Most Secure Deadbolts: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

SCHLAGE BE365 V CAM 716 Keypad Deadbolt – Ideal for: Classic Style with Proven Durability

The SCHLAGE BE365 V CAM 716 Keypad Deadbolt offers the same rock-solid performance as our top pick, but in a handsome Aged Bronze finish that’s perfect for more traditional or rustic home styles. Just like its Satin Nickel counterpart, this deadbolt is all about reliable, straightforward security. We found its construction to be exceptionally robust, designed to withstand both physical force and years of weather exposure. The installation process is simple enough for any DIYer, requiring just a Phillips head screwdriver and about 15-20 minutes. Its operation is elegantly simple: enter your code, turn the knob, and you’re in. This manual, non-motorized action is a key reason for its longevity and incredible battery life from a single 9V battery. The keypad provides a reassuringly solid feel, and the buttons illuminate for easy use in the dark. While it lacks smart features, it excels at its core function. Our findings are strongly supported by users, many of whom are replacing identical models that have provided flawless service for seven, ten, or even more years. Some long-term users have noted that the finish can wear over time with heavy use, and in rare cases, internal metal parts can fatigue after a decade or more of service, but this speaks to its incredible lifespan under normal conditions.

#8 samtechT Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle – Perfect for: All-in-One Smart Handle and Lock Replacement

The samtechT Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle provides a complete front-door hardware makeover in a single package. This is an ideal solution for anyone looking to upgrade both their deadbolt and handle to a matching, modern style. We found the installation to be manageable, and the result is a sleek, cohesive look. The lock offers a wealth of access options, including a fingerprint reader, keypad, key fobs, and a traditional key. In our testing, the app (which uses the Sifely platform) was quite powerful, allowing for detailed user management. You can create permanent codes for family, scheduled codes for cleaners, or one-time codes for a delivery. This is especially useful for rental property owners. The auto-lock feature adds a layer of security, ensuring the door is never left unlocked by mistake. However, it’s crucial to note that full remote control, including voice commands with Alexa or Google, requires the purchase of a separate WiFi gateway. Out of the box, it operates via Bluetooth. Our experience with the fingerprint reader was positive, but we did see user feedback where it stopped functioning after a short time, which raises some long-term reliability questions. For the price, it offers an impressive array of features in a convenient handle-and-lock combo.

#9 SMONET Smart Lock Front Door Fingerprint Bluetooth Digital Keypad – Suits: Feature-Rich Access for Large Families

The SMONET Smart Lock Front Door Fingerprint Bluetooth Digital Keypad is another excellent all-in-one solution that bundles a smart deadbolt with a matching door handle. What impressed us most was its large capacity for user credentials; it can store over 250 fingerprints, making it a great choice for large families, multi-tenant properties, or small businesses. We found the installation process to be fairly easy, and the solid alloy construction feels sturdy in the hand. The app provides robust control over user access, allowing you to generate various types of codes and eKeys, and to monitor the lock’s activity log in real-time when you’re within Bluetooth range. The fingerprint recognition was speedy, unlocking in well under a second during our tests. Like similar models, it requires a separate gateway for remote WiFi control and smart assistant integration, which is an important consideration. While our test unit performed well, we were concerned by a user report of the external handle’s thumb mechanism malfunctioning, preventing entry even when the door was unlocked. This highlights a potential mechanical weak point. However, for those needing to manage a large number of users via fingerprint, this lock offers impressive capacity and a host of features.

#10 Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle – Ideal for: User-Friendly Installation and Automatic Security

The Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle immediately won us over with its thoughtful and user-friendly installation process. Out of the box, the hardware parts are bagged and labeled according to each step in the instructions. This small detail makes a huge difference, streamlining the install and reducing confusion. We had the entire handle and deadbolt set mounted in under 30 minutes. The lock itself is packed with features, offering six ways to get in, including a fast fingerprint scanner, passcodes, fobs, and the app. We found the auto-lock feature to be a key benefit for security; it engages after a few seconds, which is perfect for ensuring the door to the garage or an upstairs area is always secure, especially with kids. Many users confirmed this was a primary reason for their purchase. The app is robust and great for managing rental properties, as you can issue passcodes remotely without the lock itself being connected to the internet. However, like its competitors, achieving full remote control and smart home integration requires the separate Sifely WiFi Gateway. A minor design quirk we and other users noticed is the height of the unit, which might require you to install it in the upper deadbolt hole, moving your existing deadbolt to the lower handle position, which can look a bit unusual.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Security Rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade): This is the most important factor. Grade 1 is the highest, tested to withstand the most significant force and offering the longest lifespan, making it suitable for commercial use but excellent for homes. Grade 2 is the best standard for most residential properties, offering excellent security. Grade 3 provides basic residential security and is the minimum standard you should consider.
• Bolt Material and Length: A secure deadbolt should be made of solid, hardened steel. The bolt itself should extend at least one full inch into the door frame to provide adequate resistance against kick-ins.
• Smart vs. Mechanical: Mechanical keypad locks like our top pick offer simplicity and extreme reliability. Smart locks offer incredible convenience like remote access, user logs, and fingerprint entry, but they introduce complexity, reliance on batteries, and potential connectivity issues. Choose based on your comfort with technology and your primary needs.
• Power Source and Backup: Electronic locks require power. Look for models with long battery life and a low-battery indicator. Many smart locks also feature a backup method, such as a physical key override or an emergency power port (like USB-C), to prevent lockouts.

