The 6 Best Door Locks The Spruce Has Tested

A good door lock has one simple job: keep your home secure without making everyday life feel like a spy movie gone wrong. The best door locks today do more than turn a bolt. They store guest codes, recognize fingerprints, connect to apps, work with smart home systems, and still let you get inside when your Wi-Fi decides to take a vacation.

Based on The Spruce’s tested door lock roundup, the strongest options combine dependable security, easy installation, smooth daily use, and practical features that real households actually need. Some are classic keypad deadbolts. Others are full smart locks with fingerprint readers, mobile app access, auto-lock settings, and activity logs. The right choice depends on your door, your budget, your comfort with technology, and how many people need access to your home.

This guide breaks down the six best door locks The Spruce has tested, explains what each one does best, and helps you choose the right model for front doors, side doors, rental properties, busy family homes, and smart homes. No unnecessary gadget worship herejust clear, useful advice with enough personality to keep door hardware from sounding like a tax form.

Why Door Lock Quality Matters

Your front door lock is one of the most important pieces of home security hardware you own. A strong deadbolt or smart lock can improve peace of mind, simplify access, and reduce the risk of lost keys floating around like tiny metal liabilities. While cameras and alarms are useful, the lock is still the physical barrier between your home and the outside world.

When comparing the best door locks, pay attention to ANSI/BHMA grades. Grade 1 is the highest level and is often used for heavy-duty or commercial-level security. Grade 2 is widely recommended for residential exterior doors because it balances strength, durability, and cost. Grade 3 is usually considered more basic and is better suited to low-risk interior applications rather than a main entry door.

Modern locks also need to fit real life. A lock that is technically secure but annoying to use will make everyone in the house grumpy before breakfast. The best models are secure, intuitive, weather-resistant, and easy to manage. Bonus points if they do not require a degree in engineering or a motivational speech to install.

Quick Comparison: The 6 Best Door Locks The Spruce Has Tested

1. Best Overall: Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt

The Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt is the kind of lock that proves “smart” does not always mean “connected to twelve apps and emotionally dependent on Wi-Fi.” It is a reliable electronic deadbolt with keypad access, a backup key, and a straightforward design that works well for homeowners who want keyless convenience without turning their front door into a tiny computer.

This lock is especially appealing because it stores multiple access codes, making it useful for families, trusted neighbors, pet sitters, cleaners, and short-term guests. Instead of hiding a spare key under a flowerpotthe oldest trick in the “please do not do this” handbookyou can create and delete codes as needed.

Who Should Buy It?

Choose the Schlage Camelot if you want a dependable keypad deadbolt with strong residential security and minimal fuss. It is a great fit for main entry doors, garage entry doors, and households that want keyless entry without remote app control.

What Stands Out

The biggest advantage is simplicity. You enter a code, turn the thumb turn, and you are in. There are no smart home routines to configure and no voice assistant to misunderstand you at 6 a.m. The design is also sturdy, widely available, and offered in multiple finishes to match different door styles.

2. Best Keypad: Kwikset SmartCode 917

The Kwikset SmartCode 917 is a strong option for anyone who wants a keypad lock that feels practical rather than overbuilt. It is commonly used for side doors, home offices, utility rooms, rental properties, and interior garage entry doors. Its biggest advantage is flexible code access combined with a traditional key backup.

The SmartCode 917 allows homeowners to create multiple user codes, which is helpful when different people need access at different times. For example, a teenager can have a code, a dog walker can have a separate code, and visiting relatives can have another. When access is no longer needed, you can remove the code instead of chasing down a physical key like you are starring in a low-budget detective show.

Who Should Buy It?

This lock is ideal for busy homes, rental units, home offices, and utility areas where a keypad makes daily access easier. It is also useful for people who like the convenience of keyless entry but still want the reassurance of a physical keyway.

What Stands Out

The reversible lever design gives it flexibility for different door orientations. Kwikset’s SmartKey feature is also useful for homeowners who want easier rekeying without replacing the entire lock. It is not the most compact lock in the world, but it makes up for that with practical features and straightforward operation.

3. Best Keyless: Yale Approach Lock

The Yale Approach Lock is a retrofit smart lock, which means it installs on the inside of your existing deadbolt rather than replacing the whole exterior lock. That is excellent news if you like your current door hardware, need to keep the same key, or live in a place where changing the outside appearance of the lock is not ideal.

