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Locksmiths · Charleston, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Locksmiths in Charleston, SC

Charleston residents deserve reliable locksmith services. We've ranked the best to help you secure your home or vehicle with confidence.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceLocksmith Express
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Charleston-metro locksmiths businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Locksmith services are essential for maintaining security in Charleston, whether you’re locked out of your car or need to upgrade your home’s locks. With a growing population and a vibrant city life, reliable locksmiths are more important than ever to ensure peace of mind.

We evaluated ten locksmith businesses in the Charleston metro area based on their customer ratings and review counts. Our rankings reflect the most trusted services available, ensuring you can make a well-informed choice when you need assistance.

10locksmiths evaluated in Charleston
4.86average rating across the field
4.9Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does locksmiths cost in Charleston? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Locksmith Express

★★★★★5.0(598 reviews)

Locksmith Express boasts an impressive 5 rating from 598 reviews.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
95Score

Charleston Locksmith

★★★★★4.9(2,517 reviews)

With a stellar 4.9 rating from 2,517 reviews, Charleston Locksmith is a well-established choice.

Read full review
Top Pick
94Score

City Locksmith Charleston

★★★★★5.0(212 reviews)

City Locksmith Charleston has received a 5 rating from 212 reviews, highlighting their reliability and expertise.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Locksmith Express
Locksmith Express
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
598Emergency lockout services
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
2,517Residential and commercial locksmith services
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
212Rekeying and lock installations
4
93Score
5.0★★★★★
211Car key replacement
5
91Score
4.8★★★★★
406Affordable emergency lockouts
6
89Score
4.8★★★★★
335General locksmith services
7
88Score
4.9★★★★★
109Residential locksmith services
8
86Score
4.7★★★★★
351On-the-go locksmith services
9
82Score
5.0★★★★★
20Quick emergency locksmith services
10
78Score
4.5★★★★★
107Safe installation and services
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 locksmiths.

To create this ranking, we analyzed customer feedback, focusing on both the number of reviews and the average ratings for each locksmith service. Our selection process is transparent, with no business paying for placement in our rankings.

We refresh our evaluations monthly to ensure you have the latest information, so you can always find a reputable locksmith when you need one. Last updated June 13, 2026.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Locksmith Express

★★★★★5.0(598 reviews)
96Score

Locksmith Express boasts an impressive 5 rating from 598 reviews. Customers praise their rapid response times and friendly technicians. This service is best for quick lockout assistance and emergency needs. However, they may not offer as many specialty services compared to larger companies. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is emergency lockout services. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $75 to $150 for emergency services pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited specialty services and availability may vary.

Pros

  • Fast response times
  • Highly rated customer service
  • Affordable emergency services

Cons

  • Limited specialty services
  • Availability may vary
Best forEmergency lockout services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$75 to $150 for emergency services
2
Most Reviewed

Charleston Locksmith

★★★★★4.9(2,517 reviews)
95Score

With a stellar 4.9 rating from 2,517 reviews, Charleston Locksmith is a well-established choice. Customers rave about their professionalism and the range of services offered, making them ideal for both residential and commercial needs. One downside is that wait times can be longer during peak hours due to their popularity.

Pros

  • Wide range of services
  • Highly professional staff
  • Excellent customer feedback

Cons

  • Longer wait times during busy periods
  • Potentially higher costs
Best forResidential and commercial locksmith services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $300 for lock installations
3

City Locksmith Charleston

★★★★★5.0(212 reviews)
94Score

City Locksmith Charleston has received a 5 rating from 212 reviews, highlighting their reliability and expertise. Customers appreciate their attention to detail and efficient service, making them a great choice for rekeying and lock installation. However, their review base is smaller, making them a promising but unproven option for some.

Pros

  • Reliable service
  • Attention to detail
  • Good for rekeying

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited operating hours
Best forRekeying and lock installations
Service areaCharleston and nearby areas
Typical pricing$50 to $150 for rekeying
4

The Key Man - Car Key Replacement

★★★★★5.0(211 reviews)
93Score

The Key Man specializes in car key replacements, earning a perfect 5 rating from 211 reviews. Customers commend their efficiency and expertise in dealing with various car models. They are best for anyone needing quick automotive locksmith services, though they may not cover residential needs. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is car key replacement. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $75 to $150 for car key replacements pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited to automotive services and not ideal for home lock issues.

