Best Biometric Gun Safe for Handguns & Rifles in Canada | 2022 Buyer’s Guide

What is the best biometric gun safe? Depending on your needs, you can pick a single-gun or a multiple-gun safe. Handgun safes are more widespread and are available in different designs. There are under-bed gun safes and vehicle gun safes that come with a steel security cable. Most biometric gun safes use not only fingerprint scanning technology but also feature a keypad for code entry and a backup key. In addition to devices using fingerprints for identification, there are high-end military-grade gun safes that use metrics like voice, eye retinal, or face recognition. These are significantly more expensive options that generally are not available in conventional stores.

But above all, you should opt for a product made by a trusted manufacturer so that you are sure that the biometric lock works properly when needed, without glitches.

In this regard, SentrySafe is one of the most reliable producers. Founded in Illinois about 90 years ago, today, the company is one of the world’s leaders in the production of security storage devices, primarily water- and fire-proof safes for guns, documents, and cash money. SentrySafe products are sold in more than 50 countries all over the world. The company is an affiliate of the Master Lock Company LLC, which is included in the S&P 500 Index.

Another industry leader in security storage products is Barska. To begin with, it is one of the few brands that make safes for long guns. With headquarters in Pomona, Southern California, Barska is a worldwide sport optics company and highly recognized brand. The company specializes in optic and biometric technology and offers top-quality biometric safes, precision sport optics, and protective travel cases. All components for its products are made by leading manufacturers. What speaks to the quality of Barska products is that they are available in the top 100 U.S. sporting goods retailers.

We also recommend the GunVault brand, a manufacturer of biometric and portable safes with 30-year experience. It is the leader in the market of quick access gun safes and offers a number of other security solutions for both handguns and firearms. The brand is owned by Alpha Guardian, which is a well-established company present in the industry since 1965. The GunVault uses the latest technologies and provides a generous 50year warranty.

Best Biometric Gun Safes | Comparison Table

Types of Biometric Gun Safes

Today, these devices come in different designs based on where they are mounted, what technology use, and what kind of guns are intended to store.

Placement. There are a variety of designs allowing you to install a gun safe in specific places. You may choose a nightstand gun safe, an under-bed gun safe, a mounted bed-side safe, or a portable vehicle safe, just to name a few.

• The bed-side GunVault Speedvault Biometric Pistol Safe can be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions. You can mount it to the wall right next to your side of the bed. It has a compact design and fits perfectly between the bed and nightstand. That said, the device is versatile and offers different mounting location options. You can use the pre-drilled holes or make your own where you want.

• For use in a car, we recommend this portable Vaultek Essential Series Quick Access Handgun Safe with a security cable, mounting hardware, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The company manufactures biometric safes for handguns and rifles, including Bluetooth capable models. The box measures 10.5 x 8.5 inches and is very lightweight. It features a rugged design, corrosion-resistant powdercoat finish, interior LED lights, as well as an anti-impact latch and an anti-pry bar for better protection.

• There are even more portable models like the Vara Safety Reach 2 Biometric Holster Safe powered from both an outlet and a battery. This is a new generation of gun safes that keep guns safe yet easily accessible. Once you grab your handgun, your finger touches the sensor, and the system either grants or denies you access.

Number of Guns. Biometric safes differ by the number of guns they can hold. Some models are designed to store a single gun while others can hold multiple guns.

For instance, this SentrySafe QAP2BLX Quick Access Pistol Safe is spacious enough for two standard guns. Made from solid steel, it is 16.4” x 9.8” in size and weighs 16 pounds. It is equipped with a new fingerprint sensor and stores up to 10 fingerprints. Apart from that, you can access it using the digital keypad or override key included in the kit. It is certified by the California DOJ.

Rifle Safes. Biometric safes designed for handguns are the most widespread. Biometric rifle safes are also available on the market but the choice is smaller. This is due to the fact that quick access is less often required when it comes to long guns. Anyway, there is a trusted manufacturer producing biometric safes for long guns — Barska. The most popular option from this brand is the Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe. The case can hold up to 4 rifles and is made with steel walls and a removable shelf. It has pre-drilled holes and can be easily mounted anywhere you need.

