Best bike locks 2024: Quality locks to keep your bike secure

If you are looking for the best bike lock, it can be easy to fall into a rabbit hole of never-ending research. Instead, I've done that for you. I spent months interviewing lock company representatives and polling thousands of cyclists. What I found was that the number of people who had a quality lock actually defeated was small.

What I found was often people lost a bike because it wasn’t secured at all. A common theme was someone with commuter bikes having their bike walk away while they briefly popped into a store. Sometimes they were using a cable lock and sometimes they thought they'd be fast enough to go with nothing. There were also a lot of people who lost road bikes by leaving them unlocked in their homes, garage, or a supposedly secure bike room. 

With those trends in mind, we’ve looked for the best bike lock we could find covering a wide range of different use scenarios. As you look through our list, keep those trends in mind but also make sure you think about your own preferences. You want to look for something that helps you feel secure even if that's more security than you might absolutely need. Above all else though, you need to look for something you find convenient and are going to use every time, even at home, no matter what. It should fit your budget, your style, and your particular use case.

Quick list

Written by

Written by

Josh Ross

Over years of navigating city streets on two wheels, he has become an expert in evaluating bike locks for their real-world practicality and durability. Josh’s experience includes testing a wide range of locks, from lightweight options for casual rides to taking power tools to test whether heavy-duty models can withstand sophisticated theft attempts.

Best bike locks available today

U-locks

A U-lock, or D-lock depending on where you are reading from, is the easiest high-security option to live with in a perfect world. That means if you have a bike with thin tubes and something easy to lock to, they provide a high level of security for the price and are the easiest to transport. The challenge with this type of lock comes when you have unusual anchor points and bikes with large tubes.  

Best all-around bike lock

Only a few years ago if you wanted high security it was all about how thick the shackle on a lock was. Options like the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini and the Abus Granit XPlus 540 reigned supreme. In today’s world, those types of locks offer little security in a world ruled by portable angle grinders. 

The Litelok X1 isn’t the most secure lock out there. It’s not even the most secure lock that Litelok offers. Instead, it represents a balance of weight, price and security. This is a Sold Secure Diamond-rated lock and I would consider it angle grinder proof even though that’s not technically true.  

What I mean is that I took an angle grinder to the Litelok X1 and I did manage to get through it. That said, I was using a more powerful plug-in grinder and I shredded a cutting blade while cutting through one side of the lock. Like other quality locks though, there’s a double shackle. It takes a cut through each side to open the lock and I was only able to cut through one side before I needed a new blade. It’s not impossible that a thief would change blades but it’s highly unlikely, hence my reason for calling this angle grinder proof in practical terms.  

Aside from that feature, the Litelok X1 is your basic high-quality U-lock. There’s a silicone cover to protect the locking mechanism from the weather and a plastic coating that both slows a grinder and also protects the finish of your bike. The Litelok's coating includes a reflective strip, so there's bonus visibility when riding at night and you can buy replacement keys if you lose the two that are supplied. The lock is easy to place rattle-free in the included frame mount.

In terms of negatives, I have to admit I’m stretching here. This lock is hard to fault as long as you understand what it is. It's heavy and, even with that heft, it’s not impossible to cut it with a grinder. I didn’t list either of those as a negative though because that’s how it’s being marketed. I can’t really punish Litelok for making a very secure lock that’s not as secure as even heavier, and more expensive options. If you are looking for something light or super secure, this isn’t quite that lock. The Hiplok D1000 is more secure but also heavier. The Litelok is a balance. 

The one thing I do find lacking is that there’s no insurance offering. It’s incredibly hard to actually use the insurance that companies like Onguard and Kryptonite offer but it’s still nice to see it available. Litelok made a great lock; they should back up the security with included insurance. 

Best high security bike lock

While the Litelok X1 is portable angle grinder resistant from a practical standpoint, the Hiplok D1000 is as close to angle grinder proof as you can get. When Micah Toll from EbikeSchool tested the D1000 with a grinder he gave up after trashing three blades and making it less than halfway through a single side of the lock. If you want absolute peace of mind for an expensive electric bike then this is the lock for you. 

Also, like the Litelok, this is a high-quality lock beside the theft resistance. Despite being quite heavy, it is still portable. It’s also quite well built with a soft touch outer that definitely will not scratch a nice bike and a cover for the locking mechanism. If you lose your keys you won’t be able to cut the lock off but there is a replacement program. Similarly, if you start having issues with the lock cylinder, don’t risk it getting stuck. Stop using it and take advantage of the lifetime (defined as 10 years) warranty that covers normal wear and tear.   

