8 Best Home Safes to Protect Valuables, Documents and More
Updated: Jul. 14, 2024
These are the best home safes to protect your personal items from everything from burglars to catastrophes.
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While security systems and video cameras can sometimes help keep burglars away, they aren’t foolproof. If someone manages to get inside your home, you should have additional measures in place to keep your valuables and important documents secure. We contacted technology expert, Burton Kelso, to get the rundown on the best home safes.
Your only familiarity with using a safe might be in a hotel when you go on vacation. However, you can shop for options that are more high-tech and have stronger features, such as fingerprint technology and fireproof capability. Whether you’re locking up jewelry and family heirlooms or irreplaceable items and documents, the best home safes will do their job whether your house encounters a flood, fire or unfriendly face.
Best overall home safe
SentrySafe Home Safe
Pros:
- Waterproof and fireproof
- Strong alloy steel construction
- Digital keypad with back-up key
- Interior light
- Various sizes available
- UL Classified and ETL Verified
Cons:
- Pricey
- Learning curve to open and close
Topping our list as best overall home safe is the SentrySafe home safe. Constructed with strong alloy steel and featuring an interior light, it has a digital keypad and a key for extra security. This safe is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Classified to endure one hour at 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) Verified to withstand 24 hours of protection in up to 8 inches of water.
“This safe is fireproof and waterproof, which means your information is safe from burglars and from fires and other damaging events that can occur to your home,” says Kelso.
Best budget home safe
Amazon Basics The Security Safe Box
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Strong alloy steel
- Electronic lock
- Three operation indicator lights
- Various sizes available
- Includes mounting hardware
Cons:
- Not waterproof or fireproof
- Batteries not included
The Security Safe Box from Amazon Basics won’t break the bank, and you have the convenient option of choosing from the various sizes available. That means you’re likely to find a fit for your specific valuables.
“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.” You also have the option to use the keypad to access the safe and the backup of emergency override keys in the event that you forget your password.
With over 29,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s safe to say The Security Safe Box is a real winner. The only downside? Unlike some of the more expensive options, it’s not waterproof or fireproof.
Best large-capacity home safe
Amazon Basics Home Keypad Safe
Pros:
- 1.8 cubic feet of storage
- Durable, carbon steel
- Electronic keypad with back-up key
- Interior shelf
- Includes mounting hardware
Cons:
- Not waterproof or fireproof
- Batteries not included
If you need more space for safe keeping, this 1.8-cubic-foot Home keypad safe from Amazon Basics is what you want, says Kelso. Use it as a floor safe or, with its included mounting hardware, secure it to a wall or shelf for added security.
The heavy-duty steel safe features a keypad, as well as emergency override keys in the event that you forget your password. While it provides ample space for important documents, jewelry and other valuables, it should be noted that this safe isn’t waterproof or fireproof.
Best home safe for catastrophes
First Alert Waterproof and Fire-Resistant Safe
Pros:
- Fire resistant up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour
- Floats and waterproof even when fully submerged
- Durable resin
- Pry-resistant hinges
- Combination lock and emergency override key
- Five-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Not large enough for firearms
- Combination can't be changed
Want a safe that’ll survive the end of the world (or at least close to it)? This First Alert option is the best home safe for you. It uses a traditional combination lock and comes with keys that allow you to access the safe if you forget your combination.
“It’s only 0.94 cubic feet, but it’s waterproof and fire-resistant,” points out Kelso. “If your safe is submerged, it will keep your documents, electronics and other items dry and—even better—it’s designed to float, which makes it easy to locate if your house is flooded.”
If you live in an area prone to fires, you’ll want to consider your distance to the nearest fire station, advises Rob Gabriele, home security expert and editorial director at SafeHome.org. “If you live in a city with nearby fire stations, you can probably get away with a 15- to 30- minute fire rating. But I usually recommend a fire rating of 30 minutes or more. And if you live in a rural area, look for at least a 90-minute fire rating,” he says.
Best home safe with fingerprint technology
Viking Secure Safe Biometric Fingerprint Safe
Pros:
- Stores up to 32 fingerprints and one pin code
- LCD display
- Removable shelf
- Warning beep if left unlocked
- Built-in LED light
- Mountable to wall or floor
Cons:
- Not waterproof or fireproof
- Batteries not included
The small, yet mighty, Viking fingerprint safe might make you feel like James Bond. “The biometric sensor allows you to quickly get access to your information,” says Kelso. 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’re not around. 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.
Best home safe for drawer
Amazon Basics Small Desk Drawer Safe Box
Pros:
- Slim design fits inside desk drawer
- Budget-friendly price
- Strong alloy steel construction
- Programmable electronic keypad with back-up key
- Includes mounting hardware
Cons:
- Batteries not included
- Some reviewers say batteries tend to fall out
This small and slender safe from Amazon Basics fits conveniently inside of a desk drawer, making it the ideal office safe. Constructed of alloy steel, it features a programmable keypad as well as a back-up key in the event you forget the combination. Although it’s made for a desk drawer, the safe includes hardware for those who would prefer to mount the safe instead. It’s also a budget-friendly pick for those looking for a more affordable option.
