If you're looking for a reliable handgun safe that's both sturdy and affordable, here's my personal ranking of the best options for the money.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. VAULTEK Smart Station - Built-in Wireless Phone Charger
Highlight: Fingerprint scanner comes with an LED backlight.
Helpful review: I’ve always liked Vaultek as a company, and their products have always been something that captured my interest. I’ll be honest, I was a little unsure about spending the big dollars on this safe, it was a little out of my budget, but I knew that I needed a small gun safe for my bedroom, and I wanted it to come from a company that had high quality and good reputations. After all, a gun safe is an important thing to have to keep your weapons safe, so I obviously want something I feel secure about.
I’d like to report back that this is exactly what I’ve been looking for, and then some. Here are some thoughts:
- The packaging was impressive and protective. You'll appreciate the care taken in this aspect.
- Setup was straightforward and clear, especially when programming fingerprints. No issues with setting combinations or fingerprints.
- The quality is top-notch. It's a very sturdy and well-built safe, sooo easy to use.
- The Bluetooth and biometric features are excellent.
- The phone charger on top works flawlessly.
- An extra USB port means I can also charge my watch using this system.
- It's spacious enough to hold most handguns. For example, it can easily accommodate two Glocks or a Sig with Holosun optics and two seventeen round magazines, with room to spare.
- The clock sets itself correctly when a phone is placed on the charger.
- It opens swiftly and silently.
- The interior lighting is beautiful and the app as a whole offers amazing features.
The product exceeds the advertisement. It's much more advanced and versatile than described. There are so many customizable features, like sound and lighting options. Having such a sleek product on my nightstand has genuinely upgraded my lifestyle. I love this safe so much that I'm considering buying another one.
BOTTOM LINE:
Don’t skimp on a cheaper safe to save money. This Vaultek is worth every penny. Their customer service is fantastic, and the follow-up is excellent. Based on this experience, I'll also be purchasing from Vaultek again, that’s for darn sure!
Get it from Amazon now: $399.99 & FREE Returns
2. RPNB Drop Down - Anti-Corrosion Finish
Highlight: With sturdy steel, you won’t be disappointed by the construction.
Helpful review: This thing arrived at my house so freaking fast. Didn’t know shipping could be that fast. And it came with excellent packing. After some use, I decided to give an honest review on it. The RPNB safe is high quality, well-crafted, and works superbly. Exactly what I could hope for in a gun safe.
The only issue was the rubber feet coming loose when it’s super hot out, I guess the heat loosens and expands it, but they reattach easily. The drawer opens smoothly every time. Registering fingerprints at different angles is necessary if you're not consistent with your fingerprint placement. RPNB should be commended for this product. A plus, in my book.
MY NEIGHBOR'S REVIEW:
I was looking for a gun safe that could be hidden next to my bed, offering safety and easy access. The locker has a passcode with a fingerprint option, opening in a second so I can just hop right into that ready to pull and shoot position. There's also a manual key lock, which is a nice plus. The heavy metal case prevents forced opening, and there's enough space for one pistol and an extra magazine.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
After searching for a solid, reliable safe, I found this one that fits a pistol perfectly. The fingerprint reader is surprisingly accurate, even when set up with different angles. It's well-made and heavy, which is good. The only con is that it’s pretty loud when you open it, which is kinda annoying, but I guess at the point you’re opening it, it won’t really matter if a burglar hears it. Time will tell with how it performs in the long run.
Get it from Amazon now: $199.00 & FREE Returns
3. BILLCONCH - Stores Two Standard Pistols
Highlight: Biometric chips with Bluetooth capability, makes this top of the line and ideal for cash, passports, pistols, all your valuables.
Helpful review: My household is bustling with kids, cats, and a not so bright dog–sorry Bo! My husband, a retired Army sharpshooter, and hunter, keeps guns in the house. While it's easy to find a large gun safe for rifles, I wanted quick access to my Glock by the bedside, just in case, while also not having to worry about the safety of my animal. This safe is the perfect compromise for all of the things.
The biometric fingerprint reader opens the safe almost instantly, and you can store multiple fingerprints. The app monitors the individual fingerprints that open the safe and mark the time it opens, which is a plus in a multi-person household. We tested it with our older children's fingerprints, and there were no false positives, so I’d call that a success! And no dogs can bump into it and actually set off a weapon. The price is also more reasonable than other options we considered.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
This safe is the best in its class, offering excellent value for the dollar. After reviewing and researching many styles and brands, I chose this model for its sturdy, rugged construction and simple setup. The steel is thicker than other competitors, which is a nice perk, and it has 2 durable latches to lock it instead of one. The safe opens quietly, too, which I really like. There's enough space for two medium pistols and extra clips. The USB-A plug on the front allows for recharging the included battery, which can also be replaced for more longevity. Overall, the safe is portable enough to fit under a seat, in my trunk, or wherever I’d like it to go. It's great for trips or camping.
