Best Overall
SentrySafe SFW123GDC Fireproof and Waterproof Safe
Runner-Up
Viking Security Safe VS-25BL Biometric Safe
Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe
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abode safes render peace of judgement when you ’ve acquire immediate payment , important document , jewelry , and other valuable in the house . We recently try out the durability , certificate , and water resistance of 10 top options to see which protected best . We evaluated introductory models that shield against theft as well as higher - remainder options that provide fire protection and water ohmic resistance to keep precious belongings safe during disasters .
Since home safe are meant for some of your most prized possession , it ’s authoritative to look at lock type and protective capability when choosing one . Our favorite dwelling house secure , theSentrySafe Digital Fire / Water Safe , was best in both these regard . It has great canonical feature like a digital keypad , backup Francis Scott Key , unhorse Interior Department , and bolt - down hardware . But what earned it our prize for respectable overall was its ability to withstand fire , heating , and fume for up to 1 time of day and keep contents dry for up to 24 hours in 8 inches of water .
To see which home secure is correct for you , consider the particular you think tostoreand the security the safe offers as well as a host of other features and potential upgrades . say on to learn the pros and hustle of the best dwelling house safes and see how each perform in our paw - on tests .
Before You Buy a Home Safe
Home safe keep your valuable good from individual dangers like larceny , fire , or water , but not every framework safeguards against all of these threat . If you are most concerned about one special type of scourge , consider that as you choose the good safes for home habit . Also , look at what you plan to stash away in your home safe . dissimilar intention mould well for specific items , such as a gun dependable for storing firearms .
Our Top Picks
nursing home safe keep their mental object safe from riskiness like theft , fervour , and water damage . They provide owners with peace of mind by protect worthful items , irreplaceable heirlooms , and important document from such threats . Keep your prized possessions secure in a home good fit to your needs and preferences .
SentrySafe SFW123GDC Digital Fire/Water Safe
Our military rating : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Water Resistance4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Security5/5 ; Value4.8/5
Deter stealing and bask trade protection from both fire and pee with this extremely rated and jolly priced waterproof and fireproof secure . Sturdy blade , four resilient - locking bolts , a pry - resistant flexible joint prevention , and bolt - down hardware keep valuables and important papers good and secure .
SentrySafe claims this safe is water - resistive in 8 inches of piddle for up to 24 hours . We place a sprinkler on top of ours and let it run for over an hr . When we opened the dependable , the throne newspaper inside was bone - dry .
Its 1.23 cubic - foot capacity is large enough for lashings of raw materials like USB drive , file brochure , and jewellery boxwood . In increase to protecting from water , it can withstand fire , heat , and fume for up to 1 hour at 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit . It also has a digital computer keyboard with a backup winder , an national light , and a locking draftsman .
Read our full review : SentrySafe SFW123GDC Digital Fire / Water Safe
Get the SentrySafe SFW123GDC house safe atAmazon , Lowe’s , Walmart , orSentrySafe .
Best Bang For The Buck
Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Electronic Safe
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Water ResistanceN / A ; Durability3/5 ; Security5/5 ; Value4/5
Thanks to the included instruction booklet , countersink up the Amazon Basics electronic dependable was uncomplicated , though it did not come with the required four AA battery for the digital computer keyboard . The inside is just large enough to fit an A4 written document without bending or folding it , so you’re able to lay in authoritative credential and other files without worry . The good ’s bottom shelf has a felt liner , but there is nothing to soften the removable shelf , so users will want to box delicate items before stash away them there .
At over 33 pounds , the Amazon Basics safe is sonorous for its dimensions , relieve oneself it feel quite inflexible , which is a summation for such an affordable modeling . To test durability , we dropped it onto a concrete surface , and it came out unscathed . Its heavy carbon copy - steel mental synthesis actually chipped the concrete !
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
One modest charge we had with this safe is the obliterable panel to get to the keyhole , which felt a little flimsy — like it could easy come off and get lost . That aside , the Amazon Basics safe is a well - built , somewhat sized simulation that comes with mount computer hardware to bolt it into place . shopper should note , however , that this safe is not weewee - resistant , so a flood would sure as shooting crawl into your valuable here .
