The Best Gun Safe Under $100 In 2022 – A Beginner’s Guide To Inexpensive Safes

A gun safe is a crucial investment for any firearm owner. It is an important tool to keep your guns out of the wrong hands and to protect yourself and your family. But, as you know, these safes can get pretty expensive.

What if you want something small? Preferably something under 100 bucks just to keep your handguns safe from kids?

The best gun safe for $100 is what you need. These small, inexpensive gun safes are great for storing handguns and other small items, easy to install, and can also be mounted to the wall or the floor to prevent theft.

Top 6 Gun Safes Under 100 Dollars Reviewed

Here are a few safes made by well-known companies in the industry, so take your pick! You can read my thoughts on what to look for when buying a gun safe in this price range by reading through to the end.

Here are some great options for gun safes that won’t cost you a fortune. To make it easier for you to choose the right gun safe, we’ve put together a list of the best gun safes under $100.

1. SentrySafe QAP1E Gun Safe with Digital Keypad One Handgun Capacity

First, let’s look at the SentrySafe QAP1E gun safe with a digital keypad. This small safe is perfect for those who have one handgun and a small amount of ammunition. It’s designed to keep firearms and other valuables out of the wrong hands. The safe has a digital keypad that is easy to program and use.

You can easily bolt it down, and it also has a pry-resistant door with a gas strut that opens automatically when you enter your code on the keypad. This handgun safe can be used in homes, offices, or anywhere else where you need quick access to your firearm in an emergency situation. For a 100-dollar gun safe, it doesn’t get better than this.

The pry-resistant door also provides strength and security where needed. This safe is equipped with an easy-to-use gas strut that will instantly and quietly open the safe door to allow you to have access to your handgun with one hand. It also comes with two live-action locking bolts that provide great security.

The compact design makes it perfect for storing in a closet, on a nightstand, or under the bed, where it won’t take up too much space. It’s also ideal as a bedside gun safe due to its small size and portable enough to be taken on hunting or camping trips.

The unit does not come with a locking cable. However, for attaching it to something solid, it does come with two lag screws. Traditional style home safes like this are something you’ll see in hotels, homes, etc. Besides that, it comes in different sizes, which also vary in price.

Pros

• Generous space for one handgun
• A pry-resistant door for maximum security
• The compression gas strut provides discreet entry
• Includes mounting hardware

Cons

• It needs four AA batteries

2. Hornady Handgun Vault Safe with Keypad Entry

I have been using the Hornady handgun vault safe with keypad entry for a few weeks now, and I am satisfied with my purchase. This is a great product for storing handguns and other valuables at home. The compact, small vault safe provides plenty of storage on a nightstand, desk, shelf, or in a car.

The vault is very easy to install, which makes it very convenient for people who live in apartments or homes with limited space. It has enough space that I can store all of my guns, ammunition, and other valuables inside. I like how the vault can be mounted on the wall or bolted to the floor, depending on what you need it for.

The vault is made from 16-gauge steel, which provides an excellent level of protection. Featuring a spring-assisted pop-open lid door and 4-to-6-digit keypad code, the handgun safe vault offers optimum security and ease of use at the same time. In addition, there are two backup keys included in the package.

This small safe has no problem fitting a 1911 pistol or a 4-inch revolver. Additionally, you can use it to keep valuable items such as passports, cash, jewelry, and medications in it. When it comes to finding valuables at night, the interior light makes it a breeze to locate them.

Pros

• Safe approved by the California Department of Justice
• Pre-drilled bolt holes make installation a breeze
• The interior is lined with premium foam to protect valuables
• 16-gauge steel housing

Cons

• The safe will occupy a great deal of space on your nightstand

3. WINCENT Portable Gun Safe Quick Access Gun Safes for Pistols

Wincent’s portable gun safes are the perfect size and weight to carry to any location easily. You can store your firearm on your person or in your home, office, car, or hotel room with confidence, knowing that it is securely stored and out of reach of children and thieves.

The safe can be mounted on the wall or under the desk, and it’s compact enough to fit in small spaces. Do note that this is not a gun safe; it is just a container where you can store your weapon. I wouldn’t recommend it for anything other than storing your weapon when you are going into or out of your home.

You can rest assured that this handgun safe has the best cushioning performance with a memory foam layer that prevents scratching of your firearm and other valuables. For higher security, you can fix the safe to a wall or in a drawer with screws that have predrilled holes.

It is small enough to be stored in the back of a truck or SUV and big enough for a full-size handgun. The only thing that I’m not too happy about is the fact that even with the biometric scanner, it still takes 2/3 attempts before you can gain access to your guns. Of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, given the price tag.

