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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Gun Safes

Responsible gun ownership means secure storage—period. We compared gun safes from quick-access bedside boxes to full-size cabinets—finding what balances rapid access with keeping firearms from unauthorized hands.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall
VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe

Vaultek

VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe

4.7 (8,976 reviews)

The fastest access we tested—0.5 seconds from touch to open. When seconds matter in a home defense situation, nothing beats this.

Access

Biometric + keypad + app + key

Capacity

1 pistol + mag

Battery

Rechargeable, 4 months

Steel

16-gauge

Pros

  • Sub-second biometric access
  • Smart app integration
  • Rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Expensive for size
  • App requires account
  • Single pistol only

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe
VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe Best
Vaultek
4.7
$279 View
Biometric Gun Safe
Biometric Gun Safe
AWESAFE
4.4
$89 View
Fatboy Jr 48 Gun Safe
Fatboy Jr 48 Gun Safe
Liberty
4.8
$2,499 View
8-Gun Security Cabinet
8-Gun Security Cabinet Value
Stack-On
4.3
$159 View
PB1 Handgun Safe
PB1 Handgun Safe
Fort Knox
4.8
$350 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe

Vaultek

VT20i Biometric Handgun Safe

4.7 (8,976 reviews)

The fastest access we tested—0.5 seconds from touch to open. When seconds matter in a home defense situation, nothing beats this.

Access

Biometric + keypad + app + key

Capacity

1 pistol + mag

Battery

Rechargeable, 4 months

Steel

16-gauge

Pros

  • Sub-second biometric access
  • Smart app integration
  • Rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Expensive for size
  • App requires account
  • Single pistol only
Budget Pick
Biometric Gun Safe

AWESAFE

Biometric Gun Safe

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

Proves secure quick-access storage doesn't require $300. Surprisingly reliable biometrics for the price.

Access

Biometric + keypad + key

Capacity

2 pistols

Battery

4 AA (not included)

Steel

14-gauge

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Biometric works well
  • Fits two pistols

Cons

  • Fingerprint can be finicky
  • Battery hog
  • Basic construction
Premium Pick
Fatboy Jr 48 Gun Safe

Liberty

Fatboy Jr 48 Gun Safe

4.8 (3,456 reviews)

When you're serious about protecting a collection. True safe-grade construction that stops both burglars and fires.

Capacity

48 long guns

Fire Rating

75 min at 1200°F

Security

UL RSC

Weight

800 lbs

Pros

  • 48-gun capacity
  • UL-listed burglary protection
  • 75-minute fire rating

Cons

  • Extremely heavy (800 lbs)
  • Requires professional install
  • Major investment
Best Value
8-Gun Security Cabinet

Stack-On

8-Gun Security Cabinet

4.3 (15,678 reviews)

Keeps kids and honest visitors out. Not a true safe, but meets legal storage requirements at a fraction of the cost.

Capacity

8 rifles/shotguns

Lock

Key coded

Steel

20-gauge

Compliance

California DOJ

Pros

  • Affordable long gun storage
  • Foam-padded barrel rests
  • California DOJ approved

Cons

  • Thin metal
  • Not pry-resistant
  • No fire protection
PB1 Handgun Safe

Fort Knox

PB1 Handgun Safe

4.8 (4,567 reviews)

The safe that lasts generations. No batteries to die, no fingerprint to fail—pure mechanical reliability.

Lock

Simplex mechanical

Capacity

1-2 pistols

Steel

10-gauge body, 3/16" door

Warranty

Lifetime

Pros

  • Simplex mechanical lock—no batteries
  • Tank-like construction
  • 10-gauge steel

Cons

  • Heavy for size
  • Mechanical lock slower
  • Pricey for one pistol

Buying Guide: How to Choose Gun Safes

Gun Safes: Responsibility Meets Readiness

Owning firearms means securing them—from kids, thieves, and unauthorized users. There's no compromise here.

Quick Access vs. Security
The eternal trade-off:
  • Biometric: Fastest access (0.5-2 seconds), but can fail
    - Mechanical pushbutton: Reliable, no batteries, 2-3 seconds
    - Digital keypad: Good balance, requires battery changes
    - Key only: Slowest, but never fails

    ### Size Categories
    - Bedside/quick-access: 1-2 pistols, emergency access
    - Stack-on style cabinets: 6-14 long guns, basic compliance
    - True gun safes: 20+ guns, real security and fire protection
    - Vault doors: When the closet becomes the safe

    ### What Makes a Safe "Secure"
    - UL RSC rating: Withstands 5 minutes of attack with common tools
    - Steel gauge: Lower number = thicker (10-gauge > 14-gauge)
    - Door construction: Composite doors > single steel sheets
    - Locking bolts: More bolts, more pry resistance

    ### Fire Protection Reality
    Most gun safe fire ratings are self-tested. UL-listed fire protection is rare and expensive. For true fire protection, consider a separate fire-rated document safe.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Safes

    Is a gun cabinet the same as a gun safe?

    No. Cabinets (like Stack-On) are thin steel that meets legal requirements but can be defeated with basic tools. True safes have thick steel, anti-pry features, and UL security ratings. Price reflects the difference.

    How fast can I access a biometric safe?

    Top biometric safes open in 0.5-1 second. Budget models take 2-3 seconds and may require multiple attempts. In emergencies, practice matters—know your safe blindfolded.

    Do I need fire protection for guns?

    Guns survive fires better than documents—metal doesn't burn. However, ammunition can cook off, and plastics/optics will melt. Fire protection is nice but not essential for firearms.

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