The 7 Best Bike Padlocks for for 2022

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When you need to lock up in a jiffy, a sturdy padlock can be your best friend.

Ah, the simple padlock. Reminiscent of school locker rooms and backyard sheds, this device is as barebones as security can get. While they’ve been defeated time and time again, either via hammer, bolt cutters, or superior mechanisms like the U-Lock, we still enjoy buying them—for nostalgia’s sake, their value, and peace of mind. But hey: While we don’t recommend using padlocks alone to protect your bicycle from thieves, there’s certainly a time and a place for them.

If you’re in a low-crime area, typically leave your bike alone for just a few minutes at a time, and/or lock your bike up in an already-secured area, padlocks may be the right device for you. If you’re looking to grab a new one to use as a security measure for when you’re out running errands or grabbing a bite to eat, consider one of these bestselling and top-rated padlocks you can buy right now on Amazon.

Padlocks are an inexpensive way to lock up your bike, but we don’t recommend using them for overnight stays or in high-crime areas. If you’re running a quick errand and don’t want to entice a bike thief from taking your lonesome ride, a padlock and cable or chain setup could very well provide some peace of mind. However, be mindful when using a padlock, as they’re best suited as a short-term security solution. Many thieves can break the shackle off a padlock using a bolt or wire cutter, or even a hammer or drill.

If you’re looking for a tougher way to lock up, reach for padlocks that have shackle guards or low shackle heights that are tough to break with physical attacks. Also, consider grabbing a U-lock that can fit your bike’s frame and lock a wheel in place. Better yet, use a combination of locking mechanisms for the ultimate thief deterrent—the more locks you have, the more annoying for a burglar.

To find the best padlocks on Amazon, we referenced various websites, like Reviewed, LockPickingLawyer, and Bob Vila, to find the most frequently recommended products in various safety, weight, and value categories. We also consulted our own gear testing guide to the best bike locks. We prioritized products that have guarded shackles, as well as disc-shaped locks that are tougher to break by way of common physical attacks. We sifted through hundreds of Amazon user reviews, as well as in product reviews found at competitor sites, to find the best padlocks the market has to offer.

For more bike safety products, check out our picks for the best bike helmets, headlights, and taillights.

This ain’t your typical padlock. ABUS’ 20/70 Diskus padlock is a disc-shaped lock that offers 360-degree protection, with an anti-cut plate that makes forcing it open a difficult task.

This heavy-duty lock has toughened steel designed to resist drilling and most physical attacks, and its unique pair of keys can’t be replicated by a locksmith—because they’re so complicated, you’ll need to call ABUS for a new set.

The shackle diameter is 3/8 inch, making it tough for anyone to physically break into it with such a small opening. Over 1,400 user reviews give this a 4.7- out of 5-star average rating, praising the lock for its sturdiness, clever design, and heavy-duty build.

Made with alloy steel and titanium, this padlock is much lighter than most bronze options on the market, though that doesn’t make it any less durable. The padlock features a precision six-pin cylinder that will ward off the average lockpicker, and many reviewers say it’s easy to lock and unlock without its keys ever sticking. This is a high-quality, competent padlock that’ll pair well with a chain or cable.

Though some say it can withstand physical blows, do beware, however, that reviewers claim it can be easily shimmed open if so desired.

The padlock may have a reputation for being easily picked, but this tank of a lock from Abus is one of the strongest on the market, and one that’ll put pickers at bay. This chubby keyed padlock has a high shackle guard and is made with tough alloy steel that has high resistance against sawing, cutting, and drilling.

It’s also able to withstand salt water and extreme weather, thanks to its anti-corrosion coating, and has a super dense feel to withstand most physical attacks. It comes with two keys, one of which has a blue LED light on it, and its shackle is completely removable when unlocked.

Its only downside is that it’s meant for some serious locking up—it weighs a solid 2.2 pounds and is best used in conjunction with a chain, not cable.

Although it’s technically a U-lock—and U-locks are, technically, padlocks with longer shackles—this thick shackled lock by Brinks is hardy enough to withstand most physical attacks and cutters.

It has a cut strength of up to 11,195 pounds and a pry resistance up to 2,000 pounds, and its seven-pin mechanism makes lockpicking a tough venture. Its steel body is coated to prevent scratching on your bike's surface, and although it’s fairly bulky in size, it’s still lightweight enough to keep handy on your person without weighing you down.

Over 100 users give this a 4.6- out of 5-star average rating, with many commenting on the toughness of the lock and its solid value.

This disc padlock has a super low shackle height that minimizes exposure to twisting physical attacks, making it tougher to break under pressure. It has a four-pin, pick-resistant cylinder for added protection, and it features a grip that helps provide a steadier unlocking process.

Plenty of user reviews say it’s easy to use, super strong, and has a very smooth setup process, during which you can set your own combination code. Best of all, a combination lock means no having to worry about remembering to bring your pair of keys.

If you’re looking for a quick way to lock up your bike and you don’t already have a cable or chain, consider this package from Brinks. This set comes with a keyed padlock and a 4-foot-long cable to tie your bike up to a rack or post.

The four-cylinder steel padlock has a laminated shackle to prevent any damage or scratching on your bike’s frame, in addition to protecting against corrosion caused by the elements. Grab this two-piece set for great savings on a reliable lock-up system.

If you need something inexpensive for brief lock ups on the go, this combination padlock should do the trick. This four-digit lock is easy to read, set, and unlock, thanks to its large print numbers and colored dial, and some reviewers even say it’s highly visible at night. It’s a frequently recommended item for schools and community centers where lockers and bike racks are in abundance.

Over 900 reviewers give this a 4.4- out of 5 star-average rating, though some users say it feels slightly flimsy and won’t hold up well to weather.

Kevin Cortez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, and Runner’s World. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He was most recently the style editor for a leading product-recommendation site and previously covered music and podcasting at Mass Appeal, Genius, and The A.V. Club. His work can also be seen in WSJ, Leafly, Input, and Vulture. He enjoys reading graphic novels, birding, and taking long, meandering walks in his spare time.

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