Best Deadbolt Locks: Budget, Midrange, and Premium Picks for 2026
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Deadbolt locks by budget, from Kwikset and Schlage to Mul-T-Lock and Medeco, with security grade and install tips.
A deadbolt is the most important lock on an exterior door. Unlike a spring latch, a deadbolt's solid bolt cannot be pushed back with a card or a shove, so it resists forced entry far better. Deadbolts range from around $20 basic models to more than $500 high security locks with restricted keys, plus keypad and smart versions in between. This guide to the best deadbolt locks shows what each price tier gets you and which features matter most.
We start with three picks by budget, then explain each price tier, the features worth paying for, long term costs and common questions. A deadbolt is only as strong as the door, frame and strike plate around it, so use long screws that reach the wall stud. Check local fire codes before installing a double cylinder deadbolt, which needs a key to open from inside and can slow escape in an emergency.
Top 3 Picks by Budget
Our picks are the Kwikset 660 single cylinder deadbolt as the budget pick, the Schlage B60 single cylinder deadbolt as the midrange pick and the Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular deadbolt as the premium pick.
We compared security grading and features, cylinder and key control, build materials, ease of installation, finishes and price, along with the overall pattern in owner feedback. We did not install these locks ourselves; the notes reflect maker descriptions.
Best Budget Pick: Kwikset 660 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
The Kwikset 660 suits renters, landlords and homeowners who need a dependable basic deadbolt, at around $20. It is a round, keyed single cylinder deadbolt for exterior doors with Microban antimicrobial protection on the finish, available in several finishes like satin nickel and polished brass. Kwikset deadbolts fit standard door preparations, which makes replacement simple.
Its strengths are a low price and an easy swap for existing deadbolts.
The limitation is fewer anti pick and anti bump features than premium locks.
Best Midrange Pick: Schlage B60 Single Cylinder Deadbolt
The Schlage B60 suits homeowners who want a strong, proven deadbolt for front and back doors, at around $35 to $41. Schlage markets the B60 as offering its highest level of residential security, and it is a keyed one side single cylinder deadbolt with a thumb turn inside, sold in satin chrome, aged bronze, matte black and other finishes. It has a very large owner review base.
The appeal is strong construction from a trusted lock brand at a modest price.
The trade off is a standard keyway that is not restricted like high security locks.
Best Premium Pick: Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular Single Cylinder Deadbolt
The Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Hercular suits homeowners who want high security against picking, bumping and unauthorized key copying, at around $214. It is a single cylinder deadbolt with a thumb turn built around Mul-T-Lock's MT5+ high security cylinder platform, designed for doors where key control and resistance to attack matter most.
The appeal is high security cylinder technology and key control.
The limitation is a much higher price and keys that must be duplicated through authorized dealers.
What Your Money Gets You at Each Price Tier
Deadbolts fall into three broad tiers.
Budget Tier: What to Expect
Around $20 to $45 buys basic and standard residential deadbolts. Kwikset's 660 costs around $20, and Schlage's B60 single cylinder deadbolt around $35 to $41. Expect standard pin tumbler cylinders, solid bolts and common finishes. These suit most homes, rentals and secondary doors.
Midrange Tier: The Sweet Spot for Most Buyers
Around $60 to $180 buys commercial grade mechanical deadbolts and keypad models. Yale Security's D981N01 YH Collection deadbolt costs around $63, Schlage's commercial B560 Grade 2 single cylinder deadbolt around $67 and Wyze's Auto-Lock Bolt v2 fingerprint smart lock around $79. Kwikset's Aura Bluetooth keypad deadbolt, around $180, adds up to 250 access codes, auto lock and SmartKey security that lets you rekey the lock yourself, with a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty.
Premium Tier: When Spending More Pays Off
Around $210 to $525 buys high security cylinders and full smart locks. Mul-T-Lock's MT5+ Hercular costs around $214, a keyed alike set of 2 Mul-T-Lock Cronus Junior deadbolts around $250, Schlage's Encode WiFi smart deadbolt around $230 to $240 and Medeco's Maxum residential deadbolt with a high security restricted M3 keyway around $525. Spending more pays off for key control, pick and bump resistance and smart access.
Features Worth Paying For (and Ones to Skip) in the Best Deadbolt Locks
Strong bolts, solid strike plates and key control are worth paying for. Decorative extras are not.
Security Grades
ANSI and BHMA grades rate lock durability and strength, with Grade 1 the highest, Grade 2 strong residential and light commercial and Grade 3 basic. Schlage's B560 is listed as Grade 2 commercial, and Wyze lists BHMA Grade 2 for its smart lock. Choose Grade 1 or 2 for front and back doors when possible.
