Best Home Safes Security Experts Use in Their Homes
Updated: Mar. 15, 2023These are the best home safes to protect your personal items from everything from burglars to catastrophes.
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Better Safe Than Sorry
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2018 there were an estimated 7,196,045 property crime offenses in the U.S. Those resulted in an estimated $16.4 billion in property losses.
While security systems and video cameras can sometimes help keep burglars away, they aren’t foolproof. And if someone does manage to forcibly enter your home, you should take additional measures to keep your personal valuables and important documents safe.
We spoke to technology expert Burton Kelso to get the rundown on the best home safes on the market. Find out when someone is lurking around your home by installing one of these highly-rated security cameras.
Budget-Friendly: Amazon Basics The Security Safe Box
This best home safe available in multiple sizes is a budget-friendly option. “You can mount this safe on a wall, use it as a floor safe, or place it on a shelf,” says Kelso. “It is pry-resistant which will keep the bad guys out.” It offers a keypad access option, and backup emergency override keys in case you forget your password.
The only downside to this safe? Unlike some of the more expensive options, it isn’t waterproof or fireproof.
If You Need More Space: AmazonBasics Home Keypad Safe
If you need to store a lot of stuff, this 1.8 cubic feet safe is what you want, says Kelso. Like the previous Amazon model, you can mount this safe to a wall or shelf or use it as a floor safe. It likewise features keypad access with emergency override keys as backups. But again, it is neither waterproof nor fireproof.
Fire-Resistant: AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box
If you’re looking for protection from bad guys as well as fires, go for this 2.1-cubic-foot best home safe. “It offers all of the features that the Amazon Safe Box and Home Keypad have, plus more storage room,” says Kelso.
High Quality: SentrySafe Home Safe
This home safe offers a keypad along with a key for extra security. Plus, it’s waterproof and fireproof. “(That) means your information is safe from burglars and from fires and other damaging events that can occur to your home,” says Kelso.
Designed To Survive Catastrophes: First Alert 2087f
Want a safe that will survive a fire or a flood? Then this is the best home safe for you.
“It’s only 0.94-cubic-feet, but it’s waterproof and fire-resistant,” Kelso says. “If your safe is submerged it will keep your documents, electronics, and other items dry.” Kelso adds it’s also designed to float, “which makes it easy to locate if your house is flooded.”
It comes with a traditional combination lock, plus keys in case you forget your combination. Of course, the best way to keep your stuff safe from a fire is to prevent one in the first place.
Fingerprint Technology: Viking Secure Safe Biometric Fingerprint Safe
This small and mighty safe might make you feel like James Bond. “The biometric sensor allows you to quickly get access to your information,” Kelso says. You can store up to 32 fingerprints, which means you can allow close friends and family to have access to your documents in case you can’t.
If you forget to close the safe, a warning indicator will alert you that the door has been left open. The only downsides are that it’s not waterproof or fireproof.
For Small Items: SentrySafe 0500 Fireproof Box with Key Lock
This small home safe is about as basic as you can get. It holds keys and a few small items such as identification cards and a piece of jewelry or two. However, if you are traveling and looking for a simple lockbox, this is perfect.
For a Small Drawer: AmazonBasics Small Desk Drawer Safe Box
This slender and small safe, perfect for an office, fits conveniently inside a desk drawer. It features a programmable keypad but also comes with a key. It can also be mounted.
When Money Isn’t an Object: SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad
This fireproof and waterproof safe is basically the Rolls-Royce of the bunch. Certified as a gun safe, it features multiple carpeted shelves to prevent scratching and comes with a digital lock.
If you have a lot of random valuables and a little bit of room, this home safe is definitely a good investment.
For Guns: SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock
You should always keep handguns locked up, not only to avoid accidents but because they are one of the most commonly stolen items, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Plus, it’s the law in 18 states and in the District of Columbia.
This small safe will hold a single handgun and fits in your nightstand drawer. It also features a gas strut to instantly and quietly open the safe door for single-handed access to your handgun.
In Case of a Fire: Sentrysafe 1200 Fireproof Box With Key Lock
Fireproof boxes are your best bet to protect valuables. These simple lockboxes can be purchased a la carte or as a set. They’re a secure way to store photos, documents or other irreplaceable items, just in case.
You can also hide your items in plain sight with one of these 13 diversion safes.
