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Ensure no one enters your room without permission—even if they have a key.

If you want an added level of security for your apartment or dorm, or travel frequently and stay in hotels and Airbnbs, a portable door lock is a worthwhile investment. These ingenious temporary locks are designed to be deployed from inside the room to prevent unwanted guests from entering — even if they have a key.

There are several styles of portable locks that you can buy, and they vary in terms of size, door compatibility, and installation method. And luckily, the majority of options are very affordable, priced at about $25 or less. Some are compact enough to stash in your backpack or rolling suitcase, making them ideal for travel, while others are more heavy-duty and designed for commercial applications. Plus, there are options for almost every type of door, including hinged and sliding doors, as well as both inward- and outward-swinging configurations. Read on for our recommendations, plus essentials to consider before shopping.

There are several types of portable door locks available today, and you’ll need to select the best option for your application. If you’re traveling, door strike locks are small and lightweight, making them easy to pack. Door stops or braces are another option for regular hinged doors, though they tend to be bigger, and some even have a built-in alarm that sounds if someone tries to open the door. For sliding doors, you’ll likely need a security bar, which are often too big to comfortably fit in a suitcase.

When buying a portable door lock, it’s important to ensure the product you select is compatible with your door. Some locks only work if the door has a specific type of door strike or gap of a certain size, so if possible, you’ll want to double-check these measurements before you buy.

To find the best portable door locks for a variety of situations, we looked for top-rated models in a range of styles. We aimed to find the best lock for a variety of situations and door types, evaluating products based on their installation requirements, materials, ease of use, and price. We read through dozens of user reviews, as well, taking note of how the product performs in real-life scenarios.

Looking for more locks to keep your home and stuff safe? Check out our stories on the best door locks, the best electronic deadbolts, and the best smart locks.

The Addalock Portable Door Lock is a top choice for use at home or while traveling. It has a compact, lightweight design that’s easy to pack into a carry-on bag, and it can be used on most doors that are hinged and swing inwards.

It's also a cinch to use: Just insert its claws into the door’s strike plate, then close the door. The red piece can then be attached to the metal component, preventing the door from being opened, even if someone has a key. It’s a great solution for apartments, dorms, and even Airbnbs, but some users do note that it doesn’t work on certain hotel doors.

If you only need a door lock for occasional use, this budget-friendly option will get the job done. It has a simple design that attaches to the door strike, plus it's reversible, with two openings that can be used on door strikes of different shapes.

This lock is compact enough to carry in your purse or briefcase, and it can be installed in just a few minutes. Once the red component is attached to the metal piece, no one will be able to open the door until the lock is removed.

The GE Door Stop alarm functions like a traditional door stop—you slide the sloped edge underneath the door, and it makes it harder (though not impossible) for someone to push the door open. But it adds an additional layer of security, thanks to a built-in alarm.

If the door is opened, the force will press down the top of the door stop, which activates a 120-decibel alarm. The unit requires a 9-volt battery for operation, and there’s a switch that allows you to deactivate the alarm as needed—important if you’re planning to travel with it.

In terms of versatility, it’s hard to beat the Master Lock Door Security Bar. This unique bar can be used on both hinged and sliding doors, and it adjusts from 27.5 to 42 inches long.

The bar is made from heavy-duty 20-gauge steel, and when it’s used on a hinged door, it has a removable head that cradles the door handle, as well as a pivoting rubber foot that braces against the floor. To use it on a sliding door, you simply remove the head and adjust its length so it fits snugly inside the door track.

Whether you’re staying at a hotel, Airbnb, or even a hostel, you can give yourself peace of mind while traveling with this portable door lock. The design is more compact and lightweight than other door strike locks — small enough to stash it in your pocket. Plus, the design works well on most hotel doors, according to reviewers. It’s compatible with door bolts of all sizes and doors of all thicknesses, and it can be set up in just a few seconds.

The DoorJammer Portable Door Lock is a brace-style device that works on any inward-swinging door—no need to worry about whether it will fit onto the door strike.

One side slides underneath the bottom of the door, and the other has an adjustable foot that creates pressure, preventing the door from being pushed open. The brace comes with an extension foot and a three-size keyring to fit into a door gap, plus a travel bag. It can be used on any type of flooring, including carpeting, hardwood, tile, and more.

If you want to prevent a deadbolt from being opened from the exterior, the LOKmate Deadbolt Guard is a handy temporary solution. It works on inward-swinging doors that have a deadbolt on either the right or left side, and it can be adjusted to accommodate multiple lock positions, including horizontal, vertical, and diagonal deadbolts.

In terms of installation, it snaps on quickly thanks to its magnetic design—no tools needed—and it even folds flat when not in use. The piece is made of plastic, which may be a drawback for some.

Many security bars for sliding doors are designed to be permanently installed, but this one from Lakeside Collection simply has rubber tips on either end to keep it in place. It’s made from a combination of steel and PVC, and it can be adjusted between 26 and 48 inches. The rubber tips ensure it won’t scratch the door frame, and it’s quick and easy to install and remove.

If you need a reliable lock for an office building or school, the Barracuda Door Defense System is extremely heavy duty, offering a high level of protection.

It’s made from steel with a powder-coated finish, and there are several sizes available to fit different door jams. The brace slides underneath the door and its side pieces latch onto the jams, making it virtually impossible to force the door open. It doesn’t require permanent installation, and it can be deployed in a matter of seconds.

The Wundermax Door Stoppers are a light-duty option to provide a little added security to your home or accommodations. These door stoppers are made from odorless rubber, and they can be used on any type of flooring.

They’re available in several pack sizes, ranging from one to six, and if you buy multiple, they include handy clips that let you hook two together to fit in large door gaps. Plus, the stoppers come with stick-on holders, in case you use it on the same door frequently.

Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she's tested hundreds of items firsthand, and her work appears in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.

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