When it comes to securing your home in 2025, high-security locks are a must. These locks are designed to resist picking, drilling, and forced entry, while also offering modern features like smart technology and keyless access. Here’s a quick look at the top options:
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Combines robust physical security with WiFi-enabled smart features for remote control and voice integration.
- Yale Assure Lock 2: Offers multiple access methods, including keypad, app, and optional key, with compatibility for smart home systems.
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen): Retrofitted for existing deadbolts, it provides app-based control and key retention, ideal for renters.
- Medeco Maxum High-Security Deadbolt: A mechanical lock focused on physical strength, with unmatched resistance to kick-ins and drilling.
- Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi: Features biometric access, a keypad, and app control at a budget-friendly price.
Each lock offers unique benefits depending on your needs – whether it’s smart technology, maximum physical security, or ease of installation. Below is a quick comparison of their key features.
Quick Comparison
| Lock Model | Security Features | Access Methods | Smart Home Integration | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Strong resistance to forced entry | Keypad, app, voice commands | Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit | $250–$300 |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Durable with tamper-proof design | Keypad, app, optional key | Alexa, Google, Apple Home, Matter | $220–$280 |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Depends on paired deadbolt quality | App, auto-unlock, voice commands | Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit | $200–$250 |
| Medeco Maxum | Top-rated for physical security | Traditional key only | None | $150–$250 |
| Eufy Smart Lock Touch | Biometric and strong physical build | Fingerprint, keypad, app, physical key | Alexa, Google | $130–$180 |
For the best results, pair your chosen lock with proper installation and door reinforcement. Professional locksmiths, like Sherlock’s Locksmith in Pittsburgh, can help ensure everything is set up securely.
High-Security Home Locks Comparison Chart 2025
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What to Consider When Choosing a High-Security Lock
When selecting a high-security lock, start by looking for locks certified to ANSI/BHMA standards. For residential use, Grade 1 certification provides the strongest protection available. A reliable high-security lock should include a one-inch hardened steel deadbolt and a reinforced strike plate secured with 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame. Testing by Consumer Reports has shown that not all locks perform equally. For instance, the Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 earned top scores of 5 out of 5 in resistance to kick-ins, drilling, and picking – key benchmarks for mechanical durability.
Modern locks now offer a range of access methods, including keys, keypads, fingerprint sensors, NFC, or smartphone control. For families with children or frequent guests, keypad or app-based systems provide keyless entry and allow quick changes to access codes without the hassle of rekeying. Fingerprint-enabled models, like the Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi, offer fast entry while also including PIN and key backups for added convenience. Interestingly, keyless designs can also improve resistance to certain attacks. For example, the Kwikset Obsidian has been shown to perform well against drilling, partly because it eliminates the traditional key cylinder.
Many modern locks also integrate with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. These integrations enable features such as voice control, geofencing, and seamless pairing with security cameras or alarms. Locks like the August and Yale Assure models are particularly noted for their compatibility with third-party platforms through Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or proprietary bridges. When choosing a smart lock, ensure it fits into your existing smart home setup. For instance, Apple-centric users might prefer HomeKit-compatible options, while those with hub-based systems might lean toward Z-Wave. Keep in mind that smart functionality relies on power, so battery performance is another key consideration.
Most smart locks are battery-powered, and battery life can vary significantly between models. Look for features like low-battery alerts and mechanical overrides to ensure you’re never locked out. Some locks also include external power contacts, such as 9V or USB ports, allowing you to unlock the door even if the batteries are dead. It’s worth noting that during internet or Wi-Fi outages, most smart locks still support local entry methods, though remote features like notifications and automations may be temporarily unavailable.
Finally, the compatibility of the lock with your door and the quality of installation play a major role in its effectiveness. Verify that the lock fits your door’s thickness and backset – most U.S. residential doors are between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick. Some smart locks, like certain models from August, are designed to retrofit existing deadbolts, making them a great option for renters or those who want to keep their current key system. Other locks may require a full deadbolt replacement. For added security, consider upgrading the strike plate and reinforcing the door frame, especially if the door is older or made of wood, which may be more prone to kick-ins. For professional installation and advice, Sherlock’s Locksmith in Pittsburgh, PA, offers expert services to ensure your high-security lock is installed correctly and performs as intended.
1. Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Plus is a smart deadbolt with built-in WiFi, eliminating the need for a hub. With the Schlage Home app, you can remotely lock or unlock your door, check its status, and receive alerts – all without requiring additional hardware.
Security Rating and Construction
Beyond its connectivity features, the Encode Plus stands out for its durability and reliability. Made from solid steel to resist sawing and prying, it meets ANSI Grade standards for residential locks. Experts have commended its ability to withstand picking and forced entry. When paired with a reinforced strike plate securely attached to the door frame, the Encode Plus offers strong protection against break-ins or kick-ins.
Access Methods
This deadbolt provides keypad entry, allowing you to create and manage access codes through the app for family, guests, or service providers. Designed to fit standard U.S. exterior doors, it’s easy to install on your own, though proper alignment is crucial for maintaining its security features. For installations involving steel doors, older wooden frames, or tasks requiring drilling and mortising, many homeowners – especially in areas like Pittsburgh, PA – opt for professional locksmiths such as Sherlock’s Locksmith to ensure a precise fit and optimal security.
Smart Home Integration
The Encode Plus works seamlessly with major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means you can use voice commands or set up automated routines – like locking the door at a specific time or unlocking it when you arrive home. These features add convenience while strengthening your home’s security system.
Power and Reliability
Powered by batteries, the Encode Plus includes low-battery alerts to keep you informed. It also features a mechanical override for emergencies, ensuring you’re never locked out. Once connectivity is restored, remote functionalities like app control and notifications resume as normal.
2. Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a smart deadbolt designed to replace your existing lock, offering a blend of reliability and advanced features. Yale’s reputation for dependable performance and sturdy construction is evident in this model.
Security Rating and Build Quality
This lock is built with security in mind, featuring a full 1-inch throw deadbolt and a durable metal chassis to withstand wear and deter forced entry. Consumer Reports rated a comparable Yale model highly for its resistance to kick-ins and drilling, making it one of the standout options for physical security. It’s also designed to fit standard U.S. door setups, ensuring compatibility with most homes.
Multiple Access Options
The Assure Lock 2 provides several ways to unlock your door. You can use a PIN touchscreen, control it via your smartphone using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or opt for a traditional key if you prefer. Through the Yale Access app, you can create and manage multiple user PIN codes, making it easy to share access. The lock also features automatic locking and unlocking, as well as a convenient one-touch locking option right on the keypad – perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
Smart Home Compatibility
This lock is designed to seamlessly integrate with your smart home setup. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, SmartThings, and Matter. However, you’ll need to ensure you choose the right model or add-on module to match your preferred platform. With smart integrations, you can use voice commands like “Alexa, lock the front door” or set up automations, such as unlocking when your iPhone detects you’re home via geofencing. This adaptability allows the lock to fit effortlessly into your existing smart home ecosystem.
Power and Battery Features
The lock runs on four AA batteries, offering a battery life of 6–12 months under typical usage. Low-battery alerts are sent through the app and keypad, so you’re never caught off guard. If the batteries run out while the door is locked, the 9V jump terminals provide a temporary power source, ensuring you can still access your home. Pricing for the Assure Lock 2 varies between $179 and $289, depending on the model and connectivity options you select.
3. August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)
The August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock is designed to work with your existing single-cylinder deadbolt. It attaches to the inside of your door, allowing you to keep your current key and keyway. This is especially convenient if you have a high-quality deadbolt or live in a rental property.
Security Rating and Construction
Since the lock pairs with your existing deadbolt, the physical security largely depends on the quality of that deadbolt. For digital security, the August lock uses 128-bit AES encryption and is mounted with a reinforced metal plate to deter tampering. To maximize protection, it’s recommended to pair it with a certified Grade 1 deadbolt and a reinforced strike plate for added durability and security.
Access Methods
The lock offers multiple ways to control access. The August mobile app is the primary tool, using both Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi for locking and unlocking. Through the app, you can check the door’s status in real time, view a detailed activity log, and share virtual keys. These virtual keys can be permanent, time-limited, or one-time, making it easy to grant access to trusted individuals. Plus, your traditional key remains functional as a backup option.
