The Best Home Safes
Chances are you have valuable items in your home you want to keep safe from fires, floods, burglaries or other unexpected events. Whether it’s an irreplaceable family heirloom or important personal documents, home safes are the ideal way to keep items safe yet accessible.
But one size does not fit all when it comes to the best home safes. There are a few variables to consider before purchasing a safe, including size, lock style and portability. We’ve put together our list of the best safes on the market today. Depending on your specific needs, you should be able to find the right one for you.
What to look for in a home safe
- Size: You should think about what types of items you are planning to store in your safe before looking at what size safe you will purchase. If you are only planning on storing documents, cash or smaller items, a compact safe will work. But if you are looking to store anything more sizeable, be sure that you know the dimensions of the inside of the safe before you buy it. Many safes have a much smaller interior compartment to shield items from the elements, so looks can be deceiving.
- Lock type: There are many different ways to lock and unlock a safe, and which one to buy depends on your own personal preference and how quickly you may need access to those items. Here are different locks to consider:
- Traditional lock: This safe opens with a traditional key.
- Biometric lock: This type of safe will unlock with your fingerprint.
- Combination lock: This type of safe opens like a locker with a number combination. This type of lock can also have a digital touchpad to enter the numbers.
- Dual lock: This type of safe means you will be unlocking using two methods. For example, you may need a traditional key along with a combination to open.
- Fireproof protections: You’ll want to find a safe that has more than just a lock to keep your most important valuables safe. In case of a fire, there are safes that are built to withstand the heat and flames.
- Portability: Having a safe that is simple to move around could be an important factor. If storing a gun for example, you’ll want a safe that can be stored away from small children. Or in case of a natural disaster, it will be more convenient to bring the safe with your important paperwork with you when you evacuate.
Our Picks for the 10 Best Home Safes
1. The MSAFE PSB 220 Safe
Our pick for: Best for Apartments
SecurityNerd considers this the best safe for apartment dwellers because of its compact size and superior construction.
The MSAFE PSB line is primarily meant to offer burglary protection, but it does have a 20 minute fireproof rating as well. (If fire protection is a large concern, the PFB line would be a better choice.)
The PSB 220 is small, but offers plenty of space for jewelry, cash, passports, etc. Unless you're looking to store documents, this compact size will get the job done.
One of the standout features as we reviewed this particular safe is the bolt holes not only in the bottom, but in the back of the safe as well. This is a huge advantage for apartment renters who likely can't drill into the floor, but can drilled into a wall-stud (just like you were hanging a picture frame.) This gives a renter a great way to have a portable safe that can also be anchored in place without breaking your lease.
- Lock type: Three way locking bolts, ECBS Class A lock with electronic keypad
- Outside Dimensions (HxWxD): 8-5/8" H x 13-3/4" W x 11-3/4" D
- Interior Dimensions (HxWxD): 5-1/2" H x 10-5/8" W x 7-1/2" D
- Portability: Weighing in at just 31 pounds, this is very portable.
Nerd Pros
Unlike many safes commonly found online, the MSAFE PSB is manufactured to the S2 burglary resistance rating in accordance with European standard EN 14450. (In laymen's terms... it's really secure.)
Double wall construction and a 20 minute fireproof rating is likely enough given all modern apartments are built with fire suppression systems and firewalls between units.
This safe is only 31 pounds, so it's easy to move from one apartment to the next.
Nerd Cons
While the compact size makes this great for apartments, it's just too small to hold standard 8.5" by 11" documents without folding. Another inch or so in interior width and depth would make this perfect. The next size up offers plenty of room, though.
2. SentrySafe Fireproof Box
Our pick for: Best Portability
Sometimes you’ll need to bring valuables with you in case of a natural disaster or other type of emergency. This safe ranks high in portability, and even has convenient carrying handles for easy transport. Another great feature that makes this one of the best home safes is that it can withstand fires up to 1550° F for up to half an hour. The privacy key lock is also designed to keep the safe closed in case of a fire. Not to mention, this safe is also incredibly affordable.
- Lock type: Key
- Environmental protection: Fireproof 1550°F for half an hour
- Size: 11 lb.
