Adam holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Linguistics, and creative writing has always been his greatest passion. For more than 25 years he's been working for several well-known automobile and travel magazines as an editor and expert consultant, but when Adam started his writing path here, at WisePick, it turned out that he's capable of writing practically anything about everything.
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Last updated: June 07, 2021
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Modern technologies have made it possible to never recall the password to open your safe anymore. The best biometric gun safe uses your unique fingerprint to provide you with a convenient quick access type of gun safe that offers a high level of security and is easy to use.
Considering the broad variety of biometric gun safes that are available, we sought to find the top-rated products on the market to help you find the right product for you. After our extensive research on individual features and feedback from users, we have compiled a list of nine of the best safes for security. We picked the BARSKA AX11224 from the leading gun safe brand as our Editor’s Choice. It comes with the option of backup manual access and a capacity of up to 120 fingerprints that it quickly scans for only 2.5 seconds, giving you instant access to your safe whenever you need your gun, even in the dark. This is a very important feature that can be a life-saver when you need to react fast to an intrusion and other emergency situations.
We reviewed the most important features to consider before buying the best biometric gun safe. These include overall and interior dimensions that would fit your gun and transport and install easily, as well as the fingerprint capacity that can allow several authorized people to access the safe. We also evaluated support for other lock alternatives and a warranty that can cover you against unforeseen damages. Our review consists of a comparison table, detailed reviews of each product, and a buying guide that breaks down the key features comprehensively.
"Aside from the 18-gauge steel construction and multiple mounting options, this model boasts of an incredible 17-year limited repair or replace guarantee."
BARSKA is a trusted brand that has been approved by the California Department of Justice for firearm storage. Our Editor’s Choice is the BARSKA AX11224 which lives up to that reputation by offering fast access, secure storage and convenient operation to keep your valuables safe. It comes with pre-drilled holes and useful accessories like an emergency backup battery pack, two backup keys, four AA batteries, an Allen wrench, and mounting bolts and expansion nuts to anchor the safe to walls, floors, closets, cabinets, or nightstands.
The durable safe features 14-gauge steel walls, two motorized steel deadbolts, and a floor mat that protects the items in storage from scratches.
The advanced biometric system stores up to 120 fingerprints and scans them within 2.5 seconds. The biometric system is very sensitive, so it may take you a few tries before it recognizes your fingerprint. To avoid this, take your fingerprint with your finger at different angles, so you don’t have to place it in one exact position each time.
If you need to use the key, remove the screws in the name plate to access the hidden keyhole, and then turn the key clockwise after insertion to open the safe.
There are audio alerts to let you know when the door is unlocked and when the battery level is low. You will also hear a beep when you open the safe unless you opt for silent mode.
Unfortunately, the BARSKA AX11224 does not have interior lighting, and that’s probably the only thing we’d consider as a drawback for this model.
The Viking Security Safe VS-25BL has been upgraded with a 500 DPI optical sensor that scans and saves a database of up to 32 individual fingerprints with authorized access. The rugged safe can also be unlocked by using a programmable pin code of 4 to 8 digits or the two 4-prong cross keys provided in the package.
It features a solid steel body with a seamless laser cut design and a carpeted interior illuminated by built-in LED light. The interior houses an adjustable and removable shelf that can be used to separate different items in storage.
The 5 mm door incorporates a motorized deadbolt locking system consisting of two 20 mm solid steel bars and two pry-resistant insertion slots.
This model is among the best biometric fingerprint gun safes because it has plenty of safety precautions in place to notify you of situations that require your attention to keep your belongings secure against intruders. These include time out after five and ten incorrect attempts for pin code and fingerprint respectively, and beeping alerts when the door remains unlocked for more than a minute. There is also a beeping sound when you open the safe but you can switch to silent mode if you wish. A touchpad LCD screen displays current operations and the battery status.
The safe comes with two pre-drilled holes on the back and two at the bottom, anchor bolts, and six AA batteries so you mount it and operate it right away.
Buyers like the spacious interior that allows for storage of up to four pistols, the accurate fingerprint reader, and the splendid customer support. Some suggest adding backlight to the keypad for convenient operation in the dark.
The YUEMA Biometric Gun Safe is a premium model that boasts of advanced biometric sensor chip that can read up to 30 unique fingerprints and register approximately 25,600 fingerprint points. You can also access the safe with a numerical 4-digit password or the two backup keys that come with it or combine the pin code and the fingerprint for additional security.
