Best Lock for Front Door: Deadbolts and Smart Locks Compared

Packages sit on the porch, a dog walker needs access at noon, and the kids keep losing their keys. Those everyday frustrations are why a front door lock has become more than a piece of hardware. The best choice balances physical strength, convenience and how many people need to come and go.

This guide covers six locks across two styles: traditional keyed deadbolts and smart locks that add codes, apps or Wi-Fi. It explains the grades and fit measurements to check, then reviews each option’s trade-offs. As of 2026, a smart lock is only as good as the deadbolt behind it, so start with strength and fit, and treat connected features as a convenience layer.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Look for ANSI/BHMA grades

Residential locks are graded 1 to 3 by ANSI/BHMA, with Grade 1 being the strongest. A good rule of thumb is to choose Grade 1 or Grade 2 for exterior doors. Grade 3 meets basic requirements but is less resistant to force. The grade appears on the packaging or spec sheet, and it covers cycles, strength and finish, not only the lock face.

Measure the door before you buy

Standard exterior doors have a 2-1/8 inch bore hole, a 1-inch edge hole, and a backset of either 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches. Door thickness is usually 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches. Measure the backset from the door edge to the center of the bore, and buy a lock that matches or includes an adjustable latch. A wrong backset is the most common reason a lock does not install smoothly.

Choose the smart features you will use

Keypads let you give out codes to visitors, Wi-Fi models send alerts without a bridge, and Bluetooth models are simplest but only work in range. Look for physical key backup, auto-lock settings and a battery that lasts about a year with low-battery warnings. A lock that works only through an app can leave guests out when a phone dies, so keep a keypad or key. Think about who needs access and when: a cleaner who comes weekly, a neighbor who waters plants and a teenager who forgets keys can each have their own code, and a lock that logs entries will show who came in and at what hour without anyone having to ask.

Reinforce the strike plate and frame

Even the strongest bolt fails if the frame is weak. Use a strike plate with 3-inch screws that reach the wall stud, and consider a door-edge or frame reinforcement kit. A deadbolt throw of 1 inch is standard and resists prying. Combining a Grade 1 lock with a reinforced strike plate adds more security than upgrading to a more expensive lock alone. Door material matters as well: a solid-core wood, fiberglass or steel door holds a deadbolt far better than a hollow-core door, which can split around the bore. Check the hinges too, and replace short hinge screws with 3-inch ones on at least one hinge, so a kick or a shoulder does not tear the frame from the wall even when the bolt itself holds firm.

Our Picks Reviewed

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is a deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi from a long-established lock brand.

• Pro: built-in Wi-Fi means it can connect to a home network without a separate hub or bridge.
• Pro: a well-known lock brand generally offers wide hardware support and replacement parts.
• Con: Wi-Fi locks draw more power than non-connected versions, so batteries may need attention sooner.

Skip it if you want the simplest, most trouble-free mechanical lock, or if your home has a weak Wi-Fi signal at the front door. A keypad or key-only deadbolt may be better. A quick way to judge is to hold a phone at the front door and see whether the signal is steady; if it drops often, a connected lock will frustrate more than it helps, and a simpler model is wiser.

Yale Assure Lock 2

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the second generation of the Assure Lock family, a keypad-style smart lock from a well-known lock brand.

• Pro: keypad entry removes the need to carry a key for daily trips, such as jogging or walking the dog.
• Pro: a newer generation typically improves on connectivity and design compared with the original.
• Con: the name does not describe connectivity options, so confirm which modules or hubs are required.

Skip it if you want a lock that can work without any batteries or want a particular finish that is not offered. Check compatibility with your door’s backset first. Households that prefer to keep using a physical key alongside the keypad should confirm that a key cylinder is included, since some keypad models are sold in key-free versions.

Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Deadbolt

The Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Deadbolt is a keyless deadbolt with a touchscreen keypad for entering codes.

• Pro: a touchscreen keypad is easy to wipe clean and gives a modern look compared with button keypads.
• Pro: code-based entry lets you give separate codes to family, visitors and service providers.
• Con: touchscreen keypads can be harder to use with gloves, in rain or in very cold weather.

Skip it if your front door gets direct weather or if you want remote control through a phone without extra equipment. A model with a physical keypad may be more dependable outdoors. Covered porches reduce the problem, but a door that faces strong sun or driving rain deserves a keypad that is designed to handle repeated exposure and temperature swings.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a smart lock from a smart-home brand, built to connect over Wi-Fi.

• Pro: many smart locks in this style attach to your existing deadbolt, so you keep the keys and the lock cylinder.
• Pro: Wi-Fi connectivity supports remote unlocking and alerts, handy for deliveries and guests.
• Con: add-on locks rely on the strength of the existing deadbolt, so security is only as good as the lock underneath.

Skip it if the existing deadbolt is worn or rated low, since adding a smart layer does not make it stronger. Replace the deadbolt first in that case. Renters who need a removable option are the strongest audience for this style, since the original lock can be put back when moving out and the landlord never sees a change.

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock is a Pro-level smart lock that offers multiple entry methods in one unit.

• Pro: several ways to open the door, such as keypad, key and app, suit households with varied needs.
• Pro: a Pro-tier lock typically adds features that entry models skip, such as expanded connectivity.
• Con: more features mean more settings to learn, which can slow setup for first-time smart lock owners.

Skip it if you want a plain keyed deadbolt or if you are not comfortable setting up an app. Simple locks are more forgiving for non-technical users. Before buying, decide which of the entry methods you will genuinely use, because unused features still need setup, updates and occasional battery attention over the years.

Schlage B60N Single Cylinder Deadbolt

The Schlage B60N Single Cylinder Deadbolt is a traditional keyed deadbolt with a key cylinder on the outside and a thumbturn on the inside.

• Pro: purely mechanical locks need no batteries and have few parts that can fail.
• Pro: a single cylinder design keeps the inside thumbturn easy to use during emergencies.
• Con: no keypad or app means you must manage physical keys, and lost keys require rekeying.

Skip it if you need to give temporary access to guests or service providers. A keypad or smart lock gives you codes that can be removed later. A traditional deadbolt remains an excellent foundation, though, and it pairs well with a reinforced strike plate and a solid door for households that want durable security without any electronics.

Which One Fits

• Wi-Fi alerts without a hub: the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt.
• Daily keypad use: the Yale Assure Lock 2 or the Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen Deadbolt.
• Renters or keep-the-deadbolt approach: the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
• Many family members and entry methods: the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock.
• Simple, durable mechanical security: the Schlage B60N Single Cylinder Deadbolt.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying a lock without measuring the backset and bore hole.
2. Choosing a smart lock but leaving a weak strike plate and short screws.
3. Relying on an app as the only way to unlock the door.
4. Ignoring the grade and focusing only on features.
5. Forgetting to change default codes and remove old ones.

FAQ

Are smart locks secure?

A smart lock is as secure as its bolt, strike plate and settings. Use unique codes and keep firmware updated.

What happens when batteries die?

Most offer low-battery warnings and a physical key or an external power contact as backup.

Can I install a lock myself?

Yes, with a screwdriver and about 30 minutes for a standard door, if the bore hole matches.

Should the garage entry be secured too?

Yes, see the best LiftMaster garage door opener guide for secured, connected options.

Do I need light at the door?

Good lighting deters trouble and helps with night entry; a portable option is covered in the best LED jobsite lights roundup.