Are you ready to upgrade to a modern locking door knob? Of course, you are, but you still need the most secure door knob. As security experts, we know locks. And we want you to be able to pick the best. Now it’s time to learn and choose.
Here are our picks. The reviews will help you learn about what features are available on modern locking knobs.
Best Door Knobs with Locks:
1. Copper Creek BK2030SS Ball Door Knob
This is one of the door knob locks for privacy. It can prevent embarrassing bathroom walk-ins, but it won’t provide any actual security. It’s also great as a bedroom door lock.
You won’t need an emergency key. This knob can be quickly unlocked with a coin or a similarly thin object. This is convenient but can be a security drawback. Kids can get it open in no time.
Those who were looking for a cheap and simple privacy lock for an interior door were glad to find this one.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Almost universal fit
- Good warranty coverage
Cons
- Very easy to unlock from the outside with common household objects
2. Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob
What makes this one of the keyed entry door knobs and deadbolts is the pick-resistant design. It would take a pro to defeat it. It could be the door knob lock for backdoors and other exterior points of entry due to its solid construction.
You can rekey both the knob and deadbolt in about 10 seconds to accept any door key you have. This is useful for rentals and misplaced keys. Two keys are included with the purchase.
Many have reported that they’ve had to change their keys, and they like how easy it is to rekey these locks. Overall, customer satisfaction is high.
Pros
- Highly pick-resistant
- The combo pack offers great value
- SmartKey tech is versatile
Cons
- If someone steals the resetting tool and returns it before you notice, they can rekey your locks and possibly gain entry to your home with one of their own keys
3. Signstek Electronic Keypad Door Knob Lock
No keys are needed here. As the admin, you can program your master code. Then you set a standard code to give to anyone to whom you want to have access. You can even set eight personalized codes for individual employees or family members.
If you’re looking for a smart door knob lock, you can save money by going with this reasonably priced knob.
Folks like the convenience and flexibility of push-button locks, and they love that this one has so many programmable passcodes.
Pros
- Fits a wide range of doors – interior, exterior, right or left hinged and recessed or protruding hinges
- Up to ten different programmable codes
Cons
- This is a big knob
4. MiLocks TKK-02SN Tkk-Sn Digital Door Knob Lock
This digital locking knob has its buttons above the knob instead of on it like the TurboLock Keyless Smart Lock Doorknob. That’s a better-looking design.
You can program up to six passcodes, as long as you have one of the bypass keys. That’s enough codes for the average family or a smaller office. One thing to consider is that this lock isn’t weatherproof, so it’s best used on interior doors only.
People comment on how much more convenient a digital door knob lock is compared to standard keyed locks. They like this one because it offers a bypass key option.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Includes two bypass keys
Cons
- Not so easy to install
5. Prime-Line E 2495 Mortise Keyed Lock Set with Classic Bronze Knob
Do you have antique locksets on your interior door that need to be replaced? Or maybe you’ve been wanting to redecorate with a retro style. In either case, you may love this lock. Professional installation may be required for some doors. But you can do it yourself if you can follow the instructions and are handy with a drill and keyhole saw.
This is a privacy lock for indoors only. It operates with the included skeleton key or any skeleton key, so there’s not much in the way of security. To save money, you can get the double door knob and lock set. There’s even a four-pack available for additional savings.
Homeowners with malfunctioning antique locks were thrilled to find a replacement that replicates that traditional style. Even people redesigning their homes in retro style were happy with this find.
Pros
- Low-cost replica of antique lock sets
Cons
- Difficult installation in some cases
- A keyhole is a potential peephole
6. SCHLAGE FE595 CAM 619 GEO Camelot Keypad Entry
This is perhaps the simplest of high-quality door knobs. You can use one of the included keys, or you can use one of the programmable passcodes. There’s no complicated programming or rekeying involved.
You can use it as a home entry lock or for securing interior rooms to protect valuables or keep unauthorized people away from guns.
For families who frequently have stay-over guests like that, there’s no need to have an extra key made for their visitors. That’s the great thing about keypads.
