Best Biometric Gun Safes 2023: [Hands-On Tested]

The idea of a biometric gun safe is alluring. You press your finger against it, and viola, you’ve gained access to your gun in an efficient manner.

However, the cold hard truth is that while biometric (fingerprint) gun safes are fast, they can be unreliable with dirty/sweaty/bloody hands. They also require battery power to operate and thus add to the chance of failure in a time of need.

Therefore, choosing the right biometric gun safe is even more important that common things like price or just overall construction. You need one that has good reliability, capabilities, and more, while also keeping the price down. Because biometric gun safes can be pretty expensive.

Since I’ve purchased and used all of the following (and more), here is a list of what I think is the best biometric gun safe on the market, broken down into categories.

Best Biometric Gun Safes

Best Biometric Gun Safe

Here is a list of the best biometric gun safes on the market by category:

1. Best Budget Biometric Safe: PINEWORLD K3 Biometric Gun Safe
2. Best Premium Biometric Safe: Vaultek VT20i Smart Handgun Safe
3. Best Travel Biometric Gun Safe: Onnais Portable Gun Safe
4. Best Large Budget Option: PINEWORLD K5 Biometric Gun Safe
5. Best Rifle Biometric Gun Safe: Barska Biometric Rifle Cabinet
6. Honorable Mention: GunVault MicroVault XL MVB1000
7. Honorable Mention: SentrySafe Biometric Gun Safe

Reviews of the Best Biometric Gun Safes

As you can see from the above, there is a list of safes to choose from. If one of those didn’t stick out, then here is my personal review for each one so that you can make a decision more precise to your needs.

PINEWORLD K3 Review – Best ROI

The PINEWORLD K3 is one of the cheapest biometric options on the market that has all the right features for the price and truly serves well as a biometric safe. I personally have this one in my office and holds my HK P7.

First, let’s start with its biometric capability – because usually the cheap ones suck at taking my fingerprint well. Well, I tested the biometric technology used in this safe with my family members to ensure that only authorized users can access it, and it passed with flying colors. This means that I can rest easy knowing that my firearms will be well-protected against theft or unauthorized use.

The PINEWORLD K3 Biometric Gun Safe also features a tamper-resistant design, so even if someone tries to force their way into it, they’ll be unsuccessful.

With a speedy access system, if I’m ever in a self-defense situation, the PINEWORLD K3 Biometric Gun Safe is reliable to open fast and give quick and easy access to my firearm.

The main downside to this speedy access is that the door opens super fast – it basically slams open which I’m not a huge fan on. I actually have to hold the safe down when opening it because of this slamming.

Also, another feature I’m not a fan of is that if the battery is running out, it will let you know by continuously blaring its alarm. I was once on a zoom call and it went off. People on the other side thought that my house security was going off. I’d prefer they take a hint from smoke detectors and just make it do a beep.

It’s because of this, than I now plug in the safe so that there is no chance of that alarm going off. Oy.

Okay, so other than the alarm thing, or slamming door, this is an excellent option. It really is one of the cheapest on the market and comes with just about every feature you’d want on something like this. It’s because of this that I make this the best biometric gun safe for those who are looking to save money but not skimp too much.

For the Full Review of the PINEWORLD K3 Gun Safe click HERE!

PINEWORLD K3 Pros and Cons

Vaultek VT20I Biometric Safe Review: Best Quality Safe

The Vaultek gets my number 1 pick for premium because of all the features and its quality. In addition to great build quality, design, and features, it also has a backup to the biometric fingerprint reader!

Unfortunately, they can sometimes be finicky (especially with sweaty or bloody hands) and therefore we strongly recommend a backup method of getting into the biometric safe if you’re relying on this firearm for your defense.

As the name implies, this is a smart device. It comes fully equipped with WIFI and its very own app. The app allows you to monitor critical safe parameters and receive alerts in real time such as temperature, humidity, keypad and fingerprint pad tampering, and even bumps and jostles!

Another thing that I like about this safe is the button operation. I know that sounds weird, but it has buttons that you can feel the click. This helps me to know that I typed in the right number combination and I actually tend to use this over the fingerprint just because of how easy and quick I can be. I’ll talk about this more in other reviews as we get to them, because the feel of the buttons is something many other gun safes do not do well.

