Best bike locks in 2023: Tested and rated

Mar 07, 2024

Keep your bike safe and secure

1. U-Locks2. Chain locks3. Folding locks4. Cable locks5. How to choose the best bike lock6. Bike lock types7. How we tested8. Bike lock FAQ

A strong, well-designed bike lock will help protect your two-wheeled purchase from opportunistic thieves. But before you choose the best bike lock for you, it’s important to understand what these locks can and cannot do.

For starters, every single bike lock on the market can be cut or otherwise destroyed by a determined thief. However, the best bike locks will deter opportunistic, grab-and-go thieves, and they will thwart all but the most prepared thieves with the correct tools.

The right lock for you will combine usability, portability, and low weight with the level of protection you need for parking your bike wherever you’re most likely to leave it. Of all the bike locks we’ve tested, here are the best ones you can buy today to guard your electric bike or electric scooter.

We've divided this guide into sections based on the various types of bike locks available, to better help you decide which is best for your bike and needs.

Best overall

Best overall

Weight: 4.2 poundsShackle length: 6.2 inches

Pros: Most resistant to angle grinder attacksCons: Small shackle

Before you balk at the price, consider how much money the Hiplok D1000 might keep in your pocket. It has earned the Sold Secure Diamond rating, which is the highest a lock can get. Ferosafe, a composite graphene material, works to wear down angle grinder blades before they can cut through the overbuilt, blocky shackle. It also stands tough against carbide-tipped drill bits. Hiplok says it’s 20 times more resistant to angle grinder attacks than other locks on the market.

Aside from the price tag, the small shackle length is about the only drawback. Hiplok offers a lifetime warranty on the lock after registration, but does not offer any anti-theft reimbursement for your bike. If you’re looking for the best U-lock on the market, look no further.

Best value

Best value

Weight: 4 poundsShackle length: 8 inches

Pros: Easy to use; LED key light; high security ratingCons: Flimsy mount

With a long, 8-inch by 4-inch shackle opening, it was generally easy to find places to lock up my bike with the New York Lock Standard. It’s rubber-coated throughout, which protects your bike’s finish and the lock itself from exposure to the elements. The New York Lock gets an ART rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is impressive. It also features a Sold Secure Gold rating.

The key hole has a cover to keep muck out of the mechanism, and Kryptonite offers a key replacement program should you lose yours. The included key features an LED light to make locking and unlocking easier in the dark. You can register your bike with Kryptonite to take advantage of the brand’s Anti-Theft offer of $4,000 should your bike get stolen. As U-Locks go, the New York Lock is simple, easy to use, and tough. A set of bolt cutters won’t get thieves very far here.

Best budget

Best budget u-lock

Weight: 3.17 poundsShackle length: 9 inches

Pros: Long shackle

Cons: Plastic on locking bar seems weak

The Pitbull features a long 9-inch, 14mm thick hardened steel shackle that makes it easy to wrap around your bike frame and a fixed object. The bolting mechanism locks the shackle at four separate points. The lock features both a rubber coating and molded plastic covers to protect your bike’s finish. The locking bar is constructed with a lot of plastic, which could present a weak point during an attack.

But the lock cylinder is also centered on the bar, which eliminates potential prying points. I made a few futile efforts at cutting the shackle with bolt cutters, but the lock withstood the attack with barely a scuff. The 14mm-thick steel shackle can certainly be cut with an angle grinder and enough time, though.

Best shackle

Best shackle construction

Weight: 3.2 poundsShackle length: 9 inches

Pros: Long shackle Cons: Expensive

The Granite X Plus U-Lock features a super-long 9-inch shackle (4.5 inches wide), which opens up more locking possibilities. The shackle features a squared profile, which makes it more difficult to cut with bolt cutters. And the shackle is locked and secured at both ends to make it more difficult to pick the lock.

Abus was one of the few brands in the test to note this lock had been ice-spray tested. It gets an ART rating of 3 out of 5 stars, but it’s marked as Abus’s maximum security level. It also has a Sold Secure rating. The shackle and bar are both coated to protect your bike’s finish. It’s a great lock if you want as much shackle length as possible, but you’ll pay for the privilege.

Lightest lock

Lightest U-Lock

Weight: 1.05 poundsShackle length: 8 inches

Pros: Super light and resistant to bolt cutter attacks

Cons: Can be more difficult to work into place than traditional U-Locks

By using spring steel, Tigr has created a unique take on the standard U-lock. It was resistant to attack from my 24-inch bolt cutters, but it would not be overly difficult to cut it with an angle grinder. It’s light at just over a pound, and it comes with a mount so you can stow it right on your bike. It fits easily in a backpack too.

