Best Biometric Gun Safe for Handguns & Rifles | 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 that you are sure that the biometric lock works properly when needed, without glitches.
Trusted manufacturers
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.
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.
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 that 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.
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
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
AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safety Device | Best Fingerprint Capacity
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
Barska Quick Access Biometric Rifle Safe | Best for Long Guns
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.
RPNB Gun Safe, California DOJ Certified | Best Portable for Car & Budget Under $100
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.
Gun Safe with Fingerprint Identification | Best Budget
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
SentrySafe SF123ES Fireproof Safe | Alternative with Digital Keypad
If you still have decided on not to use 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.
10 Best-Selling Biometric Gun Safes Comparative Table
Customers' Choice
MASTER LOCK Biometric Small Safe [Fingerprint opening] MLD08EB - Best Used for Cheque Books, Money, Jewelry,...
- Home safe: Protect your valuables with this personal safe, complete with foam and a removable fleece-covered tray to prevent scratching; use to store jewelry, money, guns, and more
- Quick access: Fingerprint opening and resettable digital combination with override plus quiet entry with compression gas strut allows the lid to open automatically and stay in an opened position
- Security: The fingerprint safe has invisible hinges for a higher level of resistance and protection against prying attempts
- Includes: The security safe comes with two override keys and bolts down kit
- Dimensions: Exterior: 8.1 cm H x 30.7 cm W x 25.1 cm D; interior: 5.6 cm H x 24.6 cm W x 17 cm D
- Limited two-year guarantee
Best Value
HRRH Desk Cabinet Gun Safes, Fingerprint Biometric And Spare Key Lock Pistol Safe Box Steel Security Guns Strongbox
- ★ Semiconductor fingerprint module, rejection rate as low as 0.01%, recognition rate as low as 0.001%, extremely safe to use.
- ★ Power protection, when the safe suddenly shut down, save the fingerprints will be saved and continue to use
- ★ Carefully selected materials, steel plate shell, and internal memory foam for full protection.
- ★ Up to 120 fingerprint users, the first three fingerprints are administrator fingerprints, registration of new fingerprints requires administrator approval
- ★ Equipped with spare keys, each with two spare keys, the key handle has a corresponding key code, if the key is lost, to tell the seller if the code, the seller will be encoded according to the key
Most Popular
Viking Security Safe VS-14BL Top Opening Drawer Biometric Fingerprint LCD Keypad Safe
- SHIPS DAILY, USA MAINLAND ONLY, DELIVERED 3-6 BUSINESS DAYS; Upgraded 500 DPI Biometric Fingerprint Optical Sensor and Digital Keypad; LCD displays operations and battery status, Non-volatile memory,
- Made of steel; Motorized deadbolt locking system opens fast; WARNING: MUST REGISTER AT LEASE 1 FINGERPRINT AND CHANGE THE PIN, SO SAFE IS NO LONGER IN FACTORY DEFAULT MODE!! OR ANYONE CAN OPEN!
- Sound On/Off programmable; Warning beeps if the door is left UNLOCKED
- Laser Cut, Seamless welding, Black Military Finish, Fully carpeted, Integrated LED light,
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
Best Budget
Biometric Password Box, Portable Gun Case, Fingerprint Safe, Mini Car Safe, Solid Steel (28 * 21 * 6Cm)
- Fingerprint sensor: Equipped with FPC scratch-type fingerprint sensor, using the world's most advanced fingerprint detection technology, can set up to 120 fingerprints, 2 administrator fingerprints, more secure to use.
- Portable design: Mini size, A4 paper size, 60 mm thickness, this device can be placed in a suitcase for easy portability, or placed on a desk, drawer, bookshelf, in a car. It is compact and does not take up space .
- Durable: The exterior uses durable cold-rolled steel to ensure the hardness of the box and the ability to cope with severe damage. Built-in high-quality integrated rubber strap, independent file folder and cushioned foam pad can effectively protect valuables.
- Two unlocking methods: Fingerprint unlocking and spare key unlocking to ensure that the box can be opened at any time.
- Power protection: When the safe suddenly shuts down, the entered fingerprint can continue to be used. The spare key is not controlled by the electronic door lock system, so you can use the spare key to open the device and replace the battery without power.
Best Trusted
Barska AX13498 Biometric Fireproof Safe 0.75 Cu Ft Black Texture with Long Locking Bolts, Small
- Fire Resistant: The safe is fireproof up to 30 minutes at 1, 200 Degree F.
- Secure Storage: The advanced fingerprint biometric safe can store up to 100 users, offering quick access security solutions for the home and office.
- Humanized Design: The interior is carpeted and features key hooks on the door back for easy and organized storage.
- Solid Design: This safe is built with solid steel walls, equipped with 2 built-in pry resistant steel long locking bar bolts, and can be easily mounted with included hardware.
- Convenient Notice: The safe provides low battery warning, and has sound on/off options.
- Exterior Dimensions: 11.81" x 15" x 11.81" ; Interior Dimensions: 10" x 13" x 10"
- Included components: mounting hardware
Best Cheap
Other Popular biometric guns safe
BARSKA Biometric Safe
- Secure Storage: Our DOJ approved safe comes with a 120 fingerprint biometric module that is easy to program.
- The Optional Silent Mode: Safe features a silent mode that enables stealthy home defense.
- Solid Construction: This safe is built with durable steel, tamper-resistant edges, and 2 built-in pry-resistant steel deadbolts.
- Mounting: Pre-drilled holes and hardware allow the safe to anchor in practically any place.
- Mortorized Deadbolts: Safe comes with 2 solid steal motorized Deadbolts
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).