Cylinder and Key Control
High security cylinders, like Mul-T-Lock's MT5+ and Medeco's M3 restricted keyway, resist picking and bumping and limit who can copy keys. Kwikset's SmartKey lets you rekey the lock yourself in seconds, which is handy for new homeowners and landlords. Keyed alike sets, like the Mul-T-Lock Cronus Junior pair, let one key open multiple doors.
Single vs Double Cylinder
Single cylinder deadbolts have a key outside and a thumb turn inside, making exit quick and safe. Double cylinder deadbolts need a key on both sides, which helps on doors near glass but can be dangerous in a fire and may be restricted by code. Most homes should use single cylinder deadbolts.
Strike Plate and Installation
Many break ins happen by kicking the door frame, not defeating the lock. Upgrade to a reinforced strike plate with 3 inch screws that reach the framing. Check backset, usually 2 3/8 or 2 3/4 inches, and door thickness; Kwikset's Aura fits doors 1 3/8 to 2 inches thick. Adjustable latches and bolts simplify replacement.
Smart and Keypad Features
Keypad and smart deadbolts add keyless entry, guest codes, auto lock and activity logs. Kwikset's Aura supports up to 250 codes via Bluetooth, Wyze's Auto-Lock Bolt v2 adds a fingerprint scanner, Wi-Fi and USB-C emergency power and Schlage's Encode adds Wi-Fi control. Choose a smart lock with a physical key backup and strong mechanical security.
Finish and Style
Deadbolts come in finishes like satin nickel, satin chrome, aged bronze, matte black and polished brass. Choose a finish that matches your handleset or knob so the door looks cohesive, and pick finishes with protective coatings for coastal or humid climates, where cheap plating can tarnish. Kwikset adds Microban antimicrobial protection to the 660's finish. Matching deadbolts and knobs from the same brand also lets a locksmith key them alike.
Door and Frame Reinforcement
Even the best deadbolt fails if the frame splits. Add a reinforced strike box or door jamb reinforcement kit, replace short hinge screws with 3 inch screws and consider a door wrap plate around the lock on older or thin doors. Solid core or metal doors resist kicking far better than hollow core doors. These upgrades are inexpensive and dramatically improve security.
Long Term Costs to Factor In
Mechanical deadbolts have almost no running costs beyond occasional lubrication with a dry graphite or Teflon spray. Smart locks need batteries; Wyze lists up to 8 months on 8 AA batteries.
High security keys cost more to copy and require authorized dealers. A good deadbolt lasts many years, and lifetime mechanical warranties, like Kwikset's on the Aura, add value. Rekeyable locks save locksmith fees after moving.
Choosing for Your Situation
Renters and landlords benefit from rekeyable Kwikset SmartKey locks or inexpensive Kwikset 660s. Most homeowners should install Schlage B60s on exterior doors with reinforced strikes. Homes in higher risk areas or with valuable contents benefit from Mul-T-Lock or Medeco high security deadbolts. Families who want keyless access for kids and guests should choose a keypad or smart deadbolt like Kwikset's Aura, Wyze's Auto-Lock Bolt v2 or Schlage's Encode.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain a deadbolt?
Lubricate the cylinder and bolt once a year with dry graphite or Teflon spray and keep the strike plate aligned. If the bolt sticks, adjust the strike or door hinges. Replace smart lock batteries before they run low.
What features matter most when buying deadbolt locks?
Security grade, bolt and strike strength and key control matter most. Choose a Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt where possible, install a reinforced strike with long screws and consider high security or rekeyable cylinders.
How much should I spend on a deadbolt?
Most homeowners should spend around $35 to $70 per deadbolt. That covers Schlage B60 and commercial grade options. Spend around $180 to $240 for smart deadbolts and around $210 to $525 for high security locks.
Can I install a deadbolt myself?
Yes, replacing a deadbolt in an existing hole is a simple DIY job with a screwdriver. Drilling a new hole requires a hole saw kit and care. Hire a locksmith for high security locks or difficult doors.
Are smart deadbolts as secure as mechanical ones?
Smart deadbolts can be just as secure mechanically if they carry a good grade, but they add digital risks. Use strong codes, update firmware and choose models with physical key backups.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a deadbolt, focus on three things: a strong, graded lock, a reinforced strike plate and the right level of key control for your home. Kwikset's 660 is the budget pick, Schlage's B60 is the midrange choice and Mul-T-Lock's MT5+ Hercular is the premium pick. The best deadbolt locks give you confidence every time you lock the door.
For more home security guides, see the best door locks, the best keyless deadbolt, the best keyless entry door locks and the best camera doorbells. Then compare current prices in the product table above.
