There’s something reassuring about the clunk of a traditional padlock, but in today’s world it no longer feels enough.
Keys get lost, combinations are forgotten and cheap locks can be prised open in seconds. Biometric padlocks have changed the game. By using your fingerprint as the key, they offer a level of convenience and security that’s hard to beat. No rummaging in pockets, no fumbling with tiny keys at night - just a quick touch and you’re in.
It’s not just about ease. These locks bring serious upgrades in build quality and durability. Many are made from hardened alloys or boron steel, materials that resist cutting and sawing, and are tested to withstand the sort of battering a shed, gate or gym locker might face.
Weatherproofing is another standout. Good biometric padlocks come with IP ratings that protect against rain, dust and even submersion, making them reliable for outdoor use year-round.
So where do they shine? Garden gates, bike sheds, storage units, lockers, toolboxes and luggage. Anywhere you want quick access without compromising security. They’re also brilliant for shared access - most allow multiple fingerprints to be stored, so family, flatmates or colleagues can all be added without handing round spare keys.
When choosing one, look beyond the sensor itself. Battery life is crucial - the best models last months, if not a full year, on a single charge, and some include low-battery indicators or emergency USB jump-starts. Materials matter too: zinc alloy or boron steel offer far more protection than lightweight aluminium.
Extra features like Bluetooth connectivity, backup PINs or keys, and companion apps can also add flexibility.
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ABUS Touch 57/45 Fingerprint Padlock
You’ll love the ABUS Touch 57/45 if you want a padlock that feels truly modern without skimping on toughness. You unlock it with a fingerprint - up to 20 different prints stored - via a 360°-sensor, so orientation doesn’t matter.
The body is made from zinc die-cast with a hardened steel, Nano-Protect shackle; it’s weather-resistant to IP66, meaning it withstands rain, dust and most of the UK’s damp horrors without rusting.
You power it by a CR2 battery, and it’s built so that replacing the battery doesn’t wipe your fingerprints. The shackle clearance and dimensions are generous enough for shed doors, lockers or even bikes. If you prize convenience but demand reliability under real British-weather conditions, this is a top pick.
Buy now £35.00, Amazon
Master Lock 4901EURDLHCC Heavy Duty Biometric Padlock
The Master Lock 4901EURDLHCC sits among the top biometric padlocks because it feels like the sort of lock you invest in once and essentially forget about, yet always trust.
You use your finger as the key (up to 10 prints stored), but there’s a backup directional keypad in case muddy fingers or cold mornings intervene. The body is zinc, the shackle made from boron-alloy, giving serious resistance to cutting, sawing or lever attacks.
A thermoplastic elastomer coating and a two-piece weather cover protect it outdoors, performing from -20 °C up to +65 °C. Light indicators flag things like low battery. All that makes it ideal for gates, sheds - or anything exposed to the elements where you still want top-tier security.
Buy now £129.67, Amazon
eLinkSmart Gym Locker Padlock
If you’re after something that balances portability and modern control, the eLinkSmart Gym Locker Padlock delivers.
It’s compact enough for lockers or gates, yet built with a zinc alloy body and stainless steel shackle that endure regular wear. What sets it apart is its “always-on standby” usability - once fully charged via USB-C, you get around 2,000 uses and about six months standby time.
You also get a companion app, so you can unlock via your phone or monitor access logs - handy when you share a gym locker or need to let someone else in. Waterproof rating is IP67, meaning it's resilient under rain or even light immersion, which makes it a top choice if your padlock is going outdoors or under damp conditions.
Buy now £33.99, Amazon
igloohome Smart Combination Padlock
If you treat your outdoor gear, gate or shared space like an investment, the igloohome Padlock 2 is built to deliver strength and longevity. The body is rugged: zinc alloy, hardened steel shackle, rubber bumpers, withstanding shock, salt spray and temperatures from −20 °C up to +50 °C.
Its weatherproof rating is IPX7, and one full charge gives you about nine months of regular life - plus it features a USB-C jump-start port, so you're never stranded. It works via Bluetooth or PIN codes, and the app gives you remote control & audit-logs - handy if multiple people need access. While heavier and pricier than simpler models, it more than justifies that if you need serious resilience.
