9 Best Padlocks of 2024

Written by: - Garden Maintenance Expert

Read Reviews

The Best Padlocks

best padlock
  1. Best budget combination padlock - BeskooHome Combination Padlock

  2. Best budget long shackle padlock - Zhege Long Shackle Combination Padlock

  3. Best lock for shackle hardness - Master Lock Excell Heavy Duty Key Padlock

  4. Best heavy duty padlock for pick resistance - Yale Y125B/40/122/1 Laminated Steel Padlock

  5. Best lock with sliding bolt - Magmaus RTL/70 Never-Rust Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock

  6. Best heavy duty disc padlock - Master Lock M40EURDNUM Heavy Duty Combination Disc Padlock

  7. Best heavy duty keyed long shackle padlock - Cyleibe Long Shackle Key Padlock

  8. Best heavy duty padlock for shackle length - Kurtzy 5 Digit Combination Padlock

  9. Best budget heavy duty keyed padlock - H&S Heavy Duty Key Padlock

Padlock Reviews

Editors Choice

1. BeskooHome Combination Padlock

Best budget combination padlock

best padlocks BeskooHome Combination Padlock
  • Combination locks have a fundamental advantage over keyed locks. They’re great if, like me, you’re good at losing keys. And you can let someone else in if you tell them the code!
  • The zinc alloy body and coating make this lock weatherproof enough for long term outside use.
  • It’s one of the cheaper locks on the market but still ideal for a shed or garage door.

  • This is a small padlock. It’s ideal for small bolts that you’d find on a locker or shed door, but with just 18 mm across the inside of the shackle, it’s no good for heavy bolts.
  • The downside of combination locks is that you might simply forget it. And with 10,000 combinations available, you can’t expect to easily crack the code.
  • Several users have complained about the poor, or non-existent, instructions to set up the padlock. You need to know how to set an initial code as well as how to change it later.
Type
Combination
Style
Traditional
Heavy Duty
No
Width
42mm
Shackle Length
30mm
No. of Keys
n/a
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
4
Value for Money
5

With a range of handy and wallet-friendly padlocks, BeskooHome have made one of the best budget combination locks I’ve checked out. It’s compact, easy to set, and you won’t need a set of keys to use it.

Constructed with a zinc alloy body, it’s well suited to being outdoors due to its weather-resistant properties. The outer case is made from stainless steel for further protection from the elements.

All the best combination padlocks come with four tumblers. You can choose any one of 10,000 combinations to keep your valuables safe, and this one won’t break the bank either. These padlocks are also available in a range of colours to make them easy to tell apart.

Did you find this review helpful?
Runner Up

2. Zhege Long Shackle Combination Padlock[ SAVE 15% ]

Best budget long shackle padlock

best padlocks Zhege Long Shackle Combination Padlock
  • You don’t always need a huge and heavy duty padlock that’s rated to hold back a battleship. This is an inexpensive but still fully functional locking device for sheds and cabinets.
  • Compared with the Master Lock M40EURDNUM, you don’t need a special key for this combination lock. Changing the password is a simple process for anyone to complete.
  • This lock should last well in an outdoor area because it’s made from a zinc alloy that is quite weatherproof by design. Unlike mild steel that will rust over instantly, this is much better.

  • For this price, you can’t expect to get a super heavy padlock. It’s a good enough deterrent against casual thieves, but you could snap the shackle with a standard pair of bolt cutters.
  • The tiny numbers on the combination rollers are not ideal unless your eyesight is sharp. It’s not going to be the easiest lock to undo at night or in low light conditions.
  • The two windows in the padlock body will only cause problems in the long run. More of the body is exposed to the elements, and water ingress is made easier by all the exposed metal.
Type
Combination
Style
Long Shackle
Heavy Duty
No
Width
44mm
Shackle Length
51mm
No. of Keys
n/a
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

Padlock professionals Zhege make everything from key safes to bike locks. Their long shackle combination padlock is the perfect solution for securing your shed or even your gym locker. Constructed with a weather-resistant zinc alloy body, it’s better protected from rusting than plain old steel.

This padlock features an extra-long hardened steel shackle that gives you 51 mm of locking capability, and the four sturdy tumblers are easy to set. You can choose your own four-digit code in seconds, and seeing as there are 10,000 to choose from, no one’s going to guess it any time soon!

Available in black or red, this is an excellent keyless way to secure your belongings, and it’s an affordable way to do it as well.

