Make Sure Your Home Is Safe With the Best Deadbolt Locks

Schlage’s Camelot Keypad Deadbolt is our top choice due to its long battery life (up to two years), keyless entry, and overall reliability. We tested this deadbolt in our home and found that it was secure and super easy to use. The lock comes with two pre-programmed 4-digit codes for quick setup; however, we chose to set up our own codes instead.

The deadbolt lock can be programmed for up to 19 different codes, which makes hosting family, pet sitters, or Airbnb guests much more convenient. It also comes with a spare key, which is especially handy if you accidentally forget your code.

To open the door from outside, just enter your code on the keypad and then turn the thumb-turn lever. Rather than leaving you second-guessing, we like that the keypad flashes green when the code is entered correctly and red when it’s incorrect. 

This commercial grade 2 lock installs easily with no wiring necessary. It’s designed to fit any standard pre-drilled door, which we found to be true during testing. The lock comes with a 3-year electronics warranty, so you won’t have to worry about shelling out more money if it malfunctions.

While we personally tested the aged bronze finish, you can choose from six other finishes (including bright brass and antique pewter) to integrate with their existing door color. One drawback we found is that there is no app integration, so you can’t access the lock remotely, and it doesn’t have any advanced or smart features other than the key code panel. 

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Grade 2 | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes | Keypad: Yes | Smart: No}

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of a smart or keypad lock, consider this standard deadbolt from Schlage. At just under $30, we love that this secure deadbolt lock comes in a range of finishes, ranging from satin or distressed nickel to standard brass. 

Although we haven’t tested the Schlage B60N, its impressive security credentials set this deadbolt lock apart from the rest. It has a grade 1 rating from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and AAA from Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), meaning it meets the highest security standards on the market. ​​This lock, which is made from premium metal, is designed to resist attacks from kick-ins, lock picks, and more. 

To install, all you need is a Phillips screwdriver or an electric screwdriver to speed up the process. The deadbolt works on any door that’s 1-3/8 to 1-7/8 inches in thickness and that has a backset (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the deadbolt) of 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches.

Like other single-cylinder deadbolts, this one operates with a key on the outside of the door and a thumb-turn on the inside of the door. While the lock turns fairly smoothly, some may find that the lock mechanism wears out over time and needs replacing after several years. Despite this, if you’re looking for a lock with the highest level of security, consider the Schlage B60N.

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Grade 1/AAA | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes | Keypad: No | Smart: No}

When it comes to a straightforward keypad entry deadbolt lock with a high residential security rating, this Kwikset model is our favorite. During testing, we found the keypad incredibly easy to navigate, accommodating up to 30 unique codes for access flexibility.

One feature that truly impressed us was the “passage mode,” which allows you to bypass the code—perfect for social events when you want the door to remain unlocked. We also liked that the Halifax door lever is reversible, so you can install it on a left-hand door, making it great for exterior doors and patios, too. 

Like our top pick, the Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt, the Kwikset 99170-004 SmartCode doesn’t have any smart capabilities, but it does offer auto lock and comes with a spare key just in case the keyless entry ever fails. We personally didn’t experience any issues with the code (the keyless setup and changing codes were a breeze).

The deadbolt has an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certification, so it’s a great choice for rental properties. If you’re looking for something that offers a higher level of security, consider the Schlage Deadbolt Lock.

The design comes in four different finishes but admittedly isn’t as sleek as others on the list (and might be considered a bit bulky for some). During installation, we noticed that the strike plate required some manual adjustments so that the deadbolt could fit just right and the lock could turn smoothly. Overall, after some manual adjustments, a screwdriver, and about an hour of time, we found it was good to go.

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Grade 2/AA | Adjustable for Door Thickness: No | Keypad: Yes | Smart: No}

If you’re looking for a deadbolt that combines advanced security with the convenience of remote access and smart technology, consider the Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock. During testing, we loved the fingerprint feature, especially for those who don’t want to fumble around with an actual key or with mobility issues. The smart lock stores a ton of codes (not that you’ll actually need all 250 of them).

One of the best features is the ability to send temporary access codes to guests, dogwalkers, or your handyperson to allow them to enter your home for repairs. We also liked the illuminated control pad, so we could see the keypad even at night.

For those with large families, each person can have their own access code to unlock and lock the door remotely (as long as they’re connected to the app and the lock is connected to WiFi). The app/lock also has geofencing, which means it detects your physical proximity and automatically unlocks when you’re close by. 

It was surprisingly easy to install in under 45 minutes. We used a drill and screwdriver, following the detailed instructions that included convenient pictures. Then, we downloaded the proprietary app on our phones to complete the installation. 

It has an automatic/timed lock functionality, so you don’t have to worry if you forget to lock the door. Plus, there’s a built-in sensor that tells you if the door is ajar. Like the Kwikset 99170-004 SmartCode 917 Keypad Deadbolt (our best with keypad pick), this smart deadbolt lock has an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certification and is suitable for both commercial and residential use. Sturdy, secure, and compatible with a range of smart home devices like Google Home, we love it for its smart design and functionalities.  

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Grade 2/AA | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes | Keypad: Yes | Smart: Yes}

When you’re ready to upgrade your old manual lock and key with a smart, fully integrated deadbolt lock with biometrics, this Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Wi-Fi Smart Lock takes the win. We tested this deadbolt lock at home, and some highlights include a dook lock schedule, remote access, and its ability to connect to smart home hubs like Amazon’s Alexa. During testing, we found that the lock worked flawlessly without obstruction (both wirelessly and manually) every time. 

We also liked the chic, square silhouette of the lock, which comes in two different shades (satin nickel or matte black), and that it’s not as bulky as some others, especially when compared to Kwikset’s other keyless entry lock. Although there’s no physical keypad, you can unlock the door by touching the circular spot on the lock with your fingerprint. This feature makes it great for families with young children who are not yet able to use keys or input a code.

Perhaps our favorite feature is the geofencing function (which detects your proximity and unlocks the door when you arrive), perfect for when you have your hands full of groceries or shopping bags. Also, you can use the control panel through the Kwikset app to lock/unlock your door from anywhere, anytime—which is great for when you have guests or family members arriving when you’re not home. 

Since it’s a smart lock, you’ll have to download the Kwikset app to register it and connect to WiFi. The lock will then run through some initial steps and download updates, and you can then register fingerprints right through the app. For those less tech-savvy folks, we found that the instructions to set everything up were extremely clear and organized into numbered boxes and steps. While it does come with backup manual keys, keep in mind you’ll need WiFi to utilize the lock’s full functionality. 

One concern with any smart lock is what happens during a power outage. We had a planned power outage in our home, and even though our WiFi wasn’t working, we were still able to enter our home thanks to the backup batteries.

If you’re ever concerned about the battery life, you can monitor it directly from the app. The app can also send notifications directly to your phone and has a timed lock feature. Overall, we found this high-tech lock to be safe and secure, with superior functions compared to any other lock we’ve used in the past.  

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Grade 1/AAA | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes | Keypad: No | Smart: Yes}