Firearms may be a sure shot measure against the perils of criminal activities, but did you know that gun possession related incidents have claimed over 2.75 million lives in the last decade despite the presence of safety boxes? This is where a biometric gun safe sweeps in heroically, using a bio-recognition or eye scanning technology to ensure safekeeping of your weapon. We understand the need to feel safe and protected, which is why we’ve scoured 30 different models to bring you the 10 best biometric gun safes. The KAER Gun Safe is by far the best in the market, making for the editor’s choice based on ease of usage, since clarity of setup and swift access are imperative to one’s safety as well as construction and durability to gauge resilience. But more on that later in our buying guide below; first thing’s first – our nomination list, complete with product descriptions and comparisons.
Other features: removable shelf, three ways to open, accommodates up to 5 rifles
We believe that this particular model is the flag-bearer for safety and reliability, pushing it to the top of our list. Why, do you ask? Flexibility and protection are the core offers of this safe. Let’s start off with the former; the safe houses removable shelves and gun pockets so that one can control the number of items that can be stored inside, while the adjustable shelf length is a bonus feature in case you have rifles of varying sizes. The steel alloy construction is both tamper and pry resistant and the 4 anchoring bolts boost security, allowing the user to either fix the base to the ground, or fix inside a closet in case concealing the product is desired.
Unlike most dual security safes, Kaer stores a 3-way entry: touch, digital keypad, and 2 manual keys with an emergency power access. The 1-minute lock system also auto activates upon wrong passcode input 5 times in a row, meaning that children or intruders can’t easily access the contents inside. What differentiates Kaer from other options available in the market is the presence of an external battery box that can be used in case the internal battery dies (although batteries are not included in the package). Another unique feature is the 180-degree external hinges that call for a better viewing when consumers want to retrieve the contents of the safe. There’s also a separate storage box inside for important documents and other small items.
Other features: floor mount, LCD intelligent display of temperature humidity time, battery, unlock state, 3 ways quick access
A sturdy 4 kg body, 2 mount screws and 4 cables are sure to withstand grab-and-run robberies if you have this product in your arsenal. Moreover, a 10-second LED light, softly lit code keys and silent mode allow for easy weapon retrieval during nighttime, which is facilitated additionally by a larger sized scanner so that fingerprints can be read from any angle.
Compared to previous versions of this model, this one is by far the most precise in terms of the lock mechanism. It is also lighter because of a thinner metal casing. The LCD screen gives a nice touch to the overall look, providing a variety of display options such as temperature, humidity, modes, time and even a battery status. Although batteries are included with the product and easily replaceable once they run out, a USB-C emergency cable is also provided to users. Our team found this product to work the best in crisis management situations such as burglaries, since the touch sensor is highly sensitive and has an access rate of less than 1 second, with a recognition rate of 98%.
Other features: alarm system, Silent Mode, LED interior light
The non-corrosive exterior is fashioned with a solid steel lining, making it slightly sturdier for its small size. The compactness enables easy storage in cars, bedside drawers and even your luggage, however, for more heavy-duty security, it is possible to mount it to a desk or table with the two cables provided. It contains a spare key as well as a USB-C port in case of unanticipated battery issues, with a record unlock time of 0.1 seconds akin to Billconch and RPNB models. As for the interior, a velvety fabric lining provides extra padding for items like pistols, magazines, passports and ID cards. Our team found the installation and access to be a walk in the park and advocates this particular item for not just its multiuser capability but also its storage capacity for a whopping 100 unique biometric fingerprints.
We found its accompanying WIFI app tracking safety and real time log system to be quite similar to the Vaultek smart slider, albeit for a lesser price! So, if a sliding door and top-tier design are points of indifference for you, OneTigris is surely a better value provider. One feature that makes it stand out from the previous model is the upgraded lock cylinder, the quality of which has been a pressing concern for several users in the past. Lastly, it features a 4-way access unlike any other product, including a smartphone unlock – a truly innovative win for sure!
