Discover the 7 Best Apartment Door Locks to Boost Your Security

If you are looking for different ways to beef up your apartment’s security, then you have landed on the right page. This article will highlight your home’s critical vulnerabilities and show you how to secure your apartment using the best apartment door locks. In fact, I did a full-blown post on apartment door security recently.

Ask anyone where they feel the safest, and the answer is almost unanimous. Whether we talk about a 5-year-old child or a 75-year-old grandparent, they all have the same answer, i.e., their home. 

While most people live in single houses, around 20% of Americans call an apartment home. They are the cheaper and better choice of residential property. Even though apartments are considered safer as compared to other types of residential properties, I have noticed in my experience that these flats or condos are also quite prone to burglaries and break-ins. 

Apartments face several security challenges, including theft, burglary, and vandalism. They are also easy to break into because a single door guards their entryway.

As a seasoned security expert, I have noticed that most burglaries occur because of the lack of proper security systems, carelessness, and the absence of apartment door lock systems. In-fact I have done an article on apartment safety tips that will help you reduce burglary by 75%.

Why Do You Need a Good Apartment Door Lock System?

Dealing with theft and burglary is not easy. It can leave you feeling unsafe in your own home. 

In the U.S., a break-in occurs every 26 seconds, and residential properties are more likely to be broken into than any other type of property. Incidences such as these can take a considerable toll on your physical and emotional well-being. 

• Reports suggest that an apartment burglary can cost a loss of approximately $2416, which is a considerable amount to bear. 
• Studies also show that nearly 30% of these burglaries and thefts occur because the apartment door lock was unlocked or easily broken down. 

As your front door represents the main accessway to your home, one of the best ways to secure your apartment is to install a high-quality apartment door lock system.

Continue reading to discover the best apartment door locks that can help boost your home’s security.

Shortlisting the Best Apartment Door Locks

When choosing the best apartment door lock for yourself, you must consider multiple factors and features. 

There are multiple types of locks for apartment doors available on the internet; you need to know how to differentiate the good, high-quality ones from the rest. 

If you are out on the market right now looking for a new apartment door lock system, that means you understand the importance of apartment door locks. Or, you are trying to upgrade your apartment door security due to a recent burglary or theft near your apartment. 

You now know how important it is to get a good-quality apartment door lock in either case. 

The process of identifying what suits your needs the best can be tiring and frustrating. That is where my expertise and experience can help you. Here are a few factors that you need to consider while choosing the best apartment door lock for your home:

 Lock Cylinder Complexity

When considering a cylinder lock, look for and select a complex lock for a burglar or a thief to understand. A lock with a complex cylinder structure is challenging to break open, and its keys are not easily duplicated.

Construction Quality

Your lock should be made up of heavy-duty metal rather than cheap materials such as plastics. Getting a lock with a Grade 1 or 2 ANSI rating is preferable.

Bolt Strength

It is vital to have a lock with a strong and resistant bolt strength. These bolts must be strong enough to bear all types of attacks, such as repeated kicks, being cut with a tool, or being broken with a sledgehammer.

Material

Your lock should be made from a sturdy material that is not easy to break and also does not corrode over a long period of time. The recommended materials are hardened steel, brass, chrome, iron, nickel, and zinc. 

Technology

With the continuous advent of technology, many types of new locks are now available with features, such as biometrics or Bluetooth. 

These advanced technological features add extra layers of security to your home, including live updates in case of a break-in or any tampering.

What are the Different Types of Locks for Apartment Doors?

There are multiple types of apartment door locks available on the market when it comes to door locks. Each of these locks is different from the other and offers varied benefits.

Let us study them in greater detail below.

Cam Locks

Cam locks consist of a fastener that rotates to lock. They are majorly used for cabinets. They are also used in vending machines. They are designed in a way that they don’t affect the outward appearance of the cabinet they are used on. Often used in a well-built cabinet, these cam locks are entirely invisible and act as great and subtle security features.

