Lock, Key & Security Guides
Buying guides, reviews, comparisons, and how-tos for smart locks, safes, auto security, and home security hardware — written to tell you what to buy and what to do next, without the upsell.
Smart Locks
4 guides Buying guide The Best Fingerprint Door Locks of 2026 The best fingerprint door locks of 2026 — best overall, value, Apple homes, and premium — with current prices, real specs, and how to choose. Buying guide The Best Smart Locks of 2026 Our picks for the best smart locks of 2026 — best overall, best value, best for renters, and best for Apple homes — with current prices and how to choose. Comparison Schlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2 Schlage Encode Plus or Yale Assure Lock 2? We compare price, Apple Home Key, security, and configurations to help you pick the right keypad smart lock. Review Yale Approach Smart Lock Review Hands-on take on the Yale Approach — the retrofit smart lock that keeps your existing key. Who it's for, where it shines, and what to know before you buy.
Auto Security
5 guides How-to What Is a Passive Disabling Device? A passive disabling device is an anti-theft system that arms itself automatically. Here's what it is, why insurers ask, and how to check if your car has one. Buying guide The Best OBD Port Locks of 2026 The best OBD port locks of 2026 to stop key-cloning theft: a $20 carbon-fiber pick, a keyed mid-tier lock, and a billet-aluminum lock for high-value cars. Buying guide The Best Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Devices of 2026 The best catalytic converter anti-theft devices of 2026 — picks for every budget: a universal cable lock, a hardened steel strap, and a vehicle-specific shield. Buying guide The Best Steering Wheel Locks of 2026 The best steering wheel locks of 2026 — tested picks for stopping thieves even after a relay attack, with current prices and where to buy tonight. How-to Faraday Pouches and Relay Theft: Protect Your Key Fob How keyless relay theft works and how a Faraday pouch stops it. A plain-English guide to blocking your key fob's signal and keeping your car where you left it.
Door & Residential Hardware
3 guides Buying guide The Best Door Security Bars of 2026 Best door security bars of 2026: a folding travel bar, a stud-mounted heavy-duty bar, and a budget pick - for real protection. Prices verified Aug 2026. Buying guide The Best Door Reinforcement Kits & Plates of 2026 Best door reinforcement kits of 2026: stop kick-in break-ins by reinforcing the jamb, hinges, and lock bore - not just the lock. Prices verified Aug 2026. Buying guide The Best Front Door Locks of 2026 Best front door locks of 2026, picked by need: value, high-security, smart, fingerprint, and keep-your-key options, with prices verified July 2026.