Best Panic Handles of 2026

Corey Phillips Avatar
Corey Phillips
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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Panic handles are an essential safety feature in buildings, particularly in emergency situations. These handles are designed to provide quick and easy exit access in the event of a fire or other emergency. Panic handles are typically installed on doors that are used as emergency exits, and they allow the door to be opened from the inside with a single motion, without the need for a key or any other special tool. Panic handles come in various designs and can be installed on a wide range of doors, including those made of wood, metal, or glass. They are a must-have for any building owner who wants to ensure the safety of their occupants.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Strand Antipanic Push Pad Fire Exit Latch Cover #TOP 1
Strand Antipanic Push Pad Fire Exit Latch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hoppe AR883 Fire Door Exit Push Pad Cover #TOP 2
Hoppe AR883 Fire Door Exit Push Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.7
IRONWALLS Panic Bars for Exit Doors Cover #TOP 3
IRONWALLS Panic Bars for Exit Doors
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 3 Panic Handles

#TOP 1

Strand Antipanic Push Pad Fire Exit Latch

Strand Hardware
PH3520320
Grey
Medium
Strand Antipanic Push Pad Fire Exit Latch Cover
Fire Exit Push Pad Panic Latch - PH3520320 - Strand Antipanic Single Push Pad Panic Latch

The Strand Antipanic Push Pad is designed for emergency exits, providing a reliable and easy-to-use solution in critical situations. Its modular design ensures that it can be reversed for versatile installation, accommodating various door types. This latch is also supplied with striker plates, specifically for timber doors, making installation straightforward. Additionally, it is certified to EN 179:2008, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, giving you peace of mind when it comes to fire safety in your premises.

What We Like
Easy to use in emergencies
Versatile reversible design
Includes striker plates
Compliance with safety standards
#TOP 2

Hoppe AR883 Fire Door Exit Push Pad

AR883-SE
Hoppe AR883 Fire Door Exit Push Pad Cover
Hoppe AR883 Arrone Panic Emergency Hardware Fire Door Exit Reversible Push Pad

The Hoppe AR883 Push Pad is designed for emergency situations, featuring a reversible push pad that allows for easy access from either side of a fire door. Its silver enamel finish not only looks sleek but also adds durability. Rated for one hour of fire resistance, this hardware ensures safety during critical moments. Furthermore, its universal design means it can be installed on left or right opening doors, providing flexibility for various settings and making it a convenient choice for users.

What We Like
Reversible push pad design
One hour fire rated
Universal installation
Sleek silver enamel finish
#TOP 3

IRONWALLS Panic Bars for Exit Doors

BI0CM06R862
Silver (2 Packs)
27.5 inch
IRONWALLS Panic Bars for Exit Doors Cover
IRONWALLS Panic Bars for Exit Doors With Handle 2-Pack, 27.5" Commercial Push Bar Device With Exterior Lever, Stainless Steel Emergency Bar for 27.5"-41" Doors

The IRONWALLS Panic Bars provide a reliable and sturdy solution for emergency exits. With universal compatibility, these bars fit most doors between 27.5” and 41” wide, accommodating both left and right openings for your convenience. Constructed from high-hardness stainless steel, they withstand significant force and endure over 300,000 operations, ensuring durability. In emergencies, you can easily open the push bar with minimal pressure, enhancing safety when it matters most.

What We Like
Universal compatibility for various doors
Durable stainless steel construction
Effortless operation in emergencies
Automatic locking for security
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a panic lock?

A panic lock (also called a panic bar, a crash bar, or a panic device) is used to provide quick unlocking of a door in an emergency situation. ... Pushing on the bar will release the lock, making it easy to push the door outward and escape to the outside.

2. What is panic hardware for doors?

An exit device – sometimes called a Panic Device or a Crash Bar – is mechanical door hardware operated from the inside of an outswing exit door through the use of a crossbar or push rail and extends at least halfway across its width.

3. How does panic hardware work?

Panic hardware is a door component that was designed to allow fast and unencumbered exit from a doorway. ... You simply push a rod, a bar or other activator, the latch mechanism is retracted and you are able to push the door open.

Editor's Notes

During our panic handle research, we found 93 panic handle products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,456 customer reviews through our big data system to write the panic handles list. We found that most customers choose panic handles with an average price of £69.73.

The panic handles are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of panic handles, including Strand Hardware, HOPPE, IRONWALLS.

Written by
Corey Phillips Avatar

Corey Philips is an electrician and lighting expert. He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering. Corey is a specialist contractor in lights. He sells and installs and recommends lights and lamp sheds, and other lights accessories. Aside from that, Corey is vast in installing and maintaining electrical appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, and the likes.