But remember, these locks are still easy to break into. They serve their purpose well when it comes to using them on cabinets, drawers, or lockers, but they are not meant to be used for doors, especially apartment doors.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolt locks offer the best protection for your apartment door. They feature a unique mechanism that offers maximum protection against burglaries and break-ins. They are strong enough to resist physical attacks such as kicks, hammer blows, and more. 

There are multiple types of deadbolt locks, single, double, and vertical. 

• Single-cylinder deadbolt locks of the simpler ones can be accessed via a key on one side. 
• Double-cylinder deadbolt locks can be accessed via a key on both sides
• In single and double deadbolts, the locks move horizontally, whereas, in vertical deadbolts, it moves up and down.
• The vertical deadbolt offers more protection against break-ins.

Padlocks

Padlocks are different from traditional locks, as they are portable and not fixed. They are easy to identify because of their shape and portability. There are two different types of padlocks. The first one is the keyable padlock, where a key is used to access the lock. The second type of padlock is the combination padlock, where a numerical code is used to access the lock. A padlock can be a great companion if you are a frequent traveler.

Mortise Locks

Mortise locks are heavy-duty locks. They have an internal lock system which makes them more than just a lock; it makes them a lockset. They are mainly used for external doors. What makes them unique is that they fit inside the door and not on the door. They offer more protection than cylinder locks.

Keypad Locks

Keypads get their name because they have a numerical keypad attached to them. For normal locks, you can use a key to access them, whereas, in a keypad lock, you use your numerical passcode to access. 

This means most of them are keyless, but some keypad locks can still be locked or unlocked using a key. These locks are battery-operated. Their access is different, but they feature deadbolt locks, knob locks, or mortise locks as their primary locking mechanism.

Smart Locks

Smart locks true to their name are more advanced than the other locks. They are not restricted to only one or two ways of accessing them, but they can be operated in multiple ways. They can have keys or keypads; they can also be accessed with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can also sync and connect them to your smart appliances at home. These locks usually require frequent battery changes and a stable network connection.

Knob Locks

In knob locks, the cylinder is not located in the door, but instead, it is located inside the lock itself. So, these locks are straightforward to break open. These are not preferable for using outdoors. 

Remember, these are only a few types of apartment door locks. There are many more types of locks for apartment door locks available in the market. 

However, these are the most effective and helpful locks that I’ve come across throughout my career as a home security expert. 

Discover the 7 Best Locks for your Apartment

1. Defender Security U 10827 Door Lock

The Defender Security U 10827 is a reinforcement lock. This is an additional lock used with your pre-existing lock for extra security. This lock is designed specifically to protect against break-ins. Adding this lock to your apartment door makes it difficult to be kicked in.

This lock can withstand a high pressure of up to 800 lbs. This is the perfect lock to install as additional security for your apartment door. I highly recommend this lock as it is very easy to install and does not require any heavy or complicated tools. 

You can easily get this lock online on Amazon and find the installation instructions here.

2. August Smart Lock

If you have a single cylinder deadlock on your door and fancy the idea of not having to use your keys to open the door, this lock is perfect for you. All you need to do is download the August app, and you can control this lock with your phone or your smartwatch. You can easily walk in and out of your house without having to worry about locking or unlocking your door. You can even use this lock remotely with the help of a smart home system that is connected via Wi-Fi.

You can learn more about this lock and its features on Amazon

3. Kwikset Single Cylinder Traditional

These deadbolt locks are among the strongest locks I’ve ever come across. They are the perfect choice to keep your apartment secure. This lock is given the highest rating in cylinder locks, which is Grade 1 ANSI rating. This makes it the strongest lock available. This rating is only given to commercial construction-level locks. 

This lock also comes with a special SmartKey feature, which helps you re-key your key. So if you lose or misplace your key, you need not worry. 

Even though this is one of the high-priced locks, they are worth the price.

If you are looking to update your apartment door lock, you should definitely check out this lock.