Other features: USB charge with low battery reminder, 1-year warranty
With an access time of only 0.1 seconds and a 3-pronged convenient security system like Kaer, it is a steal buy for beginners. It can store 2 small sized guns and has foam lining on its walls to keep items safe. The 16-gauge carbon steel construction makes for a carry-on case which is anti-fire, anti-corrosion, and anti-scratch, all in one. The box has an LED lighting inside, a USB charging port with cable and environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries alongside a low battery alert. There’s also a silent mode operation and a Bluetooth app connection much like the Vaultek station.
To encourage immediate setup, the instructions are clear and concise; a voice activation reminder prompts the users to carry the required installation steps as soon as possible, setting the product apart from several other lines. Furthermore, a one-year warranty and 24/7 response line service guarantee to ease any customer concerns and issues. The only downside we see is that the software forgets some fingerprints if too many are registered, therefore requiring a reset, which is quite easy.
Other features: anti-theft alarm, wall mount, Wi-Fi connectivity
While relatively smaller in size which might deter some buyers initially, given its high price, it contains a magazine and booklet slot, in addition to lithium-ion batteries which are rechargeable and long lasting (up to 4 months with 2.5 hours of charge time). This assists its portability feature, since one can take the safe on the go sans a continuous power connection. Users also get 2 manual override keys and a lit LED interior for better viewing.
The carbon steel making of this slider prevents corrosion and its unique selling point is the presence of biometric scanning as well as wifi connectivity combination, unlike previous versions which possessed only one out of the two. This wifi option comes with a free app installation which gives the users a complete log of activities even from outside the house using a mobile or desktop. Personally, we’re absolutely smitten with this feature since it is an added security layer with its history log option and tamper-alert real time notifications. It also differs from the Vaultek biometric station in terms of better and faster access owing to its sliding door mechanism, and that too with a cheaper task.
Other features: California DOJ certified, anti-theft protection, 3 points entry
The three-point entry system of this product mimics the auto-opening door functions of Kaer and Billconch safes. The similarities don’t end here; it contains predrilled holes for tethering, manual backup keys and multiple guns storage space. The keypad is backlit as well, however, a word of caution to those who require faster results – once the numbers are punched, the light stays on for a split second before going out or until a new number is pressed. For its price (under $100), it’s quite a high quality and durable item thanks in part to its steel construction and anti-erosive body, which our team is always on the hunt for.
Unfortunately, one can only go so far with a low priced safe as compared to others; while the battery life can be sustained for quite a while, users have to buy their own cells. The lack of an internal LED setup makes finding items urgently in the dark difficult and multi-person access is restricted since a maximum of 3 fingerprints can be installed. However, the company makes up for these shortcomings with a stellar customer service and a well-built casing that protects your most precious items.
Other features: anti-theft alarm, hold up to 20 individual fingerprints, 5-position handgun rack, LED light, silent mode
The design is compact with minimal gaps, making it the best biometric handgun safe that is not prone to break-ins. Its dual protection system with fingerprint and 10-digit pad password options provides its users with a million possible code combination options versus other 4-digit key safes. Much like the aforementioned Vaultek safe, it has a 20-prints storage system with foolproof access. What our team loves about it is the extra safety measures such as pre-drilled holes for wall mounting, additional locking bolt, a reset button, and a safety bracket incorporated internally. In case you don’t store multiple pistols, the shelving is removable, giving enough space for other valuable items to the likes of jewelry and documents.
Stealth and dexterity are James Bond’s middle names and they can be yours too with Volestay’s silent mode, emergency battery port and easy navigation. Moreover, the company has an exceptional customer service, with after-sales support, mailing option for queries, lifetime key servicing and a 3-year product warranty. While the product might not be the best in terms of sturdiness or storage space, it certainly delivers on its home safety promise and investment value.
Other features: anti-theft alarm, pry-resistant, padded interior
Onnais comes with all the perks of a dependable biometric vault; a high-resolution scanner storing 30 fingerprints and providing immediate entry, anti-pry and theft deterrent hardware including pre-drilled holes complete with screws, as well as a rust-proof alloy steel outer which adds to its longevity. It is operated via 4 double-A batteries, which, although not included in the offer, are easy enough to find and purchase. The interior is foam padded to prevent scratches and is protected by 3 keypad locks and accompanying backup reversal keys.