As far as negatives go, the size and weight are the issues. Because of all the security this lock offers, the D1000 is a heavy lock. It's so heavy that Hiplok doesn’t think a frame mount will work and so there isn’t one. Also because of the weight, Hiplok doesn’t make the D1000 very big. As it is, the lock weighs 1.9kg / 4 lbs. 1.6 oz. and so in an effort to keep it from getting even heavier, the locking capacity is small. It’s difficult to use for more than a single frame tube and even with the already high price, you may need a second lock. 

You can read more details about this lock in our full Hiplok D1000 review.

Best medium security bike lock

I used this lock for years and I used to call it the best all-around U-lock. It was never the most secure, or even the cheapest, but with a 14mm hardened steel shackle, it was enough for most situations. A 14mm hardened steel shackle is thick enough that bolt cutters are going to be ineffective and it locks on both sides, requiring two cuts to break it free. Unfortunately, as mentioned, a high-security lock in today’s climate needs to take portable angle grinders into consideration and this one doesn’t. 

Not everyone needs the highest security level though. The Onguard Pitbull is the all-around kind of lock you can feel good using in slightly lower security situations. If you feel like an angle grinder isn’t going to be an issue for you, then this is a good lock at a decent price. The generous five keys included mean you can be less stressed with a lost key and the light on one key is a nice touch at this price level. The coating won’t scratch your bike and there’s a decent frame mount. There’s even a small insurance offer to make you feel a bit better.  

You’ll want to keep in mind that the suggested version here is the standard version and there's enough room inside for the frame and a wheel. That also means there’s a bit of extra room and that can make it easier to defeat with a pry bar. Again though, this isn’t the most secure option anyway and this size makes it easy to use. It would be better if there was a cover for the lock cylinder though, as it will eventually fail because of weather. 

Best compact bike lock

There are a number of reasons you would want a compact d-lock, smaller size not only makes it easier to pack into a bag or mount to the bike but also makes it harder for thieves to pry it open or manipulate the lock into an easier position to attack. The trade-off is that the Ultimate 420's 140mm shackle won't fit around thick street furniture but if you live in urban areas with plenty of dedicated bike parking it won't be a problem.

The Ultimate 420 uses a 13mm hardened steel shackle and is secured with a double locking mechanism. Abus packages the Ultimate 420 with a 120cm Loop Cable to secure your front wheel to the frame and rear wheel as well. For those looking for certifications, the Ultimate 420 has a Sold Secure Gold rating in the UK, plus several European awards, like the Swedish SBSC and Danish Varefakta.

The keyhole is centrally mounted in the locking barrel and has a smooth unlocking action. We didn't experience any sticking when using it in all weathers. The keyhole doesn't have a cover so while we haven't experienced any issues, it could be more vulnerable to weather damage.

Check out our review of the Abus Ultimate 420 for more details.

Best budget U-lock

If a product isn't the best, it should at least be cheap. I've been very intentional in putting a bottom floor on that concept here though. The Abus Mini 410 isn't high security but it is acceptable security. I wouldn't leave a bike for much time with only this lock but it's inexpensive and light enough that it's an easy option to bring along if you plan to briefly head into a store. For all the people I spoke to who had a bike stolen, this was because they weren’t going to be gone long. Don’t be that person, use this lock instead. 

The 12mm double shackle ensures that no one is going to cut the Abus Ultra mini with wire cutters. You could probably get through it with 36" bolt cutters, and maybe even 30" cutters given the right scenario, but either way that's still a lot more protection than a cable lock will ever give you. 

There are also quite a few variants of the Abus 410. The one I’ve included here is the basic Mini 410. It’s too small to lock more than just the frame but it’s less expensive. There are also options that include a cable lock for the front wheel or a bigger space inside the lock. They are all the same 12mm double locking shackle so if this one is too small, pick whatever works for you. 

Folding Locks

Folding locks are less secure and more expensive than either chains or U-locks. What they bring to the table is an ease of use that’s hard to beat. They’ve got the flexibility of a chain and are as easy to carry as a U-lock. If security is your biggest concern then you’ll want to look at a different section but if you are willing to give up some security for convenience this is a good place to look. 

Best high security folding bike lock

The Abus Bordo 6500 is the highest security folding lock around. It has both a Sold Secure Gold rating and Abus calls it a 15/15 security level thanks to the 5.5mm hardened steel bars and protected links. On top of that, the Lock Picking Lawyer is quite generous in his description of the lock core as being "ahead of the curve" in his video where he does go on to eventually open it. 

