Last updated: April 2026. Prices and ratings reflect what was available at the time of writing and may have changed.
There’s a moment every parent remembers. Your kid starts crawling, and within approximately 45 seconds, they’ve made a beeline for the one cabinet in the kitchen you really wish they hadn’t — the one under the sink with the cleaning supplies. You grab them, redirect them to a toy, and they’re back at that cabinet door before you’ve even stood up.
That’s when you start shopping for cabinet locks. And if you’ve spent any time looking, you’ve seen the options: ugly plastic strap locks that stick out like a sore thumb, slide locks that only work on double-door cabinets, and those old-school latches that require drilling holes into your cabinetry. None of them are great.
Magnetic cabinet locks are the move. They install inside the cabinet — completely invisible from the outside — and unlock with a small magnetic key that you wave over the door. No straps, no drilling, no damage to your cabinets, and your kitchen still looks like adults live there. I installed 20 of these in one afternoon while my kid napped. That might be the most productive nap he’s ever taken — for me, anyway.
If you’re looking for the best magnetic cabinet locks for baby proofing, here’s what’s actually worth buying in 2026.
Best Overall: Eco-Baby Magnetic Cabinet Locks (12-Pack)
Price: ~$30 | Pack size: 12 locks, 2 keys | Rating: 4.4★ on Amazon
Eco-Baby is a small, family-owned brand started by a military family after they had their first daughter. That’s a nice story, but what matters is whether their locks actually work. They do.
What sets Eco-Baby apart from the pack is the adhesive. They use TESA tape instead of standard 3M, and in practice, it holds noticeably stronger. The kit includes 12 locks, 2 magnetic keys, an installation cradle (which makes alignment way easier), and extra adhesive strips in case you mess up or want to reposition later. That last detail matters more than you’d think — your first install is rarely perfect.
The locks work on cabinets and drawers up to 2 inches thick, which covers basically every standard kitchen and bathroom setup. They’ve got the on/off switch so you can disable the lock when the kids aren’t around, which saves you from fumbling with the magnetic key every time you need a pot.
Why I’d pick this one: Best adhesive quality, includes extra strips, and 12 locks is the sweet spot for most homes. You’ll cover your kitchen and still have a few left for the bathroom.
Best Value: Vmaisi Magnetic Cabinet Locks (20-Pack)
Price: ~$25 | Pack size: 20 locks, 2 keys | Rating: 4.3★ on Amazon
Vmaisi is the Amazon best-seller in this category, and there’s a reason for that: 20 locks for about $25 is hard to beat on a per-lock basis. That’s roughly $1.25 per lock, compared to $2.50 per lock with most 12-packs.
The magnets are strong — they work through doors up to 2 inches thick and hold firm even when your toddler is giving the cabinet the full-body yank treatment. Installation is straightforward with the included template, and each lock has the flip switch to disable it when you don’t need it locked.
The one downside compared to Eco-Baby is the adhesive. Vmaisi uses standard 3M tape, which is perfectly fine for most surfaces, but you’ll want to make sure you clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before installing. If you skip that step, you’ll be reinstalling within a week. That’s not a Vmaisi problem — it’s an adhesive-on-a-dirty-surface problem. But it’s worth mentioning.
You can also buy extra magnetic keys separately on Amazon, which is a nice safety net for the inevitable day you lose one.
Why I’d pick this one: If you have a big house or just want to lock everything down in one order, 20 locks for $25 is the best deal out there. Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room — done.
Best for Peace of Mind: Norjews Magnetic Cabinet Locks (20-Pack)
Price: ~$22–25 | Pack size: 20 locks, 3 keys | Rating: 4.3★ on Amazon
Here’s something you won’t think about until it’s too late: the number one complaint about magnetic cabinet locks isn’t that they don’t work. It’s that people lose the key.
You’ve got one key, it’s small, and it ends up in a junk drawer or under the couch or in your toddler’s shoe (don’t ask). And now you can’t open your own cabinets. Norjews solves this by including three keys instead of the standard two. It sounds like a small thing, but when you’ve been locked out of your own kitchen at 6 AM because you can’t find the magnetic key, that third spare feels like a lifeline.
Beyond the extra key, Norjews is a solid performer. 20 locks in the pack, photographic step-by-step instructions (with a video guide), and an installation cradle. The magnets work through doors up to 35mm (about 1.4 inches), which is slightly less than Eco-Baby and Vmaisi’s 2-inch rating. For standard kitchen cabinets, that’s fine. For unusually thick custom cabinetry, double-check your measurements first.
Why I’d pick this one: Three keys and a video installation guide make this the least stressful option. If you’re a first-time parent figuring this out at midnight, Norjews has your back.
Best Brand Name: Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System (8-Pack)
Price: ~$25 | Pack size: 8 locks, 2 keys | Rating: 4.3★ on Amazon
Safety 1st is the name your parents probably used when they baby-proofed for you. They’ve been making child safety products for decades, and their magnetic locks reflect that experience.
The standout feature is the SecureTech locking indicator — a small visual cue that confirms the lock is properly engaged. With other brands, you kind of just trust that it’s locked. With Safety 1st, you can see it. It’s a small detail, but if you’re the type of person who double-checks that the front door is locked before bed, you’ll appreciate it.
They also include a yellow alignment template that takes the guesswork out of installation. Line it up, mark your spots, stick the pieces down. It’s the most foolproof installation process of any lock on this list.
The downside is the pack size. Eight locks for $25 means you’re paying about $3.12 per lock, which is more than double the Vmaisi per-lock cost. If you need to cover a whole house, you’ll need to buy two packs. But if you only need to secure a handful of cabinets and you want the confidence of a trusted brand, Safety 1st delivers.