Even though set-up isn’t too technical, the safe lacks LED and backlit keypad traits unlike most products in our list. Coupled with lack of complete soundproofing unlocking this could account for some frustration for a few users if they want a 100% undetected weapon retrieval for protection. That being said, the safe works quite effectively and assures a single-handed easy entrance when you need it the most. A word of caution though – the primary mission of this variant is to restrict access to children, and pets, therefore, it isn’t likely to survive brute force such as hammering or technical break-ins using screwdrivers.
Other features: stores up to 120 fingerprints, DOJ approved, four position rifle rack, programmable silent access mode, removable accessory shelf
This safe comes with a DOJ (Department of Justice) certificate approval for firearms, which means that it meets the required quality standards. This is reflected in its tall, minimalistic design, a solid steel three-point system for deadbolt lock, 3-way predrilled holes for mounting (screws included) and a detachable shelf that can store multiple other items like ammunition rounds, pistols, magazines and more. The sophisticated biometric verification system calls for multiple scans to register prints, allowing for rifle access in the quickest manner with a silent mode button. In fact, we found that the reader has a nearly 100% successful reading rate!
For safety assurance, BARSKA also poses a triple point access like the BILLCONCH safe. However, it is way more sturdy and almost impenetrable unless a burglar really has time at their disposal, which, let’s be honest, isn’t a common occurrence for quick grabs and dashes. The only criticism is that the instructions can seem a bit vague to inexperienced individuals and the cabinet doesn’t stock 4 whole long guns as advertised.
Other features: LED backlit HD fingerprint scanner, Smart Sense digital keypad, Bluetooth 2.0, anti-pry construction
This gun safe boasts an 18-gauge carbon steel exterior that is fire-resistant, signature anti-theft design that not only detects tampering but also customizes the touch screen display to your liking, and an automatic opening draw providing swift access to your valuables. The safe is accompanied by a user-friendly mobile Bluetooth app for safe management, a fingerprint scanner that can store up to 20 unique prints, two backup manual keys, and an auto backlit keypad making navigation a breeze.
Unlike some previous models in the series, this one has a sleek LED touch display that can be tweaked to show time, temperature, or light to your liking. Although it can be a bit heavy on the pocket, we found this product to be worth every penny, given some extra perks such as inbuilt wireless phone charger, tether cable wiring to prevent theft, a spare battery pack in case of power breakdowns, easy programming instructions and a highly interactive software for the app. Customers even have the option to purchase a nano-key as an emergency unlocking mechanism for a nominal price, although separately.
Buying a gun safe can seem an easy task at first thought, however, there are multiple factors that need to be weighed in before you purchase one. Knowing how a gun safe works and which type and size to get depending on your firearm are usually initial considerations, followed by safety features and life. Our guide covers these details for you so that you’re well-prepared before making a decision.
Now that you’re well-equipped with the basics of biometric gun safes, you might be thinking about the go-to features for the best gun safe for your needs. To make our guideline more extensive, we have curated a list of features you can check-off before finalizing your purchase. Price brackets are frequently the first filters users flock to; however, we recommend starting with your firearm and the type of protection required, which will dictate the type of vault, its size, material requirement and other features.
The easiest way to classify the types of firearms by usage action. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, there are 7 common types. Revolvers and pistols are hand-held weapons that can be used for single or repeated shots. They contain 5 to 9 chambers inside a revolving cylinder which is rotated into position to pull the trigger. While revolvers have manually loaded cartridges, pistols such as sub machine guns operate semi-automatically. Handguns are another single-hand firearm type designed for smaller projectiles and kept in houses for safety purposes. Usually, compact and sleek safes are employed for such guns.
Shoulder-fired guns are larger sized weapons, with shotguns being commonly used for several small projectiles and rifles being used for semi or fully automated repeat shots. Assault rifles have intermediate range and are often used by military or trained security personnel. Finally, machine guns are large sized (therefore requiring adequate space) fully automatic firing weapons that use the same ammunition as rifles and require technical training.
