Best Biometric Gun Safes of 2024

Many biometric gun safes seem futuristic: the lights, the access scanner, basically everything about it. Not long ago they were closer to something you’d see in a science fiction or top secret military movie. Today, biometric gun safes are the standard for many who want secure storage and easy access for their home and self-defense firearms. Like other secure options, biometric gun safes can be accessed via a PIN pad or standard key. However, many of them allow you to quickly access the content via fingerprint recognition or a handy card swipe, so you don’t have to think twice about defending yourself or your family if necessary. To find the best biometric gun safes, I tested several models from the top brands and visited my local gun store to see which ones offered maximum security and reliable access.

How I Chose the Best Biometric Gun Safes

For this review, I personally tested or inspected the safes at a few local gun shops. I focused on interior dimensions, overall footprint, and accessibility, including the time each safe took to deploy and what access methods each safe required. In addition to these requirements, I also took into account the features that each safe included for its respective price.

Best reviews and recommendations for biometric gun safes

Best Overall: Hornady RAPiD Safe Night Watch

Most important features

• Weight: 18 pounds
• Internal dimensions: 2.2 inches x 9.2 inches x 6.9 inches
• Electronic RFID technology
• Includes digital clock and USB-A ports

Plus points

• Touch-free access
• Spring assisted door
• Three input methods
• Economic space

Cons

This easy-to-install safe provides access via standard keys, a custom code and RFID tags that come with the safe. The RFID tags come in three styles: a watch band tag, a key fob, and some stickers that you can stick on almost anything. Hornady’s RAPiD safe runs on the included AC power supply or four AAA batteries. The key tones can be turned on and off and the safe comes with a security cable. You can also remove the drawer and screw the safe to a secure object. I also appreciate the unobtrusive appearance that looks more like an alarm clock and doesn’t scream safe.

Although the inner drawer offers sufficient space, it is not padded. So if you want to store one of your best pistols, you may want to consider a DIY pad to prevent scratches. When it comes to security, quick access, and extra features, this safe stands out from the rest of the bunch.

Best Quick Access to Gun Safe: Langger V Biometric slider safe

Most important features

• Maximum gun length of 9.5 inches
• Holds one pistol and a spare magazine
• Weight: 12.5 pounds
• Anti-impact lock
• Can store 20 unique fingerprints
• Opened with fingerprint, keyboard or keys

Plus points

• Opens quickly
• Easy to install
• Good directions

Cons

If your goal is to keep a gun out of the hands of untrained family members while still having quick access to it, this biometric sliding safe is a good option. It is attached to furniture or the wall with the supplied screws. Keep in mind that the safe is about as discreet as a goiter the size of a bowling ball, so you’ll need to place it carefully if stealth is important to you.

Once it was assembled, I found the installation of the combination and biometric scanner very easy. It opens quickly and the smooth operation gives the safe a quality feel. I like that the gun is positioned for quick gripping; it’s a lot like drawing from one of the best holsters. — Scott Einsmann, Gear Editor

Most important features

• Weight: 9.4 pounds
• Material: alloy steel
• Pry-resistant door

Plus points

• Durable exterior
• Trio of access mechanisms
• One year warranty
• Easy firearm recovery

Cons

• Interior dimensions are too small for some guns

For an option under $130, this illuminated cased beauty is one of the best biometric gun safes for the money. I prefer safes that offer multiple ways to open them, and this case delivers in spades. To pair with the biometric locking mechanism, this case also accepts a physical key and allows you to program and use the keypad. The one-year warranty is a nice touch and the battery life is adequate. I also appreciate the gas springs, a feature often found in more expensive biometric cases. These help the door open quickly, meaning you can get to your gun quickly. However, the interior dimensions are small and fitting two pistols is quite a task. But for a biometric weapon that’s safe on a budget, this outperforms its price.

Best for Rifles: Barska HQ800 standard quick access keypad biometric gun safe AX12760

Most important features

• Weight: 66 pounds
• Internal dimensions: 6.3 inches x 9.7 inches x 51.75 inches
• One year limited warranty
• Capacity: Four long guns

Plus points

• Three solid steel deadbolts
• 120 fingerprint memory
• Programmable access to silent mode
• Removable accessory shelf

Cons

• Four guns push it
• Not water or fire resistant

Product description

A trio of access methods in the Barska HQ800 makes securing and accessing your long guns easy, no matter which method you prefer. The integrated biometric fingerprint scanner allows any authorized user to crack the safe with a simple touch of a finger. Or you can access the safe with a digital PIN code or two traditional keys. This alloy steel safe is relatively durable and provides decent protection for three (four pushes) long guns. Each HQ Series gun safe has a removable storage shelf that can store additional items, ideal for handguns, magazines, flashlights and other valuables such as jewelry.

While this safe provides ample protection and convenience when you need quick access to your weapons, it does not have water or fire-resistant properties. Not to mention, there are other safes that cost a few hundred dollars more and offer more storage and fire protection options. But if you’re on a budget or just need quick access to your shotguns, this safe will get the job done.

Most important features

• Weight: 18.3 pounds
• Material: 16-gauge metal
• Capacity for 50 core IDs
• Dimensions: 19.1 inches x 16.5 inches x 6.2 inches

Plus points

• Easy installation
• Backlite keyboard input
• Easy installation
• Padded drawer bottom

Cons

• Two large pistols push him forward
• No LED in the drawer

The easy-to-install Underdesk Safe from MAXSafes has one of the best biometric recognition systems. Called Vein Recognition, a small door in the safe’s drawer allows you to insert your fingers during setup. In three simple steps, the safe scans and stores your vein pattern. Of course, the safe also offers PIN code and standard key entry, but after scanning my finger I had no problems opening the door. And Silent Mode keeps the safe silent. MAXSafes claims this one can hold a pair of full-size pistols, but it doesn’t fit properly. As an added bonus, the padded tray features pre-cut foam that allows you to customize your pistols.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Biometric Safe

Biometric gun safes may feel more like insurance than buying a new piece of gear, but it’s certainly a device you won’t regret if you ever have to use it. There are plenty of options, but unlike many other products, you can visit a registered dealer and take a closer look at your safe before spending any dollars.

Do you need a safe that allows you to easily store your gun, or do you need one that can be quickly deployed for self-defense? If all you need is storage space, there are plenty of options that do that admirably without breaking the bank. If you need something that will keep your gun out of reach of your children or that you can quickly deploy for self-defense, consider an option with fast fingerprint scans or gas struts. If you have a few long guns that you want to store, along with ammunition, magazines, jewelry, and family heirlooms, it may be best to invest in one of the best gun safes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final thoughts

The best biometric gun safes should provide instant access to your firearms when you need them most. All of the options on this list deliver in that regard, so it’s up to you to figure out which features best suit your needs.