- Outside Dimensions: 12.2 in. W x 10.3 in. D x 6.1 in. H
- Interior Dimensions: 9.7 in. W x 7.3 in. D x 3.8 in. H
- Portability: At only 11 pounds, it is simple to carry and transport wherever you go.
Read more in our full review of the SentrySafe 0500.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- Fireproof box is UL Classified to endure 1/2 hour at 1550°F to protect small documents and small valuables from fire
- Fire safe box is ETL Verified to protect CDs, DVDs, and USBs from fire damage
- Fireproof lock box features a flat key lock to prevent the lid from opening in the event of a fire; includes two keys
- Exterior: 12.2 in. W x 10.3 in. D x 6.1 in. H; Interior: 9.7 in. W x 7.3 in. D x 3.8 in. H;
- Small capacity 0.15 cubic feet; weighs 11 pounds
3. Barska Mini Biometric Safe
Our pick for: Best Compact Option
Although this home safe is small in size, it certainly has some powerful features. This is a popular choice for gun owners and it can fit two handguns, depending on the size. With this safe, your finger is the key thanks to 2.5 second biometric scanning. You can also program multiple users. You also have the option to mount the safe somewhere high in order to keep it away from small children. The Barska Mini is also approved by the Department of Justice. Read more in our full review of the Barska Mini biometric safe.
- Lock type: Biometric (key backup)
- Environmental protection: None
- Size: 12 lb.
- Outside Dimensions: 12 in. W x 7-¾ in. D x 8 in. H
- Interior Dimensions: 11 ½ in. W x 5 ¾ in D x 7 ½ in. H
- Portability: This is simple to transport, weighing in at a light 12 pounds.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- Advanced Biometric Security - Biometric home safes provide advanced protection through 2.5-sec access via fingerprint recognition, ensuring...
- Built to Withstand - These safes are meticulously crafted with robust materials, designed not only to safeguard your valuables but also to...
- Ample User Capacity - Biometric fingerprint module with the capability to securely store data for up to 120 unique users, ensuring versatile...
- Discreet Operation - Equipped with a silent mode, this safe ensures noise-free usage, making it ideal for situations where quiet access is...
- Emergency Access - Included backup keys offer a fail-safe solution for accessing the safe in unforeseen circumstances or when alternative...
4. Viking Large Biometric Safe
Our pick for: Best Larger Safe Option
Users like this safe for its array of features, but also for its larger size. At just under 50 pounds, it isn’t so massive that you don’t know where to put it, but it is still large enough to store more items than your average safe. The safe can store 32 separate fingerprints and has added safety features to ensure that you don’t accidentally leave it open.
- Lock type: Biometric (key backup)
- Environmental protection: None
- Size: 48 lb.
- Outside Dimensions: H 16.69” x W 13.78” x D
- Interior Dimensions: H 19.29” x W 12.5” x D 9.25”
- Portability: Just under 50 pounds, this is not the most portable safe on the market.
- Added safety features: If this safe is accidentally left open for longer than one minute, it will begin to beep to let the user know.
- Theft-resistant features: Pry-resistant features make it difficult for a thief to strong-arm his way to your valuables. It also has a time out period if someone tries to use their fingerprint unsuccessfully ten times.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- HIGH SECURITY: Our Large Biometric Fingerprint Safe (20" x 14" x 12") is engineered to provide unparalleled security for your firearms and...
- FAST ACCESS: Designed for rapid accessibility, this safe is equipped with an advanced 500 DPI Optical Sensor that offers fast recognition....
- EASY TO USE: Setting up your safe is a breeze with our intuitive fingerprint scanning system. You can scan and save up to 32 unique...
- PRY-RESISTANT DESIGN: Crafted with a tightly sealed solid steel body, our gun safe is built to withstand forced entry. Two solid 20mm...
- DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT: With external dimensions of H20" x W14" x D12" and internal dimensions of H19.29" x W12.5" x D9.25", our safe offers...
5. Stalwart Digital Safe
Our pick for: Best Value
For its price point, this is one of the best home safe options on the market. It has safety features such as an automatic lock after 3 incorrect entries on the keypad and the LED keypad gives an added layer of security. Plus, you can even make customizable codes for guests. There is also an override key if you forget your code or if the battery runs out.
- Lock type: Keypad (key backup)
- Environmental protection: None
- Size: 12 lb.