Gun safes can be found in various sizes depending on what type of weapon needs to be stored in them. Although it seems straightforward, i.e., smaller sizes for handguns and pistols and larger sizes for multi-placement or rifle containment, we advise the best approach is getting a bigger safe. Even if a single hand-sized gun needs to be placed inside, consider other needs such as paper documents and valuables, as well as future year needs. Gun safes are not an inexpensive buy so a single purchase that caters to all your requirements in the years to come is always smarter. For example, the VoleStay biometric home safe has multiple storing shelves for long, heavy weapons, along with pockets for smaller guns and other items.
If you’re skeptical about the size of a safe, especially during an online purchase, you can calculate the exact area of the safe by multiplying the length, width and height and then check your gun size to see if it would fit inside. Some brands also measure their dimensions in inches, so if you require conversion to cubic feet, simply divide the area by 1728.
The quality and longevity of a gun safe can be assessed by its construction. In the past, gun cabinets were made out of wood or glass and often showcased the contents inside to visitors. For modern gun cabinets, metal is the choice of material for better protection; in fact, steel alloys make. The more affordable options have thinner metal bodies starting from 14-gauge steel, which is often prone to prying with a hammer and screwdriver. A high-end gun safe should use at least an 11-guage steel sheet for the walls, and a 7-to-10-gauge steel sheet for lining. Remember – the thicker the sheet, the better. For enhanced durability, be sure to inspect for gaps, for instance in the door hinges or between the body and door frame. A composite material lining, such as concrete, can fill such gaps very well, resulting in protection from fire and forced entries. Not all safes are fireproof, though, so be sure to check for anti-fire lining first.
The lock type is another feature to factor in. While biometric locks are a given, utilizing multiple locks can make your safe more durable, for example manual keys, dials, and codes which are quite challenging to crack.
While safes that are fire resistant deliver on the performance front for protecting guns and other items from smoke and heat, such safes use thin metal sheets which can’t guarantee complete safety. A better alternative is a high-quality composite safe that has been rated fire safe. The term fireproof can often be misleading for people; hence it is important to understand that most safes do not repel fire. Rather, they are engineered to protect the contents of the safe for a selected period if it catches fire. The safe is designed such that it manages to maintain the internal temperature under 350 degrees, after which paper will start charring. Other sensitive data or weapons can be damaged between 120 and 180 degrees, or higher, depending of the material type (plastic casing for guns, pliable materials etc.)
Fire protection ratings indicate the various levels of temperature that a safe can withstand. The minimum rating is an hour long. What does this mean, though? Let’s suppose a safe is rated for 1 hour at 1200 degrees F. This implies that if your house caught fire, the inside of the safe will remain below 350 degrees for a minimum of 60 minutes. Similarly, if the rating is 90 minutes at 1680 degrees, it means the safe should remain at an internal temperature of 350 degrees or lower for 1.5 hours.
While some manufacturing companies have their safes tested independently to get certifications, others label themselves factory-certified (fire test performed entirely by the production factory without independent witnesses). The latter, however is an estimated best guess, so we advise that you do your homework and search thoroughly for answers. To get the best bang for your buck, some questions to search up can be thickness of the firewall, protection material (wallboard vs. composite), spot protection (hinges, floors, door jambs), how the testing is conducted on the product and fire warranty.
A fingerprint biometric lock has a mechanism that prevents movement of the object that needs to be unlocked. An electronic circuit is mostly used for this, which restricts unlocking, whereas a fingerprint sensor detects the pattern. A memory device is also installed in the system for print code data storage. There is a verification unit that detects as to whether an offered print matches the previously enrolled ones. Additionally, a detector for finger presence powers direct current to the sensor and the unit for motor control.
To determine the quality of a locking mechanism, you need to check the stated rating. Our team found UL rated locks to provide premium protection levels. UL is an acronym for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., which is an independent safety compliance certification organization.
Many safes have separate thickness and lining for their doors, which is why checking door construction specifications is a must. Typically, an ideal door should be at least a quarter of an inch of solid steel plate. The more expensive safes have a half inch steel plate for a door as per the UL rating RSC (Residential Security Container) standard, whereas premium models have a higher B rated UL of TL-15 (Tool Resistance) which is not anti-pry even with usage of screws and blades.
