Feeling secure in your apartment starts with reliable physical barriers. While a standard door lock is essential, adding a secondary security device like a door bar can provide significant peace of mind. These tools act as a powerful deterrent, making forced entry much more difficult and giving you valuable time to react.
For renters, door security bars are an ideal solution because they are typically non-permanent, easy to install, and require no drilling or modification to the door frame. Whether you need to secure a sliding patio door, a standard hinged entry, or want a portable option for travel, there is a style to fit your needs. This roundup highlights ten of the best options available to help you fortify your home.
Our Top Picks for Apartment Door Security Bars
- Ideal Security Sliding Door Security Bar with Childproof Lock
- SABRE Adjustable 2-in-1 Door Security Bar
- Sliding Glass Door Security Bar White Color
- South Main Hardware Adjustable Door Brace Security Bar
- Master Lock Sliding Door Stopper and Door Security Bar
- Buddybar Door Jammer Home Security Door Bar
- Addalock The Original Portable Door Lock
- SECURITYMAN 2-in-1 Door Security Bar with Alarm
- AceMining Upgraded Door Security Bar & Sliding Patio Bar
- SecurityMan Door Jammer Portable Door Lock
Ideal Security Sliding Door Security Bar with Childproof Lock
This specialized bar is designed specifically for sliding patio and glass doors, offering a robust visual deterrent that is clearly visible through the glass. Its key feature is an anti-lift, childproof locking system that prevents the bar from being dislodged from its track, adding a crucial layer of security against tampering.
The bar is highly adjustable, extending from 25.75 to 47.5 inches to fit a wide range of door widths. A unique benefit is the incremental lock adjustment, which allows you to secure the door in a partially open position for ventilation or to accommodate a pet door. When not in use, the rotating bracket lets you store it compactly out of the way.
SABRE Adjustable 2-in-1 Door Security Bar
The SABRE bar provides versatile protection for both standard hinged doors and sliding patio doors. Its heavy-duty, commercial-grade construction uses 20-gauge steel for reliable strength, giving you confidence in its ability to resist forced entry attempts.
This model adjusts from 28.5 to 45 inches in length. The top door knob jammer is easily removable, converting it for use on sliding doors where the range becomes 25 to 41.5 inches. A pivoting ball joint and padded foot ensure full contact with the floor and a strong, scratch-proof grip on various surfaces.
Sliding Glass Door Security Bar White Color
This is a straightforward, no-fuss security bar built for sliding glass doors. Its clean white finish and simple design make it a discreet yet effective addition to your home security setup. The 7/8-inch steel tube provides a sturdy barrier that is still easy to handle and position.
Adjustment is simple, with the bar extending from 23 to 40 inches to fit most standard sliding doors. It uses a steel rod and wide, 1.5-inch diameter rubber ends to lock securely into position against the door frame and the sliding door track, preventing the door from being forced open.
South Main Hardware Adjustable Door Brace Security Bar
Constructed from durable steel, this door brace is built to prevent unwanted forced entry. Its robust design provides a solid physical barricade that reinforces your door, making it significantly harder for an intruder to push their way inside.
Like other versatile models, it features a removable head. This allows you to use it on standard hinged doors with the knob jammer in place, or quickly convert it for use as a sliding door stopper by taking the top piece off. This flexibility makes it a practical choice for securing different entry points in an apartment.
Master Lock Sliding Door Stopper and Door Security Bar
Master Lock brings its security expertise to a portable door bar with a clever folding design. This feature makes it exceptionally compact for storage in a closet or for packing in a suitcase, ideal for apartment dwellers who travel frequently.
It functions as a dual-purpose bar for both hinged and sliding doors, adjusting from 25.5 to 43.5 inches. A flexible handle strap makes it easy to carry and provides a secure loop for hanging when not in use. It’s a space-saving solution that doesn’t compromise on the sturdy barrier it creates.
Buddybar Door Jammer Home Security Door Bar
The Buddybar is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. It has been independently tested to withstand up to 2,560 pounds of force, offering one of the highest levels of protection available in a portable door bar. It’s constructed entirely from powder-coated steel with no plastic parts.
Weighing 8.2 pounds, its heft contributes to its security performance. This bar is built for those who prioritize maximum defensive capability for their home, apartment, or dorm room. Its simple, solid design is made to last and provide reliable security for years.
Addalock The Original Portable Door Lock
The Addalock takes a different approach, functioning as a portable door latch lock rather than a floor bar. It installs directly into the strike plate of an inward-swinging door in seconds, with no tools required, reinforcing the existing lock mechanism.
Its compact, single-piece design makes it a perfect travel companion for hotels, AirBnBs, and dorm rooms. It adds a substantial layer of privacy and security by preventing the door from being opened even if the existing lock is compromised or a key is used. It works on most standard inward-swinging doors.
