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7 Best Biometric Gun Safes in 2023: [Hands-On Tested]

A gun you can't get quickly doesn't help when a bad guy appears. Biometric safes help you to keep your firearm secure and your family protected!

Gun safety is important, right?

Even if there aren’t kids in the house, it’s still a good idea to have a safe.

Best Handgun Safes
Might not seem like a big deal but safely storing your guns kinda is.

We realize there are a lot of options on the market to choose from, so how do you know if you’re getting a decent model?

Vaultek Opening with Finger
Vaultek Opening with Finger

Well, we’re here to help! We’ve gathered a handful of our favorite biometric safes that blend quick access with safety.

So, let’s take a look at some recommendations and get you squared away with a safe.

Summary of Our Top Picks

  1. Editor's Pick

    SentrySafe Pistol Biometric Gun Safe

    Fast & accurate access with room for a full-sized handgun.

  2. Best Bang-For-The-Buck

    Awesafe Gun Safe

    Like the SentrySafe but more affordable.

  3. Multiple Sizes

    BARSKA Biometric Safe

    Thicker walls and different sizes options.

  4. Inner Shelf Option

    Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini Biometric Safe

    32 fingerprint memory and comes with an interior shelf.

  5. Hi-Tech Option

    Vaultek VT10i

    Biometric, buttons, & Bluetooth access.

  6. Wall Safe Option

    Viking Security VS-52BLX

    Flush-fitting in-wall biometric safe option.

  7. Drop Down Option

    GunVault SpeedVault

    Perfect for under a desk or by your nightstand.

Table of Contents

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What is a Biometric Safe?

Before we get to our fave models, let’s quickly touch on what a biometric safe is.

Standard safes usually offer a key or combo entry system to open.

Safe gun storage

But a biometric operates using your fingerprint.

Basically, you set the safe up to recognize your fingerprint. Every subsequent time you need to open it, the safe will scan your fingerprint.

This means that only you can gain access to what’s inside.

The pros to this — they are pretty simple to use and much easier to operate at night or in low light.

However, the flip side to that is that dirt, grime, or sweat can impact the scanner’s ability to recognize the fingerprint.

Also, with certain models, your significant other can’t access what’s inside if they need to (unless they use a key which is often included as a backup entry option).

Best Biometric Gun Safes

1. SentrySafe QAP1BE

SentrySafe QAP1BE
SentrySafe QAP1BE

If you want something a little smaller than the others on this list, maybe to put it in a drawer, the QAP1BE model from SentrySafe is right up your alley. You can access it fast with the biometric scanner, numbered code, or key override.

Plus…the single gun size can hold a full-size Glock 17 and 2 mags easily.

SentrySafe QAP1BE, Open
SentrySafe QAP1BE, Open

The other thing I like is how, when you unlock it, the top opens on its own with the help of the gas strut.

The reader is pretty good and I’d rate it at around 90% success rate once you get the hang of it.  You can also program up to 4 fingers.

One potential negative is that to use the keypad entry, you have to “turn on” the buttons with a press first.  So you essentially add one extra button press.

Overall…my editor’s pick for an affordable biometric safe.

Best Drawer Safe
154
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

What’s your take on this highly-rated safe?

Readers' Ratings

4.97/5 (1206)

Your Rating?

2. Awesafe Gun Safe

Does the SentrySafe have a price contender? Enter the Awesafe.

It’s probably the best-reviewed biometric gun safe on Amazon with over 10K reviews. And we’ve been asked a lot to test it out.

Awesafe Gun Safe
Awesafe Gun Safe

Kind of a weird name…but we’ll go along with it.

It’s built with some heft and comes with some holes and lag screws to help you mount it. I like having these smaller safes attached to a closet shelf so it’s hidden and can’t easily walk off.

Capacity?

Pretty good with holding a full-size and micro-compact. With one gun in there you’ll be able to have extra mags or other goodies.

Awesafe Gun Safe Capacity
Awesafe Gun Safe Capacity

There’s a sliver of extra space between the door where you could get a screwdriver in. But keep in mind, with most safes in this category…if given enough time and tools anyone will get in.

How about the biometrics? Great as well.

Easy to program and higher than 90% accuracy based on my testing (as long as your finger isn’t too moist).

Check it out in action!

Buttons work great too. And the greatest thing? It comes in around $149.

Best Bang-For-The-Buck
169
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

3. BARSKA Biometric Safe

The Barska Biometric Safe comes in different shapes and sizes so you can get the one that best fits where you want it to live.

