10 Best Biometric Gun Safe Reviews In 2022 – Test Results

As all responsible gun owners know, gun safety is crucial. Particularly if you have children at home, you should be concerned about accidents. Or perhaps you simply want to secure your gun against potential thieves.

If you’ve already tried out a combination gun safe, you also know that codes can be easy to crack, and you can never know who’s looking over your shoulder.

The best biometric gun safe can take care of all of these problems. It recognizes only your unique fingerprint and no one else’s, making it more secure than a keyed or combination safe. Besides, you can also use it to store important legal documents, cash, etc.

Here are our top 10 picks in biometric handgun safes, reviewed.

10 Best Biometric Gun Safe Reviews

Ready to get yourself a brand new biometric gun safe? Choose from our top 10 selections based on research, discussion, and expert analysis.

1. VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe

To kick off our list, we present to you this compact and sturdy biometric gun safe from Vaultek. The VT20i is a renowned member of Vaultek’s rugged smart, safe line.

Featuring a tough build quality with high-end smart technology, this safe will keep your gun protected at all times.

Security is your first concern when investing in a smart safe, and VT20i ensures you’ll have no complaints.

With the option to choose from 3 different locking mechanisms followed by anti-theft protection features, this safe is difficult to break into.

The biometric fingerprint scanner works fast and allows you to store upto 20 unique fingerprints. For faster access, you can use the backup keys or even the illuminated keypad, which offers over 40 thousand key combinations.

Furthermore, the safe has several protection features that make it difficult for the average burglar. Both the anti-pry reinforcement bars and the dual anti-impact latches are great security enhancers.

Even if you throw the safe around or hammer it, the latches will keep the lid shut. What’s more, the interiors of the safe have enough space to store your handgun and the cartridge along with it.

The high-density padding will keep your gun in place without marring its surface.

Pros

• Super tough 16 gauge carbon steel build
• Interior LED lighting illuminates the safe’s contents
• It comes with three different unlocking methods
• Silent mode prevents you from being heard
• High-density foam padding prevents scratches on your gun

Cons

• The fingerprint scanner is somewhat slow and might require multiple tries

Verdict

Vaultek’sVT20i is one of the biometric gun safes for those of you who need extra protection. The easy mounting features will let you install it in a matter of seconds.

While the fingerprint scanner is not quite the fastest, the keypad and anti-theft protection features do an excellent job securing your belongings.

2.SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock

The SentrySafe biometric safe is explicitly built for gun storage and is one of the most popular on our list. The QAP1BE is the perfect size to mount onto your bedside table or carry around on the go.

The compact size maximizes interior space to fit your handgun comfortably. However, if you’re looking for something slightly larger, SentrySafe offers you sizing options too!

Certified from the California Department of Justice, this biometric gun safe packs layers upon layers of additional security features.

For instance, the lid is designed to be pry-resistant to keep out any unwanted visitors from accessing your gun. The solid steel construction further aids the strength of the pry-resistant door.

Moreover, the lid is attached to the interiors with an innovative gas strut. Implementing this reduces any sort of squeaky noise you might get when opening the door of your safe. That comes in handy when you’re trying to respond quickly in an emergency.

When it comes to the unlocking mechanisms, SentrySafe offers you the ability to use a biometric lock, digital keypad input, or a manual key to override the system.

Unlike most biometric gun safes, the biometric scanner is much faster on this safe. The digital keypad is also a great way to unlock the safe and is usually much faster.

Pros

• Compression gas strut for silent mode
• Reliable digital keypad and biometric scanner
• Soft interior foam protects your weapon from scratches
• Strong steel build ensures durability

Cons

• A gas strut is not made from high quality materials

Verdict

This biometric pistol safe from SentrySafe is a good option if you’re not limited to a small budget. Its high-quality features, however, make it well worth your money.

The decently dependable biometrics, together with the sturdy build quality, are bound to keep your gun safe and sound.

