10Best.Guide

Small Safe

Top Picks

Last Updated: September, 2023
Pros
  • Cost-effective way to keep items away from children.
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Spacious interior with an added shelf.
  • Sturdy and well-built.
  • Good size for small spaces.
Cons
  • Thin metal that won't prevent a determined thief with tools.
  • Lock is made to just keep honest people out.
Bottom Line
The Amazon Basics Safe is a cost-effective option for keeping items away from children and providing ready access to a home defense firearm or other valuables. However, it is not a real safe and won't prevent a determined thief with tools. It is sturdy and well-built, but the locking mechanism is not very secure and the material is thin enough to be easily opened with force.
Pros
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Comes with keys to lock
  • Good for college students/young adults
  • Provides fire-resistant protection
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Misleading description with measurements
  • Can't lay 8.5 x 11 documents flat
Bottom Line
The SentrySafe Fireproof Box is a well-made and affordable option for protecting important documents and valuables from fire. It is also good for storing CDs and thumb drives. However, it has some limitations such as the size and the inability to store certain items.
Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Easy to set up
  • Great customer service
  • Fingerprint reader works well
  • Holds full-size handgun and extra magazine
Cons
  • Instructions need improvement
  • Fingerprint reader can be finicky
Bottom Line
The Awesafe Gun Safe is a solid and secure option for gun owners looking for a biometric safe. While the instructions could be improved and the fingerprint reader can be finicky, the sturdy construction, great customer service, and LED light make it a worthwhile purchase. However, those with guns with red dot attachments may need to look for a larger safe.
Pros
  • Easy to set up and use.
  • Fingerprint unlocking works every time.
  • Safely secures firearm while permitting instantaneous access.
  • Multiple access options (fingerprint, passcode, and key).
  • Good customer service.
Cons
  • Thin metal case.
  • Plastic lock mechanism.
Bottom Line
The ONNAIS gun safe is a good option for those who want to keep their firearms secure and prevent access by children or visitors. It has multiple access options and good customer service, but may have some security flaws and limitations in terms of holding multiple firearms.
Pros
  • Arrived early and well packed
  • Plenty of room for files and other items
  • Well built
  • Good size for storing important documents
  • Can be opened with the right technique
Cons
  • Lots of negative reviews
  • Poor quality control
Bottom Line
This safe is a good size for storing important documents and has a self-contained design that is easy to use. However, it has poor quality control and an inconsistent unlocking mechanism. It can also be broken into with the right tools and has a delicate plastic handle.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Small Safes

Overview

Small safes are an essential tool for keeping your valuables secure. From jewelry and cash to important documents, small safes offer peace of mind knowing that your belongings are protected from theft, fire, and water damage. In this buying guide, we will explore the different types of small safes, key considerations, features, prices, and tips to help you choose the best safe for your needs.

Types

1. Mini safes: These are the smallest type of safes and are perfect for storing small items such as jewelry, cash, and passports.

2. Personal safes: These are slightly larger than mini safes and are ideal for storing personal items such as documents, electronics, and firearms.

3. Home safes: These are larger safes that are designed to be bolted down and provide more storage space for larger items.

4. Wall safes: These are safes that are installed in the wall and provide a hidden storage option.

5. Floor safes: These are safes that are installed in the floor and provide a hidden storage option.

Key Considerations

1. Security: Look for safes with high-quality locking mechanisms such as combination locks, electronic locks, or biometric locks.

2. Fireproof and waterproof: Consider safes that are fireproof and waterproof to protect your valuables from damage.

3. Size and capacity: Choose a safe that is the right size for your needs and has enough capacity to store your valuables.

4. Installation: Consider the ease of installation and whether you need a safe that can be bolted down.

5. Price: Determine your budget and look for a safe that fits within your price range.

Features

1. Locking mechanisms: Combination locks, electronic locks, and biometric locks.

2. Fireproof and waterproof: Safes that are designed to protect against fire and water damage.

3. Interior lighting: Some safes come with interior lighting to make it easier to access your valuables in low light conditions.