Several Airbnb owners use these locksets. They like that they can change the passcodes for each round of guests, and still always be able to get in with their bypass key.
Pros
- Backlit keypad
- Attractive Georgian knobs
- Detailed installation instructions are included
Cons
- Despite the detailed instructions, installation is hard due to having to compress a very small spring
7. Bravex Keyless Entry Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock 304 Stainless Steel 100% Mechanical
The door knobs with locks offer the versatility of a keypad and bypass keys without making the operation too difficult. This lock fits that bill.
It’s a mechanical keypad that allows you to set one combination. You can also use one of the included keys, but you’ll always have the option for the keypad. And you’ll never have to change batteries or go through a complicated reprogramming process.
Some people like that they don’t need to worry about keypad batteries running dead. But others wish there was a keypad backlight. There’s the trade with a mechanical keypad apparatus.
Pros
- No batteries or wiring required
- Fairly easy to install
Cons
- You can only program one passcode
- It’s necessary to remove the lock to change the passcode
Factors To Consider
Here’s where you narrow your choices by the available features.
Type
We’ve reviewed mostly keyless locks here because they are so versatile and easy to use. You’ll like them if you frequently have guests or own a rental.
You can program a passcode for your guests or renters, then delete that code when they no longer need it. In the meantime, you can use your code or the bypass key.
Interior doors can benefit from a keyless lock if you want several people to have access to the room.
Knobs with privacy locks are good for bedrooms and bathrooms. They don’t offer much security because they can be unlocked with any thin household object, but they can prevent embarrassing mishaps.
Interior Vs Exterior Knob Locks
Exterior locks go on the main entrance of your home. They’re usually tougher than interior locks. Make sure you get a weatherproof model.
Interior locking knobs are often cheaper, but less durable. They don’t have to be weatherproof. Decide whether you need a cheap privacy lock or a more secure keyed or digital lock for better security.
Digital Vs Mechanical Keypads
Digital keypads have several advantages over mechanical ones. They can be programmed with multiple passcodes, which are relatively easy to change. Most of them also have backlit keypads. But they also need batteries.
Locks with mechanical keypads don’t need batteries, but they don’t have backlit keypads.
And you can only set one code. You have to decide between convenience and simplicity.
Also if you are looking for a lock that you can lock or unlock remotely check out those smart door locks for Airbnb and protect your front doors.
FAQs
We get tons of questions about door locks. Here are the most frequent ones.
How Hard Is It To Program Keyless Locks?
It depends on the make and model. Some require you to set a master, or admin, code. From there, you generally enter a short code to enter program mode. Then it’s just a matter of entering the new code. Resetting or deleting passcodes is just as simple.
Mechanical keypad locks usually have to be removed from the door to have the passcode reset.
How Do You Key A Rekeyable Door Lock?
They come with a rekeying tool. You unlock the door with the current key, then insert the tool into its slot. Then you remove the old key and insert the new one. Once you remove the tool, the lock is set for the new key.
How Long Do Batteries Last In Digital Door Knob Locks?
That depends mainly on what type of batteries you use and how often you use the lock. Under normal use, the recommended lithium batteries last an average of two years.
What Is A Privacy Lock?
It’s a cheap lock that doesn’t have a secure tumbler locking system. They’re popular for bathroom doors or for other rooms where security isn’t an issue, but you don’t want someone just walking in.
Some of them come with a simple emergency. Others can be unlocked from the outside with a coin or fingernail. Don’t use them for security purposes.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to crown the best of the door knobs with locks. The winner varies with your needs. The top digital smart lock is the TurboLock Keyless Smart Lock, not to be confused with TurboLock’s TL-111. It’s simple, dependable, and reasonably priced.
For mechanical combination locks, we pick Bravex’s. It’s pretty easy to install and requires no major programming or batteries. If you just need a privacy lock, Copper Creek makes a great one that costs about ten bucks. Now that you know what’s out there and how to pick the one that’s right for you, make a decision and get yours today.
