Top 7 Front Door Locks for Security

A Complete Homeowner’s Guide  |  2026 Edition  |  Serving the Englewood Community

Your front door is the most important entry point in your home — and the lock you choose plays a critical role in keeping your household protected. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or simply looking to improve your current security setup, this guide covers seven of the best front door locks available today.

Each option has been selected based on security rating, build quality, ease of use, and overall value. We have also included practical tips on when to call a trusted Englewood Locksmith for installation, assessment, or re-keying services.

What to Look for in a Front Door Lock

Before reviewing individual products, here are the core criteria that separate a reliable lock from one that falls short:

  • ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification — the highest standard for residential locks
  • Resistance to picking, bumping, and drilling attacks
  • Solid brass or hardened steel construction throughout
  • Key control — restricted duplication or code-based access management
  • Compatibility with your door thickness and smart home ecosystem
TypeRatingPriceBest For
Deadbolt★★★★★$50 – $70Best overall value & reliability

The Schlage B60N is one of the most trusted deadbolts on the market. It meets ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards — the highest certification available for residential locks. Built with solid brass and reinforced anti-pick pins, it is engineered to withstand common forced-entry methods including drilling, picking, and bumping.

For homeowners in Englewood looking to upgrade their door hardware without overspending, this lock delivers serious protection at a reasonable price. If you are unsure whether your current deadbolt meets Grade 1 standards, contact a local Englewood Locksmith for a door security assessment.

Pros

  • ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified — top residential standard
  • Patented keyway prevents unauthorized key copies
  • Resistant to drilling, picking, and bumping
  • Straightforward DIY installation

Cons

  • No smart or electronic features
  • Traditional key entry only
TypeRatingPriceBest For
High-Security Deadbolt★★★★★$150 – $200Maximum physical security

Medeco is widely regarded as the benchmark for high-security residential locks. The Maxum features rotating and elevated pin tumblers that are extremely resistant to picking, along with a hardened steel bolt that resists sawing and cutting attempts.

What sets this lock apart is its key control system — replacement keys can only be cut at authorized Medeco dealers. This makes it a strong choice for property owners who need strict control over who can duplicate their keys. If you have recently moved or changed tenants, a professional Lock Rekey in Englewood is also a smart and cost-effective alternative to full hardware replacement.

Pros

  • UL Listed for residential security
  • Hardened steel bolt resists cutting and prying
  • Rotating pin tumblers resist picking techniques
  • Restricted key system — duplication requires authorization

Cons

  • Higher price point than standard deadbolts
  • No smart or wireless option available
TypeRatingPriceBest For
Smart Lock★★★★★$180 – $230Best smart lock with built-in WiFi

The Schlage Encode merges Grade 1 physical security with modern smart home connectivity. With built-in WiFi, you can lock and unlock your door remotely, assign access codes to family members or guests, and receive real-time activity alerts — all without a separate hub.

This lock is ideal for homeowners who want both security and control. You can set codes to expire automatically, making it useful for service workers, houseguests, or short-term rentals. For proper installation and setup, an experienced Englewood Locksmith can ensure the lock is aligned and functioning correctly from day one.

Pros

  • Built-in WiFi — no extra hub required
  • Stores up to 100 unique access codes
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Auto-lock feature for added security
  • ANSI Grade 1 certified

Cons

  • Requires a stable WiFi connection to function remotely
  • Battery-powered — requires periodic replacement
TypeRatingPriceBest For
Smart Lock (Retrofit)★★★★$200 – $250Smart features without replacing your existing deadbolt

The August Smart Lock Pro is designed for homeowners who want smart access without replacing their existing lock hardware. It fits directly over your current deadbolt’s interior thumb turn, so your exterior appearance stays the same and your existing keys continue to work.

This makes it a practical option for renters or anyone who prefers to keep their current hardware intact. The app provides an activity log, remote access, and auto-unlock when you arrive home. For a clean, secure installation, a local Englewood Locksmith can fit this device properly alongside your existing deadbolt.

Pros

  • Installs over your existing deadbolt — no exterior change
  • Auto-lock and auto-unlock functionality
  • Works with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit, and Siri
  • Guest access and activity history via the app

Cons

  • Requires a compatible existing deadbolt
  • Larger profile on door interior
  • Needs a separate bridge device for remote access
TypeRatingPriceBest For
Deadbolt★★★★$40 – $60Budget-conscious security upgrade

The Kwikset 980 offers solid security features at one of the most affordable price points on this list. It carries ANSI Grade 1 certification and includes SmartKey re-keying technology, which allows you to change the lock yourself in seconds using a simple tool — no locksmith needed for basic re-keying.

