Table of Contents
Safes are useful in a number of ways, and people buy safes for a number of reasons. They can keep dangerous or sensitive objects out of your child’s reach, protect important belongings from water and fire damage, and prevent theft of essential documents, family heirlooms, and valuable items.
Safes are also useful in commercial and business settings for storing files, keys, cash boxes, and other items that shouldn’t be easily accessible by the public. When shopping for a safe, you must consider the type of protection, capacity, lock type, and price you’re looking for.
That’s where we come in. A safe is one of the most important fixtures in your home, and choosing the right one for you is essential.
We can help you choose between a wall, floor, or drawer safe, decide between a digital, key, or dual authentication lock system, and set an appropriate budget for the level of protection and size you’re looking for.
After 25 hours of research investigating 23 products and considering 865 reviews to find the best safes in Canada, we’re in the perfect position to help you make the right decision.
Following our last update, we recommend the AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box for its quality, level of security, and versatility.
Our top pick safe in 2023
Overall, this is the right home safe for many people who are shopping on a budget and need a standard size. It doesn’t offer the best level of protection, but it will protect valuables from all but the most driven burglars. The price to performance ratio is reasonable, so there are no major flaws to note.
Pros:
- Great size for the price
- Digital keypad is easy to set up and reliable to use
- Locking mechanism is solid and secure
- Comes with two emergency mechanical keys in case code is forgotten
Cons:
- Not fireproof or waterproof
- Won’t deter a driven burglar
Our selection of the best models available right now:
- AmazonBasics 25EI Security
- SentrySafe SFW205GQC
- SentrySafe H0100CG
- Amazon Basics Desk Drawer
- Stalwart X-large
- AmazonBasics 42SAM
- SereneLife SLSFE15
Safe Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box
|
9,2
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
SentrySafe SFW205GQC Safe
|
9,7
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Safe Case Pick
|
SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case
|
8,8
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
|
Budget Pick
|
AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box
|
8,5
|
Check Price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Safe
Presentation of the AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box
The Best Overall
AmazonBasics
If you’re looking for a safe that delivers a satisfying combination of value, quality, and functionality, our top pick is your best option. We recommend choosing the AmazonBasics 25EI security safe box for convenient storage and protection of your most important personal belongings.
AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box Video Review
What We Think of The AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box
The AmazonBasics security safe box is a standard house safe size at 0.5 cubic feet of space. The interior dimensions aren’t much smaller than the exterior dimensions, and this means that there isn’t a ton of insulation or thick steel being used in this safe. For this reason, the safe is not waterproof or fireproof, so you’ll need another solution to protect valuables and documents from damage.
The lock is a standard 9-digit keypad that holds only one code at a time for access. If you forget your code, you can rely on one of two emergency keys to let you into the safe. The two live-door bolts slide smoothly and offer reliable protection from your standard residential home burglar, or thieving in-laws. Since the safe weighs only 21 lbs, we don’t recommend leaving it out where it’s easily seen as someone can easily pick it up and take it with them.
It is well-built for the money. It isn’t waterproof or fireproof, so you’ll need to look into investing in a document pouch of your intention is store and protect documents in this safe. Besides that, the mechanism is reliable and it is easy to tuck away anywhere. It is the right size for my belongings as I only store cash, passports and birth certificates, and medication in it. Mounting this securely was simple and quick.
grace y.
This safe can be mounted to the floor or to the wall with additional bottom support and is lightweight enough to fit just about anywhere you may need to put it. The interior is well thought out with a middle shelf that can be removed or adjusted to fit various-sized objects. The bottom level has a carpet that protects fragile items from scratches and damage.
AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 13.8” x 9.8” x 9.8”
- Interior Dimensions: 13.5” x 8.75” x 9.5”
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Number of Bolts: 2
- Waterproof: No
- Fireproof: No
- Capacity: 5 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Digital
AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great size for the price
- Digital keypad is easy to set up and reliable to use
- Locking mechanism is solid and secure
- Comes with two emergency mechanical keys in case code is forgotten
Cons
- Not fireproof or waterproof
- Won’t deter a driven burglar
Our Final Opinion about the AmazonBasics 25EI Security Safe Box
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this is the right home safe for many people who are shopping on a budget and need a standard size. It doesn’t offer the best level of protection, but it will protect valuables from all but the most driven burglars. The price to performance ratio is reasonable, so there are no major flaws to note.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Safe
Presentation of the SentrySafe SFW205GQC Safe
The Advanced Choice
SentrySafe
If you have high-ticket items in your home that require advanced protection against all threats, or you have a large collection of valuables that the standard house safe can’t fit, the SentrySafe SFW205GQC safe is the advanced choice you need.
What We Think of The SentrySafe SFW205GQC Safe
This SentrySafe safe is an upgraded option in nearly every way. It has a larger capacity of 2.05 cubic feet and is designed to hold just about everything. This larger safe uses both a digital keypad and a key to open, offering double the protection and security compared to non-dual locking systems. There are two keys included, and your code can have up to 5 digits for added security over a 4-digit code.
Unfortunately, this safe does not have any backup emergency override keys, so you’d need a locksmith if you ever forget your code or the master code. The keypad is backlit for visibility no matter your lighting conditions. There are 6 live-locking bolts on this door compared to the standard 2, adding much more strength and security to this safe. The bolt down kit included with the safe makes installation to the floor simple.
If you’re not storing extremely expensive valuables, this is a good safe. It has a large capacity, comes with a bolt down kit, and is quite heavy. The interior has a large file hanging drawer, key hooks, and a smaller drawer that keep everything organized well. It uses a 5-digit security code with up to 2 additional codes. The security won’t keep out a determined, experienced safe breaker, but it should be fine for most homes.
jerry d.
The safe is both fireproof and waterproof, plus can withstand a 15-foot drop without sustaining damage. The interior of this sage is worth talking about as well since it has a hanging folder sliding compartment, a smaller drawer, key rack, and interior light. At 125 lbs, this safe isn’t going to be stolen easily, especially when bolted down. If you need higher grade security and protection of your belongings, this is the right choice.
SentrySafe SFW205GQC Safe Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 23.8” x 19.3” x 18.6”
- Interior Dimensions: 19.6” a 11.9” x 14.8”
- Weight: 125 lbs
- Number of Bolts: 6
- Waterproof: 24 hours in 8 inches of water
- Fireproof: 1 hour up to 1700 degrees F
- Capacity: 2.05 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Digital
SentrySafe SFW205GQC Safe Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Larger capacity
- Very organized interior
- Large and heavy for larger deterrent
- Only a professional thief will break through
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion about the SentrySafe SFW205GQC Safe
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
Unless you expect thieves armed with power tools to be breaking into your arm, this safe will protect your valuables from just about anyone. Though it is much pricier than the others on our list, the added capacity, features, and level of security make it well worth the added cost.
Our Safe Case Pick for a Safe
Presentation of the SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case
The Safe Case Choice
SentrySafe
If you’re frequently travelling with cash or sensitive documents or objects, a safe case is the best option. We recommend the SentrySafe H0100CG safe case if you’re looking for a safe that is easily portable and mobile without being too small to be useful.
SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case Video Review
What We Think of the SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case
The SentrySafe safe case is a portable safe meant to be travelled with, but it makes a great home safe as well for people looking to save money or with small items to be protected. Its 0.17 cubic foot interior doesn’t store much, but its sized right for things like cash, passports, jewelry, and other compact items. Though the interior is small, the exterior is larger than expected due to a larger amount of insulation compared to many steel-walled safes.
This case has a built-in handle that makes carrying or maneuvering the case much less awkward than a standard safe. The handle fits into grooves so it can be folded down if being placed in a shelf inconspicuously. It is designed to be both waterproof and fireproof with 72 hours of waterproofing when submerged and 30 minutes of fireproofing up to 1550 degrees F. It’s even rated to protect things like DVDs and USBs from a fire.
I really like this safe case. It would be relatively easy to lock pick, but since I use it to protect medications and cash from my recovering addicted son, I’m not concerned about these professional tactics. It is made more secure since you need to push down on it while you turn the key. The handle makes it easier to pick up and put away on the bottom of my bookcase. It is more cheaply made, but good for inexpensive valuables.
laurel b.