With its heavy-duty steel construction, the provided security cable can withstand a massive pull. The unit can also be attached to stationary objects to prevent theft. The inbuilt LED light system on the Wincent handgun safe is my personal favorite feature.

Pros

• To prevent tampering, it is equipped with anti-impact latches
• Features a seamlessly welded steel body
• Mounting the safe on a stationary object is easy with the heavy-duty cable.
• Multiple unique fingerprints can be stored in the biometric scanner safe.
• Light from LEDs makes it easier for you to access your firearm in the dark

Cons

• The biometric scanner has some minor issues

4. GunVault Microvault Standard Digital Pistol Safe MV500-STD

Safely guard and secure your firearms with the Gunvault MV500-STD. Despite its lightweight and compact design, it still provides a lot of protection. You are less likely to be compromised by someone finding or guessing your access code with over 12 million user-selectable access codes.

You can choose from the standard keypad or biometric styles. These mini vault safes fit easily inside briefcases and day packs and provide quick access to your valuables wherever you go. For ease of transport, this powerful device is made of 20-gauge steel and weighs less than 4 pounds.

Hand tools cannot pry open the precise fittings, and foam lining protects any other valuables inside. The locking mechanism is high-strength and reliable. A thin steel cable is attached to the safe that you can loop over something (such as a nightstand) and then a metal piece on its other end.

Are there any downsides? Yes, we’re still not over batteries not being included. This brand GunVault specializes in quick access electronic (sometimes biometric) safes, which have been around for quite some time.

With their hand-shaped buttons, they do get it right, and I like that you do not have to look at them to open them. Here’s a keypad safe that I appreciate if you’re looking for quick access and convenience.

Pre-drilled holes are incorporated into its bottom to mount the unit more securely. Many people have said they could crack it open with a screwdriver, but none have succeeded.

A heavier safe is ideal when you’re leaving the house for a day, but this unit is perfect when you’re at home or nearby. I am confident in the GunVault MV500-STD & plan to purchase another one soon.

Pros

• Foam lined interior
• Easily accessible without looking
• Manufacturer with a good reputation
• Two backup keys are included

Cons

• Build quality isn’t the best

5. SnapSafe Lock Box With Combination Lock

This sturdy steel key lock box will help you keep your personal belongings safe. In addition, 16-gauge steel housing protects your firearm from unauthorized people by being durable and pry resistant. This product includes a cable rated at 1500 pounds for attaching to stationary objects at home or on the road.

The California Department of Justice approves this product for use for storing firearms if you’re looking for airline-approved storage. Since you can securely lock everything away here, there’s no need to work on your truck or anywhere else.

Handgun holders with concealed carry permits can store and secure handguns in this metal gun case. Foam insulation is found inside, a steel key lock mechanism is easy to operate, and two keyed alike keys are included (2 pack option includes four keys).

You can easily store it in your suitcase or under your car seat. This makes a great dorm room lock box or camping lockbox. Remember, though, that this is a lightweight lockbox, so it will not be as strong as some others. However, compared to other gun safes, it has the lowest barrier to entry and is one of the cheapest.

Pros

• It easily fits in a suitcase or under a car seat
• Meets TSA airline firearm guidelines & DOJ Approved
• It will easily fit two handguns
• This safe feature heavy-duty 16-gauge housing

Cons

• Offers only basic protection

6. STOPBOX – Quick Access Handgun Lock Box for Pistol and Magazine For Under $100

The STOPBOX is a quick-access handgun lock box that will hold one pistol and one magazine. It can be mounted to a wall or placed on a desk. This is not a handgun safe but works just as well. It is a delight to use the Stopbox as a weapon lockbox.

Its easy access and basic theft protection provide the best possible access to your firearm quickly. With this all-mechanical design, you will be able to access your firearm in a matter of seconds when you need it most. It is proudly made in the USA.

As an avid collector of quick access boxes, I have spent quite a bit of time with this little safe. Finally, a lightweight ABS plastic device that performs exactly as advertised is extremely usable and is made of ABS plastic throughout. You may be wondering, “plastic”?

Certainly, but it isn’t meant to be a standard safe like you might expect. You can think of it as a more concealed and protective holster. When you are on the move or at night, and you’re next to it but need it quickly, it’s meant to be that in-between safe for you.

In addition to being made in the USA, it is constructed from polycarbonate and ABS, making it extremely lightweight and durable. Five actuators on the corners of the enclosure allow the StopBox to be indexed quickly and easily.

These actuators are aligned correctly by your hand, creating the key that unlocks the double-locked enclosure. No matter your gun size, the StopBox will securely hold it in place while you handle it, as the foam interior is thick and soft. With its lightweight and durable design, you can bring or store your pistol anywhere.

It would not be a good idea to leave this alone while on vacation or in your car. However, it is a good option if you are looking for something quick and easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and you can store your firearms away when you are not at home.

