The Best Padlocks for 2025

What are the best padlocks money can buy?

We keep getting asked what "we would choose if you were me" or "what is the best padlock"?

As such we felt a top 3 list, selected by our technical director would be a good idea. They're not the cheapest but the best in terms of quality, strangth and value. This list is continually being reviewed and updated as manufacturers bring new products to the market! If you disagree with our choices, we'd be very keen to hear what you think!

Top 3 General Purpose Padlocks

As a starting point here are three kinds of low security, general purpose padlocks which are relatively low cost but exceptional value and strong for their size! The laminated Eterna locks are still made in Germany and offer exceptional value, whilst the new Silver Rock are very impressive. Finally the 145 combination locks by ABUS are expensive but just lovely!

ABUS 145 Series Coloured Combination Padlocks
From £11.21 (£9.34 ex VAT)
From £11.21 (£9.34 ex VAT)
ABUS 41 Series Eterna Laminated Padlock
From £10.10 (£8.41 ex VAT)
From £10.10 (£8.41 ex VAT)
ABUS Silver Rock Padlock
From £15.84 (£13.20 ex VAT)
From £15.84 (£13.20 ex VAT)
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Top 3 Closed Shackle Padlocks

ABUS 158CS Series Large Closed Shackle Combination Padlock
From £24.32 (£20.26 ex VAT)
From £24.32 (£20.26 ex VAT)
ABUS 37RK Series Closed Shackle Granit Plus Padlock
From £167.73 (£139.77 ex VAT)
From £167.73 (£139.77 ex VAT)
ABUS 83WPCS/53 Closed Shackle Extreme Padlock
From £70.69 (£58.90 ex VAT)
From £70.69 (£58.90 ex VAT)
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Top 3 Weatherproof Padlocks

Shield Chrome Marine Combination Padlock
From £22.31 (£18.59 ex VAT)
From £22.31 (£18.59 ex VAT)
ABUS 70IB Series Expedition Weatherproof Padlock
From £15.98 (£13.31 ex VAT)
From £15.98 (£13.31 ex VAT)
ABUS Extreme Submariner Padlock
From £67.45 (£56.20 ex VAT)
From £67.45 (£56.20 ex VAT)
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Top 3 High Security Padlocks

ABUS Rock 83CS Closed Shackle Padlock
From £87.43 (£72.85 ex VAT)
From £87.43 (£72.85 ex VAT)
ABUS 37RK Series High Security Padlocks
From £142.15 (£118.45 ex VAT)
From £142.15 (£118.45 ex VAT)
Abloy PL203 Padlock Locking Plate
£89.46 (£74.55 ex VAT)
£89.46 (£74.55 ex VAT)
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Top 3 Combination Padlocks

Squire Heavy Duty Combination Padlock
From £17.46 (£14.55 ex VAT)
From £17.46 (£14.55 ex VAT)
ABUS 158 Series Large Combination Padlock
From £24.35 (£20.29 ex VAT)
From £24.35 (£20.29 ex VAT)
Shield Heavy Duty Brass Combination Padlock
£17.54 (£14.61 ex VAT)
£17.54 (£14.61 ex VAT)
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FAQs

Tim Good did. He is the technical director and decided these were his favourites. Not because they have the highest profit margin but because they are all-round good locks which cause us the least issues in terms of reliability. Tim works with the manufacturers closely and has seen how they are built and which are made using quality materials.

We would probably say that you should try and choose a "closed shackle padlock" if it will fit. That would be our number 1 recommendation. Why? Well we have conducted many tests and always closed shackle locks tend to win over standard types. However, closed shackle locks are tightly fitting which means you have to get the dimensions just right. Look here how this discus lock is tightly fitting compared to the standard "open shackle lock" next to it!

You'd never get a saw or bolt cutters on that discus padlock which is also classified as "closed shackle". In this photo it means you'd either have to attacked the large sliding bolt or the padlock body. Neither of which is going to be an easy job for a thief! The brass "open shackle" lock however was no problem for bolt cutters.