The locking mechanism is a simple key, but it isn’t as easy to hack as some may think since it must be on its side with pressure applied to the top for the key to turn and open the safe. This safe is an affordable option, but users will have to accept a smaller capacity that won’t fit unfolded documents as well as a lower security rating given that it uses a simple key lock mechanism rather than a digital keypad with live locking bolts.
SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 6.3” x 14.25” x 13”
- Interior Dimensions: 3.1” x 11.8” x 7”
- Weight: 17 lbs
- Number of Bolts: None – key lock
- Waterproof: 72 hours
- Fireproof: ½ an hour up to 1550 degrees F
- Capacity: 0.17 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Key
SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Fireproof and waterproof
- More portable than most other safes
- Affordable
- Easier to hide than larger safes
Cons
- Not very secure without keypad entry
- Small capacity
Our Final Opinion About the SentrySafe H0100CG Safe Case
Quality 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The safe case style by design is not as secure as a larger steel safe. That being said, this SentrySafe safe case goes as far as it can to make potential thieves work harder to get inside. Its waterproof and fireproof protections set it apart from a lot of the competition, and we’re pleased with its security for the price.
Our Budget Pick for a Safe
Presentation of the AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box
The Budget Pick
Turtle Beach
If your demands are very limited and you’re looking for a convenient place to store and secure small valuables like watches, phones, keys, jewelry, passports, or other small items, the AmazonBasics desk drawer safe is the best choice.
AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box Video Review
What We Think of the AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box
The AmazonBasics desk drawer safe is one of the smallest safes on the market. It is designed to be hidden inside a desk drawer and can be mounted to remain still as the drawer moves, preventing it from sliding around and making noise or becoming hard to reach. Given that its purpose is to be used in a desk drawer, it isn’t surprising that it has a tiny capacity of only 0.1 cubic feet.
This size is good for cash, passports and birth certificates, small knickknacks, jewelry, and other small items, but won’t fit paper-sized documents or bulkier items. The safe opens using a digital keypad with up to 6 digits in the code for added protection compared to 4-digit codes if you want. It comes with two override keys in case you forget the code or want to give someone temporary access to the safe without disclosing your access pin.
So far I am pleased with this safe. It mounted to the drawer of my desk very easily. The keypad makes annoying beeps but you can disable the sound if it bothers you like it bothered me. The battery cover is extremely weak, and the slightest jostle can make the batteries pop out so you’ll have to be gentle with it when closing the door. I use it to keep my stuff away from my family members.
dexter g.
Despite the very small size, this safe still uses two live locking bolts, though they are significantly smaller than those on larger safes. We highly recommend taking advantage of the pre-drilled mounting holes since the safe only weighs 11 lbs and is very easy to pick up and steal without being noticed. Though the overall construction of the safe is good, users will notice that the battery housing is very fragile and will drop the batteries if the door is closed too hard.
AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 11.8” x 8.6” x 4.4”
- Interior Dimensions: 11.7” x 8.5” x 1.7”
- Weight: 11.3 lbs
- Number of Bolts: 2
- Waterproof: No
- Fireproof: No
- Capacity: 0.1 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Digital
AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Fits inside a drawer for hidden storage
- Digital keypad lock is more secure than key lock
- Adjustable digit code (3-6 numbers)
- Very affordable
Cons
- Very small
- Batteries pop out too easily
- Not very secure
Our Final Opinion About the AmazonBasics Desk Drawer Safe Box
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 2.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this is a good safe to use if you don’t have many things you need to protect and you’re not intent on thwarting burglars. If your priority is finding an affordable safe that can be hidden just about anywhere, this is a great pick.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Stalwart X-Large Electronic Safe
The Spacious Alternative
Stalwart
If the standard home safes are simply not large enough for the number and bulk of your valuables and important documents, the Stalwart X-large electronic safe is the spacious option you’ve been looking for to ensure everything in your home is protected.
