8 Best Keypad Deadbolts (October 2026)
The best keypad deadbolts include the Schlage BE365 Keypad Deadbolt for button fans, the Kwikset SmartCode 270 for frequent visitors, and the Kwikset Powerbolt 250 for budget code sharing.
On this page (7 sections)
- How to choose the best keypad deadbolt
- How we chose these keypad deadbolts
- The best keypad deadbolts for different homes
- Which keypad features matter for everyday use?
- How do you set up and care for a keypad deadbolt?
- What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a keypad deadbolt?
- Which best keypad deadbolt should you choose?
The best keypad deadbolt for most homes is the Schlage BE365, with lighted physical buttons, a key backup and up to 19 user codes. The Kwikset SmartCode 270 suits homes with frequent visitors, while the Yale Digital Keypad keeps entry simple without app or Wi-Fi setup.
A keypad deadbolt replaces everyday key entry with a code. To choose well, match the lock to your door, decide how you’ll share access, and choose between a key backup and a keyless-only design.
For a broader overview of lock styles, see our guide to keyless door locks and how to choose. If you’re deciding between a connected lock and a standalone keypad, compare a smart lock with a keypad lock.
Our picks at a glance
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How to choose the best keypad deadbolt
The best keypad deadbolt is the one that fits your door and matches the way your household enters. Start with door measurements, then weigh access codes, locking behavior, keypad style and backup access.
A lock can offer useful features and still be a poor fit if the bolt or exterior hardware does not match your door preparation. Write down the door thickness, backset and borehole measurement before comparing models, and check each model’s own fit requirements.
Think about who needs entry and how often those people change. A household with regular visitors may value separate or one-time codes, while a smaller household may care more about a familiar keypad and a physical key backup.
Decide whether you want the lock to relock automatically. Auto-lock reduces the chance of leaving the door unprotected, but it can be inconvenient if people carry items through the doorway or need to make repeated trips.
Finally, pick the entry style and backup method that feel practical to your household. Physical buttons, touchscreens, keyways and jumpstart features each change how you use the door when it is dark, the battery is low or a guest needs help.
How we chose these keypad deadbolts
We compared features that shape everyday entry: code capacity, keypad type, auto-lock, battery details, backup access and door-fit information. The scores reflect how well each lock’s stated features match common needs for code access and home entry.
The Schlage BE365 stands out for physical buttons and a key backup. The Kwikset SmartCode 270 offers high code capacity and several auto-lock delays, while the Yale Digital Keypad keeps operation independent of apps and Wi-Fi.
Door fit remains a separate check for every model. Our guide to measuring a door for a keyless lock explains the measurements to take before you narrow the choices.
| Product | Best for | Codes | Power | Door fit | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage BE365 Keypad Deadbolt | button fans | Up to 19 user codes | Included 9V battery | 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick; 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in backset | 8.8 |
| Kwikset SmartCode 270 | frequent visitors | Up to 50 user codes and 10 one-time codes | 4 AA batteries, not included | 8.6 | |
| Kwikset Powerbolt 250 | budget code sharing | Up to 25 user codes and 5 one-time codes | 4 AA batteries, not included | 8.2 | |
| Yale Digital Keypad Deadbolt | offline households | Up to 20 entry codes | 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick; 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 in backset | 8.1 | |
| Kwikset SmartCode 260 | bronze hardware | Up to 50 user codes and 10 one-time codes | 4 AA batteries, not included | 8.0 | |
| Kwikset SmartCode 917 | lever entries | Up to 30 user codes | Included 9V battery | 7.8 | |
| Yale Assure Touchscreen Deadbolt | future upgrades | 4 AA batteries included | 7.7 | ||
| Schlage Touch Deadbolt | keyless-only doors | Up to 19 user codes | Included 9V battery with jumpstart feature | 7.6 |
The best keypad deadbolts for different homes
The Schlage BE365 is the strongest match for buyers who prefer physical buttons and a key backup. Other picks serve distinct needs, including frequent temporary access, a traditional finish, standalone operation or touchscreen entry.
Schlage BE365 Keypad Deadbolt: Best for button fans
- Up to 19 user codes
- Lighted silicone-coated buttons
- Key backup
- Included 9V battery
Lighted physical buttons and key backup make this a straightforward choice for code entry. It supports up to 19 codes and uses a 9V battery.
Pros
- Lighted silicone-coated buttons
- Up to 19 codes
- Key backup
Cons
- No auto-lock feature stated
- Check door dimensions before buying
The Schlage BE365 is the best fit if you want physical buttons that light when pressed. The silicone-coated buttons make it easier to locate the keypad numbers in the dark, and the lock supports separate codes for trusted household members and visitors.
