There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to find the best bedroom door locks for your home.
With all the different brands, styles, and locks available, it can be tough to decide which ones to buy.
This guide will reveal the best bedroom door locks on the market—updated for 2023! I've hand-selected some of the best-selling and most popular locks to help you make the best decision possible and avoid wasting money on junk.
A good bedroom door lock should do two things. Firstly it should secure your door and give you peace of mind. Secondly, there should be a way to bypass it in the event of an emergency or other unfortunate situations (like children locking themselves away). We'll cover these bypass options in this guide's "things to consider" section below.
There might also be some instances where you want a little more security than a traditional bedroom lock—I've thrown a few higher-security interior locks in if you need them.
Let's get to it and look at the best bedroom locks on the market today.
What Are the Best Bedroom Door Locks?
Here are my top picks for the best bedroom door locks to use this year!
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Best Bedroom Door Locks Reviews
1. Schlage Latitude Door Privacy Lever Lock
The Schlage Latitude Lever Door Lock is a sleek and stylish way to add a touch of class to your home.
The Latitude model is one of my all-time favorite door knobs, so much so that I have their entry door knob version with my deadbolt. It's a little more expensive than other privacy locks, but if you want a lever-style door knob, it doesn't disappoint.
This door handle is available in six finishes and four of Schlage's most popular styles, so you can find one to match your style.
It's a breeze to install and should only take about 10 - 15 minutes; easy-to-follow instructions are included!
- Adjustable Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"
- Door Width: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
Lock Features and Emergency Bypass
The Schlage Latitude has a large push-button locking mechanism. It works nicely, and there isn't any of that janky clickiness or roughness when pushing the button that you often get with cheaper privacy locks.
If you need to open the door for an emergency, there is a small hole on the inside of the lever that you can press in with a small tool or paperclip to release the latch.
Who Should Use This
The Schlage Latitude is a great option for anyone who wants an attractive and affordable lever-style privacy door lock. This is my personal favorite, and it easily tops this list!
Reasons to Buy:
- Premium feel and finish
- Reversible handle for left or right-handed doors
- Gorgeous modern look
- Multiple finishes and styles
- Easy to install; good instructions
Reasons to Avoid:
- Higher-priced compared to other
2. Kwikset Pismo Modern Privacy Door Knob
The Kwikset Pismo Modern Privacy Door Knob is a sleek and stylish door knob that is perfect for any modern home. This knob features a modern design with clean lines, and it's available in a range of finishes to match your decor.
I really like this doorknob. It's affordable and has a premium feel about it—you know this thing will last. One note is the strength required to turn this knob. It has a pretty heavy-duty spring making one-handed turning difficult for small children.
It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and takes about 15 minutes to install.
- Adjustable Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"
- Door Width: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
Lock Features and Emergency Bypass
The Kwikset Pismo has a traditional button locking mechanism, which is ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.
If there is an emergency and you need to unlock the door, there is a small hole on the inside of the knob that you can press in with a small screwdriver or paperclip to release the latch.
Who Should Use This
The Kwikset Pismo is a great option for anyone who wants a stylish and modern privacy door knob. It's also a good choice for those who want an easy-to-install option.
Reasons to Buy:
- Has a sturdy and premium feel
- Stylish modern look
- Multiple finishes
- Affordable
- Easy to install
Reasons to Avoid:
- Heavy spring; not ideal for those with hand ailments
3. BOTHSTAR Keyless Entry Door Knob
The BOTHSTAR Keypad Door Knob is a unique electronic door knob that can be opened with a physical key or through keyless entry with an access code. It has a master code and 50 user codes that can be changed at any time—so you can give access to as many people as you need.
The knob itself is very unique, sleek, and modern. Rather than a traditional door knob or door lever, this lock uses a full-metal cylinder—which requires little force to turn. It does, however, stick out slightly more than a traditional doorknob, so watch yourself while walking past it! Ouch!
Some additional cool features include:
- Backlit Keypad: So you can enter codes even in darkness
- Visitor Mode: Disable the lock so visitors can pass through with ease
The BOTHSTAR runs off 4 AA batteries (not included) and boasts a 2-year battery life. It will alert you when your batteries begin to run low, but just in case, it has a Type-C USB port to jumpstart it.
- Adjustable Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"
- Door Thickness: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
Lock Features and Emergency Bypass
This door knob lock is designed with an auto lock function, meaning it will automatically lock the door when you leave the room. There is no need to push a lock or twist a thumb turn.
