Consumer Reports Tests Door Locks Against Heavy Battering Rams
New testing reveals that expensive smart locks do not always outperform basic deadbolts in resisting physical force, with some high-end models failing where cheaper ones succeed.
A door lock that appears robust in a store display can still fail when subjected to a real-world kick-in attempt. Recent testing by Consumer Reports highlights that security performance varies significantly between models, regardless of whether they are basic mechanical deadbolts or feature-rich smart locks. The evaluation focused on resistance to three specific attack vectors: kick-ins, lock picking, and drilling.
The results challenge the assumption that higher price tags equate to better protection. While some premium smart locks performed well in all categories, others struggled with basic physical resistance. Shoppers are advised to look beyond brand names and connectivity features to understand the actual trade-offs in security and usability.
Basic deadbolts offer strong physical resistance
The Kwikset Juno 991J15SMTCP, priced at $58.10, emerged as the top pick among standard non-smart locks. It demonstrated high resistance to kick-ins and lock picking straight out of the box. However, testers noted a common limitation: like most standard deadbolts, it remains vulnerable to attacks using a cordless drill. This trade-off is typical for conventional hardware, where mechanical simplicity offers strong brute-force defense but limited protection against power tools.
Smart locks balance convenience with security
Among WiFi-enabled options, the Yale Assure Lock 2 stood out for holding up against both kick-ins and drilling. It includes a WiFi module and door sensor at no extra cost, adding remote control and status tracking. The Eufy Smart Lock S230 also earned strong marks for brute-force resistance, particularly in kick-in and picking tests. It offers fingerprint access and a keypad, though its drilling resistance is decent rather than exceptional.
The August WiFi Smart Lock was noted for its ease of installation and remote management features. It connects directly to WiFi without needing a separate adapter, simplifying the setup process. While it scores highly for convenience and remote access, buyers must weigh these benefits against the physical security metrics, which are generally strong but not universally superior to basic mechanical options.
Low-cost options may lack essential protection
Not all locks performed well in the testing. The Delaney 345001, a standard deadbolt costing $51.16, ranked at the bottom of the ratings. It earned poor marks for resisting drilling, lock picking, and kick-ins. This indicates that while the price is low, the security provided is insufficient compared to other options in the same price range. Consumers should be cautious when purchasing budget locks, as they may compromise on basic physical security.
According to GN technics/smarthome (en-US), the key takeaway is that smart features do not automatically translate to better physical security. Some expensive locks failed basic kick-in tests, while cheaper models excelled. Buyers are encouraged to review specific test results for their preferred brand and model to ensure it meets their security needs.