Did you find this review helpful?
Also Good
  • Shackles don’t get much tougher than this. You pay a bit more for it, but boron carbide is one of the materials I’d pick if I wanted to make the strongest padlock for my shed.
  • The laminated steel body is coated with a weather resistant plastic covering. This means you can lock up your outdoor buildings without worrying about the padlock rusting out.
  • Like the H&S Heavy Duty lock, you get four keys included in the purchase price. That means you can lose a few before you need to start worrying about being locked out!

  • The rubberised plastic keyhole cover seems a bit flimsy. Unless it completely seals the keyhole, moisture will be able to enter the locking mechanism and wear it out over time.
  • More than a few users have complained about the packaging this lock is delivered in. The clamshell plastic is hard to open, and the keys are firmly attached to the shackle.
  • This is one of the more expensive padlocks on my list. Compared with the BeskooHome combination lock, it’s nearly twice the price and you only get the one lock.
Type
Keyed
Style
Traditional
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
50mm
Shackle Length
38mm
No. of Keys
4
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
5
Value for Money
4

Probably one of the most recognisable names in padlocks, US firm Master Lock have more than a century of service in the home security industry. Built with one of the hardest shackles I’ve ever come across, their heavy-duty keyed padlock is one of the best security locks on the market right now.

The most impressive thing about this lock is the boron carbide shackle. Known to be the third hardest material around, just behind the diamond, it’s extremely resistant to attack from bolt cutters. It also makes this lock rust-resistant, so it’s ideal for outdoor use. Paired up with a hardened laminated steel padlock body, you can rest assured that this is one tough lock.

Boasting a four-pin cylinder with a pair of ball bearings that’s hard to pick, and seals around the shackle to keep any moisture out, this is a hard-working padlock. Supplied with four keys, you can be sure that whatever you want to keep safe, stays safe.

Did you find this review helpful?

4. Yale Y125B/40/122/1 Laminated Steel Padlock[ SAVE 9% ]

Best heavy duty padlock for pick resistance

best padlocks Yale Y125B/40/122/1 Laminated Steel Padlock
  • Available in two different shackle lengths, this is a versatile type of padlock. Compared with the small shackle found on the BeskooHome lock, you can use this one almost anywhere.
  • This padlock is incredibly affordable for a decent brand name and this high security level. Rated to a Central European Norm, or CEN, level of 2 it’s an industry standard lock.
  • Tested to EN12320:2012 standards, Yale have simulated all sorts of attacks on the shackle and body. It’s also tested for 120 hours against all sorts of weather conditions.

  • Even though Yale have thoroughly tested their locks, some users still complain that this one doesn’t hold up well in poor weather. It might be down to poor quality control.
  • The shackle on this padlock is just 6 mm thick. Compared with the chunky 10 mm one found on the H&S heavy duty lock, this one feels like it could be quite easily cut or sawn through.
  • Some users have also complained that the locking action isn’t particularly smooth. Clicking the shackle into place can be tricky, and sometimes the key is hard to turn.
Type
Keyed
Style
Traditional
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
40mm
Shackle Length
29mm
No. of Keys
3
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
4
Value for Money
5

Easily one of the biggest and best-known names in high security, Yale is a US brand with nearly two centuries of experience keeping your things safe. The Y125B laminated steel padlock is well suited for outdoor use and will help to keep your shed, garage, or lock-up secure. Available in standard or long shackle designs, it’s a reliable and low-cost security solution.

Taking its strength from layers of hardened steel stacked up and adhered together, this laminated lock is beefed up with a reinforced steel lock enclosure. The shackle is made from 6mm diameter hardened steel, and the five-cylinder lock is more secure than a lot of the competition.

Yale have put this lock through its paces with their rigorous testing process as well, so it should last for a long time outdoors where it belongs. The 28 mm shackle length is ideal for most small-size bolts, so it’ll keep your valuables safe where they belong. It’s a decent and budget-friendly padlock from one of the best names in the game.

Did you find this review helpful?
  • Designed in the same way as industrial shipping container locks are, this is a seriously heavy duty lock. If you’re searching for something that’s as strong as it looks, this is an ideal choice.
  • Because the locking pin slides through the body horizontally, water won’t run down into the locking mechanism. Compared with the traditional padlock design, this is a major advantage.
  • Due to the keyhole shape and hardened anti-drill plates used to construct this lock, it’s harder than most to break in to. It’s one of the best padlocks for high security I’ve come across.