Why I’d pick this one: If you want the name-brand assurance and the locking indicator gives you peace of mind, Safety 1st is the premium pick. Just know you’re paying more per lock.
Best Starter Pack: Jambini Magnetic Cabinet Locks (4-Pack)
Price: ~$15 | Pack size: 4 locks, 1 key | Rating: 4.4★ on Amazon
Maybe you’re not ready to commit to 20 locks. Maybe you just need to secure the cabinet under the sink and the one with the liquor in it. Or maybe you want to try magnetic locks before going all-in. That’s exactly what Jambini is for.
Four locks and one key for about $15. It’s a no-pressure entry point. The locks themselves use neodymium magnets (the strong kind — these are rated to last over 100 years without losing strength, which is way longer than your kid will be opening cabinets). They’ve got the same flip switch to disable the lock, and the 3M adhesive holds solid.
The only real downside is that you only get one key. If you lose it, you’re ordering a replacement and waiting for delivery while your cabinets hold your snacks hostage. If you go with Jambini, I’d recommend buying an extra key pack alongside it. Lesson learned.
Why I’d pick this one: Perfect for a first try or a small project. Four locks covers the essentials — cleaning supplies, medicine cabinet, and that one drawer your kid is obsessed with.
How to Install Best Magnetic Cabinet Locks (The Right Way)
Installation is easy, but there are a few things that make the difference between locks that stay put for years and locks that fall off in a week. Here’s the process:
Step 1: Clean the surface. This is the step everyone skips, and it’s the reason most negative Amazon reviews exist. Wipe the inside of the cabinet door with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. If there’s any grease, dust, or residue, the adhesive won’t hold. Two minutes of prep saves you a reinstall.
Step 2: Use the template. Every brand on this list includes an alignment template or installation cradle. Use it. Eyeballing the placement means your latch and lock won’t line up, and a misaligned lock is a lock that doesn’t work.
Step 3: Press and hold. After placing each piece, press firmly for 30 seconds. The adhesive needs initial pressure to bond properly. Don’t just slap it on and move to the next one.
Step 4: Wait 24 hours. I know. You want to test it immediately. But adhesive needs time to cure. Wait a full day before pulling on it. If you test it too early and it pops off, you’ll think the product is defective when really you just didn’t give the tape enough time.
Pro tip: Check for metal inside your cabinet doors before installing. Screws, staples, or nails hidden inside the door can interfere with the magnetic mechanism. Most brands mention this in the instructions, but most people don’t read the instructions. Move the lock around the inside of the door with it in the locked position — if it doesn’t click into place somewhere, there’s probably metal nearby. Just shift the placement an inch or two.
Magnetic Locks vs. Strap Locks vs. Slide Locks
Magnetic locks are the best option for most cabinets and drawers, but they’re not the only game in town.
If you’re comparing the best magnetic cabinet locks to other types, here’s how they stack upHere’s how they compare:
Magnetic locks install inside the cabinet, completely invisible from outside. They’re the most secure and best-looking option. The trade-off is you need a key to open them, and if you lose the key, you’re locked out of your own stuff.
Strap locks are flexible adhesive straps that wrap around cabinet knobs or handles. They’re more versatile — you can use them on fridges, ovens, toilet seats, and appliances that magnetic locks can’t handle. But they’re visible from the outside and determined toddlers sometimes figure them out.
Slide locks are U-shaped pieces that slide over two side-by-side knobs to lock them together. Dead simple, no adhesive, no tools. But they only work on double-door cabinets with knobs — they won’t work on drawers, single doors, or handle-less cabinets.
For most parents, magnetic locks handle 80-90% of the job. Add a few strap locks for the fridge and oven, and you’re covered.
FAQ
Can a toddler figure out magnetic cabinet locks?
Very unlikely. The lock mechanism is completely hidden inside the cabinet, so there’s nothing for them to see, press, or pull. Unlike strap locks where kids can watch you unlatch them and eventually mimic the motion, magnetic locks give them nothing to work with. The door just doesn’t open.
What happens if I lose the magnetic key?
First, don’t panic. Any strong neodymium magnet can open most magnetic cabinet locks in a pinch. You can also order replacement keys on Amazon from most brands — they’re universal across brands, so a Vmaisi key will open Eco-Baby locks and vice versa. Pro tip: stick one key to the side of your fridge with the included adhesive holder. That’s your backup.
Do magnetic cabinet locks work on metal cabinets?
No. Magnetic locks don’t work on metal doors or drawers because the metal interferes with the magnetic mechanism. If you have metal cabinets, strap locks are your best bet.
How do I remove magnetic locks without damaging my cabinets?
Heat the adhesive with a hair dryer for 30-60 seconds, then gently peel it off. Any residue comes off with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone. If you go slow, there should be zero damage to the finish.
How many magnetic locks do I need?
Count every cabinet and drawer that’s within your child’s reach and contains anything you don’t want them accessing. For most homes, that’s 10-20 of one of these best magnetic cabinet locks. The kitchen alone usually needs 8-12. Buy more than you think you need — you’ll find cabinets you forgot about once your kid starts exploring.
If you’re in full baby-proofing mode, check out our picks for the best non-WiFi baby monitor too — same idea, keeping your kid safe without overcomplicating it.
Baby proofing your cabinets isn’t glamorous. Nobody’s posting their magnetic lock installation on Instagram. But it’s one of those things where spending $25-30 now saves you from a genuinely scary moment later — the kind where your kid gets into something under the sink before you can cross the kitchen.
Any of the locks on this list will do the job. If you want the best adhesive, go Eco-Baby. If you want the most locks for your money, go Vmaisi. If you’re terrified of losing the key, go Norjews. And if you just need to lock down a few critical spots before your kid figures out how to crawl, Jambini’s 4-pack will buy you time.
Install them during nap time. You’ll thank yourself later.