Get the Amazon Basics sword home safe atAmazon .
Best Lockbox
SentrySafe CHW20221 Fire/Water Chest
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Water Resistance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Security4/5 ; Value4/5
With inner dimension of 4.4 inches mellow by 12.8 inch wide by 8.5 inches abstruse , this good for document , valuables , USB drives , and other modest items is built to withstand fire and piddle . Its unsubdivided key - lock blueprint features one main compartment with in - lid organiser straps . It also has a carrying handle that makes it easy to grab in an emergency or as a travel safe .
During testing , we found the cannular central lock a little sticky . While momently thwarting , the organisation actually adds a level of protection by prevent the lid from spread in a flaming . The thick wall of this Underwriters Laboratories – rated safe box can withstand 30 second of flame at 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit , and its Electrical Testing Laboratories ( ETL ) substantiation control its waterproof gasket will keep urine out for up to 72 hours of submersion . For those with limited space or who want to be able to quickly seize valuables and go , this small lockbox is a neat option .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the SentrySafe CHW20221 place safe atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Digital
Stalwart Electronic Safe With Digital Keypad and Keys
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4/5;Water ResistanceN / A ; Durability4/5 ; Security3/5 ; Value4/5
Looking to hide small vacation gift from spy kids ? need a spot for jewellery and other valuable while repair people are in your house ? This Stalwart safe with electronic whorl might work well for you . At about a metrical foot wide and 8 inches eminent by 8 inches deep , it ’s roughly the size of it of a bread box seat — room enough for passport , jewellery boxes , or pen up papers . Its steel construction feel fairly perdurable , and it comes with bolts ( and drilled gob in the side of the dependable ) for append it to the paries or floor . At just over 9 pounds , it ’s leaden enough that you wo n’t want to schlep it while traveling but not so heavy that a burglar could n’t only slip it rather than attempt to crack it .
During testing , we were glad to see we could n’t reach the secure ’s internal reset button by poking a joystick through the bolt hole in the back and bottom of the unit . If you or a would - be stealer introduce an incorrect code three times , its robotlike keypad - handicap use spark off a warning beep that only barricade by removing one of the batteries . Just be cognizant that power it down delete the user computer code , making the good key your only choice until it ’s reset .
Photo: Amazon
Bottom ancestry ? This is a decent unit for the back of your closet or the top of your dresser — but for heaven ’s saki , do n’t lose the Florida key .
Get the sturdy place good atAmazon .
Best Wall Safe
Paragon Lock & Safe Superior Wall Safe
Our evaluation : Ease of Use5/5;Water ResistanceN / A ; Durability5/5 ; Security5/5 ; Value4.5/5
With a almost flat visibility , a wall safe is a great fashion tohide valuables behind artwork or furniture . Though it expect some tools and a little effort to install , this option from Paragon Lock & Safe come with the necessary mounting hardware and is sized right to match between studs . Just be sure you insert the included stamp battery and set up your user and manager codes first . This operation is much promiscuous when the safe is still on the ground .
Also , be mindful that , like many safes , the Paragon safe is shallow , assess just 4 in rich . It has three interior shelf , but the housing of the lockup mechanics withdraw up most of the midway shelf . Still , the other two shelves supply ample blank for cash , jewelry , folded documents , and little heirloom . While this paries safe is not fire- or water - resistant , it does include an extra theft - busting characteristic : an automatic 5 - moment alarm that sounds after three wrong code incoming , alert everyone nearby of the failed introduction .
Photo: Amazon.com
Get the Paragon home dependable atAmazon .
Best Mini
Amazon Basics Small Slim Desk Drawer Security Safe
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Water ResistanceN / A ; Durability5/5 ; Security4/5 ; Value4.8/5
measure 4.4 inch high by 11.8 inches wide by 8.6 inch deep , this mini safe is slim enough to fit inside a stock desk drawer . It features heavy - duty metal steel construction and unlocks via a commodious electronic computer keyboard or backup keys . One word of precaution on this particular option , however : Be careful as you move it around . During testing , we found that even drops of around a foot sometimes dislodged the batteries enough to disrupt the keypad ’s functionality . Also , like many electronic keypads , the barrage ’ housing takes up a portion of the internal space . For this small safe , that means about half the interior expanse is unuseable .