3. Viking Security Safe VS-20BLX Mini Biometric Safe Fingerprint Safe

Next on our list is the highly rated yet highly affordable Viking VS-20BLX biometric gun safe (the smaller cousin of the renowned VS-50BLX). Yet despite its small size, this vault packs several impressive features.

Measuring 8″x12″x8″, this biometric pistol safe has a biometric fingerprint scanner with a 500dpi optical sensor, which recognizes your fingerprint instantly. Then, the machine will slide back its 20mm deadbolt, which is motorized for smooth operation.

Now, the biometric lock comes with non-volatile memory, meaning it will remember your fingerprint even if the power happens to be disconnected.

And don’t worry about any thieves because this vault has two insertion slots that have been designed to be prying-resistant. Moreover, the door itself measures 5mm in thickness.

Inside, the safe has a design conducive to easy organization, which includes a removable shelf. The surfaces are all carpeted for protection. And should you be working in low visibility, the LED interior light can help you out there.

One of the best things about this safe is that it accepts up to 32 fingerprints. So, it’s a good choice to store the defense weapons of a small organization. And of course, you also have the choice to set one 4-digit PIN code!

Pros

• Superior alloy steel construction with two 20mm solid steel locking bars
• Accepts programming for up to 32 fingerprints
• Advanced 500dpi optical sensor for high resolution fingerprint images
• Programmed to beep if the door is left open

Cons

• The biometric function may sometimes fail

Verdict

If you’re looking for a biometric handgun safe on a budget, this offering from Viking Security Safe may be the right match.

It offers dual locking mechanisms, is compact enough to mount anywhere, and has well-organized compartments.

However, as with any budget safe, the biometrics of this one may not always deliver. Also, it’s quite heavy!

4. Viking Security Safe VS-50BLX Large Biometric Safe

Now that we’ve had a look at Vikings mini safe let’s move on to its daddy: the VS-50BLX. This large biometric safe is the ideal selection if you are looking to store not only your handgun but other valuables as well, such as money, jewelry, etc.

This safe comes with many of the same features as the 20BLX. It has a 500dpi sensor, a door of 5mm thickness, and an ultra smooth motorized deadbolt locking mechanism.

You have two locking options with this thing: you can either choose to program in your fingerprint (as well as 31 others!) or enter a 4-digit PIN code.

Once you’re inside, you’ll enjoy the luxe feel of the carpeted interior, the LED interior light, as well as the three removable shelves which let you decide how you want to store your precious belongings.

As with their mini safe, Viking has also equipped this one with a pry-resistant design, as well as security features such as the ability to turn the vault’s sounds to a quiet mode in case you’re in a sensitive situation.

Pros

• Can store up to 32 fingerprints and 1 PIN code
• Durable and tough construction with premium welding and laser cutting
• Non-volatile memory ensures you can access the safe even if its batteries die
• Attractive and minimalistic scratch-resistant black coating

Cons

• The biometric fingerprint scanner is not the most reliable

Verdict

As with our last pick from Viking, we’re satisfied with the dimensions, interiors, and dual locking mechanisms of this safe.

However, the components have not received an upgrade compared to the 20BLX; you’re essentially paying only for the larger size.

That said, even though this might not be the absolute best biometric handgun safe in the world, it’s one of the biometric gun safes you’ll find on a budget.

5. GunVaultMinivault Standard Digital Pistol Safe GV1000C-STD

On the hunt for the biometric gun safe for a single handgun? The GV1000C-STD from GunVault might just be what you’re missing.

It’s small and compact with a super tough heavy gauge steel exterior, and it’s the best place to store your piece for easy and quick access.

This is an exclusively biometric gun safe, meaning it cannot be unlocked in any other way.

Although this might seem like a drawback to some, consider that this safe requires you to use all of your fingers (from the index to the little finger) instead of just one to gain fingerprint access. This enhances security and allows you to unlock quickly and easily.

One of the most convenient features of this little gun safe is that it accepts up to 20 fingerprints.