- Outside Dimensions: L 12.2”x W 7.9”x H 7.9”
- Interior Dimensions: L 12.08” x W 5.5”x H 7.75”
- Portability: Weighing in at only 12 pounds, it’s easily transported.
- Added safety features: If someone is trying to break into your safe and gives 3 incorrect entries on the keypad, there is a lockout period to deter anyone who shouldn’t be in the safe.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- PORTABLE SAFE BOX - This digital cash box can conveniently be utilized in your home, office, or business and is portable for use while...
- SMART STORAGE - Securely store your cash, jewelry, documents, passports, heirlooms, and more in this versatile lock box for personal items....
- STRONG DESIGN - The small safe is protected with a LED keypad you can program with master and guest codes 3–8 digits long. With two...
- SECURE LOCK - The personal safe features an alarm that will sound for 20 seconds after three incorrect pin entries, then again for 5 minutes...
- PRODUCT DETAILS - Materials: Steel. Dimensions: Exterior: (L) 12.2" x (W) 7.9" x (H) 7.9"; Interior: (L) 12.08" x (W) 5.5" x (H) 7.75"; Wall...
6. Verifi Smart Safe
Our pick for: Best Technology
If you are interested in a model that opens using your fingerprints, this is a solid option. That’s because Verifi uses the TouchChip TCS1 silicon fingerprint sensor that is certified by the FBI. It also has some great features like tamper alerts, and an LED light to ensure that you can access what you need at any hour of the day or night.
- Lock type: Biometric (key backup)
- Environmental protection: None
- Size: 21 lb.
- Outside Dimensions: 7.9 x 13.2 x 13.8 (H x W x D)
- Interior Dimensions: 7.3 x 13 x 9.5 (H x W x D)
- Portability: You can move this safe, as it weighs in at just over 20 pounds.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
No products found.
7. Honeywell Fireproof Safe
Our pick for: Best Warranty
This is one of the best home safes out there when it comes to warranties. You’ll get a 7-year limited warranty with the purchase of this safe and you will also receive a lifetime after fire replacement warranty, which is pretty impressive. We also like the fact that you have a choice between a combination lock or a keypad entry pad. The safe is also is both fire and waterproof.
- Lock type: Dual (combination and keypad with key backup)
- Environmental protection: Fire and water
- Size: 70 pounds
- Outside Dimensions: 12.7 in H x 15.6 in W x 14.8 in D
- Interior Dimensions: 8.7 in H x 12.8 in W x 7.7 in D
- Portability: This safe does not rank high in portability, weighing in at a heavy 70 pounds.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- FIRE SAFES - Protect your most valuable possessions and electronics with our fire safe, an ideal solution to protect your valuables from...
- FEATURES - Our Honeywell 2111 fireproof safe has a 1 hour fire rating up to 1700°F or 927°C. This safe features a water resistant door and...
- QUALITY MADE – As a Honeywell brand licensee, we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves with the highest levels of integrity in...
- SECURE - Honeywell Safes, Paper Shredders and Door Locks are manufactured and distributed exclusively by LH Licensed Products, Inc. These...
- TRUSTED COMPANY - The Honeywell trademark is licensed from Honeywell International Inc., a Fortune 100 company that invents and manufactures...
8. The Steelwater Fireproof Safe
Our pick for: Best Versatility
SecurityNerd considers this one of the best home safes on the market because of its dual locking ability, fire protection and durability. You’ll need both a combination and a key to gain entry and it also has theft proof bars to make it tougher to pry open.
The Steelwater safe can withstand 1850°F for up to two hours. It is a heavy-duty safe, weighing in at over 140 pounds, with an interior capacity of 1.44 cubic feet.
- Lock type: Dual (both combination and key)
- Environmental protection: Fireproof 1850°F for up to two hours
- Size: 143 lb.
- Outside Dimensions (HxWxD): 20 7/8” x 17 1/8” x 17 5/16”
- Interior Dimensions (HxWxD): 16 1/4” x 12 9/16” x 12 3/16”
- Portability: Weighing in at over 140 pounds, this is not a portable safe.
Nerd Pros
Even if someone is able to guess the combination, you’ll still need the key to gain entry into this safe.
This safe can be burning in a fire for up to two hours, and the contents inside will still be safe.
