Best Gun Safes 2025: Expert Reviews & Buying Guide
If you own firearms, a reliable gun safe is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you're a hunter, collector, or just a responsible gun owner, securing your firearms protects both your family and your freedom. In this 2025 guide, we’ve compiled expert-tested recommendations for the best gun safes including models for home use, bedside access, fire protection, and even renters or apartment dwellers.
From high-tech biometric options to traditional mechanical vaults, this post breaks down everything you need to know before you buy.
Top Gun Safes
Vaultek RS500i
VAULTEK DS5i Smart Station
Fort Knox FTK-PB
Cabela’s Classic Series Gun Safe
SecureIt Agile 52
Choosing the Right Gun Safe: What Really Matters
Not all gun safes are created equal, and the best one for you depends on several factors. First, determine what you're storing. Long guns? Go for a tall, spacious safe like the Vaultek RS500i or Cabela’s Classic. A couple of pistols for self-defense? Compact models like the VAULTEK DS5i or Fort Knox FTK-PB are more appropriate.
Next, think about your environment. Fire-rated models are essential if you live in a wildfire-prone area or store irreplaceable items. If you rent or live in an apartment, a heavy welded safe might not be feasible this is where flat-packed safes like the SecureIt Agile 52 shine. And of course, ease of access matters too. If you need to retrieve a gun in an emergency, a biometric scanner can save valuable seconds.
Best High-Tech Gun Safe: Vaultek RS500i
Price: $1,599
Lock Type: Biometric, keypad, key, WiFi app
Capacity: Multiple long guns with scopes
Fireproof: No
Best For: Tech-savvy users, smart home integration
Pros:
WiFi alerts for tampering or door openings
Fingerprint access with app and keypad backups
Modular interior for long guns, mags, and accessories
Cons:
Electronics require upkeep
High price
For gun owners who appreciate cutting-edge security features, the Vaultek RS500i is hard to beat. Designed to store multiple long guns upright even with optics it offers a secure yet accessible smart system. With a biometric fingerprint scanner, backlit keypad, and smartphone app, you’ll always have access to your firearms when you need them.
What really sets the RS500i apart is its WiFi capability. If the safe is tampered with or opened, it sends alerts directly to your phone. This added layer of protection is especially valuable for parents or those who travel frequently. It’s not fireproof, but its modular interior and heavy-duty 14-gauge steel construction make it a top-tier choice for tech-focused buyers.
Best Gun Safe for Bedside Use: VAULTEK DS5i Smart Station
Price: ~$450
Lock Type: Biometric, keypad, app
Capacity: 1 full-size pistol + extras
Fireproof: No
Best For: Nightstand or home defense storage
Pros:
Wireless phone charging
Humidity/temp/time display
Super quick fingerprint access
Cons:
Limited to handgun storage
When seconds matter, the VAULTEK DS5i Smart Station delivers fast, intuitive access. Ideal for home defense, this smart bedside safe is compact yet packed with modern features. The biometric scanner is lightning fast, and the built-in wireless charging pad adds convenience for everyday use.
Its sleek design allows it to blend into your nightstand setup, but don’t be fooled it’s made with durable 18-gauge steel and offers multiple entry methods, including keypad and mobile app. Though it isn’t fireproof, the DS5i is a smart solution for those looking for both security and speed within arm’s reach.
Best for Durability and Simplicity: Fort Knox FTK-PB
Price: $295
Lock Type: Simplex mechanical push-button
Capacity: 1–2 pistols
Fireproof: No
Best For: Those who want 100% mechanical reliability
Pros:
No batteries or electronics
Thick 10-gauge steel and 3/16" plate door
Made in the USA
Cons:
Heavier than typical handgun safes
Higher price for mechanical-only access
If you're looking for a no-nonsense handgun safe built like a tank, the Fort Knox FTK-PB is the gold standard. This all-mechanical vault uses a Simplex push-button lock no electronics, no batteries, just quick, tactile access. Made from 10-gauge steel with a 3/16" plate door, it’s designed to withstand brute-force attacks.
Gun owners who value reliability often choose mechanical safes like this because they eliminate failure points. It’s heavier and a bit pricier than mass-produced options, but its construction quality justifies every penny. Fort Knox products are made in the USA and built to last a lifetime.
Best Fireproof Safe for Home Storage: Cabela’s Classic Series
Price: Varies by size and features
Lock Type: Electronic keypad
Capacity: 12–60 long guns + accessories
Fireproof: Yes (75-minute fire rating at 1,400°F)
Best For: Home use, large collections
Pros:
High fire rating and heat-expanding door seals
Adjustable interior for rifles, pistols, ammo
Made in USA with lifetime warranty
Cons:
Heavy; may require professional installation
Expensive at larger sizes
When fire protection is a priority, the Cabela’s Classic Series Gun Safe stands tall. Built with 12-gauge steel and eleven layers of fireboard, it offers an impressive 75-minute fire rating at 1,400°F. That makes it perfect for storing not just rifles and handguns, but also documents, valuables, and heirlooms.