It can be a bit more difficult to work this lock into place than standard U-locks that separate into two pieces. It gets a 2/5 ART certification, so this may not be the lock you’ll want for long-term lockups. But for quick trips into the store or an hour or two at the bar, the Tigr Blue Mini + offers good security at a super light weight.

Best chain lock

Best chain lock

Length: 25 inchesWeight: 14.8 pounds

Pros: Big, burly, intimidating, and secure

Cons: Very, very heavy

The legend. The beast. This lock has long been used by New York City messengers who lock their bikes up in heavily trafficked areas, sometimes for long periods of time. It’s super heavy and not particularly comfortable to wear over your shoulder. But if you’re looking for the pinnacle in protection, the Legend may be your best bet. It combines heavy duty construction with the flexibility to lock your bike in various locking situations.

I did make a token effort at cutting a link with my bolt cutters, but it was clear from the get-go these links weren’t breaking for anything less than an angle grinder and some determination. The Legend is also one of the very few bike locks to earn a 5-star ART rating. It’s called the Legend for a reason.

Best budget chain lock

Best chain lock on a budget

Length: 3.5 feetWeight: 6.86 pounds

Pros: Locking mechanism is integrated into the chain; good price

Cons: Quite heavy

The OnGuard’s titanium-enforced hexagonal hardened steel chain links aren’t as big and thick as Kryptonite’s Legend chain lock, but the Mastiff weighs almost eight pounds less. It was impervious to my attacks with a 24-inch bolt cutter, but it could be cut with an angle grinder in 30 seconds or so.

Unlike the Kryptonite Legend, which uses a separate U-lock to secure the ends of the chain, OnGuard integrates the locking mechanism into the lock itself. That’s one less thing to keep track of — or lose. OnGuard does offer up to $2,001 in anti-theft protection, though you’ll need to register your bike with the company. The Mastiff comes with 5 keys, and the locking mechanism bolts secure in two locations for resistance to pulling and twisting.

Built-in alarm

Built-in alarm

Length: 3 feetWeight: 3 pounds

Pros: Alarm is a neat feature to deter casual thievesCons: Looks and feels clunky when mounted to a bike

While the Adaptor Chain included with the Alarm Box 2.0 can be cut with a pair of bolt cutters and some elbow grease, thieves may be additionally deterred by the Alarm Box’s primary feature: a 100 decibel alarm that sounds with excess movement or tampering.

If the bike just gets slightly jostled, a five-second ‘warning’ alarm will sound. If the movement continues, then the 100-decibel alarm kicks in. The chain measures just over 3 feet, making it easy to lock to a variety of solid racks or bars. It’s also possible to affix the Alarm Box to your bike without the use of the chain.

Best Folding Lock

Circumference: 33.5 inchesWeight: 2.2 pounds

Pros: Smooth and easy operationCons: Circumference when open could be slightly larger

Buttery smooth articulation and a compact design that slides easily into the included mount make the Seatylock Foldylock compact the best folding lock we tested. The 33.5-inch circumference of the lock when fully open is slightly smaller than the Kryptonite Evolution 790, but large enough to open up plenty of locking possibilities.

The rivets connecting the bars are designed to resist sawing and cutting attacks. The rounded heads of the rivets make it difficult to drill through as well. A thief would need an angle grinder to get through the Foldylock’s stout bars. The lock comes with a 3-year warranty, too. The Foldylock Compact meets the right combination of weight, compact design at 7.5 inches long when folded, and locking capabilities to make it best in the folding lock category.

Most versatile folding lock

Circumference: 35 inchesWeight: 3.15 pounds

Pros: Big circumference; cool frame mountCons: Hinges felt a bit stiff

Like all folding locks, the Evolution 790 only moves two dimensionally, making locking in certain situations trickier. But it has the biggest circumference of the three we tested, so you’ll have plenty of wiggle room to secure your bike. While not a major issue, the hinges don’t move as smoothly as other options in this category.

The lock includes a pretty neat mount that holds the lock tightly until you press a release button. But I wonder if more moving parts makes it more susceptible to failure over time. The slim profile when folded makes it a good option for stowing in a backpack. I chopped at this lock with my 24-inch bolt cutters, made a few scratches, then gave up.

