

The thick dual deadbolts made bashing in the door a difficult task, but within three minutes, we got in using a 4-pound sledgehammer. Setup was simple, though it was hard to see the black battery cover and passcode reset button against the black interior.

The Amazon Basics safe is easy to open using a three-to-eight-digit PIN or a key. Also, it doesn't offer fingerprint access, though, for $52 more, you can get a biometric version. However, it's not as durably constructed and was easier to break into during our testing. The Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe (Model 25EI) is 70% larger than our top pick and a third of the price. Pros: Cheap, easy to use, comes with four bolts for securing the safe, locks using two thick deadbolts, second-most challenging safe for us to break intoĬons: Not fireproof or waterproof, light weight makes it easier to steal if it's not bolted down
HOME PROTECTOR KEY SAFE MANUAL
Lock type: Passcode and key entry with manual deadbolt.We found these features helpful and worth the extra cost. Two unique features of the Viking Security Safe were an LED that illuminates the safe's interior and a beep that lets you know if you left the door unlocked. The safe is not fireproof or waterproof, so consider protecting your contents with fireproof bags. Fortunately, it comes with bolts for securing it to the floor or a wall, which we recommend doing. The Mini Biometric Safe is relatively light, which could make it easy to steal. We pounded on it for about five minutes with a sledgehammer before breaching it. The Viking Security Safe was the hardest to bash open in our tests.

However, the biometric optical sensor is easier to see in the dark since it lights up. We found entering the passcode provided faster access than the fingerprint scan. Or you can store up to 32 fingerprints for biometric access. You can set a four-to-eight-digit passcode. You can remove the plate on the door to access the keyhole, opened with a four-prong cross key. There are three ways to open the two motorized 20-millimeter steel deadbolts. Several features set the Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini Biometric Safe apart from the other models we tested. Pros: Sturdy construction, stores up to 32 fingerprints for biometric access, interior LED light, comes with bolts for securing the safe, beeps when the door is left unlockedĬons: Not fireproof or waterproof, light weight makes it easy to steal (if not bolted down) Interior dimensions: 12" x 7.75" x 6" (0.32 cubic feet).Lock type: Fingerprint, passcode, and key entry with motorized deadbolt.Though it isn't the most secure, the SentrySafe 1200 Fireproof Box is a cheap way to protect small items from fire while on the go. The SentrySafe HD4100 Fireproof Safe is an excellent option if your primary concern is ensuring your valuables make it through a fire or flood.īest portable: SentrySafe 1200 Fireproof Box - See at The Home Depot If you're on a budget and want to protect your valuables, the cost-effective Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe (Model 25EI) is an easy-to-use option.īest fireproof: SentrySafe HD4100 Fireproof Safe - See at Amazon You can also bolt it down, making it more challenging for thieves to steal.īest budget: Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe (Model 25EI) - See at Amazon The Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini Biometric Safe was the hardest for us to bash open and comes with fingerprint access. Our top picks for home safesīest overall: Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini Biometric Safe - See at Walmart Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products. Below, I outline how I tested the home safes and answer safe FAQs. We put each of the safes we tested through several objective tests to determine which models are best for different budgets and protection needs. We are hoping to expand our coverage to include gun safes for a separate guide in the future. We didn't test gun safes for this guide because they tend to be more expensive and aren't what many people look for when looking to secure documents or a few valuables. When you're looking to protect your valuables and other irreplaceable items from the elements and theft, a high-quality home safe is a must.įor this guide, I tested seven home safes that cost under $200 to see how they stand up to fire, water, and blunt force attacks. Wildfires and flooding events are more frequent as the effects of climate change become more widespread.
