Best Biometric Gun Safes (2025 Buyer's Guide)
Lightning-fast fingerprint access meets bulletproof security. We've researched 23 biometric safes to find the 5 that deliver when seconds count.
Why trust us: We buy or borrow units when possible, validate claims against manuals and owner feedback, and update our picks as models change. No brand can buy a ranking on this page.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Battery Life | Special Feature | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaultek MXi | 2 pistols | Up to 4 months (manufacturer rated) | WiFi/Bluetooth | 9.6/10 |
| Barska AX11224 | 1 pistol | Up to 2 years (manufacturer rated) | Silent mode | 8.4/10 |
| Verifi Smart Safe S5000 | 3+ pistols | 6 months | FBI-certified sensor | 9.8/10 |
| SentrySafe SFW123BSC | 2 pistols + documents | 1 year | 1-hour fireproof | 8.8/10 |
| RPNB Mounted Biometric | 1 pistol | 1 year | Quick-access | 8/10 |
Best Biometric Gun Safe Reviews
#1Vaultek MXi – Best Overall
| Capacity | 2 pistols |
| Power | Up to 4 months (manufacturer rated) |
| Backup | Keypad + Keys |
| Special | WiFi/Bluetooth |
| Mounting | Pre-drilled holes / included hardware |
✓ Pros
- Lightning-fast fingerprint recognition
- Smart app integration
- Auto-open door
- Tamper detection alerts
✗ Cons
- Premium price point
- Requires app setup
Best For: Tech-savvy users wanting maximum features
#2Barska AX11224 – Best Compact
| Capacity | 1 pistol |
| Power | Up to 2 years (manufacturer rated) |
| Backup | Backup keys |
| Special | Silent mode |
| Mounting | Pre-drilled holes / included hardware |
✓ Pros
- Compact bedside size
- Stores 30 fingerprints
- Solid steel construction
- Pre-drilled mounting holes
✗ Cons
- Slower scan speed
- No app connectivity
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers needing basic biometric security
#3Verifi Smart Safe S5000 – Most Advanced
| Capacity | 3+ pistols |
| Power | 6 months |
| Backup | Keypad + Keys |
| Special | FBI-certified sensor |
| Mounting | Pre-drilled holes / included hardware |
✓ Pros
- FBI-certified sensor (per manufacturer)
- Audit log tracking
- Multi-user management
- Tamper-proof design
✗ Cons
- Most expensive option
- Larger footprint
Best For: Maximum security with professional-grade features
#4SentrySafe SFW123BSC – Best Fireproof
| Capacity | 2 pistols + documents |
| Power | 1 year |
| Backup | Digital keypad + Keys |
| Special | 1-hour fireproof |
| Mounting | Pre-drilled holes / included hardware |
✓ Pros
- 1-hour fire protection (1700°F)
- Water-resistant (8" for 24hrs)
- Interior light
- Document storage
✗ Cons
- Heavier unit (87 lbs)
- Slower fingerprint read
Best For: Home defense + valuable document protection
#5RPNB Mounted Biometric – Best Budget
| Capacity | 1 pistol |
| Power | 1 year |
| Backup | Backup keys |
| Special | Quick-access |
| Mounting | Pre-drilled holes / included hardware |
✓ Pros
- Unbeatable price
- Spring-loaded door
- Multiple mounting options
- Lightweight portable
✗ Cons
- Basic construction
- Limited features
- Smaller capacity
Best For: First-time buyers or secondary safe needs
Buying Guide — How to Choose a Biometric Safe
Fingerprint Sensor Quality
The heart of any biometric safe is its fingerprint sensor. Look for FBI-certified sensors (like in the Verifi S5000) that offer 500+ DPI resolution. Quality sensors work with:
- Dirty or oily fingers
- Minor cuts or scratches
- Different finger angles
- 95-99% recognition rate
Backup Entry Options
Never rely solely on biometrics. Quality safes offer multiple backup methods: mechanical keys (fastest backup), digital keypad (no extra keys needed), or external battery terminals (jump-start capability). The Vaultek MXi excels here with triple redundancy.
Battery Life & Power Source
Battery life varies from 1 month (smart safes) to 2+ years (basic models). Consider rechargeable vs replaceable batteries, low-battery warnings, and external charging ports. The Barska models lead with 2-year battery life on 4 AAs.
Size & Capacity
Match safe size to your needs: single handgun (RPNB), multiple pistols (Vaultek MXi), or rifles + handguns (Verifi S5000). Consider mounting location - bedside tables need compact units while closets can accommodate larger safes.
Extra Features
Modern safes offer smart features worth considering: WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring, tamper alerts and audit logs, interior lighting for nighttime access, and fireproofing (SentrySafe leads here). Balance features vs complexity based on your tech comfort.
Biometric vs Keypad Gun Safes
| Feature | Biometric | Keypad |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 1-2 seconds | 3-5 seconds |
| Reliability | 95-99% | 99.9% |
| Power Failure | Needs backup | Mechanical works |
| User Access | Multiple users easy | Code sharing required |
| Price Range | $99-$900 | $50-$600 |
While biometric safes offer unmatched speed and convenience, keypad safes edge ahead in reliability and simplicity. Choose biometric for bedside quick-access or family use with multiple users. Opt for keypad if you prioritize bombproof reliability or have concerns about battery dependence.
Read Full Comparison: Biometric vs Keypad Safes →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a biometric gun safe?
A biometric gun safe uses fingerprint recognition technology to provide quick, secure access to firearms. Simply place your registered finger on the scanner, and the safe opens within 1-3 seconds.
Are biometric safes reliable?
Modern biometric safes have 95-99% recognition rates. Quality models like Vaultek and Verifi use FBI-certified sensors that work even with dirty or slightly wet fingers. All quality safes include backup entry methods.
What happens if the battery dies?
All biometric safes include backup entry methods - either a physical key, backup keypad, or external battery terminals. Some models alert you weeks before battery depletion via app notifications.
Can biometric safes be hacked?
Quality biometric safes use encrypted fingerprint data that cannot be reverse-engineered. Physical security features like pry-resistant doors and tamper alerts provide additional protection.
How many fingerprints can I store?
Most biometric safes store 20-100 fingerprints. This allows multiple family members access or lets you register different fingers/angles for more reliable opening.
Final Verdict
Our #1 Pick: Vaultek MXi
The Vaultek MXi delivers the perfect balance of speed, security, and smart features. Its lightning-fast sensor, app integration, and auto-open door make it ideal for bedside defense. While pricey at $649, the peace of mind and millisecond access justify the investment for serious gun owners.
For budget buyers, the RPNB at $99 offers surprising value with reliable biometric access. The SentrySafe excels if you need fire protection for documents alongside gun storage. And tech enthusiasts should consider the Verifi S5000's FBI-certified sensor and audit logging.
Safety Note: No safe replaces responsible gun ownership. Always follow local laws, educate family members about gun safety, and regularly maintain your safe's battery and mechanisms.
Related Articles
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Are Biometric Safes Reliable?
Myths vs reality about fingerprint safe reliability and failure rates.
Biometric vs Keypad Safes: Complete Comparison
Head-to-head comparison to help you choose the right safe type.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn commissions from qualifying purchases through Amazon Associates and manufacturer partnerships. This doesn't affect our editorial independence or increase your price. All opinions remain our own based on hands-on testing.