A key backup gives you a familiar entry option alongside the keypad. The lock uses an included 9V battery and has a low-battery indicator; Schlage says typical battery life can reach up to 2 years.
Choose the BE365 if you value tactile entry and a keyway. Skip it if auto-lock is a must, since no auto-lock feature is stated for this model.
Before buying, confirm that your door is 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick and has a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 in backset. See our Schlage BE365 review for more on the model’s keypad and setup.
Kwikset SmartCode 270: Best for frequent visitors
- Up to 50 user codes
- 10 one-time codes
- Auto-lock from 30 seconds to 10 minutes
- Grade 2 BHMA certified
The touchpad has room for many user codes, plus one-time codes for occasional access. Its auto-lock offers five timing choices.
Pros
- Many user and one-time codes
- Five auto-lock delays
- Keypad alarm after incorrect entries
Cons
- AA batteries are not included
- Auto-lock may not suit every household
The Kwikset SmartCode 270 is the best choice here for households that share access often. It supports up to 50 user codes and 10 one-time codes, so regular users and occasional visitors can have different access credentials.
You can set auto-lock for 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes or 10 minutes. After 3 consecutive incorrect entries, the lock sounds an alarm and disables the keypad for 1 minute.
Choose the 270 if you expect to manage many codes or want a choice of relock delays. Skip it if you prefer the smaller, simpler code setup of a basic keypad lock or want batteries included, since this model takes 4 AA alkaline batteries that are not included.
It is Grade 2 BHMA certified for security, durability and finish, and the keypad lights in low light. Read our Kwikset SmartCode 270 review for more on its code and lock features.
Kwikset Powerbolt 250: Best for budget code sharing
- Up to 25 user codes
- 5 one-time codes
- Auto-lock from 30 seconds to 10 minutes
- Vacation Mode
The Powerbolt 250 combines code sharing, auto-lock and Vacation Mode in a keypad deadbolt. It has fewer code slots than the SmartCode 270.
Pros
- One-time codes
- Auto-lock timing choices
- Vacation Mode
Cons
- AA batteries are not included
- No BHMA grade stated
The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 suits buyers who want one-time codes and automatic relocking in a keypad deadbolt. It offers up to 25 user codes and 5 one-time codes, along with a programming code for managing access.
Its auto-lock settings match several daily routines, from a short 30-second delay to 10 minutes. Vacation Mode temporarily disables the keypad, and an alarm sounds and disables it for 1 minute after 3 consecutive incorrect entries.
Choose this model if those access controls cover your needs and you don’t need the SmartCode 270’s larger code capacity. Skip it if a stated BHMA grade is a deciding factor, since no grade is stated here.
The backlit keypad helps with entry at night. It uses 4 AA alkaline batteries, which are not included.
Yale Digital Keypad Deadbolt: Best for offline households
- No app, phone setup or Wi-Fi
- Up to 20 entry codes
- Auto-lock
- Backup key
This Yale is a basic keypad deadbolt for buyers who want codes without app or Wi-Fi setup. It includes auto-lock and a backup key.
Pros
- No app or Wi-Fi setup
- Backlit keypad
- Backup key
Cons
- Grade 3 BHMA certification
- Confirm door measurements
The Yale Digital Keypad Deadbolt is the best fit for homes that want codes without connected features. Create up to 20 entry codes on the lock itself, with no app, phone setup or Wi-Fi required.
Its backlit keypad helps with night entry, auto-lock can secure the door behind you, and a backup key provides another way in. Yale identifies it as Grade 3 BHMA certified and says it operates from -22°F to 140°F.
Choose it if standalone operation and simple code sharing matter most. Skip it if you specifically want a Grade 2 lock or connected control.
It fits doors 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in thick, with a 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 in backset and a 1-1/2 to 2-1/8 in borehole diameter. Measure your door before choosing this or any other keypad deadbolt.
Kwikset SmartCode 260: Best for bronze hardware
- Up to 50 user codes
- 10 one-time codes
- Auto-lock timing choices
- Grade 2 BHMA certified
The SmartCode 260 offers the same stated user and one-time code capacity as the 270, with a traditional design and Venetian Bronze finish.
Pros
- Up to 50 user codes
- One-time codes
- Grade 2 BHMA certified
Cons
- AA batteries are not included
- Confirm the finish suits your door
The Kwikset SmartCode 260 is a practical choice for doors with bronze hardware. Its Venetian Bronze finish and traditional design can coordinate with existing door hardware, while its code capacity supports households with many regular users and visitors.
It offers up to 50 user codes and 10 one-time codes. Auto-lock has five delay choices between 30 seconds and 10 minutes, and the lock is Grade 2 BHMA certified.