Get it from Amazon now: $89.99 & FREE Returns
4. Hornady RAPiD Night Guard - RFiD Adjustable Wristband
Highlight: Constructed from fourteen gauge steel.
Helpful review: The safe has features that are literally the best of the best, just excellent. However, I found it a little odd that the instructions repeatedly say not to store a loaded firearm in it. Isn’t that the point of it?
RFID:
Programming the RFID keys is easy, though it didn't come with the advertised rubber wristband. It included a rubber sleeve for your watch band, two stick-on hard chips, and a teardrop shaped tag for your key ring, totaling four RFID keys.
FEATURES:
Setting the time is super simple. The drawer spring is strong, which I like, so it pops open easily, though it can shift the unit if not mounted securely. I used the mounting holes to secure it to my nightstand.
ISSUES:
Just a little one. There was no template for mounting, which was a time-waster. Drilling pilot holes and screwing from inside the unit was challenging due to limited space. I just wanted to anchor it so it didn't move every time I used it.
ALL IN ALL:
The security cable is really nice for securing the unit to a bed frame, but it's not long enough. It looks like a clock radio, but it doesn't function as one. I hope to dim the bright red clock numbers somehow. Overall, I recommend this product and seller.
HOWEVER, HERE’S MY NEIGHBOR’S REVIEW:
This thing arrived literally one day after I ordered it! It’s pretty heavy, but I can tell it’s sturdy. Set up was so easy, but you will need three triple A batteries. There’s like five ways to access it, which is cool, and I found no issue activating all of the different ways. You have to open it through one of those accesses, so keep that in mind. It’s a security aspect that I really appreciate about the product. I don’t really like how bright the clock numbers are, it’s a red light that I can see with my eyes closed, that’s how bright it is, so I’ll be trying to figure out how to dim that. Overall, this product is great, and you can tell the seller really cares about what they’re doing.
AND A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
Just can’t say enough good things about this. I’m so impressed. I love how the clock is just like an alarm clock and looks like an electronic device, which is really cool. Other brands offer similar protection, but this is really just the best out there. A lot of people who saw this, didn’t even know the clock was actually a safe for my guns, so that was cool. It fits my compact weapons, like my 9 and 22, pretty easily, and also had room for the magazines, so that was nice. I love that it comes with a key fob and a regular key. The combo was kind of confusing to set, but once I figured it out, it was no biggie. I def recommend this product!
Get it from Amazon now: $242.79 & FREE Returns
5. VAULTEK - 16-Gauge Carbon Steel
Highlight: Max firearm that can fit is just under nine inches, but also comes with room for spare mag.
Helpful review: It's a bit of a tight fit if you ask me, but this safe still manages to hold a full sized tactical weapon with a magazine, despite its height being just under six inches. It will definitely fit most handguns.
The biometric sensor on the Slider is more accurate and responsive than the smaller VT10i. The larger sensor detects fingerprints at any angle, and adding the same fingers multiple times increases readability. The app and web dashboards are pretty slick, and I have no issues with how it works. You even get notifications about the safe's status and fingerprint management.
The app can't open the safe remotely because it’s a security concern, which is probably for the best and actually something I like. I love the idea of the WIFI more than the actual thing. The features are kind of extra to the safe's primary function. The design shows thoughtful consideration, though. If cost is no object, then this is by far the best smart gun safe available on the market.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
After shopping for handgun safes, I finally ended up going with this Vaultek option. It's honestly amazing, packaged with care, and easy to set up. The steel construction is rugged and exactly what I was looking for. The keypad lights up when your hand is near, making it easy to read in the dark, which is helpful considering I’m practically blind without my glasses. It uses a standard Lithium Ion battery, meaning there’s no issue with replacing it. The drawer slides open completely with the correct code, and the LED light is super convenient at night. Great product overall, you won’t be disappointed.
Get it from Amazon now: $369.99 & FREE Returns
6. RPNB - Lightweight And Portable
Highlight: Biometric scanner of fingerprints allows access in less than a second, and size makes it great for storing in cars.
Helpful review: I was needing a replacement safe and had a handful of things I wanted to get to make sure it checked off everything in my life. I didn’t like how my last safe was limited to only two fingerprints, and that the door release had to be fully lifted to get my weapon–and that the piston wore down so the door stopped springing open. I knew I wanted my new safe to have a better biometric scanner, too.
This safe has hit all those marks. The scanner reminds me of the strength of an iPhone fingerprint scanner, although I do recommend making sure you’re moving your finger around to get that scan from every different angle. The spring is solid, and I can add more fingerprints than just two.