But aside from all the high-tech monitoring, the biometric fingerprint reader on this bad boy can store 20 unique fingerprints! That all fingers and toes for most folks-or trusted family members.

One thing to consider though, is that this is one of the priciest of the biometric gun safes. So if that is something you’d like to stay away from, then be sure to check out K3 or Onnais. However, I will say that this is safe that I put by my bed side. It is the best on the market, but it’s almost 3x the cost of a K3 or Onnais.

So, because this is the most reliable, and has the most/best features on the market and has personally served me incredibly well for 8 years, I absolutely believe this is the best biometric safe on the market…it’s just going to cost you. If that isn’t a problem for you, then you’re getting the best.

For my full review on the Vaultek, be sure to check it out here: Vaultek VT20i Review. This is where I go into more of the features and include pictures.

Vaultek VT20I Pros and Cons

Onnais Travel Safe Review: Best Travel Case Option

I got the Onnais just recently, and updated this article so as to talk about it. The truth is, my Vaultek was just a bit too heavy and expensive to travel with and the Pineworld K3 was just too heavy. However, not only was the Onnais much lighter than the other two, it is almost as cheap as the K3.

So, was it just as good? Sort of. It does come with the necessary features I’d expect in this price range, and it seems legitimate and hasn’t had any problems. However, because it is lighter, it also means that it is not as strong as the other two. I have found videos of someone using a screw driver and being able to enter the safe.

So, why would I add it to this list? Well, my personal intention of using this biometric safe is because I wanted something light and that I can travel with. I’m not exactly trying to make it bullet proof or impenetrable. I just want to make sure that I can get to my gun if I need to, and that unwanted personnel (like kids) can’t accidentally access it.

So, with this in mind. It’s a great fit. I love how it has an internal handling system where it securely holds my gun in place, and allows me to add things inside that won’t move around.

So, because of its small size, light weight, incredible price and features that make traveling and moving with it that much easier, I made this the best biometric safe for traveling with. If you’d like to learn more about it, you can check out my full review.

Onnais Travel Safe Pros And Cons

Pineworld K5 Review: Best Large Sized Value Safe

I personally think the PINEWORLD K5 is the best option for a large-sized well priced handgun safe.

It has all of the same features as the K3, and comes in at a bit higher price than the K3. However, what really sets it apart in my mind is that you can put two handguns inside of it without any problems.

Now I’ll admit, this isn’t exactly the best bedside handgun safe, unless you want a his or hers in there. But personally, my safe has only one gun in it so that I can easily reach over and get the one without fumbling around.

However, I also know that that doesn’t mean that my personal take on biometric handgun safes is the only take. So, if you are looking for a biometric safe large enough to fit two, then this is a good choice.

One issue that I have with this one though is the buttons. I’m not as much of a fan of how it operates than that of the Vaultek. I personally like the clicking of the Vaultek over the squishiness of this one.

Other than that though, the size, price and features make this the best biometric safe for full sized or two gun capacity. For the full review of the PINEWORLD K5 Biometric Gun Safe, click HERE!

PINEWORLD Biometric K5 Pros And Cons

Barska Biometric Rifle Cabinet Review: Best Biometric Cabinet Safe

When most of us think of biometric gun safes, the first thing that often comes to mind is a quick open for our handguns. But what about our long guns?

With the Barska Biometric Rifle Cabinet, your rifles and shotguns can be safely stored and abruptly accessed as well.

This is an awesome gun cabinet in general. It’s relatively lightweight for a steel rifle box and is easily bolted into wall studs or home foundations through it’s pre-drilled mounting holes. I have mine sitting next to my desk as I write this.

The Barska ideally holds 2 long guns with accessories (all depending on your customization’s, of course). It also has a shelf at the top which is great for storing those accessories as well as magazines and couple of boxes of ammo.

But what really makes this one of the best biometric gun safes is its ability to store and register 120 different fingerprint scans. Now, you may be wondering…Where the heck am I going to get 120 fingers?