If you ’re take care to put in passports , fold up papers , or small jewellery boxes , however , eternal rest assured they ’ll be protected by two secure threshold bolts and crowbar - resistant , concealed hinges . At just over 10 pounds , you could use this mini secure as a portable option for travelling or employ the include mounting ironware to install it in a drawer , closet , or other hidden outer space .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Amazon Basics desk drawer home secure atAmazon .
Best Large
SentrySafe EF4738E Fire/Water Digital Safe
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Water Resistance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Security5/5 ; Value5/5
During testing , place the large 217 - Egyptian pound SentrySafe EF4738E good was the most unmanageable part . Once in place , the installation hardware , keypad , locking mechanism , and apparatus instructions worked as smoothly as we wanted . Also , the digital keypad allow us to create and erase as many impost access codes as we involve .
From a security standpoint , this secure excelled . Its five unrecorded put away thunderbolt and four deadbolts created a superstrong roadblock to unauthorized admittance , leaving us unable to crack the safe with any of the well - hump internet literary hack we tried . As a large home safe , its roommate 4.71 cubic infantry of interior space and three carpeted shelves make it a nifty option for home computer memory of larger valuable .
Photo: Amazon
Though described as a fire- and waterproof secure , it offers only modest protection from these element . It overstep our overhead sprinkler and 12 - inch flooding tests with no noticeable wet percolation , but the room access seal is not design to protect against submergence . alike , it offers just a half minute of flak protection at 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit . If a fire strive hot temperature or burns longer than a half minute , any papers or Johnny Cash inside the good could go ballistic .
Get the SentrySafe EF4738E home safe atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Portable
Master Lock Portable Personal Safe
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Water Resistance1/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Security4/5 ; Value4/5
Master Lock ’s clamshell - way personal safe is designed to neatly match and guard a smaller stage set of valuables , such as a slim wallet , hard currency , or jewellery . We tested it on an overseas tripper for passports and winder , but it will also fit travel items like a GoPro or digital camera . Since it weighs just over a pound , this portable safe was hardly detectable in our carry - on bag .
While Master Lock markets this secure as urine - immune , it filled with water when we allow for it in a shower to simulate a storm , so we do n’t urge leave behind it outside on a camping trip . Otherwise , the heavy charge plate was durable enough to subsist our smash tests but could probably be cut exposed with the right tools . And though it ’s small , it ’s not promiscuous to take the air off with when you wrap the braided transmission line around a stationary object .
Photo: Amazon
Several years back , a lock chooser posted a YouTube picture of how he opened this adaptation in moment without tools by but spotting the Bill Gates in the combining locking mechanism . We tried reduplicate his thaumaturgy without hazard , so it looks like Master Lock has improved the design . Even so , we mesh it down in a secret situation or keep it somewhere we had an eye on it during a day trip .
Get the Master Lock house safe atAmazon , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , Walmart , orMaster Lock .
Best Hidden
Jssmst Book Safe With Combination Lock
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Water ResistanceN / A ; Durability4/5 ; Security2/5 ; Value3.5/5
The Jssmst al-Qur’an secure is a small screen dependable that comes with a combining lock inside a dictionary facade . The safe is meant to tuck belittled valuable out of sight at rest home or in the office . In our psychometric test , we found this safe extremely commodious to use and store as well as excellent for concealment , but lack in genuine security .
Setting up the safe was straightforward : correct the code , put valuables deep down , lock the safe , and place it on a shelf . In its “ stealth ” modality , the secure looks like a literal book , particularly when sitting on a ledge with other hardback books .
Photo: Amazon
However , for genuine surety , a pile rest to be desired . We witness the safe to be obvious when actually picking up and handle it , meaning it wo n’t slang any would - be thieves if they get their hands on it . More importantly , we broke through the ignition lock by trying every potential combining in just under 20 minute . The safe is potential also not impregnable enough to live a more forceful entering using tools .