  • Magmaus made a strange design decision by making metal keys with plastic handles. It’s an obvious weak point on an otherwise strong piece of security equipment.
  • Don’t expect to get spare keys cut for this type of lock. They’re non-standard types which is great for high security, but terrible if you lose them. Make sure you know where the keys are!
  • I think you might run into some problems if you tried to secure a real shipping container with this padlock. It’s relatively weatherproof, but it’ll still rust over after a while.
Type
Keyed
Style
Sliding bolt
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
70mm
Shackle Length
30mm
No. of Keys
3
Overall Score 4.5
Durability
5
Value for Money
4

UK-based Magmaus make big and beefy security locks for all sorts of uses. Their RTL/70 outdoor padlock is a hefty piece of kit that promises to secure your favourite things without ever rusting away. Specially designed for shipping containers, it will also secure your garage or lockup door with its anti lock picking and anti drill plate design.

This huge chunk of complex grade stainless steel is one of the best monoblock padlocks I’ve reviewed so far. The clever shackle design makes it difficult, if not impossible, to pry open and it’s almost impervious to drilling as well. Because its original design was for use on shipping containers, it’s incredibly weather resistant, which makes it ideal for the ever-changing weather outside.

It’s good to see a heavy-duty lock like this designed in the UK. Supplied with three slightly weak-looking keys, it’s the only thing that seems out of place in this otherwise hugely capable high security device. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty chunk of steel to keep your stuff safe, I highly recommend the Magmaus RTL/70.

Did you find this review helpful?
  • Compared with the traditional shape of the Cyleibe padlock, this disc shaped lock is much harder to break into. There’s barely any exposed shackle for bolt cutters or a saw to break.
  • Master Lock have made good use of one of the strongest metals around. Boron carbide is incredibly tough stuff- it’s resistant to cutting, sawing, or almost anything else.
  • As this is a combination lock that doesn’t rely on a key to get it open, you can share access to a locker or shed with anyone you want. And if you want, you can change the code at any time.

  • The combination rollers are tiny. If, like me, you’ve got large fingers it might be a bit of a pain to use. It’s a bit too easy to turn two rollers at once and mess up the code!
  • To open the shackle, you need to slide a tab on the outside of the lock. This seems to be a bit of a weak point, as some users complained that it can snap off if dropped.
  • To change the code, you need to use a reset tool that comes with the lock. Although this is a great idea for someone who is well organised, it’s something I can see myself losing.
Type
Combination
Style
Disc
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
70mm
Shackle Length
21mm
No. of Keys
n/a
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

Another incredibly solid lock from the US security firm Master Lock, the 70 mm wide Excell zinc discus padlock is weather-resistant, compact, and uses the hardest shackle material possible.

The octagonal shackle is made from boron carbide, one of the hardest materials you can get on a padlock. Resistant to sawing and most types of attack, this is an incredibly secure stainless steel lock to put on your storage unit or workshop.

What makes this one of the best combination locks for garages is the almost fully shrouded design. Once it’s locked onto a bolt, a would-be thief would struggle to get at the clasp as most of it is hidden behind the hardened lock body. Setting your own code is easy too.

Did you find this review helpful?

7. Cyleibe Long Shackle Key Padlock

Best heavy duty keyed long shackle padlock

best padlocks Cyleibe Long Shackle Key Padlock
  • It’s a simple and basic laminated steel padlock. It might not have any particularly special features, but it’s robust and feels like it’s been well put together.
  • The long shackle length means you can use this lock in just about any padbolt, locker door, or gate you can get access to. It makes this a more versatile lock for any situation.
  • Compared with the expensive brands like Yale or Master Lock, this is one of the best budget padlocks I’ve come across. For just a few pounds you can lock up your shed or gym locker.

  • Several users have complained about this lock becoming rusty after spending time outdoors. It doesn’t mean the lock will fall apart, but the moving parts can become stiff or broken.
  • Compared with the four keys you get with the H&S padlock, Cyleibe have only included two. It means you can’t keep back a spare as well as share the keys with family.
  • Some users have complained that this is not a secure lock. Lock pickers could quite easily open the lock as the keys are of a standard shape, so make sure it’s not securing anything too valuable.
Type
Keyed
Style
Long Shackle
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
40mm
Shackle Length
60mm
No. of Keys
2
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

Featuring an extra-long shackle for securing big locks, the Cyleibe padlock is a robust and useful security device. It’s made from premium-grade steel that’ll put off would-be thieves, and includes a sturdy laminated lock body. Everything’s galvanised as well, which means it’s not going to rust out in the weather.

Did you find this review helpful?

