We all have some material possessions that we value most in our lives, and losing them would be a very painful and unpleasant experience. Unfortunately, burglaries and thefts happen more often than we imagine, and anyone can fall victim to them at any time. Surveillance cameras are helpful when it comes to spotting and identifying a criminal when they’ve already entered your property. Still, devices such as deadbolts can stop a thief from getting inside. Take a look at our review of the newest and best door security bars and mechanisms that can ensure you and your possessions are safe and sound inside your home.
Best for Affordability
#1 Brinks
Total Score 9.5/10
Best for Preventing Kick-Ins
#2 Defender Security
Total Score 9.4/10
Best for Any Opening
#3 SABRE
Total Score 9.3/10
How evaluated the devices
To rank the top door security bars and devices, we had to evaluate each of them in detail. Our team of investigators, technology professionals, and writers studied dozens of products to make sure you get to choose among the leading devices available on the market. We created a rating system that made it easier for us to assess the brands’ strengths and weaknesses and effortless for you to pick the best one according to your needs. Each device could get a maximum of 10 points per category, then we summarized the scores and divided them by 5 (number of categories) to get the average.
Functional Features
0-10
24/7 alerts, monitoring period, disaster protection, etc.
Usability
0-10
email, phone, email, chat, and other channels
Affordability
0-10
monthly fee, money-back, trial period
Customers’ Support
0-10
installation, maintenance, service support
Customers’ Score
0-10
BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)
Our dedicated team thoroughly examined numerous devices and studied hundreds of customer feedback messages to write this review. This process ensures that every device gets an honest and transparent evaluation.
Leading Door Security Bars of 2021
Here is the list of top door security bars and devices according to our scoring system. Conclusion: there is a unique feature of each of those devices to satisfy our diverse audience’s various needs. Take a look at the products’ attributes below to find exactly the one you are looking for.
1. Brinks Commercial Security Bar: Affordable, Reputable, and Easy to use
Specs
10.0/10
Customer Support
10.0/10
Payment Issues
10.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Credibility
8.5/10
Starting Price
$23.50
BBB Rating A+
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
If you are looking for a non-expensive product from a reputable manufacturer, this is the go-for door security bar. This Brinks device can hold out against up to 300 pounds of force and is perfect for hinged and sliding doors. Its swivel base allows for modifications according to the door size and is an ideal solution for homes or traveling.
Pros:
Cons:
Customers can adjust the length from 25 to 43 inches for easier use. Brinks is a great one for people looking for something affordable. If your house is big, you always have the option of buying a pack of two, three, or four devices.
2. Defender Security Reinforcement Lock: Enhanced Protection Against Lock-Picks
Specs
10.0/10
Customer Support
10.0/10
Payment Issues
8.0/10
Usability
9.5/10
Credibility
9.0/10
Starting Price
$9.95
BBB Rating A
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
This is a great security bar to prevent break-ins. Made of aluminum, it is lightweight and simple to use. Its spring-powered mechanism and sturdy mounting base allow the device to withstand weights of up to 800 pounds.
Pros:
Cons:
If you get the Defender door security, be ready to drill a couple of screws to install the device. Multiple colors are available, so you can select an option that best fits your house and doesn’t stand out in an ugly manner.
3. SABRE Wedge Stop Security Alarm: A Powerful Door-Stopper
Features
8.5/10
Equipment
10.0/10
Price
10.0/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Trust Score
9.0/10
Starting Price
$9.35
BBB Rating A+
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
This is not a door security bar, but a door stopper that comes with a big and loud alarm. A 120-decibel sound will let everyone in the radius of 1,000 feet know that something weird is going on at your house. As soon as the device’s sensors detect pressure, a siren will go off. The price of this little guy is 10 dollars, but it will surely scare away anyone who tries to get into your house.
Pros:
Cons:
Although this device is quite similar to a regular jammer, the alarm makes it more effective than its silent alternatives. Its manufacturer is a reputable brand famous for its high-quality pepper sprays and other products. You can use this jammer in any room of your house as well as while traveling. It is portable and battery-operated.
4. Perfect Bar To Secure Your: The First Product to Guard Sliding Glass
Specs
10.0/10
Customer Support
10.0/10
Payment Issues
9.0/10
Usability
8.5/10
Credibility
9.0/10
Starting Price
$18.99
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
This device is by far the best one for those fragile sliding glass doors. You can easily install it onto the frame of your entryway. The bar sits in the middle of the door for easy reach of booth tall and shorter people. The device comes with a child-resistant lock to make sure your little one doesn’t sneak out while you are making dinner or watching TV.
Pros:
Cons:
This device makes a sound to let the client know that the door has been locked. It holds firmly even when the entryway is ajar. It has been made with those patio doors in mind; however, you can choose whether to install it inside or outside the glass.