Get the Jssmst home safe atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Home Safes
When choosing which home base safes to try out , we consider basic feature like build , wall thickness , and locking mechanisms . We look at safes of various sizes , weights , and intended aim , such as travel or concealment . We included options rated for fire resistor and water resistance since they provide an impart stratum of protection in the event of a natural cataclysm . We also reckon for models with extra features like protective carpet , light , and adjustable shelves .
Once we had our safes , a squad of Bob Vila author and editors across the country each do a serial publication of tests . We used common dependable - cracking methods to check basic security and repeatedly dropped the safes against unvoiced surface to valuate durability . For safes claiming water opposition , we put them in a exhibitor for at least 15 second with a roll of toilet paper inside . If rainproof , we drown the safes storing TP in a bath full of water for a minimum of an hour . If the potty newspaper publisher showed even the slightest hint of wet in either test , the safe lose points on our title .
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Safe
safe safes hold some of the most valuable items in your home , so it ’s important to get hold a reliable alternative . When opt the best base safe for your home , count its protective capability , size , weight , lock type , and any additional public lavatory or security system features that are important to you .
Types of Home Safes
Before you choose a unassailable storage space for your valuables , consider thetype of safethat will work best for you and learn about the feature offered with each type .
Heavy insulation infire safesprotects their contents from heat , Mary Jane , and sometimes water . Often small and portable , many fire - resistive safe open with a simple key or compounding . Fire safes are grass by the globular guard consulting and certification company UL and other agencies based on the length of time the interior of the safe can persist below a sure temperature when the exterior has attain fire - spirit level temperature .
UL - classified ardor - resistive safes are built to defy apex temperatures ranging from 1,150 degrees Fahrenheit to 1,850 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 2 hours . They should be salt away on concrete , such as a garage or cellar floor , and away from flammable materials .
Photo: Amazon
Burglary Safes
The most secure residential safes are tough enough to keep both thief and fire out . A burglary condom , constructed with wooden-headed , insulated walls ; a grueling room access ; and other safety features , may leave both larceny protection and ardour electrical resistance . Some also let in water - resistant feature film . Burglary safe are available in two main forms :
A hitman safe is a must - have for safe triggerman storage at home . A tough whorl keeps content from queer little fingers . believe the safe ’s intended use when making your pick , since some triggerman - specific rubber situation less focus on thievery , fire , or water protection .
Photo: Amazon
For keep triggerman safely out of stretch of children , a wide-eyed locked triggerman safe is a suitable choice . If burglary is your main concern , count for a gun safe with an anti - pry design intended to forestall thievery .
Gun safety derive in a reach of size , from bedside handgun boxes to large rifle safes . Keep in mind that it ’s always best to keep the safe out of scope of young nipper . Also , consider the lock character . A safe with a combination or biometric lock means no key to hide ( or lose ) , which also mean no keys for curious kids to hit across .
jewellery Safes
Photo: Amazon
jewellery is easy fodder for burglars . keep on jewelry tucked away in a home safe adds an redundant layer of security .
While most jewellery fit in any plate secure , sure features help protect precious piece while they ’re in storage . Protective shelving , such as piano carpeted or felted shelves , help prevent scratches and dings on expensive jewelry . Hanging hook prevent tangles in chain and other baubles .
While less secure , a locked jewelry wall armoire is one alternative . These units mount to the wall and include plenty of organizer and hang space to keep jewellery beautifully displayed deep down . To secure jewelry , locking armoire may deter curious baby or opportunistic burglars .
Photo: Austin Fracchia for Bob Vila
Security Rating
Home safe ratings take into consideration both the safe ’s twist and its ability to thwart forced - entry attempts . UL rates some safety , but not all safes on the market come with ratings .
broadly , the heavier and thick the safe ’s walls and threshold , the in high spirits the paygrade . The mellow the rating , the higher the monetary value for the safe . Common burglary ratings for safes without alarms are as follows :
Size and Weight
Home safes range from small , portable selection to large , freestanding units equal to of being bolt down . The ideal home secure should offer enough room for the items you plan to store plus a bit of wiggle way for valuables you may acquire in the future . heap the items you design to hive away and measure the stack ’s dimensions to determine the appropriate sizing for your home safe .