Best Biometric Gun Safe Reviews

Below, we have rounded up the best biometric gun safes at a price ranging from $83 to $500. Depending on whether you want to place the box in your car or mount it tightly somewhere in your home, you will find the right option for you. There is a portable option for one pistol, models with higher capacity, and a gun safe that can hold rifles with a length of up to 50 inches.

SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock | Best Trusted

The SentrySafe is one of the most trusted brands of biometric gun safes. The company has a global presence and is particularly well-known for its water- and fire-proof models. With the interior measuring 9.7 by 6.7 inches, it holds one standard handgun. It operates on two AA batteries and is recommended for use as a bedside safe. The device offers different ways of access and features a fingerprint scanner, a digital keypad, and a key. Once the case is unlocked, the door opens automatically providing quick access. The exterior is made from solid steel while the interior has a foam coating. There is also hardware for bolting down the box to prevent it from being stolen.

Buyers say that the device reads fingerprints well and is easy-to-use. Just touch the metal reader with your finger, sliding it towards yourself. The box will open in one second. It does not fail even if you have just washed your hand or your fingers are a little damp. The keypad responds quickly, however, one press is needed to bring it out of sleep mode.

Apart from that, SentrySafe has the QAP2BLX model with a 2-gun capacity. This biometric safe holds two standard handguns and is more than 16 inches wide.

SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe: Check the current price

Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe | Best for Long Guns

Made by the trusted Barska brand, this model is large and deep enough to hold virtually any kind of gun. Measuring 9.5” in width, 8.6” in depth, and 52” in height, it can accommodate as many as 4 rifles. Note that rifles with the attached optics will not fit in it. Inside the safe, there is a removable shelf for smaller items such as bullets, documents, money, or a pistol.

The device uses biometric technology and stores up to 120 fingerprints. The beeping sound can be silenced, if needed. As an alternative way of access, you can create your own code and open the safe via a keypad or unlock it manually with a key included in the purchase. Besides, the product comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware allowing you to easily attach it to the wall, floor, or even both.

There are also anti-pry door hinges, 4 rifles rests, an emergency battery pack, and an emergency floor mat. The matching process takes 2.5 seconds, which is more than two times longer when compared to most handgun safe. However, this is typical for such heavy-duty safes like this. Buyers like the product’s security features and how its fingerprint reader works.

Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe: Check the current price

SentrySafe SF123ES Fireproof Safe | Alternative with Digital Keypad

If you still have decided on not using biometrics for accessing your guns, try this option. This battery-powered safe is unlocked using a backlit digital keypad. You can set your own 1 to 8 digit code. This product is a great alternative to biometric safes and has a number of advantages. First, the device is UL fireproof and can withstand high temperatures of up to 1700°F for about an hour. This is another reason to keep not only guns there but also money and documents.

With 1.23 cu ft capacity, it has a heavy-duty construction with a reinforced door and large 1-inch locking bolts. All this affects the weight, though. Around 77% of the buyers gave it five stars. They like the fact that it is fireproof and is easy to set up and use. Nevertheless, some customers claim that it is not truly burglar-proof as an intruder can break it with heavy-duty magnets.

SentrySafe SF123ES Fireproof Safe: Check the current price

Best-Selling Biometric Gun Safes in Canada | Comparative Table

AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safety Device | Best Fingerprint Capacity

The gun safe stores up to 50 fingerprints, with a touch lifetime reaching up to 1 million times. It features a 500 DPI semiconductor biometric sensor and a gas spring door, which opens in less than 1 second after the fingerprint is recognized. It has a two-layer steel body and rubber buttons for noiseless operation. The pre-drilled holes allow you to mount the safe on the floor for added security. For vertical mounting, the holes seem to be too narrow and not suitable.