5. Fox Valley Traders Adjustable Security Bar: Simple Protection
Specs
9.0/10
Customer Support
8.5/10
Payment Issues
10.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Credibility
9.5/10
Starting Price
$14.78
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
45 days
This Fox Valley bar is a perfect tool against trespassers and strong winds. Just place it under your door frame and let its pressure-mounted mechanism do the job. The device holds firmly in place but is also very easy to loosen if you need to get out quickly. It has a durable rubber bottom that makes its grip even stronger and keeps your floor mark and scratch-free.
Pros:
Cons:
A deal-breaker in the case of this bar is that it functions great on any surface. Whether your floors are wooden, concrete, marble, or linoleum, this security device will stay in place when someone or something, such as strong wind, tries to slam your door. It is not immediately apparent, however, how much pressure exactly it can endure.
6. Nightlock Security Barricade: Mission Impossible for Burglars
Specs
9.5/10
Customer Support
7.5/10
Payment Issues
9.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Credibility
10.0/10
Starting Price
$41.76
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
Nightlock is a perfect entryway security device that is very strong and easy to install. It can endure up to 1,100 pounds of pressure, so you can be safe and sound unless something as big as a bear decides to break into your house. Installation requires a bit of drilling, and the bar fits French and double doors.
Pros:
Cons:
The product has some limitations, like only fitting doors that swing inwards. However, if it is your case and you are looking for something sturdy that functions on different surfaces like marble, carpet linoleum, and other, this stopper will work great for you. And don’t worry if you lose the instructions sheet for the device as they are available for free on the company’s website.
7. DoorJammer Portable Brace: Small in Size, But Strong And Sturdy
Features
10.0/10
Equipment
9.0/10
Price
8.0/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Trust Score
8.5/10
Starting Price
$31.55
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
30 days
The size can be quite deceptive when it comes to door security bars. Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, and the DoorJammer is the proof. Made of high-quality steel, it is small, lightweight, inexpensive, yet very effective in preventing tampering. Installation couldn’t be easier: no drilling or tools are needed.
Pros:
Cons:
This DoorJammer is small but mighty. Easy to set up and perfect for laminate, tiles, install, and carpeting, it provides excellent protection against kick-ins by attaching to the very bottom of the entryway.
8. Master Lock 265D Security Bar: Quality Protection
Specs
9.0/10
Customer Support
10.0/10
Payment Issues
7.0/10
Usability
9.5/10
Credibility
9.0/10
Starting Price
$21.49
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
Master Lock works well for all kinds of doors: regular ones, sliding entryways, and all types of unconventional doors and gates.
Pros:
Cons:
Some clients praise that this device has full contact with the floor, which ensures a better grip. The bar doesn’t have an emergency release. However, according to customer reviews, it can be released quickly and effortlessly.
9. Cocoweb PortBlock Security Bar: Your go-for device for unusual doors
Specs
10.0/10
Customer Support
8.0/10
Payment Issues
7.5/10
Usability
9.0/10
Credibility
8.0/10
Starting Price
$19.65
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
NO
Cocoweb PortBlock is a great double-function device that you can adjust to 41 different heights. Thanks to that feature, it can fit almost any door and is a perfect solution for owners of unusual doorframes.
Pros:
Cons:
A 20-gauge steel adjustable security bar, Cocoweb PortBlock fits perfectly into various doorframes and is great for sliding and French doors. It can endure the pressure of up to 350 pounds, but consider height limitations before buying it.
10. Buddybar Door Jammer: Great for Households or Traveling
Specs
10.0/10
Customer Support
8.5/10
Payment Issues
8.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Credibility
7.5/10
Starting Price
$114.55
DIY Setup
YES
Trial Version
30 days
This door jammer is one of the sturdiest ones on the market. It can withhold the pressure of more than 2,500 pounds of force, so even if a grizzly bear tries to break into your house, you will be safe and sound. Burglars certainly don’t have a chance with this device installed in your home. You can secure any (and every) door of your house with BuddyBar as it works perfectly well on concrete, tile, and a variety of other surfaces.
Pros:
Cons:
BuddyBar is great to use at home or to take with you when traveling. It is lightweight, yet super sturdy and able to endure high pressure. This device is made for doorframes from 36 to 51 inches wide.
