Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Door locks allow you to secure your home against intruders or protect valuable items and restricted areas from access. They are available in various different forms, from simple deadbolts to more complex electrical and intelligent options.
How We Compared Door Locks
To find the right door lock, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Materials
- Ease of Use
- Compatibility
- Corrosion Resistance
- Smart Integration
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Door Lock Reviews
Yale Deadlocking Nightlatch (Editor’s Choice)
Our top pick and Editor’s Choice is this feature-packed model. With a range of features for ultimate security, it is perfect for protecting your home against intruders.
The Yale Deadlocking Nightlatch comes in a subtle, dark metallic finish, which should blend in beautifully against any door. It’s opened by a key from the outside and will lock automatically upon closing. Once your door is shut, you can add another level of security via the internal deadlock for ultimate peace of mind.
The internal snib button is convenient for operating the deadlock from inside your property or securing the latch in an open position when needed. The chunky lever handle is comfortable to grip when using the lock on the interior, while the included twin keys are designed for turning the deadbolt/unlocking from outside your home. This model comes complete with all the fixings required to install.
Pros:
- Subtle metallic design
- Automatically locks upon closure
- Additional deadlock for extra security
- Easy operation snib button
- It comes with two keys
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for outward-opening doors
- It might be awkward to fit
Yale Smart Living (Luxury Choice)
If you tend to lose your keys or you’re looking for a smart security option, our luxury choice is worth checking out. This model is simple to use and will keep your home protected night and day.
The Yale Smart Living is a keyless lock that can be linked to your household WiFi systems. It can be operated via a key card, tag, pin code, fob or even your mobile phone for ultimate versatility. It boasts a tamper alarm and is also compatible with most back-set 60mm night latches, so your home will feel like a fortress. The ability to lock and unlock your door remotely is perfect if you travel a lot and need to allow access from anywhere.
If you require complete control, you can choose to restrict specific access codes to particular times of the day. It prevents any worries about individuals entering the property outside of expected hours. Coming with a 9v battery backup and easy to install, this model is the ideal tool to secure your home from anywhere across the globe.
Pros:
- Keyless operation
- Smart home connectivity
- Tamper Alarm
- Timed access permissions
- Easy installation
Cons:
- The beep volume may be too loud
- Programming could be complicated
Sterling 110mm (Best Value)
Our Best Value option is excellent if you need a lock that can be installed in various positions. You can fit this model vertically or horizontally, so it’s perfect for sheds, gates, cupboards, and doors.
The Sterling 110mm is a combination lock that requires no keys. It comes with 4-digits for a choice of more than 10,000 different combinations. The auto-stop feature at 0-0-0-0 ensures you can easily operate it in dim or dark conditions. You can reset the code whenever you please, while the tough locking bolt is solid and secure for peace of mind.
As this model doesn’t require any keys, it’s a good choice for shared use among several people. The lock is made from corrosion-resistant zinc die-cast material, so it’s perfect for withstanding poor weather conditions. It’s also completely tamper-proof to prevent forced access to your property.
Pros:
- Keyless model
- Choice of 10,000 code combinations
- Auto-stop feature
- Anti-corrosion
- Tamper-proof design
Cons:
- The included screws may not be removable once fitted
- The bolt could be a bit stiff
XFORT Polished Chrome (Best for Versatility)
Our best versatile pick boasts a sturdy chain that can be operated from both inside and outside your property for ultimate flexibility. Easy to install and very secure, this model is worth considering if you need a simple yet effective lock to protect your home.
The XFORT Polished Chrome door lock is crafted from heavy-duty steel for maximum security. The chain will prevent the door from being fully opened without your permission but still allows you to see who is outside. The chain slides smoothly without any snagging from the inside and can also be opened from the exterior with a key.
This model is surface mounted and can be installed onto various materials, such as uPVC, composite, wood and others. The polished chrome coating ensures it’s resistant to wear over time and comes with all the necessary hardware for an effortless install.
Pros:
- Made from polished chrome
- Strong steel chain
- It can be operated from inside and out
- Prevents forced entry
- Easy to install
Cons:
- The key operation might be clunky
- The chain may need shortening for some doors
HomeSecure Digital Code (Best for Practicality)
Another excellent option for keyless home security is our best practical choice. This model features a slim keypad design, which you can program with over 8000 different 4-6 digit combinations to control access.
