Best Water-Resistant & Fireproof Safes to Protect Valuables, Documents & More
Updated: Apr. 16, 2024
These 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 nation. Of those, there was an estimated $16.4 billion in property loss. 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 take additional measures to keep your valuables and important documents safe. We contacted technology expert Burton Kelso to get the rundown on the best home safes. Find out when someone is lurking around your home by installing one of these highly-rated security cameras.
Best budget-friendly
Amazon Basics The Security Safe Box
This best home safe available in various sizes is a budget-friendly option to protect your documents. “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 get access to the safe and the backup of emergency override keys in the event that you forget your password. The only downside to this safe? Unlike some of the more expensive options, is not waterproof or fireproof. Did you know that your bank safe deposit box isn’t actually that safe?
Best if you need more space
AmazonBasics Home Keypad Safe
If you need to store more, this 1.8 cubic feet safe is what you want, says Kelso. Like the previous model, you can mount it to a wall or shelf or use it as a floor safe and you can use the keypad to get access to the safe and the backup of emergency override keys in the event that you forget your password. But again, it is not waterproof or fireproof. Check out these 20 secrets your home security installer won’t tell you.
Best fire-resistant
AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box
If you are looking for the ultimate protection—from bad guys as well as fires—this 2.1-cubic-foot best home safe is what you want. “It offers all of the features that the Amazon Safe Box and Home Keypad have, plus more storage room. Also, this safe is fire-resistant,” says Kelso. If you don’t already have a home security system in place, here are the best ones according to experts.
Best high quality
SentrySafe Home Safe
This best home safe offers you a keypad in addition to a key for extra security. “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. Have one of those home security signs in your window? Here’s why you may want to think twice about displaying the security sign.
Best for surviving catastrophes
First Alert 2087F
Want a safe that will survive the end of the world? Then this is the best home safe for you. “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.” It uses a traditional combination lock, but also comes with keys that allow you to access the safe if you forget your combination. Obviously, the best way to keep your stuff safe from a fire is to prevent one in the first place. Believe it or not, this is the most overlooked fire hazard at home.
Best 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. Make sure your house isn’t vulnerable to being robbed.
For small items
SentrySafe 0500 Fireproof Box with Key Lock, 0.15 Cubic Feet
This best home safe is about as basic as you can get. Its main purpose is to hold 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, easy on the wallet, and can help prevent you from getting your stuff stolen out of one of those risky hotel safes.
For a small drawer
AmazonBasics Small Desk Drawer Safe Box
The perfect office safe, this slender and small safe fits conveniently inside of a desk drawer. It features a programmable keypad but also comes with a key in case you happen to forget the combination. It can be set inside of your desk drawer or mounted. Don’t miss how FBI agents protect their homes for expert tips.
Best splurge
SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad
This fire-proof and water-proof safe is basically the Rolls-Royce of the bunch. It is certified as a gun safe, features multiple carpeted shelves to prevent scratching, and is protected by a digital lock. If you have a lot of random valuables and a little bit of room, this best home safe is definitely a good investment. Check out these safety tips that could potentially save your home from a break-in.
Best for guns
SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock
You should always keep handguns locked up—not only to avoid deadly gun 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 is compact enough to fit 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.
Best fireproof
SentrySafe 1200 Fireproof Box with Key Lock
After a fire, most people are left with serious regrets about not keeping their valuables safe inside a fireproof box. These simple lockboxes can be purchased a la carte or as a set, and are a great and safe way to store any 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.
What to consider 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. 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 good safe means finding one that is durable and secure. 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 ones, 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.
- Lock Mechanism: Safes come with various locking mechanisms including key, combination, electronic and biometric locks. Select one that will work best for you.
Why you should trust us
I have years of experience covering everything from consumer products and cleaning hacks to travel and pets. I’ve put together numerous shopping guides and know how to immerse myself in a topic and then hunt down the best products on the market. To help me find the best home safes I spoke to technology expert Burton Kelso. He’s worked in the industry for over 30 years helping others to get the most out of their technology.
How we found the best home safes
Regarding home safes, finding a quality product that will protect your valuables is important. We looked for safes that meet a variety of consumer needs—one that fits in a desk, is fire resistant, uses fingerprint technology, etc. Then, we narrowed down the list using real customer reviews and expert advice.
FAQ
Where should I store a safe in my home?
This will depend 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 that 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 and others are meant to stay in one spot. For the safes on the larger side, bolting them to the floor can make the safe more stable and prevent burglars from picking it up and taking it from your home. Also, note that some insurance policies require that your safe be bolted to the floor to qualify for coverage.
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 lots of options.
Originally Published: October 29, 2020