Choose the 260 if its finish suits your door and you want a broad code list. Skip it if you prefer a different finish or don’t need its extra code capacity; the AA batteries are also not included.
The keypad sounds an alarm and disables itself for 1 minute after 3 incorrect entries. It also has Vacation Mode and SmartKey re-keying.
Kwikset SmartCode 917: Best for lever entries
- Up to 30 user codes
- Optional one-time codes
- Auto Lock, Passage and Disable Passage modes
- Reversible lever
This is a keypad lever rather than a standard deadbolt. Its three entry modes suit buyers who want passage access as well as code entry.
Pros
- Reversible lever
- Three entry modes
- SmartKey re-keying
Cons
- Not a deadbolt
- Check whether a lever fits your door
The Kwikset SmartCode 917 is a keypad lever for doors that use a handle lock. It is not a standard deadbolt, so consider it when you want keypad entry on a lever-equipped door rather than when replacing a separate deadbolt.
The reversible Halifax lever fits left-hand or right-hand doors. Up to 30 user codes are available, including optional one-time codes, and three modes cover automatic locking, passage access and disabling passage mode.
Choose the 917 if Passage mode or a keypad handle suits the doorway. Skip it if you need a deadbolt or want the separate bolt mechanism that the other picks provide.
The lock uses an included 9V battery and supports SmartKey re-keying. Kwikset describes it as BHMA certified AAA for security, durability and finish.
Yale Assure Touchscreen Deadbolt: Best for future upgrades
- Backlit touchscreen
- Auto-lock
- Backup key
- Yale Access Upgrade Kit sold separately
Use the touchscreen and entry codes on their own, with the option to add a Yale Access Upgrade Kit later. The kit is sold separately.
Pros
- Backlit touchscreen
- Auto-lock
- Upgrade option
Cons
- Smartphone use requires a separate kit
- Confirm the door thickness range
The Yale Assure Touchscreen Deadbolt suits buyers who want a keypad now and a possible smart upgrade later. You can use its backlit touchscreen and entry codes on their own, with auto-lock and a backup key.
For smartphone or smart-home use, Yale Access requires a separate upgrade kit. Choose this model if that optional path is useful; skip it if you expect connected features to work without buying the kit.
It includes 4 AA batteries and 2 keys. Yale describes it as Grade 2 certified, and the stated fit information calls for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 in thick; doors under 1-3/8 in require a thin door kit.
The fit range differs from several other picks, so check the measurements carefully before buying. A touchscreen alone does not make a lock connected.
Schlage Touch Deadbolt: Best for keyless-only doors
- No keyway
- Up to 19 user codes
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- 9V battery jumpstart feature
The Schlage Touch has no keyway, so access uses its touchscreen rather than a backup key. A 9V jumpstart feature provides backup access if the battery fails.
Pros
- No keyway to bump or pick
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Jumpstart feature
Cons
- No key backup
- Check the no-keyway design suits your household
The Schlage Touch Deadbolt is the best match for doors that need no keyway. It has a touchscreen with downlighting and a fingerprint-resistant surface, and supports up to 19 user codes.
There is no backup key. A 9V jumpstart feature provides backup access if the battery fails, so choose this arrangement only if a keyless-only design suits your household.
Schlage describes the lock as Grade 2/AAA rated for residential and light commercial use. Its slim profile may be useful where space between a front door and screen door is tight.
Choose it if avoiding a keyway matters more than keeping a physical key option. Skip it if you want a conventional key backup; the BE365 and Yale Digital Keypad include one.
Which keypad features matter for everyday use?
The most useful keypad features depend on who enters, how often you change access, and whether you want the lock to relock automatically. Focus on those daily routines before comparing extra functions.
How many access codes does your household need?
Count regular users first, then consider guests who need temporary access. The SmartCode 270 and 260 support up to 50 user codes and 10 one-time codes, while the Powerbolt 250 supports up to 25 user codes and 5 one-time codes.
Separate codes help you manage access without sharing one household code with everyone. Use a one-time code when the lock supports it and the visitor only needs brief access, then remove or change codes when they are no longer needed.
Should the best keypad deadbolt have auto-lock?
Choose an auto-lock model if you want the bolt to relock after people leave. The SmartCode 270, Powerbolt 250 and SmartCode 260 offer delays from 30 seconds to 10 minutes; the Yale Digital Keypad and Yale Assure also include auto-lock.
Pick a delay that allows people to come and go without feeling rushed. If the door is used for repeated trips or deliveries, a very short delay may be inconvenient; if you prefer to lock the door manually, auto-lock may add little value.
Are buttons or a touchscreen better?