Tethering equipment enables consumers to hook or mount their safe to another surface such as walls, floors, desks, tabletops etc. This is an adequate anti-theft measure apart from the lock system. Some safes such as ONETIGRIS’ biometric gun safe offer pre-drilled floor holes and cable wires, whereas others are designed specifically to fit into walls by means of studs and have to be cut out. However, beware of storing high value items in such wall safes as these are the first most burglars look for. Therefore, we advise using hidden wall safes only for the purpose of keeping them out of reach of children at home.
Biometric gun safes use your distinct biometric pattern such as retinal or iris structure, thumb/ finger impressions or hand geometry. Well-made safes are generally reliable and tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. This does put the reliability of low-end versions into question, since you’re getting exactly what you pay for. In terms of structural protection, these safes do work well, since an open firearm is a walking-talking disaster call and it’s better to take your chances with a weapon inside a vault that can deter intruders to some degree. In fact, biometric safe options are preferred by many individuals who are prone to forgetting codes or losing manual keys. Biometrics generally are still evolving and there is undoubtedly room for improvement with regard to pattern sensing and tool resistant features. This is essential in emergency cases where users are unable to unlock their safes due to stress or try multiple angels (in cases of injury, cuts and burns) before they can get to their firearms in time. Nevertheless, military grade or commercial quality biometric systems are trustworthy. Just be sure to buy models that provide backup power options such as external battery units or charging cables.
The prices of biometric safes have been declining slowly for some time now, but most tend to still be on the expensive side. This is because of the cost of the locking systems; first, the pattern sensor itself is costly due to either a specialized camera that scans the print or an electric touch sensor to detect ridges of fingers. Secondly, a reliable electronic system is required to run the sensor.
Military quality systems cost up to $5000 and use eye biometrics in contrast to commercial ones that rely more on fingerprinting. Unfortunately, the latter also cost between $750 – $1000, excluding deadbolts and other layers of manual security. Economy options are also available; however, these also have various tiers. Premium economy safes can cost as much as $500, whereas mid-economy ranges can cost between $450 – $200. Some affordable options can cost $100 or under, providing good value for money, since they make cost cuts on metal plate type and thickness, limited features availability and size. Other factors that can play into the cost can be the design, temperature resistance range, environmental resistance (i.e., ability to withstand humid conditions, solvents, dust, explosives and so on) construction material quality and price, and life of the device.
The most common associations with gun safes are firearms and accompanying ammunition/ magazines. However, well-built containers have the potential to house items beyond the typical weapons to the likes of guns, rifles, and pistols. Cash and personal documents such as passports can be kept for safe storage inside biometric gun vaults, although with paper-based items, fire resistance, that is, the ability to withstand high temperatures must be checked first. Knowing how to store cash properly can be a lifesaver, for example using a document box or vacuum-sealed bags that protect against moisture or mold. Legal requirements must also be assessed, since many locations have regulated the cash limit amount that can be kept at home.
Valuables and collectible items such as medals, watches and jewelry can be stored in your safe as well. Many gun safe brands now offer customizable interiors depending on storage needs of owners so that they can organize their possessions effectively. Other items that may require discretion, such as medicines can be kept in biometric safes as well. This can prove to be an additional security cover in case you have minors or other individuals that you want to keep out of reach in the house.
Keeping your guns locked up is of utmost importance if you have children, who can become rather intrigued when it comes to weapon storage. A biometric gun safe provides the best of both worlds, with secure lockup and fast retrieval time when urgency is a concern. The type of safe you require depends totally on your needs and budget, but as a rule, the bigger, the better! To sum it all up, some key features that are mandatory for the best biometric gun safes are dense metal construction (preferably 16- or 18-gauge steel ones), multiple compartments, an efficient real time alert system, tamper resistance, precision unlocking and durability. For easy maintenance of guns, we also recommend keeping a dehumidifier for gun-safe in handy. Now that you’re done taking all your notes, you can rest easy and let your biometric safe do all the work so that you and the family can sleep in complete tranquility.
