5 Best Targus Laptop Locks in 2026
5 current Targus DEFCON laptop locks compared by keying system and slot compatibility, since Targus spans keyed, resettable, and serialized designs.
Comparison Table
| Pick | Product | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall (Resettable Combination) | Targus DEFCON T-Lock Resettable Combo Cable Lock, PA410U | Check price |
| Best Keyed Option | Targus DEFCON T-Lock Keyed Cable Lock, ASP48USX | Check price |
| Best Multi-Format Coverage | Targus DEFCON Ultimate Universal Resettable Combination Lock, ASP96RGLX | Check price |
| Best for Permanent, Non-Resettable Combination | Targus DEFCON T-Lock Serialized Combo Cable Lock, PA410S-1 | Check price |
| Best Budget Trapezoid Slot Option | Targus DEFCON Trapezoid Keyed Cable Lock, ASP65GLX | Check price |
Prices are approximate. Check Amazon for current pricing before purchasing.
Targus's DEFCON lineup spans keyed, resettable combination, permanently serialized, and universal slot-format locks, and these are genuinely different products rather than variations on one design. We mapped the current lineup before ranking rather than treating the Targus brand name as a single compatibility guarantee.
We're comparing this as a distinct brand alternative to the Kensington-dominated picks in our other laptop-lock guides, useful specifically if you want a documented second-source option.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Targus Laptop Lock
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Identify which Targus lock mechanism you actually need
Targus sells keyed, resettable combination, permanently serialized, and universal-format locks as genuinely different products, not variations of one design.
Check whether a base plate or anchor is bundled or separate
The T-Lock resettable and serialized picks include a base plate. The universal-format lock requires a separately purchased anchor accessory.
Confirm your device's slot standard before assuming T-Bar compatibility
The trapezoid mini-slot lock uses a different standard than the four T-Bar-compatible picks in this comparison.
Weigh resettable convenience against serialized recovery
A resettable code lets you change it yourself anytime. A serialized permanent code trades that flexibility for a documented recovery process if forgotten.
Treat any Targus lock here as a deterrent, not theft-proof protection
Even a well-reviewed, slot-matched lock slows down or discourages casual theft, not a guarantee against a determined attacker with cutting tools.
5 Best Targus Laptop Locks in 2026
Targus DEFCON T-Lock Resettable Combo Cable Lock, PA410U
About this pick
The largest confirmed review base in this Targus-specific comparison, with a user-resettable 4-digit code giving 10,000 possible combinations for personalized protection. A 6.5-foot galvanized steel cable resists cutting, and the lock is built for Kensington T-bar slots.
This includes a security base plate with adhesive and screws (PA400P) for desktop or laptop anchoring, a genuinely useful bundled accessory not every pick in this comparison includes. Because you can change the code yourself at any time, this is the most flexible Targus option if you expect to share or reassign the lock.
Best for: Buyers wanting the most-proven Targus lock with a user-resettable code.
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Largest confirmed review base in this Targus comparison
- +Includes a bundled anchor base plate not every pick offers
Cons
- −Combination lock only, no keyed version at this exact price point
- −Standard T-bar slot only
Targus DEFCON T-Lock Keyed Cable Lock, ASP48USX
About this pick
The keyed alternative to the resettable combination lock above, using the same 6-foot galvanized steel cable and T-bar slot compatibility, with two identical backup keys shipped in the box. Choose this over the combination version if you'd rather manage a physical key than remember or reset a code.
With only 15 reviews at time of research, this carries a much thinner track record than the resettable combination pick above, despite the two products otherwise sharing very similar hardware specifications.
Best for: Buyers wanting a Targus-branded keyed lock over combination access.
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Physical key avoids combination guessing or resetting
- +Two identical backup keys included
Cons
- −Much smaller review base than the resettable combination Targus lock
- −Priced above the resettable combination version
Targus DEFCON Ultimate Universal Resettable Combination Lock, ASP96RGLX
About this pick
Targus markets this as compatible with most major lock slot formats, including oversized wedge slots, eliminating the need for interchangeable heads the way Kensington's universal locks require. The user-resettable 4-digit code offers the same 10,000-combination range as the other Targus resettable picks.
This listing had no confirmed review count in our data pull, so weigh Targus's broad compatibility claim against the fact that this specific SKU is unproven. Base plates and cubicle anchors are sold separately rather than bundled, unlike the standard T-Lock resettable pick above.
Best for: Buyers wanting the broadest Targus slot-format coverage, aware this SKU is unproven.