4. Adjustable shelving: Safes with adjustable shelving allow you to customize the interior to fit your specific needs.

5. Alarm systems: Some safes come with alarm systems that will sound if someone attempts to break into the safe.

Prices

Small safes can range in price from under $50 to over $500 depending on the size, type, and features. Mini safes and personal safes are typically the most affordable options, while home safes and larger wall and floor safes are more expensive.

Tips

1. Determine your needs: Consider what items you will be storing in the safe and how much space you will need.

2. Research different types of safes: Look into the different types of safes available and choose one that fits your specific needs.

3. Consider the locking mechanism: Choose a safe with a high-quality locking mechanism to ensure your valuables are secure.

4. Look for fireproof and waterproof options: Protect your valuables from damage by choosing a safe that is fireproof and waterproof.

5. Install the safe properly: Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and consider hiring a professional if necessary.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of small safe?

A: The best type of small safe depends on your specific needs. Mini safes and personal safes are great for small items, while home safes and larger wall and floor safes are better for larger items or more valuable items.

Q: How do I choose the right size safe?

A: Consider what items you will be storing in the safe and choose a safe that has enough capacity to fit those items comfortably.

Q: What locking mechanism is the most secure?

A: Biometric locks are considered the most secure locking mechanism, followed by electronic locks and combination locks.

Q: Can I install a safe myself?

A: It depends on the safe and the installation instructions. Some safes are easy to install and can be done yourself, while others may require professional installation.

Q: Are small safes fireproof and waterproof?

A: Not all small safes are fireproof and waterproof. Look for safes that are specifically designed to protect against fire and water damage.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Discreet and blends in with other books on the shelf.
  • Easy to change the combination.
  • Well-made and high quality.
  • Larger interior volume than comparable book safes.
  • Real paper around the edges creates extra space.
Cons
  • Lock box feels flimsy.
  • Lock mechanism may not be fully installed correctly.
Bottom Line
This book safe is a discreet and easy way to hide small items, but the lock box may not be very secure and the combination code may not work.
Pros
  • Looks like a real book
  • Easy to set up the lock
  • Fits right in on a bookshelf
  • Great for hiding small items
  • Offers minimal protection
Cons
  • Inner part where the book is glued came apart
  • Container is smaller than expected
Bottom Line
This book safe is a great option for hiding small items in plain sight, but may not be practical for larger items. The lock is easy to set up and it looks like a real book on a shelf. However, the quality could be improved and the combination lock can be difficult to use.
Pros
  • Heavy and solid
  • Holds firearms and multiple items
  • Good material for the price
  • Easy to use
  • Sturdy
Cons
  • Flawed design
  • Battery compartment on the back side
Bottom Line
The AmazonBasics security safe is a heavy and solid option for storing firearms and multiple items. However, it has a flawed design and some issues with the battery compartment, lid, and knob. It is a good option for the price, but buyers should be aware of its limitations.
Pros
  • Easy to program and use
  • Comes with manual keys
  • Sturdy metal construction
  • Perfect size for small items
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Thin metal and plastic parts
  • Lock can be easily broken into
Bottom Line
This safe is a good option for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use safe for small items. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a high level of security or durability.
Pros
  • Cute and sturdy
  • Easy to set a combination and lock/unlock
  • Large enough to store allowance, coins, and prized possessions
  • Roomy inside
  • Great for keeping people from snooping or grabbing your stuff
Cons
  • Poor packaging, scuffed up upon arrival
  • Lock not sturdy enough to withstand a focused attempt to open
Bottom Line
This cash box is a cute and sturdy option for storing small items and cash, but the lock may not be strong enough to deter determined thieves. The packaging could be improved, and there have been reports of the lock getting stuck or failing. However, it is a good option for keeping your belongings safe from prying eyes.
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