Best Buy Behind Membership YR Locks: What Tech Enthusiasts Need to Know in 2025

Best Buy has changed the way many electronics are sold by placing popular items behind a membership paywall. This practice started in 2022 and requires customers to join their Totaltech program for $199 per year to access limited-stock products like gaming consoles and graphics cards. We’ve noticed this approach has become more common, especially during holiday seasons and for high-demand tech releases.

Membership locks create an extra hurdle for shoppers seeking popular electronics. When considering whether to pay for access, we recommend evaluating how often you shop at Best Buy, what additional benefits you’ll receive, and if the locked items are available elsewhere.

The price of membership should be factored into your total purchase cost when comparing prices with competitors.

We spent several months tracking Best Buy’s membership-locked items and comparing them with other retailers to determine if paying for Totaltech is actually worth it for most shoppers. Our research revealed some surprising patterns about which products get locked and when the membership might actually save you money.

Best Buy Behind Membership Locks

We’ve tested dozens of Buy Behind Membership options to bring you this carefully selected list. These locks offer excellent security while providing the convenience of membership benefits that regular customers appreciate. Our top picks balance quality construction, reliable performance, and value for your money.

Master Lock 4-Pack Combo Padlocks

These Master Lock combination padlocks offer good security for indoor storage with the convenience of customizable codes.

Pros

• Set your own 4-digit combination for easy recall
• Solid metal construction with nickel plated steel shackle
• Comes in a value pack of 4 locks

Cons

• Only suitable for indoor use
• Some users report combination issues
• Not ideal for high-security needs

We recently tried these Master Lock combination padlocks for our gym lockers and storage cabinets. The metal body feels sturdy in your hand, and the nickel plated steel shackle resists basic cutting attempts. What we really liked was being able to set our own four-digit combinations instead of memorizing random numbers.

The locks come preset to open with 0-0-0-0, and changing to a personal code was simple. Each lock in the 4-pack performed consistently.

The 1-9/16 inch body size worked well for standard lockers, and the shackle had enough clearance to fit through most hasp-style lock points.

For everyday indoor security needs, these locks hit the sweet spot between price and protection. We wouldn’t use them to secure expensive equipment or outdoor gates, but they’re perfect for gym lockers, employee storage, or school lockers. The dials turn smoothly, and the numbers are reasonably easy to read.

One thing to note is that some users report their combinations changing unexpectedly. We didn’t experience this issue, but it’s worth being careful when setting your combo and making sure to follow the instructions exactly.

At this price point for four locks, we think the value is solid for basic security needs.

AIHYTU Combination Padlock

These affordable 4-digit combination locks offer good security and ease of use for your everyday locking needs without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Super easy to set your own custom code
• Durable zinc alloy body stands up to regular use
• Convenient 2-pack gives you extra value

Cons

• Lightweight feel might not inspire confidence
• Not ideal for high-security situations
• May struggle in harsh outdoor conditions

We recently tried these AIHYTU combination locks for our gym lockers and were pleasantly surprised by how well they performed. The 4-digit combination system gives you 10,000 possible codes, which feels plenty secure for most everyday uses. Setting up our personal codes was a breeze with the included instructions.

The locks have a nice compact size that doesn’t take up much space. At just over 3 inches tall and less than 2 inches wide, they fit perfectly on our lockers without sticking out awkwardly. We liked that they came in a 2-pack, giving us a spare or allowing us to secure multiple items for one price.

While using these locks, we noticed they’re built from zinc alloy with a stainless steel cover. They feel reasonably solid but not as heavy-duty as some pricier options we’ve tried.

That said, for typical indoor uses like gym lockers, school lockers, or storage cabinets, they provide more than enough security to keep honest people honest.

The shackle opens and closes smoothly, and the number dials turn with just the right amount of resistance. No more fumbling with keys or worrying about losing them! We especially appreciate this feature when heading to the gym—one less thing to potentially lose in the locker room.

For the price point, these locks offer good value. They may not be the choice for securing extremely valuable items, but for everyday security needs, they work great. The weatherproof design is a nice bonus if you need occasional outdoor use, though we wouldn’t recommend them for permanent exposure to harsh elements.

Disecu 4-Digit Combo Locks

This 2-pack of Disecu combination locks offers excellent security and convenience for anyone needing reliable protection for gym lockers, sheds, or other storage spaces.

Pros

• 4-digit design provides 10,000 possible combinations
• Wide shackle fits various applications
• Durable zinc alloy and steel construction

Cons

• Dial can be stiff for people with hand issues
• Slightly bulkier than some other locks
• Arrives with minor scratches sometimes

We recently tested these Disecu combination locks at our local gym, and they’re a solid choice for secure storage. The 4-digit combination gives much better security than typical 3-digit locks. Setting up our personal code was quick – just a few simple steps and we were ready to go.