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Broadest claimed slot-format compatibility in this Targus comparison
- +No interchangeable heads needed unlike Kensington's universal locks
Cons
- −No confirmed review count for this specific listing yet
- −Base plate and anchor sold separately, unlike the bundled T-Lock pick
Targus DEFCON T-Lock Serialized Combo Cable Lock, PA410S-1
About this pick
Unlike the resettable T-Lock above, this ships with a permanent preset combination you cannot change, and Targus explicitly documents a secure environment to retrieve a lost combination code by serial number. This trades resettability for a documented recovery path if you forget the fixed code.
Compatible with the same Kensington T-bar slots as the resettable version, with a 6.5-foot galvanized steel cable and the same PA400P security base plate included. Choose this specifically if you want a serialized recovery process over a user-resettable dial.
Best for: Buyers wanting a serialized recovery path over a user-resettable combination.
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Documented serial-number retrieval process if you forget the code
- +Includes the same bundled base plate as the resettable T-Lock
Cons
- −Cannot change the preset combination once received
- −Lower rating and review base than the resettable T-Lock
Targus DEFCON Trapezoid Keyed Cable Lock, ASP65GLX
About this pick
The lowest price of any Targus lock in this comparison, built for the trapezoid mini-slot standard on some newer 2-in-1s and tablets rather than the classic T-Bar slot. Targus is direct about checking your hardware specification first, since this is not the same slot as the T-Lock picks above.
At 3.4 stars this carries the lowest rating in this Targus comparison, backed by only 13 reviews. Weigh the rock-bottom price directly against being the weakest-rated pick in this entire lineup.
Best for: Budget buyers on a confirmed trapezoid mini-slot device, aware of the low rating.
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Lowest price of any Targus lock in this comparison
Cons
- −Lowest rating in this Targus comparison at 3.4 stars
- −Different slot standard than the other four picks here
How We Evaluated These Targus Laptop Locks
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Mapped Targus's current DEFCON lineup before ranking
We separated keyed, resettable combination, permanently serialized, and universal-format products rather than treating the Targus brand as one interchangeable lock type.
Checked which picks include a bundled base plate or anchor
The T-Lock resettable and serialized picks include a PA400P base plate; the universal lock requires a separately purchased anchor. We surfaced that difference directly.
Distinguished resettable from permanently serialized combination mechanisms
These are genuinely different recovery workflows: one lets you change the code yourself, the other requires serial-number-based retrieval for a fixed code.
Flagged the unconfirmed review count on the universal-format pick
We noted explicitly where a listing had no confirmed rating data rather than presenting it as equivalent to the established T-Lock picks.
How to Choose the Right Targus Laptop Locks
By Mechanism Type
| What you want | Recommended Targus pick |
|---|---|
| User-resettable combination, most proven | Targus DEFCON T-Lock Resettable Combo Cable Lock |
| Physical key over a combination dial | Targus DEFCON T-Lock Keyed Cable Lock |
| Broadest slot-format compatibility | Targus DEFCON Ultimate Universal Resettable Combination Lock |
| Permanent code with serial-number recovery | Targus DEFCON T-Lock Serialized Combo Cable Lock |
Bundled Accessories
The resettable and serialized T-Lock picks include the PA400P security base plate for anchoring. The universal-format lock requires a separately purchased base plate or cubicle anchor, a real added cost to factor in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best overall Targus laptop lock?
The Targus DEFCON T-Lock Resettable Combo Cable Lock, for its combination of the largest confirmed review base in this Targus-specific comparison and a bundled anchor base plate.
Is there a keyed Targus option?
Yes, the Targus DEFCON T-Lock Keyed Cable Lock, sharing the same cable and slot compatibility as the resettable version but with a much thinner review history.
What's the difference between resettable and serialized Targus combination locks?
The resettable T-Lock lets you change the code yourself anytime. The serialized T-Lock ships with a permanent code but offers documented serial-number-based recovery if forgotten.
Is there a Targus lock for non-T-Bar slots?
The DEFCON Trapezoid Keyed Cable Lock fits the trapezoid mini-slot on some newer 2-in-1s and tablets, though it carries the lowest rating in this Targus comparison.
Are Targus locks as well-supported as Kensington locks?
Targus locks in this comparison generally carry smaller review bases than the equivalent Kensington picks, though they offer a documented alternative brand at comparable prices.
Bottom Line
best overall: Targus DEFCON T-Lock Resettable Combo Cable Lock, PA410U - best overall (resettable combination) pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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