Front Door Security Locks: Deadbolts and Smart Locks Compared

After a neighbor’s package disappears and a stranger tries the handle on a quiet afternoon, most people start looking at the lock on their own front door for the first time in years. A front door lock does two jobs: it keeps casual intruders out, and it makes every entry easier for the people who live there. Those goals can pull in different directions, since a high-security deadbolt with a plain key is not the same product as a keypad smart lock.

This guide covers six front door locks, ranging from a traditional keyed deadbolt to Wi-Fi and keypad smart locks, and explains which checks matter before you buy. As of 2026, most households choose between a rugged mechanical deadbolt and a connected lock that adds convenience. The sections below show how to compare grade, backset, finish, and power source, then review each pick and who should look elsewhere.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Look for the ANSI grade

Residential deadbolts are rated Grade 1, 2, or 3 under the ANSI/BHMA standard, with Grade 1 the strongest and Grade 3 the lightest duty. A good rule of thumb for a front door is to choose Grade 1 or Grade 2, and to confirm the grade printed on the packaging rather than assuming it. The rating covers things like strike strength and cycle life, which is a more useful guide to durability than marketing language such as heavy-duty.

Check the backset and door preparation

Backset is the distance from the door edge to the center of the lock hole, and nearly all US doors use either 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch. Most locks include an adjustable latch that fits both, but confirm before installing. The cross-bore hole is typically 2-1/8 inches, and the edge bore is 1 inch. If your door was drilled differently, you may need a filler plate, so measure first.

Decide on keyed, keypad, or connected

A mechanical keyed deadbolt has no batteries to die and is simple to maintain. A keypad lock lets you give codes to guests and family without handing over keys, and connected locks add app control, activity history, and sometimes voice-assistant support. Connected models rely on batteries, usually four AA cells, and a Wi-Fi or bridge connection, so plan on checking them periodically. Keep a physical key backup in any case.

Reinforce the door and strike plate

Even the strongest deadbolt fails if the frame splinters. Look for a strike plate secured with screws at least three inches long that reach the wall stud, and consider a reinforcement kit for the door jamb. A solid-core or metal door is more resistant than a hollow-core one. These small upgrades, often inexpensive, can do more to stop a kick-in than swapping the lock alone.

Our Picks Reviewed

Schlage B60N Single Cylinder Deadbolt

Schlage is among the best-known lock brands in North America, and the B60N is a traditional single cylinder deadbolt with a key outside and a thumb-turn inside.

• Pro: a mechanical deadbolt has no batteries, no apps, and no connectivity to fail.
• Pro: single cylinder design means the interior side uses a thumb-turn, which makes exiting quickly easy in an emergency.
• Con: keys can be lost or copied, and there is no way to give temporary access without a spare key.
• Skip it if you want codes, app control, or activity logs.

It suits homeowners who value reliability above convenience, plus landlords who want a simple, replaceable lock. Check the stated finish and grade on the box, and pair it with a reinforced strike plate for the best result.

Kwikset 816 SmartKey Deadbolt

Kwikset’s SmartKey feature lets owners rekey the lock themselves with a small tool, which is useful after a move or a lost key.

• Pro: the SmartKey system is designed for rekeying without removing the lock or calling a locksmith.
• Pro: a standard deadbolt format fits typical door prep and is easy to install with a screwdriver.
• Con: it is a basic keyed lock, so it adds no remote or code-based entry.
• Skip it if you share access with many people and want to issue separate codes.

It fits first-time homeowners, renters with landlord permission, and anyone who just moved and wants to change keys quickly. Confirm the grade on the packaging before assuming equivalence with heavier-duty locks.

Kwikset SmartCode 916 Electronic Deadbolt

The SmartCode 916 replaces the outside key slot with an electronic keypad, so household members can enter with a code.

• Pro: a keypad removes the need to carry a key, which helps with kids, dog walkers, and cleaners.
• Pro: you can change codes when a contractor finishes work, rather than rekeying the door.
• Con: it uses batteries, so you must replace them periodically and watch for low-battery warnings.
• Skip it if you dislike a keypad on the door face or want a lock with no electronics at all.