What We Think of the Stalwart X-Large Electronic Safe
The Stalwart X-large electronic safe is a great choice for people who need a larger capacity but also want something affordable. This safe has a 1.7 cubic foot interior with enough space for documents, folders and files, cash or cash boxes, and valuables large or small. This is a great pick for collectors as well since you can easily stack boxes with your collectibles or remove the inner shelf for taller items.
Despite its larger size, this safe weighs less than 42 lbs, so using the including mounting kit for the wall or floor is a good idea. This safe is affordable for its size since it doesn’t use advanced locking mechanisms and is rated less secure than safes with dual locking systems or more robust doors. That being said, it is still secure enough to defend against most types of attacks.
This safe is built like a tank. It locks and unlocks very smoothly. I like that it can be opened with a key or a code. There’s a shelf in the middle to help organize your stuff and give you more room for smaller objects. Everything inside is sturdy and high-quality. It comes with pre-drilled holes for mounting it to the floor or wall, but I chose to leave it unmounted for now since it is pretty heavy.
avery b.
The safe is not waterproof or fireproof, so you may need to invest in document pouches if you’re concerned about damage due to fire or water. The safe has two backup keys in case the code is forgotten. There is a soft carpet liner on the bottom of the safe to help protect your items from scratches as wall. The build quality is ideal, but the thin metal walls don’t offer a ton of protection compared to thicker, more insulated options.
Stalwart X-Large Electronic Safe Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 19.75” x 13.5” x 12”
- Interior Dimensions: 19.5” x 13” x 11”
- Weight: 41.8 lbs
- Number of Bolts: 2
- Waterproof: No
- Fireproof: No
- Capacity: 1.7 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Digital
Stalwart X-Large Electronic Safe Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great capacity with a shelf in the middle
- Digital keypad with backup keys for peace of mind
- Built very solidly with high-quality steel
- Great price for the size
Cons
- Not fireproof or waterproof
Our Final Opinion About the Stalwart X-Large Electronic Safe
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is an all-around great safe for people with more to store than the standard house safe has room for. It is priced exceptionally well for how much room you have, and the quality and ease of use of the electronic locking system is ideal. No main complaints other than a lack of fireproofing and waterproofing.
Presentation of the AmazonBasics 42SAM Keypad Safe
The Office Alternative
AmazonBasics
If you’re looking for a safe that’s the right size and security level for a home or normal office setting to protect important business documents against prying eyes, the AmazonBasics 42SAM keypad safe is our top recommendation.
AmazonBasics 42SAM Keypad Safe Video Review
What We Think of The AmazonBasics 42SAM Keypad Safe
Another larger option is the AmazonBasics keypad safe with a capacity of 1.52 cubic feet. This is the perfect size for an office since it has space for sensitive documents or important items like keys, access passes, petty cash, and other business-related objects that shouldn’t be left in the open. The safe has pre-drilled mounting holes on the back and bottom so that it can be mounted to the wall or to the floor depending on your chosen placement.
The keypad on this safe can have up to ten digits, allowing users to set a very customized, hard-to-guess keycode that will make their belongings more secure. The interior has a shelf for organization that can be removed or adjusted depending on what you’re putting inside. It also has a soft carpet liner on the bottom for a softer surface for fragile items.
Great product, well-built and sturdy. It is the perfect size for my office and is priced very well for what you get. The combination is easy to customize and works perfectly. It was heavier than I expected which makes me feel very confident in its quality. The fitted cloth liner was a bonus. The full-size key as a back-up has saved my butt twice so far too, super necessary.
michaela f.
It is not fireproof or waterproof, which is the only flaw to note on this safe. The door is designed with two live locking bolts and a pry-resistant hinge to better protect against leverage attacks and brute force access. The door also uses 8-Gauge steel which is a stronger option than the standard 14-Gauage often used. This is an all-around great safe for office use, but it would be a great home pick as well.
