Whether you own a gun or you’re looking for an ultra-secure way to store your most important possessions like a passport or a chunk of money, a biometric safe is one of the safest ways to do so.
Biometric safes make it possible to have instant access to possessions in your safe by a quick scan of your fingerprint without having to go find your manual keys or remember your password that you made all those years ago.
However, the fingerprint scanner also means you and anyone else you choose will be the only ones to have access to the safe, which will deter possible intruders or even your nosy children in your home from getting inside.
Biometrics can seem like daunting technology and it’s difficult to know what is worth your money or not.
Luckily for you, we’ve had years of experiencing the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to biometric safes, so we can recommend the best ones for you today.
So if you’re looking for a secure safe that grants instant access to your weapons or valuables, then look no further than our recommendations for the best biometric safe.
OUR TOP PICK
The awesafe gun safe has enough capacity to store 2 standard handguns, 1 pistol, and extra ammunition for your self-defense needs, or will provide enough storage for essential documents like passports, insurance details, and even life-saving medication.
The construction is made up of solid durable steel and pry-resistant doors that are virtually impossible to pry open with hand tools so will protect your valuables from falling into the wrong hands.
This portable safe is ideal for storing under your bed, hidden in your closest or even in your underwear drawer away from prying eyes.
The lightweight and compact design will be easy to transport out of your home in case of emergencies and can also go with you on vacations.
The bottom of the safe comes with predrilled holes, in case you decide to anchor it down in a location in your home.
The LED interior light will allow you to see your possessions even if your biometric safe is stored in a dark location in your home.
As well as quick immediate access via your fingerprint, you can also gain access through a 4-digit passcode that you set or 2 sets of manual keys if the fingerprint access malfunctions.
You’ll even be able to add additional fingerprints for the safe to recognize so other members in your household can gain access to the safe.
Pros
- Solid steel and pry-resistant construction - Keeps your valuables safe from intruders
- 3 access methods - Can always gain access to the safe
- LED interior light - Can always see weapons or possessions inside the safe
Cons
- Not fireproof or waterproof - Possessions will get damaged
EDITORS CHOICE
Some biometric safes can cut a hole in your wallet, but we love this Onnais gun safe as it’s budget-friendly but still provides advanced security for your possessions.
The capacity is large enough to hold 2 pistols or many small items but is still compact and lightweight enough to keep in other tight nook locations in your home and be carried out in an emergency.
The high-resolution fingerprint scanner allows access to the safe within just 1 second and the solid steel construction will keep intruders from prying open the safe and preventing break-ins.
There is also an additional steel cable inside the safe which can be secured to a permanent object for added protection.
The Onnais model allows up to 30 fingerprints to be stored, enough to cover everyone in your household and even your nearest and dearest from other households just in case of emergencies.
You can also use the additional fingerprints by registering all of your fingers just in case of an emergency or if the safe doesn’t recognize 1 of the fingers you have registered.
The safe also comes with additional backup keyholes and a 5-digit passcode keypad for you to have alternative access just in case the fingerprint option malfunctions.
The safe uses 4 AAA batteries (not included) and will last up to 8-10 months before the batteries will need replacing.
There is a low battery warning which alerts the user of when the batteries will need changing.
Pros
- Low battery warning - Alerts users of when they need to be changed soon
- Steel cable attachment - Secures safe to a stationary object for added protection
- 2 additional access methods - User should not get locked out if fingerprint fails
Cons
- No tampering alarm - Won’t alert the user if an intruder is trying to gain access
BEST VALUE
This smart safe from Vaultek will be able to hold 1 handgun and additional paperwork or possessions within the compact and portable design.
The Vaultek safe comes with pre-drilled holes and mountable equipment so you can easily anchor it in your home for additional security.
The tough and rugged smart safe has anti-theft technology with anti-pry reinforcement bars, dual anti-impact hinges, and a steel security cable for ultimate protection.
The backlit keypad and interior LED will allow you to have access and see your possessions inside your safe even in poorly lit conditions.
The lithium-ion batteries will last up to 4 months on a single charge and will only take up to 2.5 hours to recharge so you can do it all within 1 day.
The safe can also be plugged in continuously so it will always have power for extra convenience.
The biometric scanner can allow access for up to 20 fingerprints, meaning those closest to you will also have access to the safe if necessary.
There are 2 backup keys included in the safe to gain access manually if the fingerprint fails and there is also a keypad where you can set up your backup code for alternative entry.
The Vaultek safe is Bluetooth compatible and can be used with your smartphone to access the battery status of the safe, tamper detection, change the sound settings, history log, and also managing the fingerprints that can gain access inside.
Pros
- Bluetooth enabled - Adds extra security to your safe when you’re not home
- Battery or plugged in capability - Can use in your home or on the go
- Backlit keypad - Allows you to access safe even in the dark
Cons
- The closing mechanism is dodgy - Some reports of safe popping open randomly
RUNNER UP
SentrySafe has some of the most reliable safes around and this biometric model from their brand is no different.
The 2 handgun capacity safe will be able to hold, yes you guessed it, 2 handguns or alternative small items such as cash, passports, or expensive valuables.
The construction is equipped with an improved gas strut for long-lasting performance which will instantly allow access to your safe single-handedly which is ideal during intense emergencies.
The safe is made up of solid steel and a pry-resistant door for strength and extra security.
The SentrySafe model can store up to 10 fingerprints and also comes with a backup keyboard where you can set your combination and override keys for alternative access to the safe when you can’t use the fingerprint option.