Most compact folding lock

Circumference: 27 inchesWeight: 1.5 pounds

Pros: Folds down small and stores easilyCons: Small circumference

The Hendrix is compact and easy to use. A plastic mount is included so you can secure the Hendrix to your bike. The lock would just as easily stow in a backpack, or in a jersey pocket — though it’s a touch heavy, so it will likely pull on your jersey enough to become uncomfortable.

The overall circumference when the lock is completely unfolded is a bit small, which limits where you can use the lock. And like all folding locks, the Hendrix only articulates in a linear fashion. It’s a handy and portable lock that’s easy to toss in a backpack. I was almost able to cut through the lock with my 24-inch bolt cutters, but despite repeated cuts and lots of twisting, the lock withstood the attack — just barely.

Best cable lock

Best cable lock

Type: Synthetic rope with steel coreLength: 47 inchesWeight: 3.1 pounds

Pros: Super flexibleCons: Gets dirty easily

The Eyelet from Tex Lock feels an awful lot like a synthetic rope. That’s because it basically is — with a steel core surprise. The combination of the three rope layers and the steel core make this light and flexible lock tough to cut quickly. Add in the U-lock and you’ve got a lock that will delay any would-be thief for a good long while, even with the right tools. The Eyelet is light and comfortable to wear over your shoulder.

It looks cool, too, though it picks up dirt rather quickly. And more importantly, it’s easy to loop it through your bike and stationary poles or the like. There are lots of locking and storing possibilities here, and with three lengths to choose from; I tested the 120cm (47 inch) version and found it to be the perfect length in most locking situations, there’s a Tex Lock for everyone.

Best compact cable lock

Type: Flat strap with combinationLength: 18-60 inchesWeight: 14 ounces

Pros: Super compact, easy to stow in a jersey pocketCons: Can be cut with 24-inch bolt cutters quickly

This super-compact lock is easy to use and best for stowing in a jersey pocket for quick in and out trips at the coffee shop, but it’s not ideal for long-term storage security. I cut this lock very easily with a set of 24-inch bolt cutters, but the six stainless steel bands encased in Kevlar will slow down any would-be thieves with smaller cutters.

And I could not get through the band with sheet metal cutters or a small pair of diagonal cutting pliers — the types of tools thieves can stuff in their pockets. If you want a bit of added security, pair this lock with Ottolock’s Sidekick U-Lock (sold separately). The three number tumblers can sometimes be hard to position correctly because they’re so small, but otherwise the Hexband is super simple to use. The lock is available in three sizes (18, 30, and 60 inches) and multiple colors.

Think carefully about your needs in order to choose the best bike lock for you. For starters, think about how much security you’ll actually need. If, for example, you’ll be leaving your bicycle locked outside your apartment or office building for hours or even days at a time, you’ll want a heavier duty lock. But if you’re only popping into the coffee shop for a few minutes, a lighter, more portable lock might do the trick.

Portability is an important consideration as well. A lock you don’t want to carry with you is a lock you’re likely to leave at home. Some locks are small enough to fit in a jersey pocket, while others will need a dedicated mounting space on your bike or some real estate in a backpack.

While not always the case, locks that focus on portability will sacrifice some burliness by necessity. So smaller, thinner locks may be more susceptible to common tools that thieves use. Still, even a small and portable lock will offer some theft deterrence for quick lockups outside the coffee shop or grocery store. Try to decide whether you’ll need more portability or more theft deterrence. You can always buy two different types of locks to fit different needs, too.

The lock’s weight matters too, and while that’s closely related to portability, it is entirely possible to find a strong, durable lock that doesn’t weigh a ton and packs down relatively small. Weight becomes more of a concern if you’re stowing the lock in a pocket or backpack. It can be less impactful if you’re mounting the lock on your bike.

That said, the heaviest-duty locks are also, well, quite heavy. Such locks are best for locking your bike long-term in high-theft areas. But they won’t feel too great in a backpack or slung over your shoulder.

Theft deterrence level depends largely on the materials used to create the lock and the overall design. Keeping in mind that any lock can be cut or destroyed with the right tools, you can hedge your bets by choosing a lock with heavy duty materials like steel chain links or a U-Lock with a steel shackle. Cable locks can be cut quickly and easily with bolt cutters, but burlier locks will require heavier duty tools like an angle grinder. The odds of a thief walking down the street with an angle grinder are much lower than a thief equipped with bolt cutters, so heavier duty locks can act as a deterrent without ever having to face an actual attack.

Finally, prices for bike locks can vary widely, from $20 all the way up to $300 or more. Choose a lock within your budget, and keep in mind that just because a lock is expensive doesn’t mean it’s better for your needs. Consider all of the above criteria before plunking down your credit card.