And in case something goes wrong, you can always use one of the two included backup override keys to gain access.

Not only that, but the integration of advanced biometric technology means that subtle changes in your finger topography over time will also be noted.

Pros

• Accounts for finger topography changes over time
• LED and audio low-battery warning alerts you when it’s time for a replacement
• Strong and solid 16-gauge steel housing for secure storage
• Foam interiors to protect your handgun or other valuables

Cons

• The battery life leaves something to be desired

Verdict

Almost every gun owner prefers to have a bedside gun safe, and if you’re one of them, you might want to elect this GunVault gun safe for that position, as it is compact, lightweight, and easy to use.

Plus, it allows you to program in multiple sets of fingerprints and is built well to boot. However, you might come away dissatisfied with the staying power of the 9V alkaline battery and find that using one of the backup keys is easier.

6. BARSKA Biometric Safe

Anyone attempting to find the best biometric pistol safe for their money would be hard pressed to skip over the BARSKA biometric gun safe.

Of all the biometric handgun safes you’ll come across, this is one of the sturdiest and most dependable. Here’s why this biometric safe is worth your money.

What sets this safe apart from others is undoubtedly the accuracy of its scanner, which can largely be attributed to its multi-angle recognition capability.

You can store multiple fingerprints (up to 120), so this pistol safe is a good choice for a large organization or group of people to share as well.

Built from steel of 14 gauge thickness, the construction of this gun safe easily outperforms other safes in its class.

The dual deadbolt locking mechanism and protective inner edges of this pistol safe combine to deter thieves and keep unwanted people away from your possessions.

Meanwhile, the protective floor mat in the safe’s interior also keeps your gun and other belongings safe.

Plus, thanks to a compact design, this pistol safe will fit in nearly any home or office with ease. The design is also lightweight and easy enough to mount almost anywhere you wish.

Pros

• Built with super strong 14 gauge steel
• Equipped with one of the most reliable scanning systems on the market
• Purchase includes mounting hardware
• One set of batteries lasts for up to 4 years

Cons

• The fingerprint sensor is prone to deteriorating over time

Verdict

As far as scanner accuracy in biometric gun safes goes, Barska is recognized as one of the best manufacturers.

So much so that it’s certified by the U.S. Department of Justice. The construction of the safe itself is also top notch.

However, it might not be the most durable option as some users report that the scanner is prone to malfunctioning over time.

7. BARSKA AX11556 Biometric Top Opening Safe

We have another pick from Barska, and this pistol safe is a top-opening model. This gun safe has a super strong and durable steel construction, tamper-resistant edges, and motorized anti pry bars made from solid steel.

Its top-opening door is powered by a hydraulic mechanism, which allows it to open soundlessly—a crucial feature when time is of the essence.

It is programmed to receive up to 120 unique fingerprints and equipped with generous storage space; this Barska biometric safe is an excellent choice for large workplaces.

It comes with pre drilled holes to let you mount it easily into a drawer. And, with a super efficient scanner, this thing will pop open for you within an instant.

As this is intended to be a drawer mounted pistol safe, you won’t mount it on any other surface without losing some storage space.

The 16 gauge thickness of this Barska biometric safe might also be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for an extra tough gun safe.

However, on the whole, this is one of the most dependable biometric gun safes you’ll find on the market.

Pros

• Solid 16 gauge steel construction with steel locking bolts
• A hydraulic assisted top opening door opens quietly
• Mat on the safe floor keeps your belongings protected
• It comes with two backup keys in case the battery dies
• Automatically emits warning beep if the door is left open

Cons

• Difficult to mount anywhere other than inside a drawer

Verdict

The high ratings of most Barska biometric gun safes pretty much speak for themselves, and if that’s not enough for you, consider their DOJ certification.

However, although we love all of the features this pistol safe has to offer, we do wish that it was built from steel of a thicker gauge.

8.Verifi Smart Safe Biometric Gun Safe

Our penultimate pick might be the most sought after biometric gun safe on our list. This gun safe from Verifi has an FBI certified fingerprint sensor, and it’s easy to see what exactly makes it so.

