Best Kensington Laptop Locks in 2019

If you want to secure your device, a lock is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to do so. It creates a deterrent to potential thieves and makes it so someone can't just grab the device and run. No laptop lock is impenetrable, but good ones have sturdy lock heads and thick cables that are difficult to cut through. Kensington has been in the business of locks for decades and has a variety of worthwhile options, but the Kensington Combination Cable lock leads the pack thanks to its ease of use, options when it comes to levels of security, and its affordable price.

Kensington Combination Laptop Lock

Secure but simple

Who should buy a Kensington Combination Laptop Lock

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Anyone who wants to add physical security to their laptop should consider this lock. It's easy to lock and unlock if you have the combination thanks to a design that can be used with only one hand. Its lock head is sturdy and impact resistant and its included cable is cut-resistant.

Is it a good time to buy a Kensington Combination Laptop Lock?

Laptop locks are mostly simple parts like steel and cable coating so they have a long lifespan. It's not unreasonable to expect a lock to last longer than the laptop that it's protecting. While prices can always fluctuate, this combination lock is at an affordable price. Also, this lock design has been out for a few years so the price has stabilized. As a result, it's a good time to buy the lock if you're looking to add security to your device.

Easy to use security

Kensington has been in the device-locking business for decades and has earned a strong reputation. They have partnerships with a number of well-known laptop manufacturers including HP and Lenovo because of their reliability. It works with the T-Bar slot that's become common among laptops from many different brands. While no lock will guarantee your device is 100 percent secure, this Kensington lock will help deter thieves.

Laptop locks are often used at terminals and permanent setups, but smaller ones such as the Kensington Combination Laptop Lock could easily be used on the go, provided that you have something to wrap the cable around. If you take your laptop to an office or public area that people walk by you might want the added peace of mind from locking your device down.

Kensington has been in the device-locking business for decades and has earned a strong reputation.

The T-Bar design that the Kensington Combination Laptop Lock uses is a common lock style among laptops. It's often on the side of the device and if you haven't used a laptop lock before, you could easily confuse it for another port or cut out. It's a nice slot to have on a device and when you're shopping for your next laptop you should be aware of if it has a Kensington Lock Slot.

The important thing when considering this lock is to ensure that it is compatible with your device. Kensington Locks work with a Kensington Lock Slot (also called a T-Bar lock slot) that is common on laptops, especially business laptops. Kensington's website states that their locks are compatible with over 90 percent of all business devices. Most device manufacturers clearly list and advertise that their device has a Kensington Lock Slot because business professionals and security-conscious users want to know that a device can be locked down. If your device doesn't have a Kensington Lock Slot, you'll need to get a mount or attachment that allows you to lock your device.

When it comes to pricing, this Kensington lock is very affordable. You can get the standard version for $19. There's also an ultra version for just over $27 that is more secure due to its extra thick cable.

Alternatives to the Kensington Combination Laptop

There are many options when it comes to Kensington locks and locks from other brands. If you prefer a key over a combination or your device doesn't have a Kensington Lock Slot, there are still ways to secure your device.

Kensington 64068F MicroSaver Keyed Laptop Lock for Business

Under lock and key

Reasons to buy

+
One-hand design
+
Secure
+
Works with popular T-Bar lock slot
+
Has multiple options for levels of security

Reasons to avoid

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Only works with laptops with T-Bar lock slot

This keyed lock is another excellent choice. In fact, if you prefer locks over a combination, then you'll likely prefer this one. It's also from Kensington and features similar design quality when it comes to the cable and lock head.

Bottom line

Adding a lock to your device is fairly simple and affordable. Kensington has a number of good locks, but the Kensington Combination Laptop Lock has a good combination of affordability, security, and ease of use. If your laptop doesn't have a Kensington Lock Slot or you prefer a lock and key over a combination, you have other solid options.

Kensington Combination Laptop Lock

Secure but simple
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.