A biometric safe unlocks in response to a fingerprint or other unique trait of the owner, rather than using a traditional mechanism. That makes them vulnerable to the loss of power, but they are also highly secure, which is ideal for storing weapons. The best biometric gun safe will also have a tough exterior and a backup mechanism for times when the power goes out. Biometric safes are specialized tools, but there are still quite a few on the market, so we narrowed down the options to the top ten based on their security features, simplicity, and overall value.
10. GunVault ARB 1000
Manufacturer | GunVault |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 4″ x 11″ x 14″ |
Lock | Biometric and Key |
Price Range | $400-$500 |
The ARB 1000 is an unusual safe in that it does not completely enclose the weapon. Instead, it clamps down over part of an AR-15 platform rifle to block access to the controls. That holds the gun in place and prevents people from using it without protecting it from the elements. It also has the added benefit of taking up very little space in the home, especially when mounted on a wall. Try this safe if you need to keep people from accessing an AR-15, but avoid it if you also want to protect the gun from the environment or fully conceal it.
9. SentrySafe Quick Access Biometric Safe
Manufacturer | SentrySafe |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 3.2″ x 12.1″ x 9.9″ |
Lock | Biometric, Keypad, and Key |
Price Range | $200-$400 |
The Quick Access Safe is a small model, but one that is designed to offer rapid access to a pistol. The safe uses a compression gas strut to open. That allows it to open quickly once it has been unlocked without making much noise. The system is automatic, which can be useful when the time is short. The safe is fairly secure since it can bolt down to most surfaces, but it isn’t significantly safer than the average safe. Consider this safe if you need to keep a pistol ready for an emergency.
8. GunVault SVB500
Manufacturer | GunVault |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 6.5″ x 3.5″ x 13″ |
Lock | Biometric and Key |
Price Range | $450-$500 |
The SVB500 is one of the smallest biometric gun safes. It only holds a single pistol, with no room for extra ammo or accessories. It stands out because it releases the gun in the perfect position for a rapid draw. Moreover, it comes with mounting hardware that can go on a variety of surfaces. But most people choose to mount it on the side of a desk or other pieces of furniture. This is a great safe for people that want to be able to draw their gun as soon as they unlock it, but others should look at other options.
7. Stanley Large Biometric Home Safe
Manufacturer | Stanley Tools |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 9.8″ x 13.77″ x 9.8″ |
Lock | Biometric, Keypad, and Key |
Price Range | $130-$150 |
The Large Home Safe from Stanley is a simple safe that stands out more for the quality of its construction than for any special features. The exterior is remarkably tough, with seamless welding that holds laser cut pieces together. The interior does have a shelf that makes organization easier, but that shelf is thick enough to make it a little cramped. This is a good, balanced safe that most people can use, but it isn’t ideal for people who need a huge amount of space.
6. Liberty HDX-250
Manufacturer | Liberty Safes |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 7″ x 11.5″ x 12.5″ |
Lock | Biometric and Key |
Price Range | $280-$300 |
The HDX-250 has one of the most reliable biometric locks on the market, which combines with its tamper-resistant design to create a highly secure safe. The lock cannot remember quite as many valid users as most, but its maximum capacity of 15 is normally sufficient. The door opens automatically when it is unlocked, and the interior of the safe is illuminated, so users can quickly and easily find things in the safe, even when distracted. This model consumes more power than most, but it is an excellent choice for people that can keep it plugged in and stock up on spare batteries.
5. Vaultek VT10
Manufacturer | Vaultek |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 10.55” x 8.46” x 2.16” |
Lock | Biometric, Keypad, Phone, and Key |
Price Range | $200-$250 |
The VT10 is the best biometric gun safe for travelers. In addition to being small enough to take traveling, you can control the safe from a phone. That allows the user to unlock it, check the battery, and keep an eye on the safe’s usage history. The VT10 is designed to resist impacts, which can be very useful while traveling, and it can hold up to most attempts to break in despite its low weight. Try this safe if you intend to travel with it, or if you want to be able to monitor it from a distance through your phone.
4. Viking VS-12BL
Manufacturer | Viking Security |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 14.5” x 11.75” x 5” |
Lock | Biometric, Keypad, and Key |
Price Range | $200-$250 |
The VS-12BL from Viking Security is a wall safe that stands out for its high level of security. The safe is laser cut, so the pieces fit together perfectly and offer excellent pry resistance. If the safe is left unlocked for more than a minute, it will start to beep, which ensures that the owner will not forget to lock it. The carpeted interior includes one shelf, which can keep guns separated or keep ammo and accessories neat. Those features make it the best biometric gun safe for people that prefer a wall mount and need high security.
3. Barska Top Opening Drawer Safe
Manufacturer | Barska |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 14.75’’ x 5’’ x 11.25’’ |
Lock | Biometric and Key |
Price Range | $200-$400 |
The Barska Drawer Safe is the best biometric gun safe for concealing a small pistol in a desk. It opens from the top, so you can store it in a drawer and open it without reorienting the safe. The door opens with hydraulic assistance, so you can operate it quickly even while distracted. This safe is a little bit small, so it won’t be useful to people who do not need to conceal it, but it is a solid choice for keeping a single defensive weapon secure in case of an emergency.
2. Barska HQ800
Manufacturer | Barska |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 9.8’’ x 8.6’’ x 52.17’’ |
Lock | Biometric, Keypad, and Key |
Price Range | $300-$700 |
The HQ800 is the best biometric gun safe for storing multiple rifles or shotguns. The safe comes with a rack that has space to hold four rifles, along with an upper shelf that can hold a few boxes of ammo or accessories. The shelf can also be removed to make space for unusually long guns. The system runs on AA batteries, but the keys offer a backup for when power runs out. Try this safe if you need to store a small collection of long guns and don’t want to take up too much space in your home. If you are looking for budget options check out these gun safes under 1000 recommendations.
1. Barska Standard Biometric Safe
Manufacturer | Barska |
Material | Steel |
Dimensions | 16.5’’ x 14.5’’ x 7.75’’ |
Lock | Biometric and Key |
Price Range | $200-$400 |
Barska’s Standard model is a simple, battery-operated safe that is DOJ approved for storing firearms. A pair of deadbolt locks make it adequately secure, and the included mounting hardware makes it easy to mount in a concealed location. You can program it for silent access, which is useful in an emergency. It uses AA batteries for power, so power loss will not be an issue for people that keep a pack of them in the house. This is the best biometric gun safe for most users, especially those who need something small that offers quick, stealthy access.
Recommended read – Best Quick Access Gun Safes
Making The Right Choice
It’s easy to lose a key, but hard to lose access to your own fingerprints. That simple fact combines with the security offered by biometric locks to make them an excellent choice for firearm storage. Choosing the best biometric gun safe requires you to consider plenty of options, but it will ensure that your firearms are secure. If you find a quality safe that we missed, mention it in the comments so others can try it.