What makes this gun safe worthy of FBI recognition? That would undoubtedly be its large area capacitive TouchChip sensor, which is tasked with capturing top-notch, high resolution fingerprint images within seconds, allowing you to gain access to your belongings swiftly. You can store up to 40 fingerprints.

Probably the most impressive thing about this safe is its battery life: one set of batteries can last you up to one year, which is a notable accomplishment for a gun safe.

And you’ll never be caught off guard because the front LCD shows the battery percentage.

But that’s not all. This biometric safe comes with its self-diagnostic system, which not only tests the sensor, batteries, and locking mechanisms after every use but alerts you to any attempts by outsiders to tamper with the system. This is a safe that pretty much takes care of itself.

Pros

• FBI certified fingerprint sensor grants you quick access
• Automatic self-diagnostic tests keep the safe in shape
• Alerts you to tampering attempts
• It comes with an interior LED light, pre-drilled mounting holes
• The carpeted interior keeps your possessions safe

Cons

• The metal construction of the safe is somewhat flimsy

Verdict

Without a doubt, this is one of the biometric gun safes you’ll find on a mid-range budget. It offers quick access, is equipped for reliable usage, and doesn’t require you to check its health regularly.

It has all of the additional features we’ve come to expect in a biometric gun safe, as well. It’s easy to see why even the FBI loves this safe!

9. RPNB Quick-Access Pistol Safe

Store your guns, passports, and all other valuables safe with the RPNB RFID smart safe. While maintaining a compact exterior form factor, this handgun safe can maximize interior space to accommodate two guns.

And if you’re willing to do some layering, then you can store other small items in it too.

Made with the best quality steel, the body of this biometric gun safe is entirely shockproof. The thickness of the steel allows the safe to resist any damage from heavy impacts.

RPNB has also added coating that makes the surface corrosion resistant, making this one of the most durable biometric handgun safes you’ll find. The toughness of the safe makes it very difficult to break into.

Most impressively, the biometric safe allows 4 points of entry into the safe for easy and quick access. You can either use the RFID keys or card, the backlit keypad, or manual keys.

The locking mechanism is swift and responsive, opening almost instantly with whichever method you pick. You can also enable a silent mode, making the safe highly reliable and offers quick access for when you’re trying to sneak up on a burglar.

Pros

• Includes convenient RFID key fob along with the card
• Four methods of entry into the safe
• Double steel lining makes the unit pry-resistant
• Backlit keypad aids visibility in dark settings
• Durable powder coating for corrosion resistance

Cons

• Vertical mounting reduces storage space

Verdict

This safe from RPNB is a good choice for people looking to get the most bang for their buck. While being on the affordable side, the safe offers a wide range of security features that tie up well together.

Although it does not have fingerprint recognition, the RFID key and card system are great alternatives to the keypads. Besides the below average battery life, this is one of the best gun safes you can get.

10. RPNB Mounted Gun Safe

We’re wrapping up our biometric gun safe reviews with a mountable biometric safe from RPNB. This one stands out because of its vertical orientation, which aids quick access.

The slim profile of the RP311F makes it the ideal safe to be mounted on shelves or underside of desks. Using the included mountable bracket, you can bolt the safe from the left, right, or top based on your needs.

What we loved most about this safe were its rugged design and high quality steel construction. With their years of experience, each angle of the safe was designed for maximum performance.

The steel body is powder coated for corrosion resistance and enhanced durability. The black finish complements the minimalist appearance of the safe.

Now let’s look into what makes this safe truly worth having. RPNB has integrated a 500 DPI biometric fingerprint sensor which sweeps the competition and offers quick instant access.

The scanner can read fingerprints at high speeds, which ensures reliability in tough situations. Not to mention, you can store upto 50 individual fingerprints so your friends, associates, or family members can gain access if needed.