4. Schlage BE365 V CAM 619 Camelot Keypad Entry

If you are big on keyless entries, this lock is the perfect fit for you. This lock is made up of high-quality metal and is rated Grade 2/AAA. This sleek-looking lock is highly protective. It comes with 2 pre-set codes, and you can set up to 19 program codes.

This lock is worth every penny spent on it; go add it to your Amazon cart now!

5. SCHLAGE BE469ZP CAM 619 Connect Smart Deadbolt

Schlage makes one of the best door locks there are. This particular lock is one of their best inventions. It comprises three different features. You can access this lock via a key or by using your numerical code. The camera on it can be synced with any of your Z-Wave home automation systems. It is not only easy to use but also easy to install. 

This smart lock is also equipped with the latest security features, such as built-in alarm technology, which senses danger. It can even be controlled with your voice assistant systems.

If you are tech-savvy and love updating your home with current trends, you should not miss out on this. Go check it out now!

6. Rulart Biometric Fingerprint Door Lock

This is one of the best locks with fingerprint technology. This lock uses the latest technology, and it also looks very sleek and stylish. Its elegant design is very eye-catching. It is equipped with features such as an anti-peep password and anti-fake fingers technology. 

It also comes with two modes, lock mode and channel mode. Its premium quality fingerprint sensor makes it easy for senior citizens and children to use.

You can get this lock packed with features just for $89.99 on Amazon.

7. Addalock Portable Door Lock

This lock is not only perfect for your apartment but also a great companion for you while you travel. This lock is small and lightweight, and it does not require any kind of tools for installation. You can use this lock immediately without having to worry about taking permissions or drilling holes. It’s made up of metal and protects against forcible entries.

When it comes to additional safety, using a portable lock is the best lock you could ever have. Get it now.

Additional Tips for Maximum Security

I hope that you now know and understand the importance of getting different types of locks for your apartment doors. 

While these installing these locks will definitely elevate your apartment door security, here are a few additional tips that can take your security game up a notch:

• Having a strong door lock is essential, but don’t forget about the integrity of your door. No strong lock will be helpful if your main entrance is easy to break.
• Get renters insurance. Despite taking all the correct measures, mishaps can always happen. You can insure yourself against a heavy loss by paying a small amount every month.
• Install a security camera on your front door or on any window that you think requires one. If you cannot fit a security camera in your budget, you can even buy a dummy one to scare away the thieves. 
• Get a door security bar for your home. They are easy to install and can be removed easily. They are also budget-friendly and are highly effective.
• Buy a home safe. A home safe can ensure more security for your valuables such as cash and jewelry or any other valuable items. Just make sure to hide it well.
• Consider getting roommates. If you live in an apartment or a house that is too huge for just you, it’s always a good idea to consider roommates. Not only do they make you feel safer, it’s a great way to make some passive income as well.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q1- What is the best door lock for an apartment?

Answer- The best kind of door lock for your apartment is the Kwikset Single Cylinder Traditional door lock. It has the highest security rating.

Q2- How can I make my apartment door more secure?

Answer- You can make your apartment door more secure by adding a door jammer or a reinforcement lock. A jammer is a bar-like device that bolsters to the floor at one end and hooks onto the doorknob at the other end. Thus jamming the doorknob from moving. The Buddybar Door Jammer is a great product available on the market.

In Conclusion

There are multiple types of apartment door locks available on the market. Which one to use can depend on your needs and budget. Here are my favorite locks from different categories:

• Kwikset Single Cylinder Traditional – It is the most robust lock available on the market. I recommend installing it on your front door for maximum security.
• Addalock Portable Door Lock – This can be perfect for your apartment if you cannot replace your existing locks. It can even double up as your favorite travel companion.
• Defender Security U Door Lock – This is a reinforcement lock. Because there is nothing such as ‘too safe.’ You could have the most robust lock, but what’s the harm in having a little extra security?

So, now that you know about different types of apartment door locks, you need to assess your security requirements and choose the best apartment door lock for your home. 

Please let us know in the comments section below which lock you plan on locking down.