Buy now £159.99, Amazon
Prezlock Smart Fingerprint Padlock with Key
If you want more flexibility with your lock - something that works indoors, outdoors, for shared use - the Prezlock Smart Fingerprint Padlock gives you breadth as well as strength.
It supports 100 fingerprints, so everyone from family or teammates can be registered. It features a hardened boron steel shackle and metal-alloy casing that resists cutting and brute force. Recharging via USB-C lasts for many months between charges, and in testing the response time feels instantaneous once the print is registered.
You also get backup key access - useful should you ever misplace your phone or forget a code. For versatility and heavy-use situations, it’s a very strong contender.
Buy now £69.00, Amazon
WELOCK Touch63 Fingerprint Door Lock Cylinder
This unit replaces your existing euro cylinder (fits standard doors 50-100mm thick) and gives you a wealth of unlocking options - fingerprint (up to 100 users and 3 administrators), smart card, mobile app via Bluetooth, emergency USB key, voice control through Alexa (with the optional WiFiBox3), and even remote access.
The fingerprint sensor is fast, recognising you in 0.3 seconds and unlocking in about 1 second. It’s rugged too: IP65 rated, temperature tolerant from −25°C to 60°C, plus solid electrical protection. If keys are a constant bother or you share your home with many people, this feels like the kind of upgrade you’ll use every day and be glad you have.
Buy now £194.00, WeLock
Instinct Waterproof Fingerprint Padlock
On a tighter budget but still want decent specs? This Instinct Waterproof Fingerprint Padlock punches well above its price. The shell is zinc alloy, scratch-resistant, and rated IP65 for water and dust - practical for travel, backpacks or gym bags.
It stores up to 12 fingerprints, and its unlock speed is impressively quick (about a second) once it’s been set up properly. Battery life is solid: one charge supports roughly 3,000 unlocks, which means you won’t have to worry about charging it constantly.
Some find it a little fiddly to get the fingerprint registered first time, especially with bigger or wetter fingers, but once it’s set, it works reliably. At its price point, it’s one of the most accessible “good enough for everyday” options.
Buy now £17.00, Instinct
Lexuma XLock TSA Fingerprint Padlock
You need something to guard your travel gear that meets airline expectations - and the Lexuma XLock delivers.
It’s fully TSA-approved, so airport security can open it if needed without damaging anything. It holds up to 20 fingerprints, works in any orientation (360° sensor), and has a waterproof rubber seal plus IP54 rating so it won’t suffer from rain or bag-sweat.
You’ll also appreciate the LED assist for low-light unlocking and its operational range of -10°C to 50°C. At its size (67×36.5×18.2 mm), it strikes a balance: secure, travel-friendly and built to withstand jostling in a suitcase or daypack. For frequent flyers, this one is a smart move.
Buy now £44.00, GadgetiCloud
The Range Fingerprint Padlock - Black
This one’s for you if you want a no-frills, decent security padlock without pushing your budget hard. The Range’s model combines a zinc-alloy body with a stainless steel shackle, giving solid resistance to cutting while staying lightweight.
It recognises up to 10 fingerprints, so you can share access without fuss, and the unlock response is impressively quick - about a second. The built-in rechargeable battery offers roughly three months of standby time, and can handle over 1,000 unlocks between charges.
Because it’s IP-rating modest (dust/splash protection rather than full immersion), it’s best for gym lockers, backpacks or sheds under cover. If you want something reliable, affordable, and practical for everyday use, this hits the sweet spot.
Buy now £16.99, The Range
Asec 40mm Fingerprint Padlock
The Asec 40mm Fingerprint Padlock (AS12092) offers a neat balance of portability and strength.
Built with a zinc alloy body and steel shackle, it’s sturdy without being bulky, making it a practical choice for lockers, cupboards or garden sheds. It stores up to 10 fingerprints and unlocks in just half a second, so access feels seamless.
With an IP65 weather rating, it stands up to rain and dust, while the rechargeable 260 mAh battery gives months of use between charges via USB. There’s no key override, but if you want affordable, everyday security with dependable performance, this is a strong choice.
Buy now £52.60, Lock and Key Shop
Verdict
The ABUS Touch 57/45 nails the balance between modern convenience and rugged reliability. Its fingerprint sensor works at any angle, it shrugs off British rain with IP66 weatherproofing, and the zinc die-cast body is built to last. Secure, smart and hassle-free, it’s the best biometric padlock around.
