If it seems like everything is becoming “smart” these days, you’re not wrong. You’ll find futuristic tech in thermostats, door locks, and even light bulbs, Safes are no exception, and we took a close look at biometric scanners, RFID scanners, sizes, and other features to decide which smart vaults will keep your possessions secret and secure. The Verifi S6000 Biometric Safe slides into first place, all thanks to its impressive “FBI-certified” 3-D fingerprint scanning technology. The Liberty HDX-350 Smart Vault is a close second. It works so well it’s almost magic, and the company claims its 3-D fingerprint imaging technology is even “FBI certified.” (We’re not quite sure what that means, but the scanner designer, Zvetco Biometrics, says the safe features an FBI-approved silicon chip.) The reliable fingerprint scanner and roomy interior make this our pick for the best biometric gun safe—and best all-around biometric safe for whatever you want to keep safe, hands down. One reviewer outlined security vulnerabilities they had found in the Liberty HDX-250 biometric gun safe, as well as the updates the company added to its new design to remove those flaws.1 Color us impressed. It also comes with a backup key or PIN access in case you lose your RFID accessory or it stops working. If you run into this issue, you could place the sticker on the outside of your case instead, but the logo may make it obvious that it’s the key to your safe. And you’ll risk additional wear and tear on the edges of the sticker. There’s also limited space for other valuables. Need to keep documents safe? Better fold them to fit them in the 2600KP. Small pieces of jewelry or passports and social security cards might fit, but we think your money will be better spent on a larger biometric safe if that’s what you want to keep secure. We will say the app isn’t perfect—the Bluetooth connection can be sketchy. But overall, it provides an extra level of monitoring that can help ease some anxieties you might have while not at home. A possible workaround: add multiple scans of your index finger, or scan all of your fingertips on both hands. The VT 20i allows you to store up to 20 fingerprints, so that’s two hands’ worth of IDs for both you and one other person you trust. Our tip? Scan each finger on each hand in multiple ways (diagonally, to the side, high on the scanner, low on the scanner, etc.) so you can reliably open your safe in a flash. Then repeat the process with anyone else you trust with access. That being said, it’s possible and fairly inexpensive to jury-rig some padding with extra carpet or foam you might have on hand. While searching for the best smart safes, we noticed that those also rated for water or fire resistance received poor reviews—or cost thousands of dollars. So we weeded them out of the final list of high-quality picks. But if you are searching for a high-quality, durable safe to protect important documents and valuable from a fire, flood, or even theft, we think these safes are better equipped to do the trick.
Fire-resistance: UL-classified for 1 hr. in up to 1,700°F Water-resistance: ETL-verified in up to 8 in. for up to 24 hrs. Lock type: Digital combination Weight: 86.6 lbs. Interior size: 11.9 x 12.6 x 13.9 in.
Fire-resistance: UL-classified for 30 mins in up to 1,550°F Water-resistance: Waterproof safe seal allows chest to float during a flood Lock type: Key Weight: 20 lbs. Interior size: 8.58 x 13.23 x 2.91 in.
Fire-resistance: UL-classified up to 2 hrs in 350°F Water-resistance: None Lock type: Combination Weight: 140 lbs. Interior size: 12.5 x 14.25 x 16.5 in.
When looking at biometric or RFID safes, try to get a feel for how reliable the fingerprint scanner or RFID reader is, either by testing it in person or reading what reviewers have to say. All the safes we chose here tested well for reliability, but in some cases, you may still run into issues. After all, technology isn’t perfect 100% of the time. Some problems, like a dirty scanner, are easy to fix. If you choose a biometric safe, be sure to clean the fingerprint reader often with a Q-tip. Similarly, dying batteries can cause issues, so swap old ones out with new ones—and stick with the recommendations made by the manufacturer. Regardless, check out the interior dimensions of each safe to get a better idea of what items can fit inside. Some handgun safe manufacturers even offer life-size printouts of safe interiors on their websites, so you can place items on the printout to see what fits. Keep in mind: safe’s look bigger on the outside, so you might have less interior space than you think. It pays to check the dimensions. It’s also important to do your research: are there any videos or articles about your model of safe being hacked or broken into? If so, has the manufacturer responded by updating the design or materials?