Smart Home Integration
The lock integrates seamlessly with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control and smart home automations. Its built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for an extra bridge, simplifying the setup process. Consumer Reports has highlighted a related Yale model with August Wi-Fi integration for its ease of use, remote functionality, and strong resistance to forced entry.
Power and Reliability
Powered by AA batteries, the lock can run for up to six months. The app provides low-battery alerts well in advance, so you’re never left unprepared. Additionally, the DoorSense sensor ensures that the door is properly closed and locked. For installation or upgrades, a professional locksmith – like Sherlock’s Locksmith in Pittsburgh – can help with alignment, strike plate reinforcement, and system configuration to ensure everything operates smoothly and securely.
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4. Medeco Maxum High-Security Deadbolt
The Medeco Maxum takes a no-nonsense, all-mechanical approach to home security. Instead of relying on smart features, it focuses on raw physical strength and restricted key access. According to Consumer Reports, the Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is “widely regarded as the strongest deadbolt lock you can buy.” It earned a perfect 5/5 in lab tests for withstanding kick-ins, drilling, and picking.
Security Rating and Build
This deadbolt holds the prestigious ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating, the top standard for residential locks. Its design includes hardened steel inserts, anti-drill components, and a reinforced bolt engineered to resist prying and sawing. The lock also features a restricted keyway with patented pin technology that uses angled, elevating, and rotating pins, making it extremely challenging to pick or bump. Plus, duplicating its keys is tightly controlled – you can only get copies through authorized Medeco dealers, adding another level of security.
How It Works
The Maxum operates with a traditional key system – no keypads, apps, or biometric scanners here. You’ll need a physical key to lock and unlock it. If you lose your key or move to a new home, rekeying must be done by an authorized Medeco dealer. This straightforward, mechanical design not only keeps things simple but also ensures the lock remains highly durable.
Long-Term Reliability
Because it’s entirely mechanical, the Maxum doesn’t rely on batteries or electronics, which makes it incredibly dependable over time. Its sturdy construction is built to last for decades. For the best results, professional installation by a certified locksmith, like Sherlock’s Locksmith in Pittsburgh, is recommended to ensure proper alignment and reinforce the strike plate.
5. Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi
The Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi (model S230) combines convenience with biometric security, offering multiple ways to secure and access your home. It supports fingerprint recognition, keypad codes, app control, and traditional keys. Let’s break down its security features, access options, smart home compatibility, and power setup.
Security Rating and Construction
In Consumer Reports’ testing, the Eufy S230 performed well against forced entry, earning solid marks for resisting kick-ins and picking, along with decent drilling resistance. This makes it one of the sturdier options in its category. The lock features a sleek exterior equipped with a fingerprint sensor and a touchscreen keypad, combining style with functionality.
Access Methods
The lock offers various ways to unlock your door, catering to different preferences and needs. The fingerprint scanner provides quick, one-touch access, while the touchscreen keypad allows you to set personalized PIN codes for family members or guests. For remote access, the Eufy Security app lets you unlock the door from anywhere. A physical key is also included for emergencies. Additional features like auto-locking and an access log ensure added convenience and security.
Smart Home Integration
The Eufy S230 works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice commands to lock or check the door’s status. Its built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the hassle of needing a separate hub, making setup straightforward. Plus, the Eufy Security app integrates with other Eufy devices, such as cameras and doorbells, to create a cohesive home security system.
Power and Reliability
Powered by AA batteries, the lock is designed for consistent performance. It’s praised for its fast and accurate fingerprint recognition, ensuring smooth daily operation. A physical key backup is included, so you’re never locked out, even if the batteries run low. The app provides battery level updates, helping you replace them in time. If you want peace of mind with proper installation, Sherlock’s Locksmith in Pittsburgh offers professional services to ensure everything is securely set up.