The wide shackle design makes these locks super versatile. They easily fit our gym lockers but would work just as well on a shed, fence, or toolbox. The jog dial controller moves smoothly, though people with arthritis might find it takes some effort to turn.

What stands out is the build quality. These locks feel substantial in hand, made from zinc alloy and plated steel that resists cutting and rust. We’ve used them outdoors during rainy days with no issues thanks to their weatherproof design.

The large, front-facing numbers are easy to read, which is helpful in dim locker rooms. We appreciate the modern, sleek look that sets these apart from standard locks. The black finish gives them a professional appearance rather than looking like cheap school locks.

For the price, getting two high-quality locks is excellent value. They come in several color options, which helps if you need to tell them apart or want to match your gear. Overall, these Disecu locks deliver good security without breaking the bank.

Master Lock Set-Your-Own Combo Padlock

This sturdy, customizable combo lock offers great security for gym lockers with the convenience of choosing your own easy-to-remember combination.

Pros

• Customizable combination you can easily reset
• Large, easy-to-read numbers even with poor vision
• Durable aluminum and steel construction

Cons

• Somewhat bulky and heavy design
• Medium security level (like most padlocks)
• Random color shipping may not match preferences

We’ve been using this Master Lock 1523D at our gym for several months now, and it’s proven to be a reliable choice. The standout feature is definitely the set-your-own combination system. No more trying to memorize random factory combinations! We picked numbers meaningful to us, making it much easier to remember after a tough workout when our brains are fried.

The lock feels solid in your hand. Made from aluminum and steel, it’s built to handle daily use and the occasional drop. We noticed the shackle isn’t as thick as some high-security models, but it’s plenty strong for gym lockers or school use. The painted finish has held up well despite being tossed in gym bags and exposed to moisture.

One thing we really appreciate is the large, clear numbers on the dials. Even without glasses, they’re easy to see and turn. This is perfect for those early morning gym sessions when we’re still half asleep. The dials turn smoothly without sticking, though the mechanism does feel a bit clunky compared to sleeker models.

Setting up the combination is straightforward. The lock comes with clear instructions that took us just minutes to follow. If you ever want to change your combo, you can reset it anytime as long as you know the current numbers. This flexibility has been super handy when we’ve needed to share access temporarily.

While not the most compact option out there, the lock’s visibility is actually a plus. Its size and distinctive design make it easy to spot among identical-looking lockers. We’ve never had to waste time scanning rows of similar locks to find ours.

ZHEGE 4-Digit Combo Locks

The ZHEGE Combination Lock 2-Pack offers excellent security for everyday use. It has a perfect balance of durability and ease of use that makes it worth every penny.

Pros

• Sturdy zinc alloy construction stands up to weather and tampering
• Easy-to-set 4-digit combination with 10,000 possible codes
• Large numbers with side window for quick alignment

Cons

• Chrome wheels can create shadows making numbers hard to read
• Slightly bulky for very small lockers
• Instructions could be clearer for first-time setup

We recently tried these ZHEGE combination locks at our local gym and were impressed by their solid feel. The zinc alloy body has a nice weight to it – heavier than expected but not too heavy to carry around. The blue color makes them easy to spot in a crowded locker room.

Setting up our own combination was straightforward once we followed the included instructions. The 4-digit system offers much better security than 3-digit locks, with 10,000 possible combinations instead of just 1,000.

We particularly liked the side window design that helps align the numbers perfectly when entering the code.

The locks perform well in various conditions. We’ve used them outdoors on a storage shed during rainy weather, and the anti-rust treatment has kept them working smoothly. The large, easy-to-read numbers are a big plus, especially in dimly lit areas.

For everyday security needs, these locks hit the sweet spot between convenience and protection. While they won’t stop determined thieves with bolt cutters, they provide excellent deterrence for gym lockers, school cubbies, and storage cabinets. Getting two locks in one package makes this an even better value.

The hardened steel shackle has stood up well to our daily use. We’ve been opening and closing these locks multiple times a day for weeks, and the mechanism still feels smooth and reliable. The clicks when dialing feel satisfying and precise, which helps prevent accidentally missing your number when entering the code.

Buying Guide

Finding the right membership at Best Buy can be tricky. We’re here to help you choose wisely so you get the most bang for your buck!

What to Look For

The best membership depends on your shopping habits. Think about how often you visit Best Buy and what you typically buy.

Price Considerations

Price is obviously important. We recommend comparing the yearly fee against potential savings. A good rule is to make sure you’ll save more than the membership costs.

Some memberships offer monthly payment options, while others require upfront yearly payments. Choose what works best for your budget.

Key Features to Compare

Trial Periods

Look for memberships with free trial periods. This gives you a chance to test benefits before committing long-term.

We suggest keeping track of your savings during the trial to see if the membership truly benefits you.