AmazonBasics 42SAM Keypad Safe Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 13.8” x 13” x 16.5”
- Interior Dimensions: 13.6” x 10.6” x 16.4”
- Weight: 33.5 lbs
- Number of Bolts: 2
- Waterproof: No
- Fireproof: No
- Capacity: 1.52 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Digital
AmazonBasics 42SAM Keypad Safe Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 8-Gauge steel door is mor durable than 14-gauge alternatives
- Great capacity
- Can be mounted to the floor or wall
- Digital keypad lock with back up key
Cons
- Not waterproof or fireproof
Our Final Opinion About the AmazonBasics 42SAM Keypad Safe
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This safe is designed very well, offers the right level of security for sensitive business documents and items like keys and entry passes, and includes thoughtful design choices that improve its overall value. Though it isn’t waterproof or fireproof, it isn’t lacking in much else.
Presentation of the SereneLife SLSFE15 Safe Box
The Authentication Alternative
SereneLife
If you’re the paranoid type and want an extra layer of protection for your self beyond the usual digital keycode access and mechanical keys, the SereneLife SLSFE15 safe box is a great choice since it offers an extra authentication step for access to its contents.
SereneLife SLSFE15 Safe Box Video Review
What We Think of the SereneLife SLSFE15 Safe Box
The SereneLife safe box is one of the more secure options since it uses a digital keypad, has a fingerprint scanner, and two backup override keys for access even if you’ve forgotten your code. The digital locking mechanism is the safest option compared to a regular key lock, and the dual live locking bolts add an extra boost to the security of your valuables as well.
Pre-drilled holes on the back and bottom of the safe allow it to be mounted on any wall or floor surface, and it is small enough that you could conceal it in a wall if you had a professional’s help. The safe is significantly lighter than others of similar size, meaning the walls aren’t as thick and are therefore more easily penetrable. Even so, the large bolts in the door make it more secure compared to smaller bolts in similarly sized safes.
I love this safe! I live with housemates and even though I have a camera in my room, I wanted more protection for my papers, cash, and private things. The safe is very strong. I like that there are two emergency keys in case you forget the password. The size is perfect, it’s no wider than my dell laptop and fits under my desk at the back without my hitting my feet off of it when I sit. It even came with batteries!
cameron y.
We’re happy to say that this is one of the few products that actually includes the batteries needed for operation, and while this is a very small gesture, it speaks to the overall user-friendly design of the safe. The safe is too small to need an interior shelf, but the bottom has a soft liner to protect fragile items. Though this safe isn’t waterproof, it is fireproof. The 0.7 cubic foot interior is large enough for normal household items and documents.
SereneLife SLSFE15 Safe Box Specifications
- Exterior Dimensions: 13.8” x 9.8” x 9.8”
- Interior Dimensions: 13.7” x 9.7” x 9.7”
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Number of Bolts: 2
- Waterproof: No
- Fireproof: Yes
- Capacity: 0.7 cubic feet
- Lock Type: Digital
SereneLife SLSFE15 Safe Box Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Includes fingerprint sensor for added security
- Fireproof
- Can be mounted to the floor or wall
- LED low battery indicator
Cons
Cons
- Not waterproof
Our Final Opinion About the SereneLife SLSFE15 Safe Box
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This extra-security safe is a steal. You receive advanced digital security measures, excellent build quality, and reliable performance. Though it isn’t waterproof, it is fireproof, and the price to security ratio is excellent. There are no major flaws with this safe, and it will make a great home or office safe.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks.
The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Safe
Where Should I Place My Safe?
The location of your safe is almost as important as the features of the safe itself.
This can be a tricky decision for a lot of people since it needs to be convenient to get to when you need something, but it also needs to be in a place that burglars won’t beeline to the second they enter your home, like the master bedroom.
Particularly if you don’t have an alarm system, placing the safe in an out-of-the-way location where thieves are unlikely to find it quickly is essential.
The place you choose for your safe should also be a secure surface. A closet floor or an office corner where two walls meet are great options that keep your safe away from prying eyes but convenient to access. We recommend a ground floor placement if you’re using an extra-large safe.
Is It Necessary to Anchor a Safe?
