Many companies claim their locks cannot be picked, but this claim is untrue. If the lock exists, then there is a way to open it, and if there is a way to open it, then it can be replicated and picked. A flaw within the system allows people to break in, and if the lock has a way to be opened, then it can be exploited.

Having said that not all locks are equal, some can be picked with little more than a hairpin, while others with features like magnetic locks and advanced Smart Locks. While more difficult, with the proper tools, even these locks can be easily picked.

And that level of protection is needed. According to the Department of Justice, most break-ins are committed by criminals who get in by the door. That’s why having a good lock is a vital step to securing a home.

So, what are the best locks on the market? And what makes them the thorn in the side of any would-be thief?

1) EVVA MCS

Magnetic locks are the least common locks on the market and for that reason alone, they provide a level of protection unseen in other locks. Why learn to unpick a lock that is rarely used?

The EVVA MCS doesn’t just have rarity on its side though. Each key has a complex rounded shape, this coupled with the magnetic element makes it an extremely hard lock to pick. The only way to gain access to the door would be for the key to be cloned, and in that case, a master locksmith would need to get their hands on the original key.

It is also highly reliable due to its unique shape - it is a sturdy key due to its lack of cuts that would weaken the metal, and it is highly resistant to clogging meaning having this system installed is not just one of the safest, it’s also one of the most reliable.

2) Baldwin Prestige 380

The Baldwin Prestige may look like a standard key door lock. However, its simple design hides a complicated lock that has been proven to be impervious to even the best lockpick.

Lockpicking isn’t the only way a thief can gain entry, and this is when the Baldwin comes into its own. Featuring a reinforced strike plate and hard metal plating even intruders who attempt to drill or kick the door in will have a hard time gaining access to the property.

3) The Nuki Smart Lock 2.0

In many ways, Smart Locks are the future. They give you remote access, a wealth of real-time information and are “keyless” meaning traditional lockpicking is useless on these locks.

They also help with that most dreaded of feelings - the thought that you may have never actually locked the door as you left for work in the morning because with smart locks you can check if the door is locked remotely from the website or app.

That’s why the Nuki Combi v2 is one of the best on the market. Using the Nuki App available on your Android or Apple phone, you can lock or unlock the door remotely, allowing you to let in anyone that needs access to the house - like a tradesman or nurse. You can also check if and when the door has been opened alerting you to any unauthorized entries, when before it may have taken hours or days before you realized.

Creating new “keys” is easy as well. Access can be given over the app or by a unique code if you choose to install the keypad.

Crucially “keys” can be disabled at the touch of a button, so if a family member happened to lose a phone that allowed access to the door the key can be simply disabled from the app or website.

4) Kwikset 980

In the era of smart and magnetic locks, the Kwikset 980 looks antiquated. But what it lacks in modern features it more than makes up for reliability.

One of the most common problems across all door locks is the flimsiness of the strike plate. It doesn’t matter what type of lock you have if a good kick will smash the door off its frame.

That’s where Kwikset has innovated, by using longer than average screws the strike plate has a much more solid foundation making it harder to for an intruder to brute force their way in.

It also has great infield testing - Consumer Report gave it an “Excellent” for lock picking after being unable to gain entry via picking for over 5 minutes.

5) Yale Keyless Connected Ready Smart

Another smart lock and this time it's the Keyless Connected Ready Smart by the world-renowned Yale.

It's a feature-packed lock with unrivaled sync and connectivity options that allow you to remotely control the various doors in your home.

You can use keypads, keycards, fobs, phones, and the app to check the status of your locks and remotely lock/unlock. You can even create limited time keys - so guests or professionals who need access to home can be given a code for the keypad that will automatically deactivate in whatever time you specify.

The lock also connects to Yale’ Sync module system allowing to be used with the Yale Home Alarm with its anti-tampering alarm and real-time alerts, any intruder is going to have a hard time getting inside your home.

6) Abloy Protect 2

In the world of lock manufacturers, the name Abloy holds an exalted reputation. Their series of Abloy Protect 2 locks are near unpickable due to two key factors.

The locks have advanced manipulation resistance, making them impossible to be picked.

The master keys are still patented meaning that there are still legal protections against the production of blanks. This patent reduces the chance of key-cloning to nearly zero.

The only way someone can gain access to a property with this lock is by having a look at the original key.

The only drawback of this system is the cost of the Abloy Protect 2 – it’s a product usually only seen on commercial properties and not in homes.