This safe connects to two locking bolts, which makes it tougher for thieves to pry it open.
Nerd Cons
If you need to leave quickly, this safe is very large, so you won’t be able to take it with you.
The company doesn’t offer any information on how this safe will fare in a flood.
9. SentrySafe Combination Safe
Our pick for: Best Combination Lock
If you want to avoid biometric fingerprint or electronic keypads to gain entry to your safe, but you still want something with more security than just a traditional key, this is a great combination dial lock option. It also has some impressive features to keep your valuables safe, including fire and water protection, as well as a pry-resistant hinge bar. It will stay safe in a fire up to an hour and is waterproof in up to 8 inches of water for 24 hours.
- Lock type: Combination (with key)
- Environmental protection: Fire and water
- Size: 86 pounds
- Outside Dimensions: 16.3 in. W x 19.3 in. D x 17.8 in. H
- Interior Dimensions: 12.6 in. W x 11.9 in. D x 13.8 in. H
- Portability: This safe does not rank high in portability, weighing in at 86 pounds.
- Condensation Issues: Although the fire proof features make it a better place to store your important belongings, some users have reported condensation issues inside the safe.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- FIREPROOF: The safe is UL Classified to endure 1 hour at 1700°F and keep interior temperatures safe for irreplaceable documents, valuables,...
- WATERPROOF: The home safe is ETL Verified for 24 hours of protection in water up to 8 inches deep offering peace of mind in the event of a...
- MAXIMUM SECURITY: Combination safe features 4 live-locking bolts, steel construction, pry-resistant hinge bar, shelf, and bolt-down hardware
- FALL RESISTANT: The safe box is ETL verified to withstand a 15-foot fall during a fire and remain closed
- MEASUREMENTS: Exterior:16.3 inch W x 19.3 inch D x 17.8 inch H; Interior: 12.6 inch W x 11.9 inch D x 13.8 inch H; Large 1.23 cubic foot...
10. AdirOffice Security Safe
Our pick for: Best Mountable Option
If you’re looking for a safe that is simple to mount to a wall, this is an ideal option. It provides the hardware for easy mounting and is available in a choice of three sizes and colors. It has a pry-resistant door, as well as a carpet to keep your valuables free from scratches inside. The digital display is also easy to read and lets you know if the safe is locked, unlocked or if it’s low on batteries.
- Lock type: Keypad (with key backup)
- Environmental protection: None
- Size: 39 pounds
- Dimensions: 14 in. W x 14 in. D x 20.5 in. H
- Portability: This safe could be picked up at just under 40 pounds, but there are more portable options from AdirOffice if that’s what you’re in the market for.
Nerd Pros
Nerd Cons
- DURABLE AND STURDY SAFE. Made utilizing steel construction to provide long-lasting strength and use throughout the years, this locked safe...
- PROGRAMMABLE DIGITAL ACCESS. Using the keypad, you can create your own numeric code for easy entry and secure, safe storage. This security...
- HIGH-QUALITY SECURITY. In addition to the electronic lock, the security safe features two live-door bolts, a pry-resistant steel door and...
- CHOICE OF COLOR AND SIZE. Furnished in red, black and white and available in three different sizes – 0.5, 1.25 or 2.32 cubic feet – you...
- EASY TO INSTALL AND INCORPORATE. Four bolts are included, making it easy to mount this digital lock safe box to a wall, floor or shelf,...
So, which home safe is the best?
In order to decide which one of these best home safes is ideal for your home or business, first decide what type of valuables you’ll be keeping inside. From guns to family heirlooms or important insurance documents, you’ll want to take size into account to make sure our items can fit. If you are storing important documents or irreplaceable family belongings, you may want to opt for something that will keep items inside safe from fire and water damage.
More sizeable options may be ideal if you are storing a large amount of personal belongings or if you want to make sure the safe can’t be moved. You can also find models that can bolt to the ground or the wall to keep the safe in place. A reliable home safe is a great way to add another layer of security to your belongings and your home.
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About the Author
Erin Maloney
Erin is a freelance video producer and writer based out of Florida. She works with major retail companies and digital startups as a brand storyteller. When Erin's not writing, you can catch her scuba diving and spending time with her dog (not at the same time).