Feature Comparison
Here’s a detailed side-by-side look at the key features of each lock:
| Lock Model | Security Features | Access Methods | Smart Home Compatibility | Price Range (USD) | Recommended Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt | Strong kick-in resistance, anti-pick shield, tamper alerts | WiFi app, keypad codes, voice control | Built-in WiFi, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home | $250–$300 | Ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who want seamless smart home integration |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Sturdy kick-in and drilling resistance (Consumer Reports rated); tamper-proof design | Keypad codes, app control, optional key cylinder | WiFi module (sold separately), Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home | $220–$280 | Great for families seeking keyless entry with flexible connectivity options |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Reliable resistance with added door sensor and activity log tracking | WiFi app, auto-unlock, voice control | Built-in WiFi, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home | $200–$250 | Perfect for renters or those retrofitting existing locks without replacing the full deadbolt |
| Medeco Maxum High-Security Deadbolt | Rated 5/5 for kick-in, drilling, and picking resistance by Consumer Reports | Traditional key only | None (mechanical lock) | $150–$250 | Best for high-burglary areas needing top-notch physical security without smart features |
| Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi | Strong kick-in and picking resistance; decent drilling protection | Fingerprint scanner, touchscreen keypad, PIN codes, WiFi app, physical key | Built-in WiFi, Alexa, Google Assistant | $130–$180 | Excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers wanting biometric access and multiple entry options |
Each lock stands out for its unique strengths. The Medeco Maxum is unmatched for physical security, scoring perfectly in independent tests. The Schlage Encode Plus leads the pack in smart home integration, while the Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi offers great value with biometric features at an affordable price.
For professional installation or personalized advice, visit Sherlock’s Locksmith in Pittsburgh. They can help ensure your home is secure with the right lock for your needs.
Conclusion
The right lock, paired with proper installation, is the backbone of a secure home. Start by selecting a lock that aligns with your needs. For areas requiring strong physical protection, mechanical deadbolts like the Medeco Maxum stand out for their durability. If convenience and smart features are priorities, options like the Schlage Encode Plus or Yale Assure Lock 2 provide robust security with app-based control and automation. Looking for a balance of security and affordability? The Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi offers biometric access and reliable performance.
However, even the most advanced lock won’t perform well without proper installation and a sturdy door frame. Regular maintenance, like checking door alignment and hardware, is key to keeping your lock effective. For peace of mind, consider hiring professional locksmith services to handle installation and upkeep.
If you’re in Pittsburgh, Sherlock’s Locksmith offers a full range of residential locksmith services. From security assessments and lock recommendations to professional installation and maintenance, their certified technicians ensure your locks are installed correctly and function as intended.
Whether you opt for a traditional deadbolt or a feature-packed smart lock, partnering with skilled professionals guarantees that your security investment works as it should, protecting your home and loved ones.
FAQs
What should I look for when selecting a high-security lock for my home?
When selecting a high-security lock for your home, it’s crucial to weigh a few key factors. Start with security features, durability, and certifications like ANSI/BHMA ratings, which indicate a lock’s reliability and strength. Think about the type of lock that best suits your needs – whether it’s a traditional deadbolt, a smart lock, or a keyless entry system – and ensure it works seamlessly with your current doors or security setup.
Don’t overlook ease of use. A good lock should offer advanced protection without sacrificing everyday convenience. Additionally, choose one designed to resist tampering and endure harsh weather, so your home stays protected for the long haul.
How do smart locks work with smart home systems?
Smart locks use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave to connect with smart home systems. This connectivity lets you manage and monitor them remotely through apps or automation platforms. Many smart locks also work with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can lock or unlock doors with simple voice commands.
They fit right into your home’s smart setup, offering features like automated locking schedules, real-time alerts, and the ability to share access with family or guests.
What’s the difference between mechanical and smart high-security locks?
Mechanical high-security locks rely on physical mechanisms like pins, tumblers, or deadbolts to secure doors. Since they don’t need electricity, they’re incredibly reliable and built to last. Plus, their design makes them tough to pick. That said, they don’t come with modern perks like remote access or smart integrations.
On the flip side, smart high-security locks use electronic systems such as keypads, fingerprint scanners, or Bluetooth. These locks bring convenience to the table with features like remote control, real-time monitoring, and compatibility with smart home setups. But they do have their challenges – they need proper cybersecurity to block hacking attempts and depend on a power source to stay operational.