The safe features a plush PPF foam-padded interior that protects delicate valuables such as documents and jewelry and is LED-lit for illumination and an exterior made of heavy-duty solid steel and a finish that is resistant to scratches and corrosion.
Setting up this product is easy because the holes are already pre-drilled and the hardware is included for mounting the safe on walls, floors, and other surfaces. These include 2 coach screws, 2 masonry bolts, 1 wrench, 4 anti-skid stickers, and 1 accessories bag. The manufacturer also offers a five-year warranty for free replacement or money-back guarantee in case you are dissatisfied, making it one of the best biometric fingerprint gun safes you can purchase with total confidence.
Customers are impressed by its sturdiness, ease of installation, compact size, the spring-loaded door that opens within a second, and the multiple options for mounting and accessing the safe, especially the reliable biometric reader.
Some buyers reported access to this safe by unauthorized users. To avoid this, remember to change the original password of 1234 to a new password and enter your fingerprint four times so it can be properly registered and recognized.
It is an expensive model that is worth the investment, although the location of the electronics on the top surface of the interior may limit space.
GunVault SVB500 comes with a limited warranty of 17 years for repairs and replacement, making it one of the best small biometric gun safes for securing one pistol.
The housing is made of 18-gauge steel, and the interior is lined with protective foam. The good thing about biometric models is that you don’t have to remember the code or find a key when you need instant access. All you need is your fingerprint, and this particular safe can hold a database of up to 120 of them.
What makes this single-pistol safe unique is the versatile mounting options. You can mount and fasten it on either side, at the back of a wardrobe, or underneath your desk or bed by using the brackets and screws included. Make sure to leave enough space for the gravity drop door.
It also features an interior light that automatically shuts off after ten seconds. This is convenient when you need to grip your gun quickly in a dark environment. You can disable the beeping sound made when opening the safe by holding the Learn button for three seconds until the green light flashes.
This safe uses 9V batteries that have to be bought separately. When the battery is almost depleted, a flashing LED light and audio notification will alert you when you activate the biometric scanner.
Unfortunately, you cannot delete an individual fingerprint. You have to clear the entire database. The steel could also be thicker to make it harder for intruders to open it.
Ainfox Electronic Security Safe Box comes with pre-drilled holes and two screws to mount it to the wall, floor, or cabinet. The package also includes 4 AA batteries and two keys that provide an alternative way to access your safe in cases where you forget your 5-digit security code or the biometric sensor fails to read your fingerprint, or when the batteries are drained. You can register up to 120 fingerprints to allow for more members of your family to access the firearm.
While that sounds like features that you would generally find in the best biometric bedside gun safes, what makes this model outstanding is the emergency battery box that you can plug into a power outlet from the outside if the internal batteries are depleted and the auto-lock mechanism and 20-second alarm that are activated if you enter an incorrect passcode three times.
This safe is also sturdily made with solid steel walls, dual steel door locking bolts, and powder coat finish that is resistant to stain and corrosion.
Owners who have recommended this model as a great product for the price find value in its multiple access options, ease of operation, and solid construction. A couple of them noted that it took several attempts for the biometric sensor to recognize their fingerprints.
AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access 2-Pistol Safe features a biometric fingerprint lock that supports up to 50 fingerprints and a touch lifetime of up to 1,000,000 times, and an accurate and responsive 500 DPI semiconductor sensor that reads fingerprints in less than a second. You can also use the included backup key or set a numeric combo of 4 or 6 digits for accessing the safe. The safe also includes pre-drilled holes and floor-mounting hardware for easy set up although the 4 AA batteries have to be bought separately.
Owners like the option of muting the keypad that provides single-handed entry to the gas-spring door and the dual-layer steel construction that makes the safe resistant to prying by unauthorized users.
This model can accommodate up to two firearms, and it has the approval of the California Department of Justice as a firearm safety device. With dimensions of 14.8 x 11 x 3.7 inches, it fits easily in drawers and on nightstands.
Some buyers experienced difficulty when programming their fingerprints. The sensor is quite sensitive, so you need to make sure your finger is clean and placed correctly to read your fingerprint. Also, you cannot delete one fingerprint if the need ever arises. Instead, you have to delete all the fingerprints and program them again.