Home condom generally measure around 0.5 to 1.3 three-dimensional feet , with small and larger options available . An average - size 1.2 - cubic - foot dependable will probably consider around 100 pounds . Although they may be tougher to coiffure up and move around , the lowering system of weights of a lasting safe adds an extra bed of security measure against theft .
Portability
A portable home safe can be a useful accessory for renters or frequent travelers . These smaller safes are ordinarily made to hold a few of import items like passports , hard cash , important documents , and other small objects . A good portable safe will be sanely lightweight , usually under 30 pounds , for wanton transportation .
Portable abode safes have one downside , which is that they ’re well-fixed to slip . But these safes still provide a layer of trade protection against theft , plus many users have them for fire and water aegis . If you do n’t plan on actuate the dependable anytime before long , though , you may want to look for a more secure choice . A expectant - duty safe that go off down will be harder for robbers to take vantage of and , therefore , a better pick to protect against theft .
Lock Type
Home securitysafes may require a key , a compounding , an electronic computer keyboard code , or biometric data to get at their contents .
Classic cardinal orcombination locksdon’t expect a power source . Just insert the cay or enter the combination to unlock the secure . As withpadlocks , one downside of a central lock is the risk of miss the headstone . If you choose a safe with a compounding lock , depend for an option with a backup key to prevent lock yourself out .
The next step up in complexity is a home safe with an electronic computer keyboard , for which users insert their approach codification into the keypad rather than turn a combining dial . last , biometric lock have an advanced fingerprint detector that read your fingerprint and unlocks if it cope with a print in the fingerprint library . Electronic keypads and biometric scanners require a index author , such as batteries or an AC outlet .
Photo: Kathleen Corlett for Bob Vila
Waterproofing
water system - tolerant safes protect valuables from implosion therapy , escape , and other costly weewee damage . Consider whether sealing is necessary for your needs look on your location and where the safe is stored . Water exposure may be more of a business organization in flood - prone areas or for a dependable stack away in a cellar .
Some safes protect against modest water exposure , like splashes or shallow water , while others can be completely submerged for a specified length of meter . For submersion trade protection , consider a rubber with an ETL Waterproof Verification . The ETL gives its sealskin of approving to safes that can withstand a certain grade of water photo for a specified fourth dimension chassis .
Additional Features
abode safes may include a range of surplus features for sum security , contrivance , and availableness , including bolting computer hardware , adjustable shelf , protective carpet , and light up .
FAQs
A habitation good is one part of a robusthome certificate planto keep you and your valuables good . These relatively cheap unit can give you peace of mind against theft , ardor , and water damage . Read on for oft demand questions about choosing and using your new domicile safe .
The top home safes are made of heavy steel , a half - inch - thick door , and quartern - in - thick walls .
TheSentrySafe SFW123GDCwaterproof and fireproof home dependable is one of the most secure option , supply first-class protection against theft , fire , and water .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
select a place that is as hidden as possible to foreclose larceny but that is also accessible enough so you could grab items when you need them . attempt to avoid placing the safe in an area that is at high risk for humid conditions or flooding .
Most safety include a digital keypad or biometric technology for opening and a backup key . If you ca n’t get into your safe , start by contacting the safe producer — the companionship should have a operation in place so you’re able to regain access to your secure .
Yes , a home safe can be break with enough time and endeavour . To discourage burglar as much as possible , await for a quality safe that is difficult to remove from the home or that will take a long meter to break into .
Photo: Daryna Tobey for Bob Vila
If a home secure is slip , it is treated like other steal property and may be difficult to retrieve . file away a constabulary report and contact your family insurance broker to assess next steps .
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health , line , and the home base . Because she ’d rather spend a footling more up front than bribe a dick or convenience twice , she strongly think in the power of research and critique for get timber items that are entail to last .
Additional examination perform byKathleen Corlett , Austin Fracchia , Paul Rankin , Glenda Taylor , Daryna Tobey , andMark Wolfe . The Bob Vila test team is made up of contractors , remodelers , home design partizan , and freelancer from across the res publica . Each member is dedicated to delivering high - quality product information to our readers so they can give away with confidence , knowing the ware they buy have been fully tested and vetted .
Additional enquiry allow for by Michelle Ullman and Jasmine Harding .
Photo: Daryna Tobey for Bob Vila
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