The 9 Best Deadbolts of 2023

Best Overall

Schlage B60N 619 Single Cylinder Deadbolt

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If you're looking for the best security for your home or business, then our top choice, the Schlage B60N 619, is for you. This extremely sturdy but basic single-cylinder deadbolt has the highest ratings of grade 1 from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and AAA from Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), meaning that it's certified as having passed many rigorous tests of its security, performance, and durability. It's further reinforced for extra security, including resistance to attacks executed by kick-in, lock pick, crowbar, saw, wrench, or hammer.

You can install the lock easily 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. A handful of buyers did have difficulty in getting the screws installed straight, however. The deadbolt includes not only the strike plate (the metal plate with a receptacle for the bolt that affixes to the doorjamb) but also a reinforcer that fits behind the strike plate to make it even stronger. The hardware includes 3-inch screws, which are recommended to protect against kick-ins or other brute-force attacks on the door.

This lock comes with two keys. Like most single-cylinder deadbolts, it operates with a key on the outside of the door and a thumb-turn on the inside of the door. It's available in several different finishes to complement various styles of decor, including satin nickel, bright brass, aged bronze, bright chrome, matte black, and antique brass. Note that a few customers received the deadbolt with the installation hardware missing, so be sure to check your lock as soon as you receive it.

Price at time of publish: $40

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

Best Budget

Kwikset 660 Single Cylinder Deadbolt

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If you don't need the utmost protection and you're watching your budget, then the Kwikset 660 is a great option. This single-cylinder deadbolt is rated grade 3, which means it provides basic security against break-ins from kicks, lock-picking, or other attacks. It installs easily into doors that are 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and it adjusts to fit a backset of either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Kwikset's SmartKey Security includes the ability to easily re-key the lock yourself; no need to call a locksmith or even remove the lock from the door. This is a useful feature not found in many budget deadbolts.

The Kwikset 660 comes with two keys. It's available in several different finishes, including satin chrome, antique brass, satin nickel, and Venetian bronze. While it's not a high-security deadbolt, this lock is more than sufficient for the average home, and the ability to re-key it yourself is a definite plus. Plus, it requires only a screwdriver for installation.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: 3 | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes |  Keypad: No | Smart: No}

Best Smart

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

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You can use the Schlage Encode like a regular single-cylinder deadbolt; unlock or lock it from the outside with your key and use the thumb-turn to lock or unlock it from the inside. But with smart lock, you have other options. Work the lock by entering a code on the touchpad, which lights up so you can easily see it even in the dark—you can set up to 100 access codes for friends, pet sitters, kids, or others who need to access your home regularly—or control the lock remotely with Schlage Home app or Key by Amazon app downloaded into your phone. You can even use voice commands if you have Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It also works with the Ring system for doorbells and door cameras. The lock works from your home's Wi-Fi; no need for a smart hub or separate accessory.

The Encode is easy to install, with no need for wiring. It fits standard door thicknesses of 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches and is adjustable to fit a backset of either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. And its smart features aren't all it has going for it: It's rated ANSI grade 1 for security and AAA by BHMA, so you can have peace of mind that your home is protected. Built-in alarm technology alerts you if the lock is tampered with. The lock comes with one key and all the hardware required for installation. You'll need to provide four AA batteries, however. The Encode is available in four different finishes and two choices of trim. While it is relatively expensive, we feel its excellent performance and many great features make it worth the price.

Price at time of publish: $300

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: 1/AAA | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes |  Keypad: Yes | Smart: Yes}

Best Keypad

SCHLAGE BE365 CAM Camelot Keypad Deadbolt

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You won't need to fumble or search for your keys with the Schlage Keypad Deadbolt, although you have that option as well. This unconnected (it's not a smart deadbolt that can be worked remotely with an app) keyless deadbolt has a backlit keypad where you can enter your code to unlock the door. The device comes with two 4-digit preset codes and has the capacity to store 19 unique codes at a time. You can easily create new codes at will, which makes this a great lock if you are installing the lock on a rental door, you have frequent guests, or you often have workers access your home, such as a dog walker or cleaning crew.

This commercial grade 2 lock is easy to use. To open the door from outside, just enter your code on the keypad and then turn the thumb-turn lever. To lock the door from the outside, press the "Schlage" button and then turn the thumb-turn lever. Inside, you work the lock merely by turning the thumb-turn lever, as with any standard deadlock. The Schlage Keypad Deadbolt installs easily with no wiring necessary. It's powered by one 9-volt battery, which is included. This deadbolt fits any standard pre-drilled door. It comes with one key. There are several finishes to choose from, including satin nickel, aged bronze, bright brass, satin chrome, and antique pewter. A few customers have claimed that the lock doesn't always work well in very hot or very cold temperatures, though, so keep that in mind if your area experiences them often.

