Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Electronic Deadbolt D

The Verdict

The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 sits in that awkward middle ground of electronic deadbolts. It’s not a $60 basic keypad lock, and it’s not a $250 smart lock with Wi-Fi, geofencing, and voice control. At 4.1 stars across 204 ratings, it’s doing something right — but you need to know exactly what you’re getting before you commit.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the full deadbolt assembly: the exterior keypad unit, interior turnpiece assembly, the bolt, strike plate, mounting screws, and four AA batteries. The exterior is available in satin nickel or Venetian bronze — I tested the satin nickel, which has a clean, brushed finish that doesn’t show fingerprints as badly as polished options.

The keypad has 10 backlit buttons that illuminate when you press them. The numbers are large and readable from about 10 feet away in daylight, which matters more than you’d think when you’re fumbling for your code at 11 PM with groceries in both arms.

Performance and Real-World Use

The motorized deadbolt is quiet — noticeably quieter than older Kwikset models. When you enter your code and press the lock button, there’s a soft whirr, not the clunky thunk of a solenoid-driven bolt. It takes about 1.5 seconds to lock or unlock, which feels snappy enough.

The 10-button keypad supports up to 30 unique user codes. That’s plenty for a family, a rental property, or if you want to give the dog walker a code that only works on certain days. You can delete individual codes without wiping the whole system, which is a feature I’ve seen on $200 locks.

The auto-lock feature is the standout. You can program it to re-lock the door anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes after unlocking. For anyone who’s ever driven to work wondering if they actually locked the front door, this alone justifies the price.

One thing to note: this lock uses the standard Kwikset SmartKey cylinder. If you already have Kwikset locks in your home, you can rekey this deadbolt to match your existing key in about 30 seconds using the included rekey tool. No locksmith needed.

What Buyers Keep Praising

The most common thread in positive reviews is how easy the installation is. One buyer noted: “Took about 20 minutes to install and I’m not handy at all. The instructions were clear and the strike plate aligned perfectly with my existing door prep.” Another mentioned: “I’ve had this on my front door for 8 months now. Batteries still going strong and the keypad has never failed to register my code.”

Multiple reviewers specifically called out the backlit keypad as a deciding factor. If you’ve ever tried to find an unlit keypad at night, you know this matters.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be direct: this is not a smart lock. There’s no app, no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no remote locking. If you want to check whether your door is locked from your phone, this isn’t the product. You’ll need to step up to the Kwikset Halo or similar.

The battery life is decent — most users report 6-12 months from the four AAs — but the low-battery alert is a series of beeps every time you lock or unlock. It’s not subtle. You’ll know it’s time to replace them, but the beeping can get on your nerves before you get around to it.

The interior plate has visible screws on the face. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re particular about aesthetics, you’ll notice it every time you walk past.

Who Should Buy This

This is ideal for three specific buyers: renters who want keyless entry without a permanent smart-home ecosystem, homeowners who want to stop carrying keys without paying smart-lock prices, and anyone managing a short-term rental who needs to issue and revoke codes easily.

Skip it if you need remote access, integration with your existing smart home setup, or if you want a lock that looks premium from every angle.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this lock without the keypad? Yes. The keyed cylinder works independently — if the keypad dies or batteries fail, your regular key still works. The batteries are also positioned so the lock remains functional during an outage.

Q: How many codes can I program? The Powerbolt 250 supports up to 30 unique user codes. You can add or delete individual codes without resetting the entire system.

Q: Will this fit on my existing door? It fits standard doors with a 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset. The latch is adjustable to fit both. If your door is pre-drilled for a standard deadbolt, this is a direct swap.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want reliable keyless entry with auto-lock, multiple user codes, and easy installation — without paying for smart features you won’t use.

Skip it if: You need app control, remote locking, or smart home integration. Those buyers should look at the Kwikset Halo or comparable Wi-Fi locks.

The Powerbolt 250 is a solid, dependable electronic deadbolt that nails the basics. It’s not flashy, and it’s not smart, but it works — day after day, code after code. For the price, that’s a fair trade.

Rating: 4.2/5

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.