This safe box made of Q235 carbon steel and insulated with 100um-thick phosphate coating that is resistant to scratches, rust, and corrosion is designed using laser cutting and seamless welding technology to avoid tampering and forced opening. Security is also reinforced by the 5mm-thick motorized door with three one-inch deadbolt locking bars and a dual alarm system that goes off for one minute and locks the safe in case of violent vibration or when you enter the wrong code five times.
Jolitac Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe Box requires fingerprints or keys for access. You can register up to 32 fingerprints or use the two override keys that offer backup access to the safe when the batteries run low.
Other features you will find useful are the interior light, the digital numerical lock, and the ability to mute beeps when opening the door.
Since the mounting holes are pre-drilled at the bottom, you will only need the anchor bolts provided to secure the safe to a wall, in a closet or on a shelf, or fasten it to the floor or underneath your bed.
Upon purchase, you will also receive a single-piece removable interior shelf, a tethering cord, and 4 AA batteries. The removable shelf is beneficial in creating space to store more belongings or adjusting it to keep various valuables in different compartments.
The main complaint is the biometric reader which does not always recognize the registered fingerprints.
Looking at the slim space-saving vertical profile of Quicktec Rifle Safe Gun Safe, it seems incredible that it can store five rifles or shotguns with accessories. As one of the best biometric fingerprint gun safes for long guns, this model achieves this with its height of 13.8 inches that leaves enough room for long guns with a scope and a separate lockbox welded at the top of the interior to hold several pistols, ammunition, magazines, and other treasured belongings. You can set up a maximum of 125 fingerprints to authorize access for several people.
The safe is made of Q235 hot rolled steel plate and a total of five pry-proof 24 mm thick steel live-locking deadbolts. There is a bolt at the top, one at the bottom and three on the side of the safe. It comes with pre-drilled holes at the back and bottom of the unit and everything you need to install and use it at once; four AA batteries, two backup keys for the safe, two keys for the inner lockbox, four anchor bolts for mounting, and a user manual. When you first receive the product, you must change the security code from the default 159 to your preferred code with 3 to 8 digits. To reset the code, press the red button on the interior of the door.
Some customers reportedly received dented safes, but the seller was quick to respond and solve those issues. Others were concerned about the thinness of the material at the back and sides of the safe which they felt could keep children and general intruders out but not professional burglars.
SOLOMONE CAVALLI Biometric Gun Pistol Safe is the best small biometric gun safe that you can purchase to secure your firearm while traveling without spending a fortune. Although it is made of 1 mm thick steel, it is still portable and compact enough to fit in a drawer, backpack or glove compartment.
The four-pound model uses four AA batteries and FPC fingerprint security sensor technology to read and save up to 125 fingerprints. It also comes with two keys for alternative access and a security cable to tether it to your car or closet. If you want to mount it, you would have to drill the holes and acquire the necessary hardware.
The downsides are the time it takes to open the safe, which could be up to 6 seconds, and the inability to turn off the beeping sound for owners who prefer discretion. There are mixed reviews on the reliability of the fingerprint reader, with some customers reporting that it works each time while others found it inconsistent.
To set up your fingerprint, press and hold the Enroll button. You will hear a beep and the green LED light will flash green while the sensor glows red. Continue pressing until you hear a double beep.
Why is it special?
Compact and portable
Large capacity
Backup key
Steel construction
Security cable
Low price
What are the flaws?
Takes time to open
Beeping sound
Inconsistent biometric sensor
Things to Consider
After reviewing the best rated biometric gun safes, we now proceed to the most important features that will help you choose the right model for your space, budget and security needs. A good gun safe will secure your weapon in storage and offer you immediate access to it in the event of an intrusion.
Advantages of biometric gun safes
They provide quick access, even in dark environments by scanning your finger in a few seconds.
You can authorize access for several users.
The majority of them support key and passcode access for alternative access.
They feature an advanced locking system that is resistant to prying.
The best biometric bedside gun safe can also be mounted on walls and floors or secured in a cabinet or under a desk.
Features to consider while choosing a biometric gun safe
If you have been trying to figure out the best biometric fingerprint gun safe that you can program to add more user accounts and personalize access options, you have come to the right place as we break down the key parameters to keep in mind prior to your purchase.