I saw some negative reviews that I quickly debunked: There is a silence button that allows me to shut off the beeps when scanning my finger to access the safe, despite what others said. I also saw some people complaining that anyone can use their fingerprint to get in. Potentially, if you’re only using the default it comes with. But once I programmed my finger in there, none of my friends were able to access it.
Also - note that the newer version of this safe (which is the one they're sending out nowadays) is quite upgraded - it looks a little cooler and has better foam. I know because I ordered a second one. If I had to list any negatives, I would say that the padding inside could be improved and thickened up. For a portable, affordable gun safe, I’d say it’s pretty great.
Get it from Amazon now: $89.99 & FREE Returns
7. AINIRO - Most Affordable Option
Highlight: Durable, anti-corrosive, steel construction.
Helpful review: I have five gun safes about this size and for many different purposes. For the car, for different rooms, for quick access points. I’ve also tried all the different brands on the market, including different price points, qualities, and features. For the price point, I’d say that this safe is convenient and has some good features. It has biometric, combination, and key options, and because of that, I’d say that of all of the small safes I’ve owned, this one has the most variety.
The programming is super easy to figure out and the instructions were pretty clear. I’d say that the inside padding is pretty solid and that there’s a good amount of cable for securing the safe down. The biometric reader is high quality, and I can unlock it with both clean and dirty fingers, which is something I really wanted to be able to do.
In terms of limitations, I would keep in mind that safes are subjective and need to be looked at like a tool, and something that can store smaller belongings. If you’re wanting something that’s bulletproof and offers protection from motivated burglars, I’d say that this will do the trick. It does come with some exposed cracks, unlike V-lines, but those cost about two to three times more and weigh a lot more, so keep that in mind.
CONCLUSION:
I’d say that this safe is exactly what I needed and is a really good option that can hold important documents like a gun, phone, keys, birth certificate, passport, and the rest. The safe is very convenient and prevents crimes of opportunity. I will say that I think it’s the least bulletproof of all of my small safes, but it definitely is also the most convenient, as well.
Get it from Amazon now: $59.99 & FREE Returns
8. ONNAIS - Ideal For Tech Dummies
Highlight: Ideal for multiple users as it stores up to 30 fingerprints.
Helpful review: This safe is ideal for bedside or nightstand use. It comes with a security tether made of cabling covered in rubber or flexible plastic, which wraps around the bed frame and secures to the safe body.
LID AND LOCK:
The lid is super secure and comes with a hook and latching mechanism, and the combo plus the biometric lock system is exactly the type of handy I was looking for. The key lock offers a reliable alternative, which is a plus.
CODE VS. FINGERPRINT:
Setting the electronic code is very simple, and the quick setup guide is easy to read and understand. The biometric lock is equally straightforward, allowing multiple fingerprints to be registered. This feature ensures only authorized users can access the safe.
INTERIOR:
The safe's interior is thinly padded with open-cell foam. In humid areas, I’d recommend you use a desiccant packet to protect your pistol. The safe is lightweight, weighing about two pounds, and easy to move around. However, the weight reduction compromises steel thickness for protection. A determined thief could eventually break in, but the safe is more about keeping unauthorized hands off dangerous items.
WEIGHT:
This safe is exactly the weight I was hoping for. It’s under two pounds and I can move it around without effort. There is a little less steel because of that, and while it could be possible for a burger to rip it off the wall, I think you need to remember that this safe is meant to keep valuables safe. Ideally, you’re the one who is going to get into it first. Personally, I wanted something I can just move around, so I like it.
SIZE:
The safe has a fair amount of room, especially with the top opening lid. It can fit a full sized pistol, with some room left over for additional items. It's perfect for keeping all the important things safe and out of the way.
ALL IN ALL:
I highly recommend this safe, I wouldn’t write this review otherwise! It's an excellent value for the money, ideal for keeping items safe from little hands. It's portable and can be used in various locations, including offices and homes. This safe is a worthwhile investment, providing security and peace of mind.
Get it from Amazon now: $69.99 & FREE Returns
9. Awesafe - Recently-Upgraded Fingerprint Scanner
Highlight: This lightweight gun safe fits two handguns with ease and is great for storing in the home or in your car.
Helpful review: The service from both Amazon and Awesafe was excellent, exceeding most of my expectations. The product arrived on time and in good condition. After researching many safes, I decided on this one and am pleased with the purchase.
If you read the instructions, you'll find that the safe opens with any fingerprint until you set your own. Once set, the sensor's reliability can be influenced by your finger position, if it’s dirty, if you have calluses, or if your skin is dry. However, it makes up for the sensitivity, because you can set thirty (yeah you read that right) fingerprints to ensure reliable access under various conditions.
The lid pops open with a slightly dampened gas strut, taking another second to open fully. The unit is heavy, with thick metal sides. The inside has a foam lining on the bottom and sides, while the lid is bare metal. It can fit a full size Beretta plus three magazines easily.