Buyers note that it works flawlessly, however, biometrics do not always work well, which is largely due to wrong positioning. Here is a tip for you: register the same finger several times using various points so that the finger location is not so critical. Some buyers claim that the walls in the safe are thinner when compared to other competitive products and the lid does not seem pry-resistant. On the other hand, this means that the box is easy to drill through in case you need some extra holes for mounting.

AmazonBasics Deluxe: Check the current price

RPNB Gun Safe, California DOJ Certified | Best Portable for Car & Budget Under $100

Manufactured by the California-based company specializing in gun safes and gun storage accessories, this portable model is an excellent choice for those on a budget. While the product costs less than $90, it features sturdy steel construction, a 500 DPI semiconductor biometric fingerprint sensor, and a match speed of just 1 second. Designed for a nightstand, the device measures 11.8 by 7.8 inches with a weight of less than 7 lbs. Additionally, it is well protected from potential theft as it comes with a steel security cable, has a tamper-proof design, and anti-impact latches. The kit includes screws and anchors allowing for floor and wall mounting.

The product is pretty popular. Buyers appreciate its sturdiness and rate it as the best value for the money. One of the satisfied buyers says that he enjoys the product as it is compact enough to fit in a drawer but, at the same time, can hold 2 weapons with additional magazines. The fingerprint sensor is pretty large and stores up to twenty different prints. The lid works well and stays open at 90 degrees. Should the batteries run out of power, you can unlock the box with a key included in the kit. The downside is that you cannot mute the beeping sound produced by the safe when it is opened.

RPNB Gun Safe: Check the current price

Awesafe Gun Safe with Fingerprint Identification | Best Budget Under $150

Made with solid steel and a reliable door, the device features a high-strength locking mechanism, which cannot be opened with manual tools. It has a gas strut and interior LED lighting for ease of use. One large handgun or two average-size pistols can easily fit in this safe. Compact in size, it can be placed under the bed in your home or under the seat in the vehicle. However, it does not come with a security cable, which makes it not the best choice for keeping in the car. The kit includes lag bolts allowing you to mount the case.

The password sets up to five groups combinations while the fingerprint sets up to thirty groups. You can enroll multiple fingers from both hands for identification as well as have another member of your family program his or her fingerprint. Customers say it is easy to program and reads your fingerprints fast. Some of them note that it is a little bit hard to close and should be snap shut.

Awesafe Gun Safe: Check the current price

How Does It Work? Explaining the Technology Behind | Problems & Disadvantages of Biometric Gun Safes

Keeping your gun in a safe place eliminates all potential risks related to its unauthorized use as well as hazards such as flooding and fire. That said, different safes provide different levels of security, with the biometric ones being the most reliable option. Why? There is no key to lose or steal. The technology uses a person’s fingerprints for identification. Other metrics like voice, eye retinal, face recognition, and DNA, are also used by biometric safes. Whereas regular safe codes can be hacked after a number of attempts, it is much harder to do with a biometric one.

While being a hi-tech device, a biometric gun safe is easy to use. First, enroll your fingerprints into the memory of the safe's security system via its scanner. If you want some other people to have access to the gun, enroll their biometrics, too. Once the information is stored on a computer, it is converted into graphics or codes. Now, whenever you want to access the safe, the system will capture your fingerprint or other metric and compare it with the one stored in the database. As a result, it either accepts or denies your access to the gun safe. Also, a biometric gun safe features an electric lock which either runs on batteries or plugs into a power supply.

And yet, biometric gun safes have some disadvantages, too. If you have cuts on your fingers, you may be locked out of your gun safe. Such a delay would be a serious obstacle in a critical situation. More reliable biometric gun safes, such as military-grade models, use eye biometrics. Oftentimes, they require numeric combinations as well. Another weakness lies in the fact that there are no uniform standards for biometric fingerprint sensors. Some cheaper safes may show poorer performance in distinguishing biometrics.

Who makes the best biometric gun safes?

You’d better rely on products made by trusted manufacturers like SentrySafe, Barska, GunVault and certified by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).