Overall dimensions
A gun safe is meant to be placed in a concealed location away from prying eyes, intruders, and children; it should also be easy to access for emergencies where you need to instantly protect yourself. This can limit the options where you can install it, which is why it is important to consider the overall dimensions before making your decision. While there are large safes that house rifles, you can also get the best biometric bedside gun safe that can be bolted on your nightstand or underneath your bed. The Quicktec Rifle Safe Gun Safe has overall dimensions of 57.2 x 14 x 13.8 inches to store long guns. In contrast, the SOLOMONE CAVALLI Biometric Gun Pistol Safe makes the best small biometric gun safe for travel and tight spaces because it only measures 10.6 x 7.5 x 2.1 inches and can fit in backpacks and glove compartments.
Gun safes also vary in their shape. For example, you have to leave enough space underneath the GunVault SVB500 because it opens by sliding down a drawer with the gun holstered-up so you can use it immediately.
Interior dimensions
Since the overall dimensions of gun safes will generally differ from their interior dimensions, you need to confirm that the space available can accommodate your gun and other valuables in safe storage. The disparity could be attributed to the design of the model, the location of controls, padding of interiors, and additional storage compartments and shelves.
The overall and interior dimensions of the Viking Security Safe VS-25BL that features an adjustable shelf are 10 x 14 x 10 inches and 9.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches respectively. The YUEMA Biometric Gun Safe has overall dimensions of 14.9 x 11.6 x 8.6 inches while its plush PPF foam-padded interior with electronic controls on its top measures 12 x 9 x 5.3 inches.
The ideal interior space will depend on the size and number of items you need to secure. To be on the safe side, look for a safe with more storage space than you need, but not so large that you have to fumble around to find your gun.
Construction materials
The best-rated biometric gun safes are made of strong and durable materials that are resistant to rust, corrosion, scratches, and prying by unauthorized users. Although aluminum is used in some products, steel is the most common material used for the exterior, door and deadbolts because it holds up well against heat, moisture and even electricity. Great examples of sturdy gun safes include the Ainfox Electronic Security Safe Box that features solid steel walls, dual steel door locking bolts and powder coat finish that is resistant to stain and corrosion, and the Jolitac Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe Box that has a 5 mm thick motorized door with three 1-inch deadbolt locking bars and an exterior made of Q235 carbon steel and insulated with 100 um thick phosphate coating that is resistant to scratches, rust and corrosion. The latter model is also designed using laser cutting and seamless welding technology that is similar to the one found in the Viking Security Safe VS-25BL to avoid tampering and forced entry.
Remember to factor in the gauge, too, to establish the strength, durability, and level of protection you can expect from your intended safe. 14 to 18 gauge steel models such as the BARSKA AX11224 are thick and robust enough to avoid invasion.
Interiors are typically padded to protect the items in storage from scratches and dents. The YUEMA Biometric Gun Safe has an interior padded with plush PPF foam.
Fingerprint capacity
Biometric fingerprint gun safes differ in the maximum number of registered fingerprints they can store. An accurate scanner will only allow entry for authorized users by identifying their unique fingerprints. For the biometric reader to recognize your print, your finger must be clean, and in the exact location it was when you registered your fingerprint unless the sensor has a high DPI that saves your whole fingerprint.
Large fingerprint capacity is important because it allows you to grant access to more people and set up several fingerprints with your finger in different positions for quicker entry. For example, you can authorize access for all the adult members of your household or only the partners in your company.
Also note that the majority of the models cannot let you delete an individual fingerprint record. You would have to erase the entire database and start afresh.
Other lock alternatives
Most people who look for the best small biometric gun safes are attracted by the use of unique fingerprints to provide convenient and instant access to your weapon. Authorized entry within seconds is one of the main selling points for such models because users do not have to remember security codes or locate keys in case of immediate intrusion or impending threat.
Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between either mode of entry because technology has made it possible to incorporate biometric sensors, passcode, and backup override keys in the same safe for multiple access options. These alternative methods come in handy if the reader malfunctions or if the batteries are drained and you cannot use the scanner. You can also program the safe to open with a combination of your fingerprint and passcode to add more layers of protection.
The Viking Security Safe VS-25BL is an example of a model that provides a variety of access options. It comes with a 500 DPI optical sensor that saves a database of up to 32 different fingerprints, programmable passcode of 4 to 8 digits, and two 4-prong cross keys for alternative access.