8. Kurtzy 5 Digit Combination Padlock

Best heavy duty padlock for shackle length

best padlocks Kurtzy 5 Digit Combination Padlock
  • This is the ideal type of lock for awkward situations. Much larger than a standard padlock, you could use it to secure multiple chains or even a bicycle.
  • Programming the code is nice and easy on this lock. You remove the individual rollers when the lock is open, then slide them back on in whatever configuration suits you.
  • This is one of the best padlocks for use with Keter lock boxes and sheds. The shackle is the perfect diameter, and there’s enough left over to go through most of their bolt types.

  • Although this lock makes an ideal backup security device for a front bicycle wheel, it will not replace a full-size D-lock. It’s not big enough to go around a bike frame and bike stand.
  • Even though this lock is plastic coated, the locking mechanism doesn’t seem to be all that weatherproof. There are lots of moving parts that can let in rain water.
Type
Combination
Style
Long Shackle
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
56mm
Shackle Length
122mm
No. of Keys
n/a
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

With a huge range of clever kit for your home, Kurtzy also make a decent selection of different security locks. The one I’m looking at closely is their five-digit “D lock” style combination padlock. It’s got an oversized shackle that makes it ideal for locking up bike chains, door bolts, and pretty much anything else.

Constructed from tough steel alloy, the whole lock is coated in plastic that keeps it protected from the weather and should stop it from scratching your valuables. Changing the combination is pretty easy too. You simply unlock the shackle, slide off the numbered tumblers, and put them back in your desired combination.

Compared with the tiny BeskooHome combination lock, the long shackle gives you 122 mm of locking capacity. It’s not as big as a proper bike “D lock” though, so make sure you measure up before buying.

Did you find this review helpful?

9. H&S Heavy Duty Key Padlock [ SAVE 16% ]

Best budget heavy duty keyed padlock

best padlocks H&S Heavy Duty Key Padlock
  • I like that this lock comes with four keys. It gives you more options for home security, as you can keep one on you, share them with family members, and have a spare tucked away.
  • A “bolt cutter shroud” is an excellent piece of extra security on a padlock like this. It’s one of the best deterrents against would-be thieves you can get in this price range.
  • A solid hardened steel body like this is more secure compared with the laminated Yale Y125B. Solid steel is more expensive to manufacture, but inherently harder to break into.

  • Compared with the Master Lock Excell padlock, this one isn’t as weatherproof. Some users have complained that it has started to rust over quite soon. It needs regular oiling.
  • A 10 mm shackle diameter is pretty chunky. It’s not going to fit into a narrow shed bolt hole. The steel shroud on either side of the shackle can get in the way as well.
  • The key shape might make this lock harder for lock picking, but you might struggle to find someone to cut more keys for you. The curved shape is not widely available.
Type
Keyed
Style
Traditional
Heavy Duty
Yes
Width
40mm
Shackle Length
30mm
No. of Keys
5
Overall Score 4
Durability
4
Value for Money
4

The H&S 60 mm heavy-duty padlock is a decent budget option that has a hardened steel body and a couple of clever features to help keep things safe. It comes with five keys as well, so you can share them with others, or make sure you never get locked out.

Firstly, this padlock features what’s known as abolt cutter shroud”. There’s extra hardened steel on either side of the shackle to help prevent attacks from bolt cutters, making this a particularly safe lock to put on all sorts of doors and gates.

The other excellent feature is the shape of the lock itself and the keys that come with it. Instead of the standard flat lock design, H&S have gone for a curved shape that is a lot harder to pick. Another security feature is that you need to use the same key to lock as well as unlock this padlock. You won’t accidentally lock the keys inside your shed now!

Did you find this review helpful?

Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best padlocks should be strong enough to act as a meaningful deterrent against theft. This means the body, shackle and locking mechanism should be as tamper-proof and pick-resistant as possible.
  2. They should be made from weatherproof materials.
  3. The most common material for the body is stainless, laminated or hardened steel. A solid hardened steel body is more secure than laminated steel. Solid steel is more expensive to manufacture but harder to break into.
  4. Budget padlocks are made from a zinc alloy body. Zinc alloy is weatherproof by design whereas steel padlocks are often coated with a weather-resistant plastic covering to protect them from rust.
  5. The best shackles are manufactured from hardened steel or boron carbide, which is much harder and more resistant to cutting or sawing.
  6. The thicker the shackle diameter the better. 10mm is the diameter to aim for.
  7. Most padlocks are secured by a traditional keyed lock or combination lock.
  8. If you’re good at losing keys combination padlocks are the right choice. You can tell others the code and change it at any time.
  9. Keyed locks are simple to use. The more keys that come with the padlock the better. Look for keys that have a non-standard pattern of teeth, ridges and lines.
  10. Alongside the traditional padlock style, long-shackle padlocks and disc padlocks are common.
  11. A disc-shaped lock is much harder to break into as there’s barely any space for bolt cutters or a saw to break the shackle.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • BeskooHome Combination Padlock
    best padlocks BeskooHome Combination Padlock
    • 4.5
    • Combination
    • Traditional
    • No
    • 42mm
    • 30mm
    • n/a
  • Zhege Long Shackle Combination Padlock
    best padlocks Zhege Long Shackle Combination Padlock
    • 4
    • Combination
    • Long Shackle
    • No
    • 44mm
    • 51mm
    • n/a
  • Master Lock Excell Heavy Duty Key Padlock
    best padlocks Master Lock Excell Heavy Duty Key Padlock
    • 4.5
    • Keyed
    • Traditional
    • Yes
    • 50mm
    • 38mm
    • 4
  • Yale Y125B/40/122/1 Laminated Steel Padlock
    best padlocks Yale Y125B/40/122/1 Laminated Steel Padlock
    • 4.5
    • Keyed
    • Traditional
    • Yes
    • 40mm
    • 29mm
    • 3
  • Magmaus RTL/70 Never-Rust Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock
    best padlocks Magmaus RTL/70 Never Rust Heavy Duty Outdoor Padlock
    • 4.5
    • Keyed
    • Sliding bolt
    • Yes
    • 70mm
    • 30mm
    • 3
  • Master Lock M40EURDNUM Heavy Duty Combination Disc Padlock
    best padlocks Master Lock M40EURDNUM Heavy Duty Combination Disc Padlock
    • 4
    • Combination
    • Disc
    • Yes
    • 70mm
    • 21mm
    • n/a
  • Cyleibe Long Shackle Key Padlock
    best padlocks Cyleibe Long Shackle Key Padlock
    • 4
    • Keyed
    • Long Shackle
    • Yes
    • 40mm
    • 60mm
    • 2
  • Kurtzy 5 Digit Combination Padlock
    best padlocks Kurtzy 5 Digit Combination Padlock
    • 4
    • Combination
    • Long Shackle
    • Yes
    • 56mm
    • 122mm
    • n/a
  • H&S Heavy Duty Key Padlock
    best padlocks H&S Heavy Duty Key Padlock
    • 4
    • Keyed
    • Traditional
    • Yes
    • 40mm
    • 30mm
    • 5

How to Choose The Best Padlock

We all have the basic need to feel secure. In a perfect world, you wouldn’t need to lock your shed or gym locker, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. If you want to keep your stuff safe from the less honest members of society, you’re going to need a sturdy padlock.

Lock Type

There are two main types of locking mechanisms for padlocks. Choosing between keyed and combination depends on what you want to secure. Which one is more secure though? It’s not as simple as saying that one is better than the other because different padlocks vary wildly in terms of build quality.

Combination Padlock

If you’re someone who’s likely to forget a key, then remembering a code is the way forward. Combination padlocks are an ideal solution for shared access areas like holiday homes or shared garages. You can give out the code, and then change it immediately afterwards. And there’s no fear that someone could clone a key to gain access later.

Keyed Padlock

Keyed padlocks, on the other hand, are often a lot simpler to operate. Fiddling with the tiny rollers on a combination lock in the dark or during a downpour isn’t my idea of a good time. And if you spend your money on a decent quality keyed lock, it’s much more secure compared to even the best combination padlock.

Outdoor Use

If you need your lock to be weatherproof because you want it to secure an outdoor building, you’re going to need a padlock that can withstand the elements. Some padlocks are made from a zinc alloy which is more resistant to corrosion than plain old steel.

To help keep out the worst of the weather, some of the best locks have a shrouded shackle with the lock body covered in rubber or plastic. Add to this a protected keyhole, and you should be able to keep your lock working well outside all year round.

Shackle Material

For extra security against cutting, drilling, or breaking, you’re going to need a hardened steel or even boron carbide shackle. They’re not going to stop the most determined thief in the world, but security is all about making your place less attractive than your neighbour’s.

Conclusion

There’s no such thing as complete security. But getting hold of a secure padlock for your shed or garage gives you the most peace of mind and protection against casual criminals. Whether you’re looking for a combination lock for your locker at work, or a beefy disc lock for your tool shed, picking the right level of security is the difference between keeping your stuff safe or seeing it disappear.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

Clicky
Scroll to Top