How We Research
Every guide on Warlockery starts with one question: will this lock work for the person who is shopping for it? For door locks, that means the door you have, the way you want to unlock it and the home system you already use.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with your door
A deadbolt on its own, a deadbolt with a handle set and a sliding door each need a different lock.
We check the backset, door thickness and bore size the maker lists. When your door limits the choice, we say so up front.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at the unlock methods (keypad, fingerprint, key, app), the power source, the connection type, auto-lock and how many user codes a lock stores. We also check whether it works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Matter or Z-Wave.
Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Aqara and Philips describe their locks in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms the maker lists.
3. We look at buyer feedback
We read through what buyers report after using a lock. We look for patterns, like keypads that stop responding, fingerprint readers that struggle in cold weather and apps that are slow to connect.
One angry review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A lock that is great for one reader may score lower in a guide written for another.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Products change, and some disappear from stores. Many locks also come in look-alike versions with similar names, so we check each model number and we only link new units.
When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have used every lock we cover.
We don't promise that any lock is unhackable or pick-proof. Grades such as ANSI or BHMA are quoted only as the maker states them, and we don't give steps for getting past a lock.
Follow the maker's instructions when you install a lock, and if you rent, check your lease and ask your landlord first.