Best Door Security Bars and Devices

We studied the best security bars and door jammers available and weighed user reviews to choose top picks.
Best overall
Buddybar Door Jammer
  • pro
    Resists up to 2,560 lbs. of force
  • pro
    Extends to 51 in.
  • pro
    Swing doors only
Best permanent fixture
nightlock security lock door barricade
Nightlock Security Lock
  • pro
    Resists up to 1,950 lbs. of force
  • con
    Not adjustable
  • pro
    Swing doors only
Budget pick
master lock security bar
Master Lock Security Bar
  • con
    Resistance not specified
  • pro
    Extends to 42 in.
  • pro
    Swing and sliding doors
Best alarm
Securityman door bar
Securityman 2-in-1 Security Bar
  • pro
    Resists up to 350 lbs.
  • pro
    Extends to 43.7 in.
  • pro
    Swing and sliding doors
Best for travel
doorjammer door lock
Doorjammer Door Lock
  • con
    Resistance not specified
  • pro
    Available in multiple sizes
  • pro
    Swing doors only

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

For renters, homes without deadbolts, or sliding doors, traditional locks aren't always the best solution. Door security bars like the Buddybar Door Jammer are a non-invasive way to prevent invaders

In addition to a deadbolt lock or sliding door lock, door security bars and devices are an easy-to-use, budget-friendly option for any home to beef up security. 

The right door security devices depend on your security needs and budget. Find the best security device for you and your home in this guide.

Compare the best door security bars and devices

Product
Best for
Price
Length
Construction
Device Type
Learn more
Best permanent fixture9.5″Anodized aluminumFloor doorstop barricade
Best overall36″–51″16-gauge steelHandle-to-floor bar jammer
Budget pick27.5″–42″20-gauge steelHandle-to-floor bar jammer
Best alarm22.25″–43.7″IronHandle-to-floor bar jammer
Best for travel4.75″AluminumAdjustable angled floor doorstop

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Best door security bar reviews

1. Buddybar Door Jammer: Best overall

Best overall

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

We found the Buddybar Door Jammer to be one of the toughest devices out there since it's made with steel parts—it's going to take a lot of force to bust this door jammer.

But it's pricey and it can also be tough on your doors if you're not careful.

pro
Pros
pro Sturdy construction
pro Easy-lock tension lever
pro Quality materials
con
Cons
con Heavy
con Higher price
con Potential to damage doors

Made of 16-gauge steel without plastic pieces that can easily snap, this door bar is one of the sturdiest we've found.

It can hold up to 2,560 pounds of force, putting it miles ahead of its 350-pound competitors. One video demonstrated the strength of Buddybar by using it to jack up a pickup truck. (We don't recommend it for that purpose.)

While you'll have to fiddle with push-button adjustment on most other security bars, the Buddybar is designed with a lever lock, similar to what you might see on a tension-mounted baby gate. Lift the lever to release the tension and lengthen the bar, then lower it to ratchet the tension for a snug fit between your floor and door handle.

The downside? At over 8 pounds, the Buddybar isn't a security device for travel, and if you have trouble lifting, you might have a difficult time setting it up. It can also be hard on your door if you're not careful with the tension.

A truly durable bar like this one will set you back over a hundred bucks, but we think its top-notch quality justifies the steep price tag.

2. Nightlock Security Lock Door Barricade: Best permanent fixture

Best permanent fixture

The Nightlock Door Barricade works like a vertical doorstop near the base of your door. It's made of solid aluminum, and it's a great choice if you don't want to mess around with trying to jam a bar under your doorknob. But it's a more permanent door security solution, so it does require some installation.

pro
Pros
pro Good for hard floors
pro Available in multiple finishes
pro Easy to install
con
Cons
con Semi-permanent
con Only for swing doors
con Designed for higher clearance

Unlike traditional door security bars that are only temporary or that can slip on a hard floor, the Nightlock Door Barricade base plate is screwed into the floor. The vertical barricade rail slides into the base plate, creating a barrier that prevents the door from opening.

Since it is more permanent, we like that it comes in a variety of color options, including bright brass, brushed nickel, and dark bronze.

To install the Nightlock, you only need to screw in three screws. You can use the screws that come with it, or you can beef up security even more by purchasing three 3-inch #14 steel screws. You'll probably want a power screwdriver to do the job.

Because of the Nightlock's design, you need to make sure you have at least a half-inch of clearance between the bottom of the door and the floor. You might also have some trouble with the device if you have thick carpeting, because you'll need enough clearance on either side of the base plate to slide the rail in and out.

The Nightlock isn't a good travel option and may not work for renters either. It's also designed for swinging doors, so you'll have to find another solution for sliding glass doors.

Because the base plate for the Nightlock has to be screwed into the floor, it's not a good option for renters or travelers.

Light Bulb
Will a door security bar work on windows?

Potentially, yes. But you'll need a type of security door lock that anchors to the base of the windowsill like the Nightlock. You can also find locks for windows or sensors that beep if a window opens.