Once the safe is opened, the LEDs inside are enabled for 10 seconds so you can get your possessions out with no additional lighting.
The small design will be able to be hidden away in your closet away from young children or potential thieves and can also be bolted down for additional security.
Battery life will depend on the batteries used (not included with model), however, the safe seems to drain the batteries very quickly which will result in them needing to be constantly replaced.
Pros
- Improved gas strut - Offers long-lasting performance
- Interior light comes on once opened - Can see possessions without additional lighting
- 2 override backup options - Allows access if fingerprint fails
Cons
- Drains batteries - Batteries will need replacing frequently
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a biometric safe with a large capacity or items such as large firearms or tall valuables then this Barska model will be a good one for you.
It can ideally fit 2 rifles but this will depend on the size of them.
The biometric module stores up to 120 fingerprints, which is ideal if you’d like to use the safe in a commercial or business environment where colleagues can gain access to it.
The safe can be accessed in just 2.5 seconds and has a silent operation meaning you can grab your firearms and hide away from potential intruders.
The batteries can last up to 1 year or 10,000 scans for long-lasting use and even comes with additional backup keys to access the safe.
The construction is tamper-resistant, pry-proof, and crafted with durable steel to prevent intruders from gaining access to the safe.
The model weighs 62lbs so is not the most portable and is best suited for users who want to mount or bolt it down to a hidden area in their home for good protection.
There is also an accessory shelf 46” from the floor where you can store extra ammunition or important valuables, however, this can be removed if you’d like to maximize your storage space inside for firearms.
Pros
- Large capacities - Can store large firearms or weapons
- Silent operation - Doesn’t alert home invades of your access to the safe
- 120 fingerprint capability - Great for business environments
Cons
- Not fireproof or waterproof - Disappointing consider overall construction
Best Biometric Safe Buying Guide
Size, Shape & Capacity
The size and shape of the biometric safe you are looking to buy will depend on where you plan to store it and also what you plan to store inside it.
Many people choose to keep their safes under their beds, hidden in the closet, or even built into the wall behind picture frames, however, where you choose to keep yours is completely up to you.
Biometric safes can come in small to extra large sizes and have the ability to hold just 1 pistol to a handful of shotguns inside.
Weight
Do you plan on anchoring your safe down to the ground in your home, or do you intend to move it around or transport it in the case of an emergency?
If the latter is your choice, then you’ll need to find a biometric safe that’s lightweight enough for you to carry without any problems.
Power Source
Most biometric safes are powered by batteries which means eventually the batteries will run out and need replacing, however, you can try to find a safe that comes with an AC connector so it can be plugged into the wall to extend its battery life.
Alternative Access
Another factor that’s linked to the power source choice of your biometric safe is what alternative access is available. If the batteries dry out on your safe and you need to access it, then you’ll need to do so by another route.
In most cases, biometric safes will come with manual keys to unlock the safe when you cannot gain access the original way.
Fingerprint Capacity
If there are numerous people in your home who you would like to have access to in case of an emergency, then you’ll need to find a biometric safe that has a bigger fingerprint capacity that will open for more than 1 fingerprint.
However, if you live alone, then a single fingerprint capacity should not be a problem.
Strong Materials
There’s no use in paying the price of having a biometric safe if it cannot protect your valuables or weapons from being accessed by prying open the safe.
Ensure you choose a safe that has a durable construction that cannot be manually broken into using force.
Steel or carbon steel are popular materials used and will prevent anyone from drilling or prying the safe open with tools.
Security Features
If you want to keep your safe as secure as possible seek out some additional security features such as an alarm that will go off when the door opens, or an alarm that also goes off when the incorrect biometric has been entered too many times as it will alert you of an intruder or someone trying to gain access to the safe.
Some safes will also lock themselves for 10 minutes after the incorrect biometric has been entered to refuse intruders access to it.
Fireproof/Waterproof
Try to find a biometric safe that is fireproof and waterproof to protect your valuables in all circumstances.
They won’t be 100% fireproof and waterproof but they will still protect your items against water or fire damage for a short period (normally around 1 hour) until you’re able to retrieve the same from your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Biometric Safe?
Biometrics safes are safes that are primarily opened by scanning biometric identification of the owner such as fingerprints, facial recognition, eye retinal, or even hand geometry.
In most homes, the fingerprint identification and the lock will read the identification of the fingerprint placed and grant access if it’s the correct one.
Are Biometric Safes Reliable?
Yes, biometric safes are pretty reliable, however, due to their electronic operation they can be prone to malfunctioning and because most of them run on batteries, they will likely run out without you knowing and cause you to have to override the lock via the side access to the safe.
Mechanical safes tend to be more reliable as they won’t lock you out for a certain amount of time if the biometric is not recognized or you enter the wrong code.
Are biometrics safes better than password safes?
Yes, in most cases biometric safes are better than password safes as they’re more challenging to access and can only be done so with the biometric of the right person, whereas passwords can be cracked by a security breach or even by someone close to you.
However, this is not to say fingerprint biometric safes cannot be hacked because some can be used with using someone’s fingerprint through playdough.
What Type Of Things Are Stored In A Biometric Safe?
As biometric safes can grant you immediate access to the safe without any fuss, most people store protective equipment like guns in case there is a break-in or emergency within their home.
However, you can store whatever valuables you like in your biometric safe, granted that they will fit inside.