Physical buttons give each number a distinct press, while a touchscreen has a smooth face. The BE365 uses lighted silicone-coated buttons; the Schlage Touch and Yale Assure use touchscreens.
Choose the keypad style you find easiest to use in low light and with the way your household enters codes. If you want more context on standalone and connected entry types, read how to choose a keyless door lock.
Do you need a key backup?
A key backup gives you a familiar alternate entry method. The BE365, Yale Digital Keypad and Yale Assure include backup keys, while the Schlage Touch has no keyway and uses a jumpstart feature for backup access if its battery fails.
Consider who might need to open the door and which backup method they can use. If a family member or trusted visitor may not be comfortable with a keypad, a model with a key backup can be the simpler choice.
What door measurements should you check?
Measure thickness, backset and borehole, then compare each number with the exact lock’s fit requirements. The BE365 and Yale Digital Keypad give specific thickness and backset ranges, and Yale also lists a borehole range.
A mismatch can stop a replacement deadbolt from fitting the existing door preparation. Use the door measurement guide before ordering, especially if you’re replacing hardware with a different design.
How do you set up and care for a keypad deadbolt?
A careful setup starts with checking fit and reading the installation instructions before removing the existing lock. After installation, create codes, confirm the lock works from both sides, and make a simple plan for battery changes and code updates.
Most of these picks are designed for screwdriver installation, but door alignment still matters. If the bolt rubs against the strike plate or the door needs force to close, correct that fit issue before relying on auto-lock.
Create the programming code and user codes according to the lock’s instructions. Avoid sharing a household code broadly; where one-time codes are available, reserve them for temporary access and remove codes when they are no longer needed.
Set auto-lock only after everyone who uses the door understands the delay. Test the chosen timing while someone is inside so the household knows how the lock behaves during normal entry and exit.
Keep track of battery type and whether batteries are included. The Schlage BE365 and SmartCode 917 use 9V batteries, while the SmartCode 270, Powerbolt 250 and SmartCode 260 use 4 AA batteries; the Kwikset AA batteries are not included.
Pay attention to low-battery alerts and replace batteries promptly. Keep the physical key or jumpstart option accessible where relevant, and avoid waiting until the keypad stops responding to decide how the household will enter.
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a keypad deadbolt?
The most common buying mistakes are skipping measurements, assuming every keypad lock connects to a phone, and choosing a feature that doesn’t match the door’s daily use. Check fit, power and backup access before placing an order.
Don’t assume every keypad deadbolt includes auto-lock or the same code controls. Compare the features you’ll use, such as temporary codes or Vacation Mode, and avoid paying attention to a large code limit if only a few people need entry.
Don’t mistake a keypad lever for a deadbolt. The SmartCode 917 is a lever lock; choose a separate deadbolt if that is the mechanism you need for the door.
Don’t assume “touchscreen” means app access or Wi-Fi. The Yale Digital Keypad is intentionally standalone, and the Yale Assure needs a separate upgrade kit for smartphone or smart-home use.
Finally, don’t overlook backup entry. A lock without a keyway may suit some households, but only if its jumpstart feature is an acceptable alternative and people know how to use it.
Which best keypad deadbolt should you choose?
Choose the Schlage BE365 for lighted physical buttons and a key backup, the SmartCode 270 for extensive code sharing and adjustable auto-lock, or the Yale Digital Keypad for standalone keypad access. Pick the SmartCode 260 for bronze hardware, and choose the SmartCode 917 only when you want a lever rather than a deadbolt.
Before deciding, measure your door and match the lock’s code and backup options to the people who use that entrance. For another view of keypad entry versus connected features, read smart locks vs keypad locks.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What should I check before buying a keypad deadbolt?
Check your door thickness, backset and borehole against the lock’s fit requirements. Then decide whether you need a key backup, auto-lock, one-time codes or a particular keypad style.
If you’re replacing a deadbolt, measure first with our door measurement guide.
Do keypad deadbolts need Wi-Fi?
No. A keypad deadbolt can work with codes without Wi-Fi, as the Yale Digital Keypad Deadbolt demonstrates.
Connected features depend on the specific lock and any required add-on.
For a broader look at options, read keyless door lock types and features.
Is a keypad lever the same as a keypad deadbolt?
No. A keypad lever uses a handle mechanism, while a deadbolt uses a separate bolt.
The Kwikset SmartCode 917 is a lever, so check your door hardware and the access style you need before choosing it.
Can a keypad deadbolt lock itself?
Some can. The SmartCode 270, Powerbolt 250, Yale Digital Keypad and Yale Assure Touchscreen include auto-lock features.
Check each lock’s timing or setup options, and consider whether automatic locking fits how people use your door.