Weight
If you own one pistol or handgun, you may do well with a smaller product such as the Ainfox Electronic Security Safe Box that weighs 19.84 pounds and can be bolted to your room as a biometric bedside gun safe or mounted to the wall, floor or cabinet. Alternatively, you can opt for the SOLOMONE CAVALLI Biometric Gun Pistol Safe that can be tethered to your car or closet with the security cable provided with the package. It is one of the best small biometric gun safes that you can have on the move because it is light at 4.03 pounds, and its compact size fits in a drawer, backpack, or glove compartment. On the other hand, the Quicktec Rifle Safe Gun Safe which is designed to store long guns and up to five rifles weighs 89 pounds.
Warranty
Usually, biometric safes are covered by a limited warranty of one year. However, the GunVault SVB500 has impressive coverage for a small biometric gun safe; it comes with a limited warranty of 17 years for repairs and replacement.
The YUEMA Biometric Gun Safe deserves notable mention for its five-year money-back guarantee that would appeal to any hesitant buyer.
Extra features
Mounting options: While models like the SOLOMONE CAVALLI Biometric Gun Pistol Safe are designed to be secured by tethering them to a fixture with a security cable, the majority of other best rated biometric gun safes are available with pre-drilled holes and equipment for mounting to walls, floors and other surfaces. These include the BARSKA AX11224 which comes with an Allen wrench and mounting bolts and expansion nuts to anchor the safe to walls, floors, closets, cabinets, or nightstands; and the GunVault SVB500 that is provided with brackets and screws to mount and fasten it on either side and install it at the back of wardrobes or underneath desks and beds as long as you leave enough room for the slide-down door.
Pre-drilled holes: In addition to a tethering security cable, the Jolitac Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe Box comes with pre-drilled holes and anchor bolts so you can easily secure it to a wall, in a closet or on a shelf, or fasten it to the floor or underneath your bed. This saves money, time, and effort by eliminating the need to acquire extra tools to drill holes for installation.
Alarm features: These are audio alerts that are triggered after a few repeated entries of invalid passcodes. If you enter an incorrect passcode three times, the Ainfox Electronic Security Safe Box automatically locks itself and activates the built-in alarm for 20 seconds. The Jolitac Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe Box auto-locks and triggers its alarm for one minute in case of violent vibration or when you enter the wrong code five times. Alarms also alert you when the door is unlocked and some models make a sound, which you can opt out of, when you open the safe.
Interior light: This is a useful feature that enables you to quickly pick the item you want when storing multiple valuables.
Since scanners use batteries for power, the best biometric fingerprint gun safe includes battery indicator alerts that let you know when the battery is running low. Otherwise, you may have to use the override key for access. The lifespan will depend on the type of battery, with alkaline batteries lasting for several years. The Ainfox Electronic Security Safe Box comes with an emergency battery box that you can plug into a power outlet from the outside if the internal batteries are depleted. The BARSKA AX11224 is also available with an emergency backup battery pack for consistent operation.
Your manual should guide you on how to go about cleaning that specific model. Ideally, it is advisable to clean the fingerprint scanner after every use to maintain its integrity and accuracy.
All the biometric gun safes we have recommended in this review are resistant to corrosion, rust, and scratches because they incorporate steel and protective finish and coatings in their construction. For instance, the Jolitac Biometric Fingerprint Security Safe Box is made of Q235 carbon steel and insulated with 100 um thick phosphate coating that is resistant to scratches, rust and corrosion and the Ainfox Electronic Security Safe Box features solid steel walls and powder coat finish.
Our Verdict
Our overall choice for the best biometric fingerprint gun safe is the BARSKA AX11224, which scans and stores a database of up to 120 fingerprints in 2.5 seconds to identify authorized users. The sturdy safe made of 14-gauge steel and motorized deadbolts is approved by the California Department of Justice for firearm storage.
The Viking Security Safe VS-25BL made it to the second position due to its versatile in construction material, features, and functionality. You can open the safe with your registered fingerprint or a passcode of 4 to 8 digits or 4-prong cross override keys. An LCD screen displays the battery status, and the LED-lit interior makes it easy to find the items in storage, including the ones stored on the adjustable shelf.
Our third pick is the YUEMA Biometric Gun Safe, a premium model with advanced features, foam-padded interior and pre-drilled holes for easy setup. The package includes coach screws, masonry bolts, a wrench, anti-skid stickers, an accessories bag, and an incredible 5-year warranty for free replacement or money-back guarantee.