It suits families, short-term rental hosts, and anyone who regularly lets others in. Pick codes that are not birthdays or repeated digits, and consider clearing the keypad oils every so often to avoid revealing frequently used digits.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

This Wi-Fi deadbolt connects directly to a home network, so the owner can lock, unlock, and share access from a phone.

• Pro: built-in Wi-Fi means no separate hub is needed for remote control in most homes.
• Pro: smart access lets you issue temporary codes for guests, which is more flexible than copying keys.
• Con: connected locks depend on batteries and a working network, so a router outage can limit remote features.
• Skip it if you do not use a smartphone or prefer a purely mechanical lock.

It makes sense for connected homes, frequent travelers, and owners who like an activity history. Check that your door prep matches before ordering, and keep a backup key in a safe spot.

Yale Assure Lock 2

Yale is a long-standing lock maker, and the Assure Lock 2 is the second generation of its smart-lock line.

• Pro: a second-generation product usually refines the first design, so it is a reasonable pick for a connected-home upgrade.
• Pro: Yale’s name carries decades of lock-making experience, which helps for finding finishes and accessories.
• Con: the name does not list the connectivity or key options, so verify the exact model variant for keypad or touchscreen and Wi-Fi support.
• Skip it if you prefer a mechanical lock with a classic look.

It is a strong candidate for owners who want a modern look and app-based control. Read the listing carefully for the variant you want, since the name covers several versions.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

August built its reputation on retrofit smart locks that attach to the inside of the door and keep the existing deadbolt hardware in place.

• Pro: the retrofit approach lets you keep your current exterior keyway and finish.
• Pro: Wi-Fi in the name suggests remote control without an extra bridge.
• Con: since it works with an existing deadbolt, its security still depends on the quality of that deadbolt.
• Skip it if your current deadbolt is worn, low grade, or hard to turn.

It suits renters who want smart features while keeping the original exterior, and homeowners who like their existing lock. Check compatibility with your deadbolt before purchasing.

Installation quality decides how well any of these locks performs. Start by checking that the door closes squarely, since a door that rubs the frame forces the bolt to bind and wears out motors on connected locks. Drive the long strike plate screws into the framing, not just the thin trim, and test the bolt throw with the door open before closing it. If the lock sticks only in humid weather, the door may be swelling; planing a sliver off the edge solves more lock complaints than replacing hardware does.

Think about the people who live with the lock, too. Children and older relatives may find a keypad easier than a small key, while anyone who often arrives with full hands will appreciate an auto-lock option on a smart model. Write down which codes belong to whom, and review them at least twice a year so old codes do not linger.

Which One Fits

• You want zero electronics: the Schlage B60N Single Cylinder Deadbolt.
• You just moved and want new keys fast: the Kwikset 816 SmartKey Deadbolt.
• You host guests or contractors often: the Kwikset SmartCode 916 for code entry.
• You want full app control and no hub: the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt.
• You want to keep the existing exterior hardware: the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Common Mistakes

• Spending on a premium lock but leaving a short strike plate screw that does not reach the stud.
• Ignoring backset and bore measurements, which causes installation problems.
• Choosing a smart lock without a backup key or battery plan.
• Using an obvious keypad code such as a birthday or house number.
• Installing a lock on a hollow door and expecting it to resist a kick.

FAQ

Is a smart lock more secure than a regular deadbolt?

Not automatically. Security comes from the lock grade, the door, and the strike plate. Smart features add convenience and some tracking, but a good mechanical deadbolt is still strong.

Can I install a deadbolt myself?

Most homeowners can, with a screwdriver and a drill for a new door. Matching an existing hole pattern takes about thirty minutes.

Should I lock the door when I am home?

Yes. Most break-ins happen through unlocked or weak entry points. If you also secure the garage, see the best garage door motor guide for openers.

How often should I replace batteries in a keypad lock?

Many last several months to a year depending on use. Replace them when the lock warns you, rather than waiting for a failure.

What about the garage entry?

Treat the door between the garage and home like a front door, and consider the best garage door options as part of an overall entry upgrade.