Some are short and wide with the fingerprint scanner on the top and others are taller and have the scanner on the front. You can even get one in white if you want.

All of the models have a backup key you can use if the battery dies or you lose your fingerprints doing bodywork on your project car and the sensor doesn’t work.

Something that set my mind at ease is the fact that you can position your finger at almost any angle and the scanner will read it.

Barska says the scanner only needs to see 2/3 of your fingerprint to open the safe.

The interior space in the safe depends on the model but should be enough for your concealed carry gun and some ammo.

Unless you’re one of the guys who like to carry a full-size gun. You might not be able to get a box of .45 ammo in there too.

Popular .45 ACP Ammo
Popular .45 ACP Ammo

Most models are approved by the Department of Justice because of the thicker walls, pry protection, and dual deadbolts, but do not offer any protection against fire.

Multiple Sizes
219
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

4. Viking Security Safe

What I liked about the Viking model VS-20BLX was the shelf in it.

You might think “wow, a shelf” But in reality, it’s nice to have.

You can have your ammo, your EDC knife, wallet, passport, or whatever on the top and have quick access to your weapon when you need it.

If you don’t have a shelf, you might need to pull everything out to get your gun or ammo.

An LED light is built in to make it easier to see inside in low light.

The Viking VS-20BLX lets you load up to 32 different fingerprints into the scanner. You can also use a PIN or key to open the safe if needed.

Inner Shelf Option
189
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

5. Vaultek Safes: VT10i & VT20i

You’ll want to read our Complete Vaultek Safes Review but the bottom line is: it’s awesome.

Vaultek V10i
Vaultek V10i

Combining a great safe and a SmartPhone app to create a biometric security option that stands out above the rest, Vaultek safes are good to go.

Vaultek Opening with Finger
Vaultek Opening with Finger

The nice thing about these is that they are simple, yet packed with features like an internal light, a backlit keypad, and it comes shipped with extra goodness like mounting screws.

Vaultek Cable Attachment
Vaultek Cable Attachment

One downside you should know though is that it does require charging. The good news is that a 2.5-hour charge with a USB cable is enough power to keep it running for four months.

However, in the end, the Vaultek is my pick for biometric+other goodies like a Bluetooth and phone access. Again…my full review.

Hi-Tech Option
259
at Vaultek Store

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons
289
at Vaultek Store

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

6. Viking Security Safe VS-52BLX

This Viking safe is meant to go into the wall. That’s right, you’ll need to do a little cutting. It’s not bad, though.

The Viking VS-52BLX goes between the studs in your wall and sits almost flush with the wall. There are two models, one is a flush mount door, the other is not.

If you want to be cliche and have a safe behind a picture, you can totally do that with this biometric gun safe.

Wall Safe Option
279
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

It’s not super deep (4-inches), but is taller and enough room for a couple weapons.

There are shelves that come with the unit so you can organize whatever you are going to keep in the safe.

Included are LED lights in it too so you can better see inside in low light, like if you mounted it in the back of your closet.

7. GunVault SpeedVault

As you can see, this safe is set up with speed in mind. Once you unlock it the pistol shelf drops open allowing you to grasp the weapon with almost a full grip right from the start.

It is also designed to be mounted in places that are easy to reach such as on a bedside table, under a desk, etc.

Really, the only issue with this vault is that it does one thing – but it does that one thing outstandingly well.

GunVault SpeedVault
GunVault SpeedVault

If you want a safe that you can store extra mags in or double up to hold other valuables, the GunVault SpeedVault doesn’t have the extra room.

But if you feel a need for speed, this is for you.

Drop Down Option
129
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Closing Thoughts

Keeping your gun locked up is mandatory if you have kids running around the house. It’s also a good idea to lock it up when you aren’t carrying.

A biometric gun safe is a happy medium between keeping your gun securely locked up and having fast access to it if you need it.

SentrySafe Biometric Safe
SentrySafe Biometric Safe

What safe is best for you depends on your situation, but now you know what your options are.

But for me…my Editor’s Pick is the SentrySafe for an affordable and robust fingerprint scanner and keypad entry.

Best Drawer Safe
154
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And the Vaultek if you want even more stuff than fingerprints.

Best Techy Safe
199
at Vaultek Store

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

So, what safe did you get/do you have? Biometric, key, or pin number? Looking for non-biometric…or a larger safe for long guns?  Check out our Definitive Best Gun Safes article.

