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[Safe Review] Vaultek MXi: Biggest & Baddest Handgun Safe?

Looking for a high-tech safe? One that has 5 modes of entry and can hold up to 8 loaded handguns? Check out our review of Vaultek's MX Series with video!

Author Bio Image for Eric Hung - Founder, CEO
By
Eric Hung (Founder, CEO)

PPT Founder. NRA Pistol Instructor. USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 Competitor. 250+ articles

Updated Aug 21, 2019
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Need a BIG handgun safe...that has all the bells and whistles?

Vaultek MXi
Vaultek MXi

Vaultek ushers in a new large smart safe with the MX Series that lets you quickly access everything among 5 methods.  AND hold up to 8 handguns.

I've already reviewed the MX's little bros...the VT10i and VT20i...which I loved and still use today.

Vaultek VT20i and VT10i
Vaultek VT20i and VT10i

So Vaultek sent me their newest MXi.

Let's see if the big brother has what it takes...with videos of the safe in action!

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But if a high-tech safe isn't what you're looking for...check out our 15 Best Pistol & Long Gun Safes.

Unboxing & Included Items

Like the smaller VT series...the MX came in wonderfully packaged.  It was like opening up a new flagship cellphone.

But giant.

The safe even came with straps to help you lift it out without destroying the box.

Vaultek MX Included Items
Vaultek MX Included Items

Once unboxed...you get your usual suspects:

  • Physical keys
  • Charging kit
  • Battery (installed so it's not shown)
  • Smart key
  • Screws
  • Instructions

The MX is also pretty modular...and it comes with a dual handgun rack.

Vaultek Dual Handgun Rack
Vaultek Dual Handgun Rack

Setup

The instructions came with a quick setup guide and also something more in-depth.

Very easy to follow.

First you set up a master password and then you can choose to enroll a bunch of fingerprints.

Then you can enable the wireless Smart Key.

By default the Smart Key will only work if the safe is active by lightly touching a button.  You can also keep it in a continuous mode which uses more juice...but you can open the safe without getting near it (even in another room).

Syncing the safe to the app was also easy.

You can also add additional modular racks...like another dual pistol or a magazine rack for $35 each.

Vaultek Magazine Rack
Vaultek Magazine Rack

Use

You already saw the keypad and Smart key entry...here's the fingerprint biometric reader.

It's not super fast at around 3 seconds from finger on to door open.

And I'd sometimes get a string of misreads.

But I found if I followed the instructions and moved my finger a little bit during the 5 capture setup...it did much better.

Now...how does the app fare?

Very easy to use via Bluetooth for opening and changing the light brightness...and you can also see the history of everything.  Plus...you can connect to all your other Vaultek safes.

Capacity

Vaultek definitely knows how to make a smart safe...how about the capacity of the MX series?

I managed to fit in A LOT.  If you wanted to go pure handguns...you can swap out the magazine rack with another dual pistol...plus put at least two other handguns in the top drawer.

The handgun racks are well designed...it can fit full-sized handguns with lights...and even ones with 6" barrels like my HK Elite.

Here's how it is with a full magazine rack, 4 pistols, and some valuables.

Vaultek MXi, Fully Loaded
Vaultek MXi, Fully Loaded

Channeling my inner poverty Jason Bourne.

Vaultek MX Drawer
Vaultek MX Drawer

However, all this capacity comes at a decent size...

Vaultek MXi, Banana for Scale
Vaultek MXi, Banana for Scale
  • Exterior Dimensions: 15″ x 11.5″ x 11.6″
  • Interior Dimensions: 13″ x 11″ x 8.6″
  • Weight: 32 lbs

Even though it's heavy...a reasonably strong person can still take it away even when fully loaded.

I'd recommend bolting it down.

But if you don't, that's where the alarm comes in...(alarm sound in video):

Pros

  • 5 Quick Access Methods: keys, keypad, fingerprint, app, & wireless key
  • Extremely Modular: can fit up to 8 handguns or endless combinations of guns, magazines, and valuables
  • App: easy entry and history lookup
  • Looks: manly yet tasteful design and the sound effects are perfect
  • Hardware: comes with mounting screws and a dual handgun rack

Cons

  • Higher-end price of ~$500
  • Dual handgun and magazine racks are additional add-ons
  • Fingerprint reader could be faster/better
  • Battery operated (can be USB charged with cable, outlet, or battery pack)

Other Models

There's the smaller single/double handgun safes in the VT line from Vaultek.  They also have multiple ways of entry.

Vaultek V10i
Vaultek V10i

The "i" models have biometric readers while regular ones don't...and are more affordable.

Vaultek VS10iVaultek VS10i
$229at Vaultek Store
Prices accurate at time of writing
Vaultek Bluetooth 20 SeriesVaultek Bluetooth 20 Series
$259at Vaultek Store
Prices accurate at time of writing

Again...my full review of them here.

Vaultek Abuse, Greenlight Shooting
Vaultek Abuse, Greenlight Shooting

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day...if you need something big and robust for valuables and handguns (it has a 12-gauge steel front door and double-latch).

But don't want a full-on safe.

AND you fully embrace technology at a price...

Vaultek MXi, High Capacity
Vaultek MXi, High Capacity

The Vaultek MXi might be for you.

Vaultek MX SeriesVaultek MX Series
$649at Vaultek Store
Prices accurate at time of writing

Just be sure it might not be the quickest access safe (at least biometric).

If I were to use it as a nightstand gun safe (or a nightstand!) I would be sure to use the keypad function for something more foolproof.

But with all the ways of entry...and endless options...this Vaultek is going to have a space in my closet for decently-quick access to valuables and multiple pistols.

So...are you going Vaultek?  Or are you looking for something more old school?  If so...check out our 15 Best Pistol & Long Gun Safes for All Budgets.

Eric Hung

Written By
Eric Hung
Founder, CEO

I'm Eric Hung, the founder of Pew Pew Tactical, and I love guns. For over 10 years I've been soaking up as much information as possible online, in competitions, classes, and from my own testing. Now I hope to bring that info to you! I've written over 250 articles on Pew Pew Tactical that are read by millions a month. I'm also an NRA certified pistol instructor and avid USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. Learn more at About Us.

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