 Pros

• The vertical orientation makes for fast access
• 500 DPI scanner reads fingerprints quickly and efficiently
• A durable powder coat enhances longevity
• Corrosion-resistance coating for greater durability
• Designed for easy mounting

Cons

• Interior protective foam padding does not accommodate large pistols

Verdict

The RPNB RP311F is the best fingerprint gun safe for anyone looking to keep their gun conveniently stored at home or work.

The easy-to-mount design makes it very easy to attach to your nightstand or shelf. The slim profile is also pretty discreet and works well with the black color for a camouflage effect.

However, if you own a revolver or Deagle, you might need to cut out the padding to its shape first.

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Biometric Gun Safes Buying Guide

There are numerous varieties and styles of biometric fingerprint gun safes you can choose from. So how do you know which one is right for you?

Consider the following factors to make a more informed purchase.

Size and Weight

What capacity do you require your Best biometric gun safes to have? Will you store multiple handguns, or just one? Will your ammo go in the safe as well as your piece?

Line up everything you plan to put in your safe, measure the width and length, and you should have your ideal safe dimensions.

You must also take the gun safe’s total weight into account (including the heft of your guns and rifles).

Most people tend to have a permanent spot for their gun safe, but this isn’t always the case. In an emergency, you might be required to change the safe’s location.

Additionally, think about where you’ll be storing the safe. Not only does it have to fit into its appointed spot, but it should also have adequate support.

So if you want to place the safe on a shelf, for example, consider whether the shelf will be able to accommodate the safe’s weight. Thankfully, most safes come with pre drilled holes for easy installation.

Biometric Technology

We live in an age of advanced biometric features and capabilities. Now, while most biometric safes make use of a fingerprint scanner as the primary unlocking mechanism, some also come with facial recognition capabilities.

But before you buy into the allure of such bells and whistles, consider whether you really need them because such additional gun safe features can cost you a pretty penny.

And yet, spending too little on your biometric safe is also a bad idea. Second-rate biometric safes might be equipped with scanners that malfunction more quickly or are less able to pick up your unique fingerprint if you happen to have dirty fingers. So do your research before you settle on a gun safe.

Number of Programmable Fingerprints

If you go for a basic model of a biometric gun safe, you’ll probably be able to program it to accept just the one fingerprint—yours.

But if you want to give your family members, friends, or associates access to your gun, you should obviously consider getting a safe that can be programmed to accept multiple fingerprints.

Battery

Your gun safe’s fingerprint scanner requires a battery/batteries to work. And the type of batteries required will vary depending on the safe.

While some gun safes will do fine with your regular 4AA batteries, some might only accept a lithium ion battery. Look into the battery type to determine whether there’s a chance it’ll drain faster.

If you have economic concerns, consider getting a safe that accepts rechargeable batteries.

Construction

The construction material of your safe determines its durability, safety, and resistance to tampering influences (think of a thief trying to pry your safe open with a crowbar—and succeeding!).

Now, the majority of gun safes, of course, have a solid steel construction. But not all steel is made equal: the thickness, strength, and quality of the steel can differ greatly from one safe to another.

So, a safe made from solid steel will offer much greater resistance than one made with cheap steel alloys. Consider the gauge, or thickness, of the steel your safe is made of.

The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel: so, between 11 gauge steel and 14 gauge steel, the former is thicker. For home gun storage, 10-18 gauge steel is recommended.

Also, look into safes with fireproof and waterproof capabilities. Generally, the more expensive the safe, the higher its fire resistance capabilities are likely to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Verifi Smart Safe Biometric Gun Safe is our chosen best biometric gun safe.  Its construction quality and self-diagnostic capabilities truly make it a biometric safe worth having. Not to mention, it has one of the best fingerprint scanners.

Our budget pick for today is the Viking VS20BLX; it’s well made and offers the most wanted biometric gun safe features.

If you’re looking to store only your handgun and no other belongings, we recommend the VAULTEK VT20i. If you’re on a budget, this pick from RPNB is a good match. Here’s to being responsible gun owners!