This lock is designed for keyless convenience. With the Yale Access app, users can manage guest access, create custom entry codes, use app-based controls, and benefit from features such as auto-lock and auto-unlock. Because the exterior keyway remains in place, you still have a familiar backup option if needed.

Who Should Buy It?

The Yale Approach is a strong choice for renters, apartment dwellers, and homeowners who want smart access without changing the look of the door from the outside. It is also helpful for anyone who wants to upgrade gradually instead of replacing every piece of hardware at once.

What Stands Out

The retrofit design is the star. It adds smart functionality while preserving the existing exterior lock. That makes it less visually obvious than many smart locks, which is nice if you prefer security upgrades that do not shout, “Hello, I am new technology!” from the front porch.

4. Best Biometric: Kwikset Halo Touch

The Kwikset Halo Touch is built for people who like the idea of using a fingerprint instead of a key or code. It connects directly to home Wi-Fi, works with the Kwikset app, and allows remote locking, unlocking, user management, activity tracking, and notifications. For many households, the fingerprint reader is the everyday hero.

Biometric access is especially useful for kids, older family members, or anyone who regularly forgets codes. Instead of remembering numbers, you simply touch the reader. That can be a major convenience when your hands are full of groceries, school bags, sports gear, or one suspiciously leaky takeout container.

Who Should Buy It?

The Halo Touch is best for homeowners who want fingerprint access, app control, and Wi-Fi connectivity without needing a separate hub. It works well for front doors and other main entry points where quick access and remote management matter.

What Stands Out

The lock supports fingerprint-based entry and app-based control, and it can integrate with major voice assistants. It also keeps a traditional key backup, which is important because even the best technology deserves a Plan B.

5. Best Smart Home Integration: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch is designed for households that want a polished smart lock experience. Depending on the configuration, it can support fingerprint access, keypad codes, app control, auto-unlock, backup key access, and virtual keys. It is a strong fit for people who already use smart home devices and want their door lock to join the team without causing drama.

One of the best things about the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch is that it offers several ways to unlock the door. Fingerprint access is fast and convenient. Keypad codes are helpful for guests and family members. App access allows more control when you are away from home. This flexibility makes the lock feel less like a gadget and more like a practical upgrade.

Who Should Buy It?

Choose this model if you want a feature-rich smart lock for a modern home. It is especially useful for households that rely on voice assistants, smart lighting, guest codes, activity feeds, and remote access.

What Stands Out

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch balances design, convenience, and smart home compatibility. It is not the cheapest option, but it offers the kind of everyday usability that makes a smart lock feel genuinely helpful rather than merely impressive on the box.

6. Most Versatile: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is the multitool of smart locks. It offers several ways to unlock, including fingerprint, PIN code, app access, auto-unlock features, and a physical key. Some versions include built-in Wi-Fi, while others may require an adapter or bridge depending on the configuration.

This lock is especially attractive for households that want options. One person can use a fingerprint. Another can use a code. A guest can receive temporary access. A backup key is available if needed. In other words, the U-Bolt Pro understands that every family has at least one person who will forget something important at the exact wrong moment.

Who Should Buy It?

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is a good fit for tech-friendly homeowners, rental hosts, families with multiple access needs, and anyone who wants several entry methods in one device. It is also useful for homes where different users prefer different ways to unlock the door.

What Stands Out

Versatility is the main attraction. The lock supports multiple users, multiple fingerprints, multiple codes, app-based controls, and smart home integrations depending on the version. It also includes backup options such as a physical key and emergency power support on supported models.

How to Choose the Best Door Lock for Your Home

Start With the Door

Before shopping for a lock, check your door type, thickness, borehole size, backset, and whether the door swings left or right. Many locks are designed for standard U.S. doors, but older doors can surprise you. And by “surprise,” we mean “turn a 20-minute installation into an afternoon involving snacks and mild regret.”

Decide Between Keypad, Smart, Biometric, and Traditional

A keypad lock is excellent if you want keyless entry without app control. A smart lock is better if you want remote access, guest codes, activity logs, voice assistant support, or automation. A biometric lock is convenient if you want fingerprint entry. A traditional deadbolt remains a solid choice if you prefer simple mechanical security.

