Best Locks for Your Front Door: Expert Recommendations

Your front door lock is the first line of defense for your home. Choosing the right one can make the difference between a secure home and an easy target. In this guide, our expert locksmiths break down the best lock options for your front door, from traditional deadbolts to modern smart locks.

Start With a Deadbolt — It Is the Minimum

If your front door does not have a deadbolt, that should be your first upgrade. A doorknob lock alone is not enough to secure an exterior door. Doorknob locks can be defeated with basic tools in seconds, while a quality deadbolt provides real resistance against forced entry.

For the best protection, use both a deadbolt and a doorknob lock on your front door. The deadbolt handles security, while the doorknob lock provides day-to-day convenience.

Top Deadbolt Brands Recommended by Locksmiths

Not all deadbolts are created equal. Here are the brands that professional locksmiths recommend most often:

Schlage

Schlage is one of the most trusted names in residential locks. Their B60N deadbolt is a popular choice that offers excellent security at a reasonable investment. Schlage locks are known for durability, pick resistance, and a wide range of styles to match any door.

Kwikset

Kwikset offers reliable deadbolts and is known for their SmartKey technology, which allows you to rekey the lock yourself without calling a locksmith. The Kwikset 980 is a solid single-cylinder deadbolt that provides good security for most homes.

Medeco

For homeowners who want the highest level of security, Medeco is the gold standard. Medeco locks use patented key technology that makes them virtually impossible to pick or bump. Keys can only be duplicated at authorized Medeco dealers, giving you complete control over who has copies. Medeco is a premium choice, but for high-security needs, it is worth the investment.

Smart Lock Options

Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer convenience features that traditional locks cannot match:

• Keyless entry — Unlock your door with a code, your phone, or your fingerprint. No more fumbling for keys.
• Remote access — Lock or unlock your door from anywhere using a smartphone app.
• Temporary codes — Create time-limited access codes for house guests, dog walkers, or contractors.
• Activity logs — See exactly when your door was locked and unlocked, and by whom.
• Auto-lock — Set your lock to engage automatically after a set period, so you never forget to lock up.

Popular smart lock brands include Schlage Encode, August, Yale, and Kwikset Halo. When choosing a smart lock, make sure it also includes a physical key backup in case of battery failure or a tech glitch.

Understanding Lock Grades: Grade 1 vs. Grade 2 vs. Grade 3

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates locks on a three-tier grading system. Understanding these grades helps you choose the right lock for your needs:

Grade 1 — Commercial / High-Security Residential

Grade 1 locks are the strongest available. They are tested to withstand 800,000 cycles and 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force. These are typically used in commercial settings but are an excellent choice for homeowners who want maximum security. Medeco and many Schlage commercial locks are Grade 1.

Grade 2 — Standard Residential

Grade 2 locks are designed for residential use and provide solid security for most homes. They are tested to withstand 400,000 cycles and must resist moderate forced entry. Most Schlage and Kwikset residential deadbolts are Grade 2. This is the grade we recommend as a minimum for front door deadbolts.

Grade 3 — Basic Residential

Grade 3 is the lowest ANSI rating. These locks provide minimal security and are best suited for interior doors, not exterior entry points. If your front door currently has a Grade 3 lock, we strongly recommend upgrading to at least Grade 2.

What to Avoid on Your Front Door

When shopping for front door locks, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Knob-only locks — A doorknob lock without a deadbolt offers almost no security against forced entry.
• Unbranded or very cheap locks — Bargain locks often use soft metals and simple pin configurations that are easy to defeat.
• Spring-bolt-only locks — Spring bolts can be shimmed open with a credit card. Always use a deadbolt with a solid throw bolt.
• Locks with short throw bolts — The throw bolt (the metal piece that extends into the door frame) should be at least one inch long for adequate security.
• Ignoring the door frame — Even the best lock is useless if the door frame is weak. Reinforce your frame with a heavy-duty strike plate and 3-inch screws that reach the wall studs.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Even the best lock will not protect you if it is installed incorrectly. Common DIY installation mistakes include misaligned strike plates, improperly bored holes, and loose hardware. A professional locksmith ensures that your lock is installed correctly, aligned properly, and functioning smoothly.

Professional installation also gives you the opportunity to get expert advice on your overall door security. Our technicians can assess your door frame, recommend reinforcement if needed, and help you choose the right lock for your specific door and security needs.

King Locksmith Atlanta installs all types of front door locks, from standard deadbolts to high-security and smart locks. Visit our residential locksmith page or learn about different types of door locks for more details. Call (404) 383-4426 to schedule a lock installation or upgrade.