A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

Best Home Safes Security Experts Use in Their Own Homes

These are the best home safes to protect your personal items from everything from burglars to catastrophes.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

1 / 12
combination lock
aluxum/Getty Images

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. And if someone does manage to get inside of your home, you should take additional measures to keep your personal valuables as well as 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.

Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.

2 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

Budget-friendly: Amazon Basics The Security Safe Box

$65.99

Shop Now

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?

3 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

If you need more space: AmazonBasics Home Keypad Safe

$125.63

Shop Now

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.

4 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

Fire-resistant: AmazonBasics Fire Resistant Box

$219.61

Shop Now

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.

5 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

High quality: SentrySafe Home Safe

$224.73

Shop Now

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.

6 / 12
safe
via walmart.com

Designed to survive catastrophes: First Alert 2087F

$139.99

Shop Now

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.

7 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

Fingerprint technology: Viking Secure Safe Biometric Fingerprint Safe

$159.99

Shop Now

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.

8 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

For small items: SentrySafe 0500 Fireproof Box with Key Lock, 0.15 Cubic Feet

$29.56

Shop Now

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.

9 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

For a small drawer: AmazonBasics Small Desk Drawer Safe Box

$54.99

Shop Now

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.

10 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

When money isn’t an object: SentrySafe EF4738E Fireproof Waterproof Safe with Digital Keypad

$613.99

Shop Now

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.

11 / 12
safe
via amazon.com

For guns: SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock

$173.99

Shop Now

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. Find out 14 new laws that could affect you in 2020.

12 / 12
safe home security
via amazon.com

In case of a fire: SentrySafe 1200 Fireproof Box with Key Lock

$19.97

Shop Now

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.

Sources:

Leah Groth
Leah Groth covers everything from cleaning hacks and consumer products to travel and pets for Reader’s Digest. When she isn’t working on a piece, you’ll find her chasing after her four children (two humans, a Vizsla and a German Shorthaired Pointer) or working on her 100-plus-year-old home outside Philadelphia.