Chain locks vs. U-Locks vs. folding locks

Chain locks differ from U-Locks and folding locks in construction and capability. Chain locks are built with chain links and are connected at the ends with either a small U-lock or an integrated locking unit.

U-Locks feature a U-shaped metal shackle that inserts into a locking mechanism. And a folding lock features metal links that pivot to open up in a wide circle, then fold up for easy storage.

Each type of lock has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Chain locks are very durable, easy to lock around a variety of fixed objects, and depending on the size of the links, they can be worn around the shoulder for easy transport, and they are very resistant to theft attacks. But such locks can be quite heavy, especially as the links get larger.

U-locks are one of the most common types of locks because they are resistant to all sorts of cutting tools. They stow easily in a backpack, too, and can even mount cleanly on your bike. They, too, can get quite heavy when you get into longer shackle U-locks. U-locks are also limited in locking capabilities because the shackles often don’t reach far enough to be useful.

Folding locks solve that problem by extending outward to create more locking opportunities. The articulated arms extend to form a large circle. These locks fold up compact and can be stowed easily in a backpack or mounted on your bike. The pivots that connect the arms can be a weak point, however, making these locks susceptible to drilling or leverage attacks.

Portability, price, weight, and ease of use are all fairly easy to determine by simply taking the lock with you on various rides around town. So that’s exactly what I did with each lock in the test. From coffee shops to train stations, I locked up my bike for quick trips and all-day storage. Fortunately, no thieves came upon my bike; if they did, they were deterred enough by the locks to move on.

I cut a random sampling of locks using both bolt cutters and an angle grinder to get a sense of the effort that goes into it. Not surprisingly, I was able to destroy each one, though the time and effort it took varied quite a lot. Round cables were the easiest to cut with 24-inch bolt cutters I had on hand; large diameter chains and U-lock shackles were the most difficult and required the use of an angle grinder.

But as mentioned previously, it’s possible to cut through or otherwise destroy any bike lock on the market with the right tools and enough time and determination. With that in mind, we did examine each lock for potential weaknesses or obvious flaws that might make cutting or destroying easier.

The two most common security ratings you’ll find on bike locks are the Sold Secure designation (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond), and the ART star rating (5 stars is the highest rating and sparingly bestowed upon locks).

Manufacturers may also include their own in-house security ratings to give buyers a sense of how much theft-deterrence they can expect from a specific lock. Such ratings do not necessarily adhere to any independent scale or rating.

Yes. With the right tools and enough time, any bike lock can be cut or otherwise destroyed. It is important to keep in mind that even if a lock can be destroyed, it may take a thief a prohibitively long time to get through the lock with the tools on hand. So locks still serve an important function even if they can be cut.

Yes. The vast majority of thieves are opportunists. If they can’t grab the bike and go, they are less likely to make an attempt to steal it. A tough lock that actually looks tough to destroy may deter a thief from spending the time and effort to steal your bike.

The most common tool bike thieves use is a pair of bolt cutters. These can cut through most cable locks and even some U-locks, but other U-Locks and chain locks will require an angle grinder. Angle grinders are quite loud and throw a lot of sparks, so if your lock can withstand bolt cutter attacks, it’s already well ahead in the safety game. For the toughest locks, thieves may use torches or other heavy-duty tools. Less commonly, thieves may use chemicals that will freeze the lock, making it more susceptible to damage.

Some brands like Kryptonite and OnGuard do have programs that will reimburse you up to a certain dollar amount if your bike gets stolen. This requires a registration process, and you’ll want to read the fine print regarding what is actually covered. Other brands may have programs that will replace the lock if your bike gets stolen, but not the cost of the bike itself. Both of these options are generally considered ‘add-ons’ and may require additional purchases.

That largely depends on the size and shape of the lock. Some small locks can be stowed in your jersey pocket. Larger locks may require you to carry a backpack or other storage solution. And many locks come with specially designed mounts that you can connect directly to your bike. Ultimately, you should carry your lock however it is most convenient for you.

Not usually. But if your lock is exposed regularly to the elements, you may notice degradation. Key cylinders and combination locks in particular may become more difficult to operate in these cases, though often you can spray those parts with some lubrication to restore functionality.

Yes, but not quickly in most cases. Regular and/or prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, dirt, and mud will accelerate wear. Any moving parts are more susceptible to wear over time, such as hinges, lock cylinders, combination tumblers, etc. If you notice premature wear or damage to your lock, your best bet is to contact the manufacturer to see if it is covered under warranty.

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Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, bike lights, and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family.

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