Understanding Security Grades

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) collaborate to set security standards for locks. They test deadbolts based on operational cycles, strength, and finish. A Grade 1 lock must endure 1 million cycles and withstand 10 heavy hammer strikes, while a Grade 2 lock is tested for 800,000 cycles and 5 strikes. A Grade 3 lock is tested for 800,000 cycles and 2 strikes. For your home’s primary entry points, we strongly recommend choosing a lock with at least a Grade 2 rating for a significant security upgrade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Your Door and Frame: The most secure deadbolt in the world is useless if your door is flimsy or your door frame is weak. Reinforce your door frame with a heavy-duty strike plate and use 3-inch screws that anchor it firmly to the wall stud.
• Improper Installation: A poorly installed deadbolt can be easily defeated. Ensure the bolt aligns perfectly with the strike plate without rubbing or binding. If it’s too tight, it can cause motorized locks to burn out their batteries quickly and may not fully engage.
• Forgetting a Backup Plan: Never rely solely on a single electronic method of entry. Always know where your backup physical key is, or ensure your lock has an emergency power option in case the batteries die unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features make a deadbolt pick-resistant and bump-proof?

Pick-resistant features include complex pin tumbler systems with security pins (like spool, serrated, or mushroom pins) that make it difficult for a thief to manipulate the lock. Bump-proof technology often involves unique keyway designs, sidebars, or other internal mechanisms that prevent a “bump key” from aligning the pins and forcing the lock open.

What is the highest security rating for a residential deadbolt?

The highest security rating is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1. While often considered “commercial grade,” it offers the best possible protection for a residential property, tested to withstand the most rigorous attacks and wear.

Are longer bolts more secure?

Yes. A longer bolt provides a more secure connection to the door frame. A standard deadbolt should have a “throw” (the length it extends from the door) of at least 1 inch. This makes it significantly more difficult for an intruder to pry the door open or kick it in.

What materials are the most secure deadbolts made of?

The most secure deadbolts are made of solid, hardened steel. Look for locks with solid metal housings (not plated plastic) and a hardened steel bolt. Materials like solid zinc and brass for the housing are also excellent for durability and corrosion resistance.

Does the type of door frame affect deadbolt security?

Absolutely. A weak wooden door frame can split easily during a kick-in, rendering the deadbolt useless. It is crucial to reinforce the frame with a high-quality, heavy-gauge metal strike plate secured with 3-inch screws that penetrate the frame and anchor into the wall stud behind it.

Is a double cylinder deadbolt more secure than a single cylinder?

A double cylinder deadbolt, which requires a key on both the inside and outside, can be more secure against break-ins through a nearby window (as an intruder can’t just reach in and turn the thumbturn). However, it can be a significant fire safety hazard, as it can impede a quick exit. For this reason, single cylinder deadbolts (thumbturn on the inside) are recommended for most residential homes and are often required by building codes.

How can I tell if my current deadbolt is secure enough?

Check for a few key things: First, look for an ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 marking on the packaging or the lock itself. Second, extend the bolt and measure it; it should be at least 1 inch long. Third, check the screws on your strike plate. If they are short (less than 1 inch), they are likely not secure enough and should be replaced with 3-inch screws.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

Navigating the world of deadbolts, from simple mechanical units to complex smart locks, can be daunting. After all our testing, one thing became clear: true security starts with a foundation of physical strength and reliability. That is why we stand firmly by our top pick, the SCHLAGE BE365 V CAM 619 Camelot Keypad Deadbolt. It forgoes the bells and whistles of modern smart locks in favor of a design that has been proven to work, and to last. Its Grade 2 security rating, all-metal build, and non-motorized mechanism provide a level of dependability that gives true peace of mind. It’s a simple, elegant, and powerful solution for securing what matters most.