Price at time of publish: $145

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

Best Smart Retrofit

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

4.8

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The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock lets you easily turn your existing standard single-cylinder deadbolt into a smart deadbolt without the need for any separate smart home hub, as it connects to your home's Wi-Fi. Once installed, you still have the option of using your original key to work the deadbolt, but you can also control it via the August app, by virtual assistants, including Google Assistant, Apple Homekit and Siri, and Amazon Alexa, from your phone, or through your Apple watch. You can set it to automatically lock within a specified length of time after leaving home and to automatically unlock as you approach the door when returning home. You can also use the August app to provide virtual keys to visitors or others who need access to your home, and you can monitor the lock's activity remotely.

As this device fits over your existing deadbolt—it works with single-cylinder deadbolts from most common brands, including Schlage and Kwikset—the security depends on the existing deadbolt. However, you'll gain added security thanks to the August lock's ability to notify you if the door is left unlocked, if there is an attack on the door, or if someone uses the app to enter or exit your home. The device runs on two CR123 batteries, which are included, but some users have noted that the batteries do need to be replaced frequently. The August Smart Lock is available only in silver or black.

Price at time of publish: $229

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Not applicable | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Not applicable |  Keypad: No | Smart: Yes}

Best Double-Cylinder

BRINKS 2718-119 Double-Cylinder Deadbolt

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If you need the security of a double-cylinder lock, then we recommend this grade 2 deadbolt from BRINKS, thanks to its sturdy construction that resists most forms of attacks, including kick-ins, picking, bumping, and sawing, as well as prying. The lock is easy to install and fits all doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4-inch thick, and the 4-way adjustable latch fits any 2-3/8 or 2-3/4-inch backset. Before purchasing, though, be sure that your city's ordinances allow double-cylinder locks in residences, as some do not.

Like all double-cylinder deadbolts, this one requires a key to lock or unlock the door from both the inside and the outside. If installing the lock at your home, you might want to consider leaving a key in the inside portion of the lock for safety should there be an emergency that requires you or your family to flee the house quickly. This reasonably priced lock comes with two keys. It is only available in a satin nickel finish. A few buyers did complain that the lock felt "loose" when being locked or unlocked, and a handful of others had trouble with their key not fitting into the lock easily, but we still feel that most people will be pleased with the price and performance of this basic double-cylinder deadbolt.

Price at time of publish: $24

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

Best Rim Deadbolt

PRIME-LINE SE 15361 SEGAL Deadbolt

4.4

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Rim locks are one of the oldest styles of door locks. Unlike a standard deadbolt, which installs so that the bolt protrudes from inside the door to latch in a strike plate that's positioned in the center of the door jamb, a rim lock is installed on the outer surface of the door, with a bolt that slides into a matching strike plate on the outer surface of the door jamb. Rim locks are often used as secondary locks on front doors but can also be used as a door's main lock. This single-cylinder deadbolt is constructed of bronze alloy and is designed to prevent the lock from being picked or forced.

The lock installs fairly easily on wood or metal doors that are 1-3/8 to 2-3/8 inches thick. It comes with a flat strike and an angled strike, so you can install the one that best fits your door. All other hardware is included, as well, along with two keys. The lock is available in brass, chrome, and bronze finishes. If your lock comes with sharp edges, as a few buyers have noted, then you can easily file them down before installing the lock.

Price at time of publish: $110

_{Type: Single-cylinder | Grade: Not applicable | Adjustable for Door Thickness: Yes |  Keypad: No | Smart: No}

Best With Fingerprint Recognition

Eufy Security E130 Smart Lock

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The Eufy Security Smart Lock can be opened in four ways: use your key, tap in a code on the keypad, use the Eufy app via Bluetooth, or merely touch your finger against the lock, which recognizes your fingerprint and unlocks the door in just one second. However, the manufacturer notes that fingerprint recognition might not work well on very young children or elderly adults. The lock stores your fingerprints in its own chip, not in the cloud, so your information is safe from hackers. Note that this lock does not work remotely via Wi-Fi or virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa unless you also purchase the optional Wi-Fi Bridge. And while a few customers have had trouble getting the lock to consistently recognize their fingerprints right away, most users find that the lock responds almost immediately.

This grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolt locks itself automatically should you fail to lock it yourself. It can store up to 50 people's fingerprints and up to 100 different passcodes. The Eufy security app allows you to track the lock's activity, so you can see when the door was opened or closed. It installs on most standard doors and can withstand extreme weather conditions. It requires four AA batteries, which are included. It also comes with five keys, but note that these are not easily replaced, nor is it easy to re-key this lock. The lock is available in black or nickel finishes.

Price at time of publish: $170

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