As with other folding locks though, it's not the security where the Abus 6500 shines. Cargo Bike magazine easily cuts it with a portable grinder and only a single cut is enough to open all folding locks. The trade-off is that there's a lot more flexibility when using a folding lock. This is especially true when you are looking at a busy bike rack with lots of other people and not much room. The big links will look impressive enough to sway a thief towards a less protected target and this lock allows you to manoeuvre it between other bikes or reach farther to get the anchor. When it's time to carry it, you've got a bit less weight and all the weight is closer to the frame making the mount easier to use. 

As long as you understand the security available from this lock, it's a great option that's well-made in almost every way. The one thing Abus seems to have overlooked is that the lock cylinder isn't protected from the weather. If you live in a rainy climate you'll have to accept that eventually the internals may fail and require a replacement. 

Best smart folding bike lock

I've already been quite clear that folding locks are less secure in exchange for better ease of use. Abus has an answer to that criticism though. The Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X takes everything good about the standard Bordo 6500 and upgrades it with electronics. The result is a lock that's both more secure and more convenient. 

Instead of a key, the Bordo 6500a Smart X is a smart lock that relies on Bluetooth. The heart of the design retains the same series of 15.5cm long, and 5.5mm thick hardened steel bars. Each one connects to the next with a shielded joint and there's a rubberized coating to protect the finish of your bike. At the top though, you won't find a lock cylinder, not even for backup.

Instead of a key, there's an app. You have the choice to configure a manual unlock but otherwise as you walk up with your phone, the lock will open. It's all seamless and automatic. There are also the nice side benefits of being able to open the app and see where you parked your bike and being able to allow someone else to unlock the bike. On top of that added convenience, there's also the added security of a 110db alarm built in. Should someone try to tamper with the lock an alarm might not stop them but it might and it certainly doesn't hurt. 

The only thing I'd like to see added is a key slot for backup purposes. In my testing, the whole system worked every time but it seems odd to offer no emergency unlock option. It's also worth noting that you do pay extra for the convenience of the smart system. 

You can read more details in my full Abus Bordo 6500A SmartX lock review.

Best medium security folding bike lock

How much security do you really need? In many situations as long as you use a quality lock then you will be safe. If that already sums up your thoughts then shouldn't your folding lock be easy to carry? The Kryptonite 610s is a counter to the Abus folding lock options. While those locks have a design aimed at high security, Kryptonite is very clear that the 610s will work for quick stops in metro areas or suburbs and longer lockups only in rural areas. 

If that's enough for you then you get a lower price and even more convenient option. The link bars are 5mm, instead of 5.5mm, saving you almost 600 grams. The lock is also longer and narrower which, again, adds to the ease of carrying, while rotation where the bars connect to the lock means it has a ton more flexibility in how you use the lock as well. 

Another thing I really love about Kryptonite locks with better security is that the brand is willing to back that up. Should your bike end up getting stolen, there is an opt-in insurance program that could pay you back a bit of money. These programs are always hard to take advantage of, but it feels like a mark of respect for the customer that it even exists. Unfortunately, there's nothing to help you when the lock cylinder eventually stops working because there's no weather cover for it. You also aren't getting a budget price for this lock despite the lower security. 

Best low security bike lock

If there's a lock that exemplifies why I don't have a cable lock included in this list, this is it. The Hiplok Z Lok Combo offers about the same security but it's far smaller and cheaper. Any attack with a tool would easily cut through the steel band, just like a cable lock, but you can carry this in a jersey pocket and it's there when you need it.

That means for most situations, I don't recommend this lock. If you've got any kind of bike where it makes sense to attach something to the frame, grab an inexpensive U-lock or folding lock and use that instead. The place where this lock shines is on a bike where you aren't going to put it on the frame and you really aren't going to leave the bike alone. Thieves are incredibly fast and good at what they do and this lock is just enough to keep someone from quietly walking away with your bike while you look at it. It's great at a coffee shop where you might even be within reach of your bike, but this way you can relax enough to enjoy your coffee. 

When you are going to be close to your bike anyway but want to make sure it doesn't disappear from under your nose, grab the Hiplok Z Lok Combo. Although It’s not a folding lock we’ve included it in this section because it also trades security for convenience.

Chain locks

Chain locks are as secure as U-locks, if they are as thick, but they have extra flexibility. If you’ve got a frame that’s extra thick, like an ebike, or if you need to attach to thicker anchors, that’s where chains shine. The downside is that they are heavier and more difficult to carry than both a U-lock and a folding lock.  

Best chain lock

Chains are great because it still takes two cuts to defeat them, like a U-lock, but they are also very flexible and easy to lock up. The most difficult part of dealing with a chain is that they are big and heavy. It's never convenient to put one on a bike so it's common to wrap them around your waist. That solution works but it's not very safe. 

