In the quest to keep your home and family safe, secure door locks should be at the top of your list. Because, while you might be surprised to learn this, one of the most common ways a crook enters your home is the same way you do—right through the front door. Even if you religiously lock your doors, your lock may be deficient, vulnerable to being picked or kicked in. To keep your home safe from intruders, start with a good lock. These are the five best locks on the market, according to Consumer Reports.
5. Yale Real Living Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt Stand Alone YRD240, $176.99
This lock is immune to picking because there's no cylinder. This keyless lock is opened with smart devices or a code. The testers couldn't even get into it when they used a drill. To make it even more impenetrable to kick-ins, swap out the short screws it comes with and use 2-inch-long wood screws.
4. Schlage Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Alarm BE469NX CAM 619, $179.10
If you're looking for a lock that comes with all the bells and whistles, this smart home door lock allows you to program in up to 30 unique entry codes, plus it works with Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
3. Baldwin Prestige 380, $40
If you prefer the appearance of brass, this lock is the one for you. It could not be picked, and it also comes with long screws, which allowed it to pass Consumer Reports' kick-in test.
2. Kwikset 980, $30
If you're looking for a lock that's budget friendly but still gets the job done, check out this Kwikset lock that retails for $30. Despite its low price, it was still resistant to Consumer Reports' efforts to pick it. A bonus feature is that it comes with long screws, making the strike plate secure solidly to framing, which prevents kick-ins.
1. Medeco Maxum 11*603, $190
At $190, this lock is pricey, but its security can't be beat. Thanks to its hardened cylinder, the lock could not be picked by Consumer Reports' professionals during testing. They eventually gained access by removing the screws, which took 15 minutes. At that point, a thief is likely to give up and find a home that's easier to break into.
[h/t Consumer Reports]
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