Inside, the safe is highly customizable. Adjustable shelving, door organizers, and built-in power ports let you tailor it to fit your exact setup. While it's heavy and typically requires professional installation, it’s one of the most secure and spacious safes on the market. For large collections and serious fire protection, this safe is hard to top.
Best Gun Safe for Apartments: SecureIt Agile 52
Price: $739
Lock Type: Electronic keypad
Capacity: Up to 6 long guns with scopes
Fireproof: No
Best For: Apartment dwellers, DIY setup
Pros:
Ships flat, assembles in minutes
Tool-free installation
Lightweight and modular
Cons:
Not fire-rated
14-gauge steel offers moderate protection
Not everyone can install a 600-pound welded safe in their home. That’s where the SecureIt Agile 52 comes in. This flat-pack safe ships in pieces and assembles without tools in under 30 minutes. Once built, it securely stores up to six long guns and uses a CradleGrid™ system for easy organization.
Though not fireproof, the Agile 52 strikes a great balance between portability and security. It’s a favorite among renters, urban dwellers, and anyone who values a modular, adaptable safe that doesn’t compromise on function. It’s also ideal for users who might relocate often and want a safe that can move with them.
Specialized Picks Worth Considering
While the models above cover most use cases, a few specialized safes also deserve a mention:
Vaultek LifePod: Lightweight and travel-friendly, ideal for concealed carry or glove box storage.
SecureIt Fastbox 20: A wall- or bed-mounted solution for handguns or short rifles, with fast keypad access.
Hornady TrekLite Lock Box XXL: TSA-approved and great for flights or hotel use.
StopBox Pro: A battery-free, U.S.-made safe that opens with a unique press pattern perfect for minimalist setups.
Amazon Basics Gun Cabinet: Entry-level storage option for those on a tight budget.
What to Look for in the Best Gun Safes
Before choosing your safe, think about these critical considerations:
Security Features: Biometric scanners offer speed, while mechanical locks provide long-term reliability.
Fire Rating: Look for safes with fire protection of 60 minutes or more if storing valuables or paper documents.
Capacity: Choose a safe that can handle your current collection and a few future additions.
Access Time: For bedside use or home defense, fast-access models are essential.
Build Quality: Steel thickness matters. Look for 10–14 gauge steel in durable safes.
Installation: Heavy welded safes require planning; modular safes like the Agile 52 are easier to manage.
Final Thoughts: Which Gun Safe Is Right for You?
The best gun safe isn’t a one-size-fits-all product it’s the one that fits your lifestyle, firearms, and priorities. If you want the smartest tech available, the Vaultek RS500i is a powerhouse. If you need a durable, fire-rated safe for your whole collection, Cabela’s Classic Series is the go-to. For simple, mechanical reliability, nothing beats the Fort Knox FTK-PB. And for renters or small-space living, the SecureIt Agile 52 offers unmatched flexibility.
Whatever your choice, investing in a secure, well-reviewed gun safe is one of the best things you can do to protect your firearms, your home, and your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best gun safe for home use?
The Cabela’s Classic Series offers top-tier fire protection, large capacity, and secure construction—ideal for home defense and long-term firearm storage.
2. Are biometric gun safes reliable?
Yes. Safes like the Vaultek RS500i and VAULTEK DS5i are quick, responsive, and include keypad or key backups in case of fingerprint failure.
3. What size gun safe should I buy?
1–2 handguns: Fort Knox FTK-PB, VAULTEK DS5i
Up to 6 rifles: SecureIt Agile 52
Full collections: Cabela’s Classic or Vaultek RS500i
4. Do gun safes protect against fire?
Yes, but only some models. Look for safes with fire ratings of 60+ minutes at 1,200–1,400°F, like the Cabela’s Classic Series.
5. What is the most secure gun safe for handguns?
The Fort Knox FTK-PB is extremely secure thanks to thick steel and a no-fail mechanical lock.
6. What’s the best gun safe for apartments?
The SecureIt Agile 52 is easy to move, assemble, and doesn’t require drilling—perfect for renters.
7. Are there gun safes made in the USA?
Yes. Fort Knox and Cabela’s Classic Series (by Liberty Safe) are proudly made in the USA with premium materials.
8. How much should I spend on a gun safe?
Entry-level: Under $200
Reliable handgun safes: $300–$500
Mid-range long gun safes: $600–$800
Premium fireproof safes: $1,000+