Anchoring your safe to the wall or floor is the most effective way of ensuring a burglar can’t pick up and run off with your safe. This is especially true with smaller safes weighing less than 50 lbs. However, keep in mind that anchoring is most effective when done on a concrete floor as a wood floor simply doesn’t have the strength to resist a leverage attack. Even so, anchoring a safe is never a waste of time as every burglar wants to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible, and often won’t bother trying to pry a safe loose off any floor type.
How to Properly Choose Your Safe
- Price.
Safes vary greatly in price depending on how big they are and how secure they are against burglars and catastrophic events like fires and floods.
Many home safes are priced under $100-$200, but you’ll pay more for larger sizes, advanced features, and an upgraded interior with things like shelves, drawers, hooks, and more.
Digital safes will be more expensive than key lock safes as well since they are more secure.
- Capacity.
Every safe has a different interior capacity, or amount of stuff it can hold. There are many sizes of safes, from mini drawer safes that barely gold keys and a phone to large stand-up safes that hold more than 2 cubic feet of belongings.
For most people, between 0.5 and 1.5 cubic feet of space will be plenty for documents, jewelry, photos, cash, and other valuables.
- Size and Shape.
Once you have your safe set up, you’ll want to put all of your valuables, family treasures, and important documents into it.
To make sure that everything will fit comfortably inside, the shape and size of the safe are crucial.
Even the mid-size safes are sometimes designed in an awkward shape that won’t fit a legal-sized paper without being folded.
If you have things like old records or larger/longer valuables, double-check the dimensions of the interior of the safe to be sure that they will fit.
- Weight.
Generally, a home burglar will only pick up what’s easy to grab and run with, so you’re most likely safe with a normal house safe.
They usually weigh around 50-100 lbs, and no burglar is going to try to lug that through your house for fear of making noise or being slowed down.
That being said, the 125lb+ safes are your best bet against thieves. Weight is a bigger concern in general for people wanting to mount their safes on or in a wall.
The heavier the safe is, the more strain it puts on your studs, and the more likely it is to damage the wall or fall right out if not installed properly. If you’re choosing a safe to be mounted, choose a smaller, lighter-weight model.
- Number of Bolts.
Safes are secured by what are known as live-door bolts. The higher number of bolts the door has, the stronger the safe is, and the safer your valuables are.
Most home safes will have two bolts, but the larger sizes may have up to 6. A drawer safe or safe case most likely won’t have any bolts at all.
The diameter of the bolts is also a factor since bigger bolts have more resistance to force. Of course, the length of the bolts is even more important since some safes have bolts that only just reach the inside of the door, and thereby provide little protection from a leverage attack.
If you’re choosing a safe specifically for defense against a burglar attack, this is one of the most important features to look at.
- Fireproof and Waterproof Protections.
The most common reason people want a safe in their home is to protect important documents and valuables from a fire.
Each safe will have a different safety rating for fires, so you’ll need to check how long it can withstand a fire (30 minutes is the standard for most house safes), the temperature it can withstand, and what the safe’s interior temperature will become in a fire as different types of materials will survive at different temperatures.
Waterproof protection is also important, and every safe is different here as well.
Some can be submerged while others can only withstand 8 or 12 inches of water. Each safe will only remain waterproof for a certain amount of time as well, be it a few hours or more than a day. Without these protections, you’d need fireproof and waterproof pouches to protect items in the safe.
- Lock Type.
The most common type of lock on a safe is an electronic key pad. These are powered by batteries and can be programmed to accept a code somewhere between 3 and 8 numbers long.
Some electronic safes may have more advanced locking mechanisms that include a fingerprint scan, but these aren’t as common.
Electronic safes always come with an emergency backup key so you can still get in the safe if you forget the code. Another option is the more basic key lock, which is more common with the smallest drawer safes or safe cases. They aren’t as secure, but you can get into them more quickly.
- Mount Type.
When you have a safe in the home, you may want to secure it in a variety of areas in the home. Most small to mid-size safes will be mountable on a wall with two or four screws.
Most safes will also have floor mount kits that secure your safe to the floor so it can’t simply be picked up and carried away by a burglar. Some may be anchorable in concrete for a higher anti-theft rating or even concealed in a wall to be hidden away.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of safes allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