It doesn't have any emergency bypass mechanism like most privacy locks. So you'll want to be sure someone else knows the code or knows where the key is in the case of an emergency.
Who Should Use This
The BOTHSTAR Keypad Door Knob is for those who want to keep their room private and ensure their privacy and security. It's perfect for interior and exterior doors.
Reasons to Buy:
- Can be used on interior and exterior doors
- The cylinder knob can be used on right-handed or left-handed doors
- Has an auto-lock mode
- Ensures privacy and security
- Long battery life
Reasons to Avoid:
- No emergency bypass
- No way to unlock the door if you lose your key or forget your code
4. Kwikset Juno Privacy Knob Lock
The Kwikset Juno Privacy door knob is a popular choice for those looking to update their home with something stylish and affordable.
It has a traditional design with three finishes to choose from (Venetian Bronze, Polished Brass, and Satin Nickel) that will add elegance and sophistication to your home.
My personal favorite finish is the Venetian Bronze. It's got a rich look and feels to it!
The Kwikset Juno is also super easy to install (taking only 10 minutes), making it a great choice for those who don't want to spend a lot of time or money on a new lock.
- Adjustable Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"
- Door Width: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
Lock Features and Emergency Bypass
The Kwikset Juno is a perfect example of what you can expect from an affordable, high-quality door knob. It's locked using a thumb turn and to unlock your door, simply turn the knob from the locked side of the door. Overall it works well with none of the stickiness you get in many budget door knobs.
In the event that you need to open the door while locked, a small hole on the knob can be pressed with a paper clip or similar tool to release the latch.
Who Should Use This
The Kwikset Juno Privacy Knob is a great choice for those looking for an update on their home. It's stylish, affordable, and easy to install - what's not to love?
Reasons to Buy:
- Premium feel and finish
- Reversible handle for left or right-handed doors
- Gorgeous modern look
- Multiple finishes and styles
- Easy to install; good instructions
Reasons to Avoid:
- Higher-priced compared to other
5. Amazon Basics Bedroom/Bathroom Door Knob
AmazonBasics is one of the most popular brands in the world, and its products are always on sale. If you're looking for a simple, affordable, and decent-looking privacy door knob, the Amazon Basics Bedroom/Bathroom lock is a great choice.
I would categorize this as the best value on this list, averaging about $15 USD. It has a weaker spring than the other traditional privacy knobs on this list—making it easier to use for small children. One slight drawback I noticed about this lock is its rough operation in regards to locking/unlocking and turning the knob, at least compared to the others on this list.
This door knob is available in a variety of finishes—including Matte Black and Oil-Rubbed Bronze—so you can find one to match your decor. You can choose a finish that will match the color of your walls and flooring.
- Adjustable Backset: 2-3/8" or 2-3/4"
- Door Width: 1-3/8" to 1-3/4"
Lock Features and Emergency Bypass
The Amazon Basics privacy knob has a small thumb-turn locking mechanism, which is disengaged when you turn the knob, making it an ideal lock for bedrooms and bathrooms.
The emergency bypass on this privacy lock is slightly different than most privacy door knobs. To unlock the door, you'll need a small screwdriver, penny, or the included emergency key to rotate a slit.
I perfect these types of emergency bypasses over the push-type simply because more objects can be used to open them.
Who Should Use This
The Amazon Basics Bedroom/Bathroom Door Knob is a great option for anyone who wants a basic (no pun intended) and affordable privacy door knob.
Reasons to Buy:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to lock and unlock
- Multiple finishes and styles
- Easy to install; good instructions
Reasons to Avoid:
- Rougher feeling operation
- The finish isn't as nice as the slightly more expensive options
Things to Consider when Buying a Bedroom Door Lock
To find the best possible lock for your door, there are some considerations that might aid you.
Types of Bedroom Door Locks
The greatest factor you should consider when choosing a door lock is how much privacy and security you need. Take a quick inventory of exactly what you are trying to keep out and their capabilities. Then compare that to the following types of lock.
Privacy Lock
These are the most common types of interior door locks used in homes today. They are typically locked using a push-button or thumb turn and unlocked by turning the handle. Privacy locks have a hole or slit on the outside of the door that can be used to quickly and easily bypass the lock using a small tool (such as a screwdriver or paperclip) if needed.
These locks are great for keeping children, guests, or pets (such as a cat knowing how to open doors) from entering a room. However, they can only be locked from the inside.