The HomeSecure Digital Code door lock is suitable for external and internal doors and those with either left or right-handed openings. It measures 25 x 15 x 10cm, so it’s compact enough to fit most surfaces without taking up much space.
The large knob is comfortable to grip and turn once unlocked for smooth operation. This digital lock is crafted from grey polished chrome, which should complement most colours and surfaces well. It’s weather-resistant for durability and comes with everything you need to install it straight out of the box.
Pros:
- Keyless option
- More than 8000 potential combinations
- Suitable for external and internal doors
- Left or right opening
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- Changing the code may be awkward
- The included screws might not be the best quality
XFORT Entrance Knob (Best for Sturdiness)
If you prefer a subtle yet secure lock, take a look at our best sturdy pick. On one side, this doorknob-style model has a compact turn snib, while the other has a key mechanism to operate the lock and gain entry.
The XFORT Entrance Knob is perfect for external and internal doors where you need to control access. It is manufactured from polished chrome metal for durability and has a robust construction designed to last. It’s suitable for entries between 35mm and 45mm thick, so it should be applicable to most properties.
Resistant to snapping or breaking, this model features a tubular latch which is adjustable up to 60mm or 70mm. It can be fitted to either left or right-handed doors for convenience. This set also comes with a pair of keys, plus all the necessary fixtures and instructions to install it.
Pros:
- Doorknob style lock
- Suitable for both internal and external use
- Made from polished chrome
- Durable design
- Includes fittings and two keys
Cons:
- It may be a little awkward to fit
- The locking function can be unreliable
JaneYi 80mm Door Bolt (Best Easy to Install)
This pick could be your dream come true for those who despise DIY. All you need to do is line it up, screw it in at the right points, and you’re done- no fancy tools or expert locksmith knowledge required.
The JaneYi 80mm Door Bolt is a padlock clasp-style lock made from top-quality metal and chrome plated for durability. It’s corrosion-resistant, so you can install it on an external door exposed to the elements. The edges have been smoothed out to prevent clothing snags or scratches to your skin, and it’s very simple to use.
Pros:
- Very simple to install
- Top quality construction
- Corrosion resistant
- It can be used indoors or outdoors
- Keyless locking
Cons:
- The keys could be more durable
- They may still rust over time
How to Choose a Door Lock
Choosing the right door lock for you can be time-consuming, particularly if you’re new to this product. Our detailed buyer’s guide can help if you’re struggling to decide. Read on to discover everything you must consider before purchasing.
Materials
The construction material is an essential factor. After all, you want to be sure that your model is tough and can withstand tampering by potential intruders. Strong metals such as steel are the best options, although chrome and die-cast zinc can also be great choices.
Ease of Use
Your lock must keep the bad guys out and be simple for you to use to get in. Check the locking/unlocking process before buying to see if it is straightforward to manage. Some models require a simple key operation, while others use programmed fobs, code inputs or even a smartphone app. Consider whether this method will suit your needs, or you may become frustrated later.
Compatibility
Locks are not universally compatible. In many cases, your preferred lock may not be the right design or fit for the door you wish to install it on. Some models may require you to first knock or drill through the wall to mount it. To avoid this, ensure you read up on the installation process before purchasing. Locks that are more complex to fit are not necessarily more secure, and you could save yourself a lot of hassle.
Corrosion Resistance
For exterior security, go for a door lock made from corrosion-resistant materials to prevent rusting. A rusted lock will not be as reliable and may malfunction, causing you to be locked out or leaving your property vulnerable to intruders. The best options are chrome-plated models that are resilient to the elements for improved durability over time.
Smart Integration
If you have a smart home, selecting a lock that can integrate with your existing system can be beneficial. These models use the WiFi network to connect to your smartphone and other WiFi-enabled devices, so you can operate your lock from anywhere. This is a good choice if you are often away from home and wish to be able to control access in your absence.
Summary
Our overall winner and Editor’s Choice is the Yale Deadlocking Nightlatch. This model impressed us thanks to its attractive design and ease of operation. The subtle colour is aesthetically compatible with most surfaces, and it automatically locks when the door is closed, so you won’t have to fumble with your keys. The inclusion of a deadlock offers an enhanced level of security, while the easy-to-manipulate snib button makes it simple to manage. It also comes with two keys and all the necessary fixings.
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.