Manufacturers’ comparison (with pricing and main features)
Brand | Total | Price | BBB | DIY | Trial | Warranty | ALarm | Child-proof | E-release | inside/outside | Material | Portable | SIze fit | Weight limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brinks | 9.6 | $21.71 | A+ | YES | - | lifetime | NO | NO | NO | inside | 20-gauge steel | YES | 25-43 | 300 |
Defender Security | 9.6 | $10.49 | A | YES | - | 1 year | NO | YES | NO | inside | Aluminum | YES | 36-51 | 800 |
SABRE | 9.4 | $9.99 | A+ | YES | - | 1 year | NO | NO | NO | both | Plastic, Rubber | YES | 24-51 | - |
Ideal Patio | 9.2 | $19.54 | - | YES | 30 days | 1 year | NO | YES | NO | both | Aluminum | YES | 25.5-47.5 | - |
Fox Valley | 9.2 | $15.52 | - | YES | 45 days | 1 year | NO | NO | NO | inside | Metal/plastic | YES | 33-38 | - |
Nightlock Security | 9.0 | $34.95 | - | YES | - | 1 year | NO | NO | NO | inside | Aluminum | YES | 36-72 | 1,100 |
DoorJammer Portable Brace | 9.0 | $29.99 | - | YES | 30 days | 1 year | NO | NO | YES | inside | Steel | YES | 36-51 | 450 |
Master Lock 265D | 8.8 | #20.96 | - | YES | - | 1 year | NO | NO | NO | inside | 20-gauge steel | YES | 27.5-44.5 | 350 |
Cocoweb PortBlock Security Bar | 8.8 | $20 | - | YES | - | 1 year | NO | NO | NO | inside | 20-gauge steel | YES | 24.5-45 | 350 |
Buddybar Door Jammer | 8.6 | $109 | - | YES | 30 days | 1 year | NO | NO | NO | inside | 20-gauge steel | YES | 36-51 | 2,560 |
All you need to know about door security devices
Door security bars, reinforcements, and deadbolts are quite similar and serve the same purpose. However, there are small yet significant differences between them, knowing which will help you choose the store’s right device.
Lock Reinforcer
These devices usually have to go on your existing lock and are great to turn away lock-pickers and occasional burglars. Highest quality reinforcers also prevent tampering and resist pressure. Besides, these devices are usually easily transportable and perfect for traveling. If you have a smart lock, make sure that it is compatible with it before buying any.
Jammers
These devices are meant to stop the doors from opening to prevent break-ins. One end of a jammer has to sit firmly on the floor, and the other end should be near the knob. The majority of these devices are pressure-mounted and can withhold hundreds of pounds of pressure.
Safety Bars
Safety frames are usually placed in the middle across the door frame. They work best with sliding doors and are perfect for patios.
Things to consider before securing your door
There are quite a few quality door securing devices on the market. However, it might be tricky to pick the right one for your household, having so many options. Here are the most important things to pay attention to.
1. Measurements
Every house and doorway is different, so make sure you know the dimensions of yours. It is crucial because if it doesn’t fit well, a deadbolt or jammer will not work. A standard doorway’s width is usually between 30 to 36 inches, while the height is harder to guess. It can go up to 80 inches. Measure your doorway before the purchase!
2. Base, middle, or top?
Devices currently available at the market can be installed at the base of your door, in the middle, or high up. Each one has its pros and cons, so be sure to study them to select the right one for you.
3. Materials & Sturdiness
While most security devices are made of aluminum, steel, or other metals, some have plastic details that are more fragile. Some devices also come in different colors to fit the interior of your house in the best way.
4. Installation & Design
A door security device setup is usually quite simple, but some products might require you to use some tools and drill. Just keep that in mind as installation can potentially add time and cost to the price of the device itself.
5. Adjustability
Some security devices make it possible for clients to adjust the height or width of a device, which can be very handy if you plan to use the same device on different doors, for example, at home and when traveling.
6. Pricing
The price, of course, is one of the most critical factors. While there are great inexpensive devices out there, the cost of quality products that can withhold strong force is usually higher. If you have the resources, home security is worth investing in, as dealing with a burglary’s consequences will be a lot more expensive.
Helpful tips for new buyers
A security bar is something that provides an extra layer of protection for your household. However, there are basic things that decrease help secure your home.
1. Always Lock Up
Locking up is extremely important even if you live in an area considered secure. Don’t make it easy for thieves to enter your house. Ensure all locks work properly and, if necessary, get a deadbolt, a surveillance camera, or another security device.
2. Pay attention to your windows
Burglars don’t always get in through doors. Large windows are an easy getaway into a house. A glass break or entry sensor is a great solution, but if you are not ready to invest in those, make sure that at least you have durable curtains that prevent passers-by from seeing what’s inside your house.
3. Add protection to Sliding Doors
It is vital to secure all doors, sliding patio, and balcony doors included. Those large glass doors are especially susceptive to break-ins. Some tools you can reinforce them with include polycarbonate coating, thick pane, or a security bar.
4. Deadbolts are great
Deadbolts are simple, easy to install, yet handy when it comes to house security. Spring-loaded, sturdy, and easily unlocked from the inside, they work great during emergencies as well as day-to-day security.
5. Security Door is a Must-Have for Every Household
If you value your safety and your possessions’ security, a security mechanism is a great investment to make sure your house is protected. Fortunately, there are plenty of devices on the market to choose from. To make the selection process easier, we created this list of 2021 top security devices. We hope it will help you to choose the perfect product for your household.