Pros

  • Expert in car key replacement
  • Quick service
  • Good customer service

Cons

  • Limited to automotive services
  • Not ideal for home lock issues
Best forCar key replacement
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$75 to $150 for car key replacements
5

Pop-A-Lock

★★★★★4.8(406 reviews)
91Score

Pop-A-Lock stands out with a 4.8 rating from 406 reviews, praised for their affordability and quick service. They are well-known for their emergency lockout services. However, their technicians may sometimes be less experienced than those from higher-rated competitors. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is affordable emergency lockouts. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $75 to $125 for emergency services pricing, and the honest trade-offs are variable technician experience and limited service range.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Fast response
  • Good for emergency services

Cons

  • Variable technician experience
  • Limited service range
Best forAffordable emergency lockouts
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$75 to $125 for emergency services
6

Fast Locksmith Charleston

★★★★★4.8(335 reviews)
89Score

Fast Locksmith Charleston offers a solid 4.8 rating from 335 reviews, with a reputation for timely service and customer satisfaction. They are a good option for general locksmith needs. However, some customers have reported inconsistencies in service quality, which may be a concern for first-time users. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is general locksmith services. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $75 to $200 depending on services pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistencies in service quality and mixed reviews on pricing.

Pros

  • Timely service
  • Good customer satisfaction
  • Versatile locksmith services

Cons

  • Inconsistencies in service quality
  • Mixed reviews on pricing
Best forGeneral locksmith services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$75 to $200 depending on services
7

King Locksmith Charleston

★★★★★4.9(109 reviews)
88Score

King Locksmith Charleston has a 4.9 rating from 109 reviews, highlighting their friendly service and quick response times. They are best for residential lock needs. However, their smaller review base means they are a promising but untested option for some customers. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is residential locksmith services. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $100 to $250 for residential services pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited commercial services.

Pros

  • Friendly service
  • Quick response
  • Good for residential needs

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited commercial services
Best forResidential locksmith services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $250 for residential services
8

Mobile Locksmith Charleston

★★★★★4.7(351 reviews)
86Score

Mobile Locksmith Charleston has earned a 4.7 rating from 351 reviews, noted for their convenience and on-the-go service. They are ideal for those needing quick assistance away from home. However, their focus on mobility can limit the range of services offered. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is on-the-go locksmith services. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $100 to $200 for mobile services pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited service range and higher prices for mobile service.

Pros

  • Convenient mobile service
  • Quick response times
  • Good customer feedback

Cons

  • Limited service range
  • Higher prices for mobile service
Best forOn-the-go locksmith services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $200 for mobile services
9

Unlock Charleston

★★★★★5.0(20 reviews)
82Score

Unlock Charleston has a 5 rating from just 20 reviews, which suggests they offer excellent service, though their small review base makes them unproven. Customers appreciate their quick response and professionalism. They are best for those who need a locksmith in a pinch, but their limited feedback raises questions about consistency.

Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Quick response
  • Professional technicians

Cons

  • Very small review base
  • Unproven reliability
Best forQuick emergency locksmith services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$75 to $150 for emergency services
10

Jantzen Lock & Safe Co

★★★★★4.5(107 reviews)
78Score

Jantzen Lock & Safe Co holds a 4.5 rating from 107 reviews, recognized for their quality service and expertise in safe installation. They are a good choice for safe-related services. However, some customers report longer wait times, which may be a drawback for urgent needs. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is safe installation and services. It serves Charleston and surrounding areas, with $100 to $300 for safe installations pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times reported and limited locksmith services.

Pros

  • Quality service
  • Expertise in safe installation
  • Good customer feedback

Cons

  • Longer wait times reported
  • Limited locksmith services
Best forSafe installation and services
Service areaCharleston and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $300 for safe installations
Before you book

How to choose a locksmith in Charleston

Selecting the right locksmith involves assessing their reputation, services offered, and customer feedback. Here are key factors to consider:

Reputation

Look for locksmiths with high ratings and numerous positive reviews to ensure quality service.

Services Offered

Consider what services you need, such as emergency lockout assistance or key duplication, and choose a locksmith that specializes in those areas.

Response Time

In emergencies, response time is critical. Check reviews for comments on how quickly a locksmith arrives.

Pricing Transparency

Choose a locksmith that offers clear pricing and estimates upfront to avoid unexpected costs.

What it costs

What locksmiths cost in Charleston

The cost of locksmith services in Charleston can vary based on the type of service required. Here’s a general pricing guide:

Emergency Lockout Services$75 to $150 depending on time and complexity.
Key Duplication$2 to $10 per key, depending on type.
Lock Installation$100 to $300, depending on the lock and installation requirements.
Rekeying Locks$50 to $150 per lock, based on service specifics.

Frequently asked questions

How much does locksmith service cost in Charleston?

Locksmith services typically range from $75 to $300, depending on the service required.

What should I look for in a locksmith?

Look for high ratings, a good number of reviews, and clear pricing information.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Charleston homes: Editor's Choice Locksmith Express

For reliable and fast locksmith services in Charleston, Locksmith Express stands out as our Editor's Choice. With a perfect rating and high review count, they excel in emergency lockout situations. Additionally, Charleston Locksmith is the most reviewed option, providing extensive services. Lastly, City Locksmith Charleston offers dependable rekeying and installations with a solid reputation.