Hiplok has an answer though. The brand is well known for making locks you can wear safely. The Hiplok Gold is a 10mm chain weighing in at a hefty 2,274 grams but it's got a system that turns it into a belt without locking. Instead, there's a bar on the lock side and a plastic buckle that snaps into the bar on the other side. When you are ready to lock a bike, take it off your waist, open the lock, and connect the lock to the chain that's on the other side of the waist bracket. The super bright version pictured here also adds visibility while riding. 

Not only is the 10mm chain quite secure but it's convenient and safe. If you need to lock something up that isn't easy with a U-lock, this is your answer. The only downside is all that security does mean you've got to deal with a bit of weight. Wearing it mitigates that to some extent but the weight doesn't disappear and you'll notice it. The reflective cover will also degrade over time. It looks great when new, and it's incredibly bright, but I've had a number of products with that coating and eventually, they all start to flake. You’ll want to consider that if you like the look of it.

You can read more details in my full Hiplok Gold bike lock review.

Best higher security bike lock for using with a car rack

When I talked to cyclists who had bikes stolen while locked there was one story that stood out: a brand-new bike stolen off a rack while filling up gas on the way home. The integrated cable lock on the rack got clipped while the owner was inside buying a snack. For me, it was confirmation of a scenario I'd already worried about in the past. It was also a challenge. What would be the best solution in this scenario?

Having spent time studying the design of racks and the needs, my thought is that you need something longer than normal and it has to be quick to get on. The Abus CityChain 1010 is what I ended up settling on. It's fast to get on because it's got a fabric cover that means you won't scratch your frame. Most chain locks have that feature but it's important here because you don't want to spend a bunch of time carefully placing a chain just to go pay for gas. It's worth saying though, that you shouldn't drive with the lock on. 

The Abus CityChain 1010 is also a good choice for locking to the rack on your car because at 140cm it's longer than many options out there. That's important because, unlike most locking situations, both the bike and the anchor are immovable. You can't move the bike into position to make a smaller chain work. 

If you are driving any distance, you will likely stop for food as well as gas. If that's the case, the 9mm links are enough to stop a lot of attacks. Larger bolt cutters, and pry bars, are still an issue but you can probably get some food and come back to a bike. It's also nice to see a protected lock cylinder even if this use case won't see it sitting in the rain for long periods of time. 

You can read more details in the full Abus City Chain 1010 lock review.

Best budget bike chain lock

I prefer high security in a bike lock. Even my city bike is worth more than enough that I don't relish the idea of replacing it. Instead of worrying, I'd rather go for more security. That said, I also live in an urban area and bike theft is common in a bike city like Portland Oregon. In each section, I like to include an option for those who don't need much security. Although I recommend not under-sizing your security, you might not need the highest. If that's where you find yourself, Kryptonite Keeper 785 is your answer. 

The Keeper 785 is an inexpensive option for lower security situations. The sides of each link use a square profile that helps resist bolt cutters even though 7mm still falls within what’s possible for the right bolt cutters. Nylon covers protect your bike's paint and 85 cm / 33.5 in length makes it easy to lock up both wheels and accessories. There's also a Key Safe Program if you lose a key and, like other Kryptonite products there is an insurance program of, in this case, $500 if you do lose a bike while using the lock. 

While this isn't the most secure lock out there, it's inexpensive and still offers decent protection. Make sure you keep the lock away from the ground and wrapped securely to help up the security level and for some that will be enough. The only criticism I have is the lack of a cover for the keyhole. It seems to be a common misstep but not everyone needs the highest security and not everyone needs to worry about rain. 

Cable-locks

As noted in our discussion of how to choose below, cable locks are in general easier to defeat than other types of locks. A bolt cutter can cut the majority of cables quickly and silently. 

Many cable locks are not security-rated or receive the lowest bronze rating from Sold Secure. You can find cable locks offering greater security though; many of Litelok's cables are diamond or gold-rated by Sold Secure, for example.

A cable lock can have its place. If you're just making a short stop and your bike is within your view, you may be satisfied with a lightweight, low-security option. It can provide a useful adjunct to a more secure lock and many U-locks can be bought packaged with a cable to help keep wheels from going astray.

So if you are looking for a cable lock, here are three to consider.

How to choose the best bike lock for you

When I write a buyer's guide I endeavour to become an expert if I'm not already. I share what works and what doesn't and I get to look at every product in a category to help draw those conclusions. The problem with doing that for the best bike lock is that I'm not a bike thief and there's no real way for me to become an expert on bike theft. With that in mind, I took a different approach to this section of this buyer's guide. 

While I spent time with every lock here, I also reached out to law enforcement and talked to as many people who experienced bike theft as possible. I pulled together that communal knowledge of having a bike stolen and formed that into questions and answers to help inform you on how to keep your bike safe and what locks to buy.