So yeah, this safe provides reliable, fast access and decent security, keeping kids out and meeting all of my needs.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
This product is just awesome. I was initially concerned about the biometric release failures reported in some of the reviews, but I haven't experienced any issues. The packaging was exactly what I was hoping for, and the safe is pretty heavy, which tells me it’s quality. It comes with two large screws for securing it to a surface, but I kept it portable on my nightstand. It doesn't shift when the lid pops open. Programming was easy, and the instructions were really clear, not confusing at all. The biometric reader works perfectly, opening the lid in less than a second. My partner also programmed her fingerprint, and it works for her every time, which is awesome. My better half is much more comfortable keeping a loaded gun in the house now.
MY NEIGHBOR'S REVIEW:
I bought this for my Dad for Christmas, and he loves it! He can fit a Glock plus an extra clip, a service revolver, and even an off duty revolver. Despite some reviews saying it only fits two guns, my Dad managed to fit all three with extra room to spare. The fingerprint scanner adds an extra level of security, making it a great feature. The safe did everything we wanted it to do and more!
Get it from Amazon now: $99.00 & FREE Returns
10. HOLEWOR - Displays Humidity And Temperature
Highlight: Display shows temperature, time, and humidity.
Helpful review: I wanted a safe for subcompact pistol so I could make sure my kids wouldn’t access it. So far, I very much like it.
BUILD QUALITY:
Similar to what I saw in other reviews, this safe is on the hefty side. It's thick metal, which is reassuring to know that there’s no way for just anyone to break into it. There are three entry modes: fingerprint, code, and key. I can rest assured knowing that my kids can’t get in.
SETUP:
In under five minutes, I managed to set a new code, put in my prints, and silenced the safe–all without looking at the instruction manual. It was that easy.
SOUND:
You can silence your safe by holding down the number one for a few seconds. Although, keep in mind that you can still hear a mechanical release when the locking mechanism opens, mainly when you’re using the fingerprint scanner or the keycode. I found that the manual key entry has a click from the spring load that’s released. I’d say that for the most part, these sounds are normal and to be expected with most gun safes.
KEY ENTRY:
The physical key is solid, slides inside with no issue, and is definitely the quietest method of entry. I will say that I plan to hide these keys, if not keep them on me at all times, just to add extra assurance that no one can break into the safe.
CODE:
I had no issue setting up the code, and if you use a shorter four digit one, you’ll know when someone tries to enter it incorrectly. I will say that having a longer code, up to eight digits, may give extra assurance, but it may also take you longer to enter the code if you need to do it in a hurry.
FINGERPRINT SCANNER:
I did all ten of my prints super quickly, and I only did one per finger. I’ve found that it hasn’t failed once, although I think in the future I will make sure I’m registering one finger from multiple angles, instead of doing individual fingers once, if that makes sense. A personal preference if you ask me, but even just registering my finger from one angle, it still opened it, which is awesome. I tested unregistered fingerprints and it stayed locked, so that’s a nice extra reassurance as well.
BATTERY LIFE:
I can’t speak to the long term battery life, mainly because I just got thing, but even with the cheaper batteries I put in, it’s still working really well. I haven’t had any issues, but I do plan to monitor the battery life to make sure it’s working the way it should. That being said, I’m happy I have the physical key just in case.
SPACE:
I had no issue fitting my two pistols inside, along with an extra mag each, and my holster. I think it’s large enough that you could fit regular sized pistols inside. There’s foam on the sides and on the bottom to protect your pistols and you can also remove it if you’d prefer that.
As an extra bonus, I’ve found that customer service is great. I’m really happy with this safe. Five out of five stars.
Get it from Amazon now: $79.99 & FREE Returns
11. MAXSafes - Ideal For Narrow Drawers
Highlight: Portable with three way access.
Helpful review: My old safe was really finicky with the fingerprint log in, and I found that if you had a little dust on your fingers, or if you didn’t align it perfectly, it wouldn’t open for you. I hated that. I knew I wanted something that actually got the job done and that I wouldn’t have to worry about it not working fifty percent of the time.
Reliability is important–especially in an emergency. I knew I wanted a mini safe, and one that had solid keyless entry, along with a PIN and regular key access. That’s ultimately why I went with this safe. The instruction manual was helpful and easy to understand. I love how it opens and has a shock life that makes it reliable. You better believe I tested it with dirty and wet fingers to make sure it still worked correctly.
It functioned exactly as I hoped, and I just love how it looks. It’s rugged, yet modern. Even the packaging looks professional. The features and quality really just make it better than I expected. The customer service also seems top-notch.
I plan to eventually upgrade to a larger version, and I will definitely stay with this brand. It’s everything I wanted. Just a great quality, an affordable price, and the lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt. Definitely recommend.
Get it from Amazon now: $129.99 & FREE Returns