Look for ANSI/BHMA Certification

For exterior doors, prioritize Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks. Grade 1 offers the highest level of performance, while Grade 2 is a strong residential choice. Certification does not guarantee perfection, but it gives you a useful benchmark for comparing durability and security.

Think About Backup Access

Even the best smart lock should have a backup plan. Look for features such as a physical key, emergency power port, battery warnings, or app alerts. Batteries eventually run low, Wi-Fi can fail, and phones can die. A good lock assumes life will occasionally be inconvenient.

Match Features to Real Habits

If you never use voice assistants, do not pay extra just to impress your smart speaker. If you host guests often, prioritize temporary codes. If kids come home from school before you do, fingerprint or keypad access may be more useful than a traditional key. The best door lock is the one that fits your actual routine.

Real-World Experience: What Living With a Door Lock Teaches You

After using different types of door locks, one thing becomes obvious: the best lock is not always the one with the longest feature list. It is the one that works smoothly on a rainy Tuesday when everyone is tired, hungry, and carrying too many bags. A lock can look fantastic in product photos, but daily life is where it proves itself.

Keypad locks are often the easiest upgrade for most homes. They remove the need to carry a key for every quick errand, and they are wonderful when family members come and go on different schedules. The first time you stop worrying about whether someone remembered their key, you understand the appeal. The only habit to build is code management. Do not give everyone the same permanent code forever. Create separate codes when possible and delete them when access is no longer needed.

Fingerprint locks feel more futuristic, but they are also surprisingly practical. They are helpful when your hands are full or when younger family members struggle to remember numbers. However, placement matters. If the fingerprint reader is awkwardly positioned or exposed to harsh weather, the experience may not feel as smooth. Clean hands help, too. A fingerprint reader is clever, but it is not a magician.

Smart locks are excellent for people who want more control. Being able to check whether the door is locked from your phone can bring real peace of mind. Guest codes are useful for visitors, cleaners, contractors, pet sitters, or short-term rental guests. Activity logs can also help you understand when people come and go. Still, smart locks require a little patience during setup. App permissions, Wi-Fi strength, battery settings, and firmware updates all matter.

Installation is another reality check. Many door locks advertise easy setup, and often that is truebut only if the door is already aligned properly. If the deadbolt rubs against the strike plate, a smart lock motor may struggle. If the door expands in humid weather, locking may become less reliable. Before blaming the lock, check whether the door closes cleanly and the bolt slides smoothly. Good alignment can make a huge difference.

Battery life is also worth watching. Keypad-only locks often last longer because they do less. Wi-Fi smart locks usually use more power because they stay connected. A helpful habit is to replace batteries before a long trip or before extreme weather seasons. Keep a physical key somewhere safe with a trusted person, not under the mat, where every movie burglar in history has already checked.

The biggest lesson is simple: convenience and security should work together. A great door lock should make your home easier to enter for the right people and harder to access for the wrong ones. When a lock does that quietly every day, it becomes one of those home upgrades you stop noticingbecause it just works.

Final Verdict

The Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt is the best overall choice for most homeowners because it is secure, simple, dependable, and easy to use. It delivers keyless convenience without demanding smart home setup, which makes it a practical pick for everyday residential security.

If you want more technology, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch is the strongest smart home option, while the Kwikset Halo Touch is excellent for fingerprint access. The Yale Approach Lock is ideal if you want a retrofit smart lock that preserves your existing exterior hardware. The Kwikset SmartCode 917 is a smart choice for keypad convenience, and the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is the best option if you want multiple ways to unlock one door.

Ultimately, the best door lock depends on how you live. A busy family may value multiple user codes. A smart home fan may want app control and integrations. A rental host may need temporary guest access. A low-tech homeowner may simply want a strong keypad deadbolt that does not turn the front door into a science project. Choose the lock that fits your habits, your door, and your comfort leveland your future self will thank you every time you come home without digging through a pocket full of mystery keys.

Note: This article is written for general home security education and product comparison. For unusual door sizes, damaged frames, commercial properties, or high-risk security needs, consider consulting a licensed locksmith before installation.