Keyed Locks and Deadbolts
Keyed and deadbolt locks use a thumb turn on the inside of the door and a key on the outside to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. These are typically seen on exterior doors.
Keyed locks and deadbolts are not recommended for bedrooms or bathrooms. If there is an emergency and nobody has a key, the only option is to kick down the door. If nobody is capable of kicking down the door, the situation could get ugly.
Keyless and Smart Locks
If you want something more secure than a privacy lock but not as dangerous as a keyed lock, keyless and smart locks are an excellent middle ground.
These types of locks have multiple ways to open them, including biometric fingerprints, keypads, mobile apps, and an old-school physical key. If using these for a bedroom, it's best to have another member of the household know the code or have access.
Electronic bedroom locks are perfect for a pesky sibling, snoopy mother, or roommate that you don't fully trust.
Emergency Bypass
There are a number of reasons why you might need an emergency bypass on your bedroom or bathroom door lock. One of the most common reasons is if someone else in your household needs access to your room in case of an emergency.
Having an emergency bypass is also important if you have children. If a small child locks you out of a room, the last thing you'll want to do is kick down the door. Well, maybe you'll still want to kick it in, but that could hurt your wallet and perhaps your foot.
No matter what your reason is, it's important to have some way to bypass your bedroom or bathroom door locks.
Lock Grades
Locks can be given a rating called an ANSI Grade. In a nutshell, the grade of the lock represents its overall strength and durability.
- ANSI Grade 1 Locks: The toughest; commercial-grade
- ANSI Grade 2 Locks: Strong; residential grade
- ANSI Grade 3 Locks: The weakest; should only be used on inside doors
Contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with how easy a lock is to manipulate.
Unless you think someone will be using brute force to break into your bedroom, lock grades shouldn't affect how you choose a bedroom lock.
If you would like to learn more about lock ratings, check out my complete ANSI lock grades guide.
Why You Should Avoid Biometric Locks for Bedrooms and Bathrooms
While making this list, I thought it would be cool to add a couple of biometric/fingerprint door locks however, after researching dozens of products, reading hundreds of horror stories, and thinking about it a little further, I've come to the conclusion that these types of locks aren't the best for basic bedroom privacy locks—and certainly not bathroom locks.
The main concern is that many of these biometric privacy locks are built cheap, and unless you're willing to cough out some serious cash, you're likely to experience issues.
Some people have reported them suddenly not working and either being locked in their room or locked out of a room during an emergency, with no emergency bypass available.
Others have reported the biometric scanner accepting any fingerprint or the fingerprint scanner stops working after a few months. Until this technology advances a little more, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable putting these types of locks on a bedroom or bathroom.
These points aside, if you're in the market for a biometric lock to add extra security to a home office or room, there are some premium biometric door locks that cost a little more but do work well.
I recommend the ULTRALOQ Smart Door Lock. This beast is ANSI Grade 1, has three keyless entry options (fingerprint scanner, keypad, and mobile app), and has a backup mechanical key—just in case. The ULTRALOQ is a great way to secure any room without worrying about your lock failing.
FAQ
Should You Have Locks on Bedroom Doors?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the decision of whether or not to install locks on bedroom doors depends on a variety of factors. Some considerations include the age and maturity of children in the home, whether there are any safety concerns, and personal preferences. In general, however, it is generally considered a good idea to have locks on bedroom doors to provide a sense of privacy and security.
Which Type of Lock is Best For a Bedroom Door
Ultimately, the best type of lock for a bedroom door is the one that best meets your needs and provides the level of security and convenience that you are looking for.
Do you just need to keep out curious children, or do you have an untrustworthy roommate? Another factor to consider is the ease of use. If you need to open your door in an emergency, then a lock that is easy to open from the outside is crucial.
Which Type of Lock is Best For a Bathroom Door
There are a few different types of locks that can be used for a bathroom door, but the best type of lock to use is a privacy lock. Privacy locks are designed to give you privacy and prevent others from entering the room without your permission. They can be locked from the inside with a thumb turn, and they have an emergency release on the outside in case of an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best lock for a bedroom door is the one that best meets your needs and provides the level of security and convenience that you are looking for.
If you need to be able to open your door quickly in an emergency, then a lock that is easy to open from the inside is important. On the other hand, if you want to make sure that your room is always secure, then an electronic lock is the best way to go.
I hope this guide answered all your burning questions and helped you decide what locks to put on your bedroom door.
If you have any questions that this guide didn't answer, or if you have any additional information that could be used to make this article more helpful, please let us know!
