Best Biometric Safes: Fast Finger Access Action

BIOMETRIC SAFES OFFER THE FASTEST ACCESS YOU CAN FIND. WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS, DON’T SETTLE FOR THE RUNNER-UP

A perfect option for quick access safe, biometric safes require no gross motor skills to use, no pins to remember, and no keys to fumble with. Just press your finger to the scanner and get your gun.

There are a lot of options on the market these days but sorting the best from the rest takes some effort. Here are the best biometric safes we’ve used.

WHAT ARE BIOMETRIC SAFES?

Biometric safes are fairly new to the safe world, but the tech is fairly simple. Basically, a biometric safe has a reader that scans your hand or thumb and converts your fingerprint into a numerical code.

The code is stored and whitelisted as an authorized user.

how-fingerprint-scanner-works — Image via **Bayometric**

Simple.

Most biometric safes can store 10-20 fingerprints, so it’s easy to store all of your digits and/or store the digits of a few family members.

ARE BIOMETRIC SAFES RELIABLE?

Kind of — but mostly yes. There are some steps that you should take to make sure it stays reliable.

The electronics that control a biometric safe are as reliable as you’re willing to pay for. Cheap safes are cheap and the electronics can be questionable. More money normally means higher quality and a more robust system.

That said, even cheap systems are pretty reliable.

DO BIOMETRIC SAFES WORK IF I CUT MYSELF?

Yes, but also no.

Let’s say you only set your safe to recognize one fingerprint but then you cut that finger. The cut is going to change what your fingerprint looks like, so the safe won’t be able to recognize it. This will prevent access to the safe since you only set the 1 fingerprint.

Thankfully, this is why safes come with backup keys.

Once your finger heals and you’re left with a scar that the chicks dig you can reset the safe to store your new fingerprint. While it’s a different fingerprint, it is still unique to you.

All of this is a kind of unlikely set of occurrences, but not impossible. Head it off at the pass by adding more than 1 fingerprint to your safe.

BEST BIOMETRIC SAFES

Barska AX13092

For a quick access biometric pistol safe this is pretty close to the top of our all-time list. It has some downsides, but it’s a great unit.

Able to store 20 fingerprints, 4-digit pin code, and equipped with a keyed backup, the Barska AX13092 is pretty simple in its design. It has a lot of hardware mounting points so you can secure it almost anywhere you can screw into.

What we like about it is how your pistol drops out. Give it a few tries and it’s easy to swipe your fingerprint and quickly grasp your firearm in a strong master grip for the draw.

Barska.com

$300

In terms of speed and ease of use, this kicks ass.

The downsides are annoying but entirely acceptable to us. First, the internal size is a little small and frankly outdated. G19 or G17-sized pistols will fit well, but if you have anything added to your stock pistol you might run into issues. If you take a razor blade to the internal foam, you can make some more room but not a ton.

PROS:

Extremely fast access
Multiple unlocking options
Mount it anywhere

CONS:

Price is a bit high
Internal size doesn't leave a lot of room for lights and sights

Vaultek VTi

Technology doesn’t make everything better, but it does make it cooler at least.

A simple lockbox with a whole lot of technology packed into it, Vaultek VTi has a host of features to take advantage of.

Vaultek VTi small gun safe — *Vaultek VTi*

5 methods of access might be a little overkill, but it gives you loads of options. Numeric keypad, biometric scanner, nano key (RFID connected biometric), and your smartphone/bluetooth app — plus backup keys.

The app also lets you manage and set biometrics easier and keeps a log of when/if your safe is opened or moved. If you’re worried about people messing with your stuff when you’re not around, this is a great way to keep tabs on things.

VaultekSafe.com

$420

PROS:

Easy access
Extra room for multiple pistols and/or lights and sights
Great for storing other valuables
Bluetooth and app for added security

CONS:

Not inexpensive
No hard mounting

The VTi is large enough for a full-sized handgun plus some mags or a mag and a flashlight or some other combo of tools. Great for keeping bedside or deskside.

Barska HQ200

Do you have a large family? Do you have an abnormal number of fingers? Well, you’re in luck because the Barska HQ200 can store up to 120 fingerprints.

Joking aside, that might be overkill but hey — it’s a feature. If 120 fingerprints isn’t enough, this is also equipped with a keypad and backup keys so you’ll have plenty of options for opening your safe.

Other than a comical number of fingerprints, the Barska HQ200 is great if you want to store a little more than what can fit in some of the smaller safes.

Barska.com

$70

PROS:

Large enough for almost anything
Great for other valuables that need securing

CONS:

Size limits placement options

Large enough for a full-sized handgun, mags, flashlight, maybe some valuables or ear protection, this gives you a bit more room for keeping things safe and in one place.

Awesafe Gun Safe

While this safe makes our list, I’m not a huge fan of it. First, their name is stupid. But more importantly, nothing about this safe feels like it has outlandish durability. It works, but I’m not sure it will stay working for years and years to come, as other safes will.

That said, the reason we like the Awesafe is because it is really budget-friendly and it does work.

For about half the price of the other options, this little safe is large enough for full-sized handguns, stores 30 fingerprints, a keypad code, and has a backup key.

Vaultek RS500i biometric gun safe — *Vaultek RS500i*

Best Biometric Safes: Fast Finger Access Action

BIOMETRIC SAFES OFFER THE FASTEST ACCESS YOU CAN FIND. WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS, DON’T SETTLE FOR THE RUNNER-UP

WHAT ARE BIOMETRIC SAFES?