Pros

• American-made gun lock box
• The enclosure uses five actuators at the corners for fast and easy indexing
• Designed to fit most full-size handguns
• Tamper-proof double-locked enclosure

Cons

• ABS plastic construction

Best Gun Safe Under 100 – A Quick, Comprehensive Look At What You Should Consider When Shopping For A Safe

In the world of firearms, safety is paramount. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep all your weapons in a gun safe in order to prevent them from being stolen.

However, it is important to note that not all safes are created equal, and some cheaper models may not provide adequate gun protection.

Using this guide, you can discover the best gun safes under $100 that provide decent gun protection and are backed by good companies.

When it comes to gun safes in this price range, quality and reliability are the main issues that need to be considered.

There are countless brands available on large retail websites at great prices. Many of them cut corners and do not have a real brand to protect, making it difficult for them to compete.

There is nothing worse than purchasing a gun safe and having it fail, and then you have no one to turn to for help because the company went out of business due to poor quality and poor customer service.

When you’re paying this kind of money, you can’t really complain about the features. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind from time to time in case there is a need to adjust.

Gun Safe Security Features

There are a number of security features that are not related to steel thickness that should be kept in mind in this category.

The 100$ safes that fall under this category are alarms, pry tabs, tamper alarms, etc. I’m going to be honest with you, at this price point, you won’t find a lot of these on the market.

You are most likely to see a few pry tabs and a locking mechanism, so don’t be surprised if that’s all you see. Even though this may not seem like much, you’ll be able to get by just fine.

Steel Thickness

There is no way you will get the best steel gauge when you spend under $100! A steel gauge of 14 or even 20 is what you should expect.

As a result, you will most likely want to use these safes for storing your firearms only for a short period and as a temporary solution only.

To get something bigger and thicker than this, your budget is going to have to be raised to something like $300 or $500 for gun safe if you want something more robust.

Size Of The Safe

Our research has led us to discover a few safes priced below $100 dollars and have a storage capacity of one or two guns that are adequate to store small firearms only.

Consequently, if you wish to store a greater quantity of firearms, you should check out gun safes that are under $300 dollars.

Installation Of The Safe

Under $100, all safes are smaller and lighter. However, it is possible for these safes to be stolen easily without doing anything if they are not mounted properly on the floor or wall.

If you want to keep them secure, it is best to mount them with the help of predrilled holes in the back or bottom of the safe to keep them secure.

Gun Safe Locking Mechanism

Gun safes that are cheaper and more affordable are going to have a major drawback in terms of security. To keep the price low, corners must be cut on the most expensive component.

Consequently, I recommend paying attention to a variety of basic locking mechanisms, such as keys, electronic keypads, and roll dials.

The various locking systems are available at a reasonable price as well. The biometric locks are there for your convenience; you should not rely on them for gaining access when you need to.

Choose a safe with a minimum of two locking systems. This way, you can access the safe in an emergency even if one lock fails.

Warranty

Look for a lifetime warranty with whatever safe you purchase is always a good idea. However, finding a reputable company to buy one of these safes is one of the most important parts of the process.

This is something you should keep an eye on! The company will be able to demonstrate just how much they really believe in what they are selling. Although this doesn’t exclude safes entirely, it’s a nice addition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can gun safes be broken into easily?

It is relatively easy to get access to gun safes in this price range of $100. However, safes made from cheaper metal are less secure than those made from more expensive metal.

It’s fairly easy to break into a gun safe, so buying one that has a low rating and no reviews just because it’s cheap is not a good idea.

Consider gun safe brands like Liberty Safe Company that have been around for years. However, you won’t find any 100-dollar safe from these giant gun safe manufacturers.

So what? There are plenty of other inexpensive gun safes out there that will be more than enough for your needs.

2. What is the reason for the high price of gun safes?

Metal is needed to build gun safes, so they are expensive due to the materials they require. They are also expensive depending on how many locks they have and whether they provide fire safety.

3. Which brands make the best gun safes?

It is generally recommended that you buy your gun safe from a company that makes safes for other purposes and has been in business for a long time, such as Liberty Safe or Fort Knox Safes. Most of their gun safes are well above $1000.

The Bottom Line

It is important to buy the best gun safe not only to protect your firearm from theft but also to keep it out of the wrong hands. It is no longer necessary to worry about gun safes because there are plenty of affordable options available.

There are several gun safes under $100, so finding the best one should be a lot easier. Thank you for reading this article about the best gun safes under $100. I hope you found it helpful and that it answered some of your questions.

Make sure to do your research before buying a cheap gun safe. The features we discussed earlier will help you avoid getting caught with a safe you regret buying if you buy any other safe that isn’t on this list.