Best splurge home safe
SentrySafe EF4738E Digital Keypad
Pros:
- Large, fireproof and waterproof safe
- DOJ Certified for firearm storage
- Solid steel construction
- Five live-locking bolts and four deadbolts
- UL Classified and ETL Verified
Cons:
- Waterproof material makes it tricky to close
This fireproof and waterproof SentrySafe is basically the Rolls-Royce of the bunch. It’s certified as a gun safe, features multiple carpeted shelves to prevent scratching and is protected by a digital lock. For added piece of mind in the event of a fire or flood, the safe is ETL Verified to endure half an hour at 1400 degrees Fahrenheit and withstand 72 hours of protection in up to 12 inches of water.
Although it’s the priciest option on our list, if you have the room to store it and possess a lot of valuables, this best home safe is a solid investment.
Best home safe for a gun
SentrySafe Biometric Gun Safe
Pros:
- DOJ certified for firearm storage
- Biometric fingerprint scanner
- Silent digital lock
- Automatic door opening
- Interior lighting and override key
- Includes mounting hardware
Cons:
- Learning curve to open
You should always keep handguns locked up—not only to avoid deadly gun accidents but because they’re one of the most commonly stolen items, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Plus, it’s the law in 18 states and the District of Columbia. This SentrySafe biometric fingerprint safe holds a single handgun and is compact enough to fit in your nightstand drawer. It also features a gas strut that instantly and quietly opens the safe door for single-handed access to your handgun. The brand also offers a two-pistol gun safe.
What to look for when buying a home safe
The main purpose of buying a safe is to keep valuable items secure in the event of a home invasion or disaster, so it’s important to purchase a high-quality one.
“Not all safes are created equal. Consumers need to determine what they want to protect first. For instance, a fire safe that is designed to protect stored paper documents during a fire is different from a security safe that is designed to protect valuables, weapons, etc.,” says MacDowell. “There are testing agencies which ‘certify’ safes for the intended purpose. UL ratings provide consumers with good consumer information. If the safe is small and can be moved, most manufacturers provide bolts that can secure the safe to the floor.”
Whether the purpose of your safe is to keep people out or fire or water from getting in, here’s what you should keep in mind when selecting the best safe for your needs:
- Durability: Finding a quality safe means looking at how durable and secure it is. Read product descriptions to better understand the materials used to make the safe. Many are made from steel (the thicker the steel the better). Also, look for fireproof and waterproof ability, and have pry-resistant doors and locking bolts to keep everything out.
- Size: Think about what items you’d like to store in your safe to help you decide what size to get. It’s best to go a little bigger to allow space for more items in the future. You also need to think about where you plan to store your safe. They can get bulky, so measure your space to ensure it fits.
- Locking mechanism: Safes come with various locking mechanisms, including key, combination, electronic and biometric locks. Select one that’ll work best for you.
Why you should trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re dedicated to researching and identifying the best products on the market for every use and budget. The author of this piece, Leah Groth, has years of experience covering everything from consumer products and cleaning hacks to travel and pets. She’s put together numerous shopping guides and knows how to immerse herself in a topic and then hunt down the best products on the market.
To help find the best home safes, we spoke with technology expert Burton Kelso. He’s worked in the industry for over 30 years, helping others to get the most out of their technology. We also consulted Kirk MacDowell, home security expert at Batten Safe and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors and Rob Gabriele, home security expert and editorial director at SafeHome.org.
How we found the best home safes
Finding a quality product that’ll protect your valuables is important. We looked for home safes that meet a variety of consumer needs—from small desk drawer boxes to large capacity safes to those that provide peace of mind from catastrophes or those that offer quick and easy access via fingerprint technology. Then, we narrowed down the list using real customer reviews and professional advice from various technology and home security experts.
FAQ
Where should I store a safe in my home?
This depends on your specific needs and the layout of your home. Choose a spot that’s discreet enough that no one will find it in the event of a home invasion, but accessible enough that it’s still convenient for you to get to it when needed. Avoid spots like the primary bedroom closet or under the bed, which are too obvious and would most likely be the first place a burglar looks.
Should I bolt my safe to the floor?
Some safes in this guide are small enough to pick up and carry around or fit inside a desk drawer, while others are meant to stay in one spot. For the larger safes, bolting them to the floor makes them more stable and prevents burglars from picking them up and taking them from your home.
That being said, there are a few instances where bolting a safe to a floor is imperative. For starters, some insurance policies require that your safe be bolted to the floor to qualify for coverage. And second, MacDowell advises that if the safe is to secure weapons, it should also remain bolted to the floor.
Are fireproof safes also waterproof?
If you’re looking for a waterproof safe, ensure it’s listed as waterproof in the product description. Just because a safe is fireproof doesn’t automatically mean it’s also waterproof. However, many safes on the market are both fireproof and waterproof, so if you’re looking for one that’s both, you’ll have a lot of options.
“Just be sure to also store copies of documents like birth certificates and social security cards digitally outside the safe, in case something happens to the safe itself!” adds Gabriele.
Source:
- “Guns Used in Crime” from Bureau of Justice Statistics
Originally Published: May 17, 2024