SECURITYMAN 2-in-1 Door Security Bar with Alarm
This product combines physical security with an audible alert system. It functions as a sturdy door bar made from rugged iron, rated for 400 pounds of force, while also featuring a powerful 120db alarm attachment with a sensitive vibration sensor.
If an intruder attempts to force the door, the alarm will sound, alerting you and potentially scaring off the threat. It includes interchangeable caps for use on both hinged doors and sliding doors or windows. The angled rubber bottom provides a strong, scratch-proof grip on the floor.
AceMining Upgraded Door Security Bar & Sliding Patio Bar
AceMining offers a versatile 2-in-1 security bar designed for ease of use. It features a distinctive lever mechanism that allows for quick deployment and adjustment, helping you secure your space rapidly. The bar is lightweight at 2.2 pounds, making it portable for travel.
The adjustment range is generous, from 21 to 46 inches, accommodating many door types. Its three-stage structure is simple to set up, providing a sturdy barricade for your home, apartment, or hotel room. The design emphasizes a fast setup to strengthen your defense when needed.
SecurityMan Door Jammer Portable Door Lock
This portable door lock offers a compact and tool-free security solution similar to the Addalock. It is designed to reinforce inward-swinging doors by securing directly into the strike plate, preventing the latch from being retracted even if the door handle is turned or the lock is picked.
Its small size makes it easy to pack in a bag, providing instant security and privacy in temporary lodgings like hotels, motels, or rental apartments. It’s a simple device that can significantly increase your sense of safety while away from home or in a new residence.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Door Security Bar
When I started looking for the best door security bars for apartments, I realized there’s more to it than just picking the first one I saw. The right choice depends on your specific door, your living situation, and how much security you really need. Let me walk you through the key things I learned to consider.
First, check your door type and swing direction. This is the most important step. Most security bars are designed for inward-opening doors (the door swings into your apartment). If your door opens outward, you’ll need a totally different solution, like a hinge-side lock. Also, look at the floor surface in front of the door. Many bars require a non-slip foot that grips carpet, while others need a solid, flat surface like tile or hardwood to work effectively. Measuring the space between your door handle and the floor is crucial to ensure the bar will fit properly.
Next, think about material and adjustability. You want a bar made of strong, durable steel. The adjustability range is key—it should fit snugly without having to be forced into place. A bar that’s too long or too short is useless. Some models offer a wide range of length adjustments, which is perfect if you might move or want to use it on different doors in your home.
I also considered portability and installation. A major plus of these bars is that they require no tools or permanent installation, which is ideal for renters. But some are bulkier and heavier than others. If you plan to travel with it or store it away during the day, a lighter, more compact design might be better. Look at the locking mechanism too. A simple, one-handed operation is great for quick use, but make sure it feels secure and doesn’t accidentally release.
Finally, don’t forget about extra features. Some bars come with integrated alarms that sound if significant force is applied, adding an auditory deterrent. Others have padded ends to protect your door and floor from scratches. Reading reviews from other apartment dwellers gave me the best insight into how these products hold up in real-world situations, beyond just the marketing specs. Taking these factors into account will help you find a bar that makes you feel safer in your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are door security bars really effective?
Yes, when used correctly on an inward-opening door, they are a very effective secondary layer of security. They work on the principle of bracing, physically preventing the door from being opened even if the deadbolt is compromised. They act as a powerful deterrent by adding a significant obstacle that makes forced entry much louder, slower, and more difficult. For apartments, they are one of the simplest and most reliable tools you can add to your safety plan.
Will a security bar damage my apartment door or floor?
Most well-designed bars have rubber or non-slip padded ends specifically to prevent damage. The foot that rests on the floor should have a grippy surface for carpet or a soft pad for hard floors. The top that hooks under the doorknob is usually also padded. It’s always a good idea to check the bar’s fit and placement before applying full pressure. As a renter myself, I look for models that specifically advertise being non-marring.
Can I use a security bar on an outward-opening door?
Standard floor-jamb bars will not work on outward-opening doors (doors that swing toward the hallway). For those, you need a completely different type of device, such as a security bar that braces against the door handle and the door frame’s hinge side, or a heavy-duty door wedge. Always confirm your door’s swing direction before buying.
How do I choose the right size?
You need to measure the vertical distance from your floor to the point on the door where the bar will sit (typically just under the doorknob). Most security bars are highly adjustable within a range (e.g., 28 to 42 inches). Ensure the bar you choose has an adjustment range where your measurement falls comfortably in the middle, not at the very maximum or minimum, to ensure a tight, secure fit.
Are these bars easy to set up and use daily?
Extremely easy. That’s one of their biggest advantages. There’s no installation; you simply place the bar at the correct angle under the doorknob and adjust the length until it’s wedged firmly between the floor and the door. It takes seconds to put in place or remove. This makes them practical for everyday use at night or when you’re home alone, without any permanent alteration to your apartment.