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18 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Steve Roush

    Check out the Wyze gun safe. I bought and 2 they are awesome

    April 2, 2023 9:41 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jake

    Don't buy Awesafe. I had one that was fine but the second one I bought will open with ANY skin. My wife noticed when she accidentally used a finger that hadn't been programmed. I tried and even a knuckle will open it.

    July 8, 2022 9:30 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Robyn

    Really nice review. Thank you!

    March 22, 2021 6:48 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Isaac E Pickett

    Bought a Sentry biometric last year for bedside use and within 4 months the shocks no longer open the door. Have to pry it open with something. NOT ideal. Waste of money.

    November 22, 2020 7:51 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Corey Naylor

    The GunVault Speedvault Biometric is my favorite. I have one below my room desk, I always loaded with a full mag since it always on the safe. The cons of these features are it does not have any space for an extra mag but I added extra safe for the mags (I know it sound stupid but I intentionally get two just in case I buy another gun). It helps me avoiding negligence of misplacing guns at home and it's for the safety of my family. Thanks for this article for I added some information about the gun safe.

    September 9, 2020 6:45 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Rick

    I have a biometric AmazonBasics safe- looks like the Sentrysafe and has the options of the Vaultecs. Very happy.

    August 24, 2020 1:45 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Mark

    I don’t Hornady gun safes on any of your lists. How would they compare to the ones you do have on your lists? Also what are your thoughts on RFID access safes for quick access, as compared to a biometric or mechanical access nite stand safe?

    July 16, 2020 6:08 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Tinman Spartan

    "but there are situations where you have to leave the house without your gun"

    Hasn't happened yet. If I Can't carry into an establishment, I don't go there. If I can't protect my family in your place of business, you don't get mine.

    March 23, 2019 5:52 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Krush

      You can't carry at a hospital, most medical offices, schools, blood donation centers, and municipal buildings. You can always use a vault to lock up you sidearm in your vehicle.

      April 1, 2020 10:51 am
      • Commenter Avatar
        B

        Valid argrument. He won't take his family to the hospital because he can't carry there?! That's a stupid statement.

        June 4, 2020 5:58 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Stryker

        Spot-on with your comment. Very difficult to carry 24-7 throughout the year. Sooner or later we all to visit a facility or an area that's off-limits for concealed carry and there are many of them, depending on your state.

        July 31, 2020 4:17 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jon

    Hi Trevor, Thanks for the great article! I am looking into safe storage options for my everyday carry. In my research I found that both the SpeedVault and the SentrySafe are very vulnerable. There is a gun safe reviewer who has videos of each of these being opened scary easy. Look for the review of each by Handgun Safe Research.

    September 9, 2018 2:15 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    John

    My youngest son picked the lock on my biometric safe. He used the rounded end of a paper clip. He was bored and he YouTubed how to do it. I’m traveling right now so I can’t give the make and model.

    June 5, 2018 4:35 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Kim D

      What was the make and model on the safe?

      November 17, 2018 1:59 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      DND

      And he would have never know if not for that Youtuber doing a "service" by experimenting in a way no one would ever do, until he found a way. And it is not a "paperclip," a paper clip won't work since it bends in all directions. It is a stainless steel zip tie, which is something almost no one normally has at home and is not in most hardware stores either. What is funny that youtuber then goes on to plug and promote a fort Knox, when the fort knox can be opened easier with a mid to large size screwdriver, and can be opened with no tools and no evidence of tampering with 12 minutes of entering combos, going through half the possible combinations, and 25 minutes going though all possible combinations. Since the ft knox is not electronic it can't stop or stop you after you enter a certain number of wrong combos, you can just go through them all in quick sequence.

      June 15, 2019 6:22 am
      • Commenter Avatar
        B

        "And it is not a "paperclip," a paper clip won't work since it bends in all directions. It is a stainless steel zip tie, "

        I think John would know what HIS son used, which he said was a paperclip.

        June 4, 2020 6:06 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Notalima

    Gun Vault speed vault. Defeated with a chewing gum wrapper. Google it.

    June 5, 2018 4:11 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      B

      I'm looking at Hornady RAPiD Vehicle Gun Safe, which seems to do EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Can be placed near the center stick, can be opened without entering keys or codes, and you can remove the gun with one hand. It's a bit expensive in my opinion, but it meets all those requirements. I'm looking for other car safes that meet the reuirements, but so far only found this one.

      June 4, 2020 6:14 pm
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