However, for a more thorough and reliable Lock Rekey in Englewood — especially after moving into a new property or following a lost key — working with a certified locksmith ensures the re-keying is done correctly and the lock is functioning at full capacity.

Pros

  • SmartKey technology allows self re-keying in seconds
  • ANSI Grade 1 certified
  • Resistant to picking, bumping, and drilling
  • Very affordable for the level of protection offered

Cons

  • Some reported concerns with SmartKey vulnerability under specific attack methods
  • Brand reputation is a step below Schlage or Medeco
TypeRatingPriceBest For
Smart Keypad Lock★★★★$170 – $220Keyless entry with a sleek, modern design

The Yale Assure Lock 2 offers a completely keyless entry experience through its responsive capacitive touchscreen. With storage for up to 250 access codes, it is well-suited for households with multiple family members, or properties where access needs to be shared with different people at different times.

Its modern profile fits contemporary door styles without looking bulky, and it integrates smoothly with most major smart home platforms. An Englewood Locksmith can help you choose between the WiFi and Z-Wave versions depending on your existing smart home setup.

Pros

  • Backlit capacitive touchscreen — no physical key needed
  • Stores up to 250 individual access codes
  • Compatible with Yale Access app, Alexa, and Google Assistant
  • Available in WiFi and Z-Wave configurations
  • Clean, minimal exterior design

Cons

  • Touchscreen performance may decrease in extreme cold
  • WiFi module sold separately on some versions
TypeRatingPriceBest For
High-Security Padlock★★★★$25 – $40Secondary doors, gates, and outbuildings

While not designed as a primary front door lock, the Master Lock Magnum earns its place on this list as the top choice for securing side gates, garage doors, storage sheds, and other secondary entry points around your property.

Its hardened steel body and shackle are built to resist bolt cutters and physical attacks, making it a reliable layer of perimeter security. For a complete home security review — including all entry points — an Englewood Locksmith can evaluate every lock on your property and recommend improvements where needed.

Pros

  • Hardened steel shackle resists cutting and prying
  • 4-pin tumbler system resists picking
  • Weather-resistant construction for outdoor use
  • Portable and easy to use across multiple access points

Cons

  • Not suitable as a primary front door lock
  • Security depends on the quality of the hasp or anchor it is secured to

When Should You Call a Locksmith?

Even the best lock needs to be installed and maintained correctly to deliver the security it is designed for. Here are situations where calling an Englewood Locksmith makes sense:

  • You have just moved into a new home and want to ensure no previous keys are still in circulation
  • You have lost a key and need your locks re-keyed or replaced immediately
  • You want a professional to assess whether your current locks meet modern security standards
  • You are installing a high-security or smart lock that requires precise fitting
  • You need a Lock Rekey in Englewood after a break-in, eviction, or change in household members

Lock Rekey in Englewood: A Smart Alternative to Full Replacement

Many homeowners assume they need to replace their entire lock when security becomes a concern. In most cases, a Lock Rekey in Englewood is all that is required — and it costs significantly less than buying a new lock.

Rekeying involves adjusting the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. A new set of keys is then cut to match the updated configuration. This is the recommended course of action when:

  • Moving into a previously owned or rented property
  • After losing a key or having one stolen
  • Following a change in household members or employees
  • When you want all locks in your home to operate on a single key

A certified Englewood Locksmith can rekey most standard deadbolts and knob locks in under 30 minutes, restoring your security without the expense of new hardware.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right front door lock comes down to your priorities. If maximum physical security is your goal, the Medeco Maxum is the clear leader. For a well-rounded combination of certified security and everyday affordability, the Schlage B60N remains one of the most dependable options available. And if you want remote access and smart home integration, the Schlage Encode or Yale Assure Lock 2 are both strong contenders.

No matter which lock you select, remember that even the most secure lock can be undermined by a weak door frame. Reinforcing your strike plate with 3-inch screws and ensuring your door frame is solid will significantly strengthen your overall entry point.

For personalized guidance on the best lock for your specific door and situation — or for professional installation, rekeying, or a full security review — reach out to a qualified Englewood Locksmith in your area.

Englewood Locksmith  |  Lock Rekey in Englewood  |  Serving Homeowners Since 2005

Your home deserves proper protection. Trust a certified professional.