Baldwin is considered a premier brand for high-end door hardware. Their locks are renowned for solid forged brass construction, premium finishes, and exceptional durability. However, the quality and security heavily depend on the specific product tier you purchase.
Baldwin is one of the most respected names in the door hardware industry, and for good reason. Their products are made from high-quality materials like solid brass, so you can enjoy that longevity and a premium feel.
Whether Baldwin is "better" depends on what you value more: aesthetic luxury or heavy-duty security and ease of use.
The best door lock brand depends on your needs, but Schlage is widely considered the best overall for standard residential security and durability. If you need specific features, Yale excels in smart home integration, Kwikset is great for budget-friendly security, and Medeco is the gold standard for high-security, heavy-duty needs.
Yes, Kwikset and Baldwin are sister brands owned by the same parent company. Both brands operate under the umbrella of ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in door opening solutions that acquired the home hardware divisions from previous parent companies.
Baldwin locks are expensive because they are built as premium, architectural-grade hardware. They use heavy, solid forged brass rather than hollow metals, feature highly durable multi-layer finishes, and offer extensive customizability.
Corbin/Russwin: The Most Decent-Quality Lock Brand
If you're in the market for a lock brand that is rated as reliable and sturdy enough for commercial applications, then you can never go wrong with Corbin/Russwin Locks. As the name implies, these locks are manufactured by two companies — Corbin and Russwin.
The Core Recommendation: BS 3621 Standard Locks
To spot one, look for the iconic British Standard Kitemark on the faceplate along with 'BS 3621. ' Protect your home by choosing a lock that meets these thief-resistant standards—your peace of mind depends on it.
Top Lock Brands Recommended by Locksmiths
Schlage Named America's Most Trusted® Lock Brand for Seventh Consecutive Year.
Emtek wins as the best value with many current styles to choose from at a more affordable price. It's still a great quality product and you can nearly buy the same item twice before reaching the cost of the Baldwin.
The strongest, most pick-resistant, and most physically durable door locks on the market are ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts (or UL 437 certified). These locks feature hardened steel components, heavy-duty cylinders, and saw-resistant bolts. However, a lock is only as strong as its frame.
Schlage locks tend to be more expensive than Kwikset due to its superior security features, durable materials, tight tolerances, great security pins, and robust deadbolt screws. The Kwikset deadbolt is good quality, but the quality of Schlage housing and door locks justifies the higher cost.
Stanley Black & Decker has owned the Baldwin Hardware brand since 2003. The company said Thursday about 85 percent of Baldwin production will move to Stanley Black & Decker's plant in Mexico. Its customer- and consumer-services operation will remain in the Reading area.
Baldwin® Electronic Door Locks combine security, style, and convenience, ideal for enhancing your home's entryways. Browse the premium Baldwin® lock options at Lowe's and find the perfect electronic solution today.
When choosing the best lock brands, it depends entirely on whether you prioritize traditional heavy-duty security or smart home convenience. The top-rated lock brands are Schlage and Yale for overall quality, Kwikset for budget and rekeying convenience, and Medeco for extreme commercial-grade security.
The easiest way to protect yourself is to use a lock that does not use a pin tumbler. Most mortice locks use levers and do not use pins on springs so are bump proof by design. We recommend British Standard Mortice Deadlocks.
The "best" door hardware company depends on your specific needs, balancing security, style, and budget. Industry professionals generally categorize the top manufacturers by their primary strengths:
Burglars hate anything that makes a break-in noisy, time-consuming, or highly visible. Criminals look for the path of least resistance; if a target requires too much effort or poses a high risk of getting caught, they will simply move on to an easier home.
A: Deadbolts are more secure because they extend into the doorframe, making it harder to force open. Knob locks, on the other hand, can be easily bypassed with force or lock picking.
The hardest door locks to pick are high-security, heavy-duty deadbolts and cylinder locks that utilize complex mechanisms like disc-detainers, rotating pins, and telescoping pin-tumblers. These locks completely resist standard raking or single-pin manipulation.
What is the best door lock brand? Schlage and Yale are top-rated for mechanical and smart lock security. Baldwin leads for luxury, and August dominates retrofit smart locks. For rentals and everyday builds, Kwikset offers reliable, budget-friendly locks with advanced rekeying.
When comparing Yale and Kwikset, Yale is generally considered better for premium features, smart home integration, and sleek design, while Kwikset is better for affordability and DIY-friendly rekeying.
The best door locks combine heavy-duty physical security with reliable, everyday convenience. Top industry experts and lab tests generally recommend Schlage and Yale for high-security mechanical and smart locks.