3. Master Lock Security Bar: Budget pick

Best for budgets
master lock security bar

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you don't have a ton of cash to spend on beefing up your home's security but you still want an added layer of protection for sliding glass doors or swinging doors, the Master Lock Security Bar provides extra reinforcement at a low price.

It doesn't rank as high in quality as our other top picks, but it could be a deterrent and buy you some precious time in case of an attempted intrusion.

pro
Pros
pro Adjustable for sliding or swing doors
pro Easy to use
pro Inexpensive
pro Lightweight
con
Cons
con Possibly prone to failure
con Not always complete upon arrival

The Master Lock Security Bar wins major points for affordability, versatility, and ease of use.

At less than twenty bucks, it's a great option if you're on a tight budget or you just need an inexpensive, temporary solution.

You can easily remove the Y-shaped yoke on to make it fit securely into the track of a sliding patio door, and vice versa—no tools required. And the pivoting ball joint on the Master Lock ensures the device has full contact with the floor even if you don't line it up perfectly.

While we like that Master Lock only weighs about 2.5 pounds, its inexpensive and lightweight construction seems to cause problems for some people. Some users say that the metal spring-loaded pin used to adjust the length of the bar may loosen and allow the bar to collapse and fail. Plus, the plastic yoke can break under pressure or if dropped.

Finally, the Master Lock is advertised to have a padded foot, but several reviewers said their product didn't come with a cover for the hard plastic foot. The hard plastic can scratch and damage floors, so we recommend contacting the company if you receive a product without padding.

4. Securityman 2-in-1 Security Bar: Best alarm

Best alarm

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you want a door jammer that not only stops invaders but sends them running by sounding the alarm, check out the Securityman 2-in-1 Security Bar. Its 120 dB siren goes off when it senses vibration.

pro
Pros
pro Comes with sliding door caps
pro Can withstand up to 350 pounds of force
pro Adjustable for different doors
pro Battery included
con
Cons
con Doesn't work as well with smooth floors
con Alarm is sensitive

The Securityman 2-in-1 also has the largest adjustment range of all the door jammers on our list, adjusting from a height of 22.25 inches to a full 43.7 inches.  Its design is similar to the Master Lock, with a pivoting foot and a plastic, Y-shaped yoke at the top, but it's a little more expensive.

5. Doorjammer Door Lock: Best for travel

Best for travel
doorjammer door lock

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The DoorJammer Portable Door Security Device is made of lightweight aluminum and it's compact, making it ideal for travelers. It's easy to use—just slide the lip under the door, then screw the foot down until it makes snug contact with the floor.

pro
Pros
pro Available in travel size and XL versions
pro Simple installation
pro Lightweight - only 8 oz.
con
Cons
con Only works on inward-opening doors
con Not suitable for French doors or sliding doors

The Doorjammer travel security device is ideal for hotel rooms, dorms, or simple standard doors, but it's not invincible. It isn't compatible with French doors (or at least both of them) or sliding glass doors. And you'll also have to make sure you install it on the inward-moving part of the door. 

Final word

If you rent and can't make adjustments to your home, door jams like the Buddybar are easy solutions for additional burglar proofing. Parents can also use these security devices to reinforce childproofing. 

Whatever you want to keep in or out, adding a door security bar, door jammer, or patio door lock is an affordable way to reinforce your entrances. 

Door jammer FAQ

It depends on the size and type of window. If you have a wide window that slides horizontally, then a sliding door bar jammer will work as long as it fits. We don’t recommend using a bar jammer on a window that lifts vertically, because the bar will be standing on end and could fall out easily.

Door security bars are designed to be locked from the inside. You can secure them before you leave the house, but you’ll have to exit through a door that doesn’t have a security bar, like your garage door.

Make sure that both the foot of the door jammer and the floor are clean and free from debris. This will create more friction between the surfaces and keep the foot from sliding. Double-check the bar’s positioning to ensure the foot is in full contact with the floor and the yoke is placed firmly under the door’s handle.

If you’ve lived in your home for a while, chances are good that you’ve probably given out some keys for babysitters, housekeepers, house-sitters, or dog walkers. Landlords and handymen also have keys to apartments and rentals. Using a door security bar guarantees that when you’re home, the only people coming through the door are people you choose to allow in, even if they have keys. A security bar is also just a good way to add an extra layer of protection to exterior doors.

One of the weakest points on any exterior doorframe is the strike plate, or the place where the deadbolt goes into the frame. Replacing the screws in your strike plates with 3-inch screws is a great way to increase your door’s security. Another smart option is to install a reinforcing kit like the Strikemaster II to prevent kick-ins and forced entry.

How we reviewed the best door security bars

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Image: Buddybar

To evaluate the best door security bars and devices, we studied the best products available, weighed user reviews, and compared each device.

To learn more about how we write reviews, check out our methodology.

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimer

*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.


Alexia Chianis
Written by
Alexia Chianis
Wanderlust junky and mom of two, Alexia is a former police officer and U.S. Army Captain who draws on her experiences to write about a myriad of safety topics.

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