting conditions near the door are less than ideal.
And of course, there's the aforementioned warranty. Electrical warranty stands at 12 months, mechanical warranty at an impressive 600 months and for the exterior finish, you get a very generous lifetime warranty.
For those looking to add an exceptional layer of security to their homes, MiLocks DF-02SN comes highly recommended. Installation is easy and quick, it’s cost-effective, and it can take a beating before anything gives.
Easy to use
Budget-friendly price
Easy to set up
Battery indicator
Generous 12-month warranty
No integration with home’s automation system
Criteria for Choosing the Best Front Door Locks
Performance
When it comes to the safety of your home, nothing supersedes the performance of the front door lock. Grade 1 front door locks offer superior protection and security compared to Grade 2 and Grade 3 counterparts. For residential use though, a Grade 1 front door lock is clearly an overkill unless you’re keeping sensitive documents and a treasure trove in your bedroom.
If not, a Grade 2 and 3 front door locks should do the trick. While Grade 1 is ideal for their ability to withstand excessive force, a knack for thwarting forced entry attempts, and ability to last up to 600,000 cycles, they are nonetheless expensive. In essence, choose according to your security needs and the depth of your pockets.
Installation
The perfect lock should not require the use of any technical skills to operate and install. If the design is extremely streamlined without compromising functionality, installing a front door lock should be both easy and quick. No one wants to spend endless hours figuring out the system, constantly referring to the user manual, or spending lots of time talking to the brand’s customer support.
It should be compatible with the existing, standard pre-drilled door. If the manufacturer expects the process to be complex, providing a set of easy-to-read and easy-to-understand instruction can greatly simplify the process.
Convenience
Once successfully installed, the front door lock should greatly simplify your life. As a perfect replacement for physical keys, locking and unlocking your doors will no longer take the effort and time it used to. One of the best features of the modern front door lock is the ability to create and share access codes with different people.
Each member of the house can have their own codes. And if you have a contractor, dog walker, or garden whom you expect to come over in your absence, you can create additional keys for them. Similarly, you can cancel the keys whenever it suits you. If the front door lock comes with Bluetooth functionality, it can even lock and unlock itself when your phone is within range.
Additional Features
Aesthetics should also play a critical role in choosing your next front door lock. front door locks come in various shapes and finishes, giving you the option of choosing one that best compliments the décor of your home or design of your door. Consider the price too. On the extreme end of the affordability spectrum, you get premium features and styles and superior grade options. Lastly, see if your front door lock comes with an ANSI/BHMA certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do front door locks come with a keypad system?
A: Some do while others don’t. A keypad system offers an extra layer of security and is very efficient at keeping away would-be burglars.
Q: Why is an ANSI certification important?
A: It’s both a quality and safety assurance. It’s also an indication of longevity and functionality. These are features you don’t get with front door locks that aren’t ANSI certified.
Conclusion
Choosing a front door lock isn’t nearly as hard or time-consuming as you may have been misled to believe. Once you’re armed with the right information, it’s akin to taking a casual walk through the park. If you want to keep your home and your loved ones safe, it’s paramount that you invest in a high-quality, high-performance, reliable, and easy-to-use. Our 10 picks ooze these features and several more.
Because there are kick-in resistant, bump proof, pick resistant, drill resistant and saw resistant, they’ll reliably stop a would-be burglar right in his/her tracks. Happy shopping.