All jokes aside, this is more important than you think. Ever come across one of those biometric fingerprint sensors that didn’t read your finger because you didn’t put it on the sensor just right? That could really be a liability if you needed to access your guns fast. But by storing your fingerprints at many different angles and positions, you can ensure your cabinet opens every time.

Furthermore when it comes to lockers or cabinets, I think that this is the best priced for what you get. It is because of this, that I personally have this So, this is my #1 best biometric safe for rifles and shotguns. For my review on this safe, you can find it here.

Barska Biometric Rifle Cabinet Pros and Cons

GunVault Microvault XL MVB1000 Review: Honorable Mention

The GunVault microvault XL is a decent biometric safe. It’s got a lot of the right features and capabilities that would make it a legit prospect. Furthermore it comes from a solid and trusted company. So, why is it #4?

First off, the MVB1000 doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles as our #1 biometric gun safe above. Its missing out on things like an app, and is not as compact as the Vaultek. It does provide reliable housing for a single handgun of your choosing and it’s made out of a high-quality , heavy-gauge steel that’ll keep your gun safe from prying hands.

Also, like our other recommendations, it has combination buttons as a backup method of entry (YES!). But again, not as good of a button system as the Vaultek and thus falls short in comparison.

This gun safe gets the #4 spot because, as you can see, it isn’t as good as the Vaultek and yet is priced closer to that safe. I also don’t think it is as nice as the Pineworld, and yet it’s much more expensive. If the GunVault were much cheaper than the previous one, then it probably would be bumped up maybe to the number 3 spot.

But all that being said, it is a viable option and a very popular one on the market.

Check out our individual review on the GunVault Microvault MVB1000 here.

Microvault XL MVB1000 Pros and Cons

SentrySafe Biometric Gun Safe Review: Honorable Mention

The Sentry Safe biometric is a generic as they come. It has solid steel construction with backup buttons and biometric capability. But that’s where the description sort of ends.

It’s as large as the Pineworld where you can fit two guns inside of it, with ammo and more. However, I don’t think the biometric on this one works as well – failing a couple more times in my 50 round test. Thus making it not as useful.

I will say that I do prefer the buttons on this one better than the Pineworld, and the GunVault – but not as good as the Vaultek.

If you love the sentry-safe brand, this biometric safe may be for you, however, for us, it is a bit of a big-box store option as a gun safe versus a biometric safe from companies dedicated to making firearm safes. If it were cheaper than the Pineworld, I would consider more…but it would need to be much cheaper than something just sort of close. For this reason, this pistol safe gets the #5 spot.

For an individual review on this safe, be sure to check it out here.

SentrySafe Biometric Gun Safe Pros and Cons

Best Biometric Gun Safe Buyers Guide

Still not sure about biometric gun safes and some of the features that exist? No problem. Below are some of the things you should think about when buying a biometric fingerprint safe, and some of the features that exist on the market. 

What is a Biometric Gun Safe

Biometric gun safes are the next evolutionary step of gun safe technology. First there was the ole lock and key-followed by combination, then electronic keys.

Now, with the power of your fingerprint, you can now quickly access your secured firearm. These particular safes do have some distinct advantages too. First, the speed in which you can open your safe has exponentially increased. Instead of fumble-fingering around with a lock and key or spinning dials, just one tap from your finger and you’re ready to go.

Next, you can actually program multiple fingerprints. This may seem counterproductive to keeping people out, but if you have an entire security force or multiple individuals needing access…this is a good option.

But….that’s only if the biometric scanner actually works.

Biometric Gun Safe Backup Entry Methods Are a Must

When it comes to electronics vs mechanical systems, there’s one thing that always holds true.

Mechanical systems are more reliable.

Not saying that these fingerprint gun safes don’t work, but what do you do if they don’t? A failed-shut biometric safe not only prevents others from accessing your weapons but you as well.

That’s why it’s super important that your biometric gun safe has a manual backup for opening such as a push button code, electronic PIN, or manual key.

DO NOT PURCHASE A BIOMETRIC GUN SAFE THAT DOESN’T HAVE A MANUAL BACKUP!

How Does the Fingerprint Scanner Work?

If anything is really going to fail on these systems, it’s the biometric fingerprint scanner itself. So how do they work?

Biometric fingerprint scanners have a few responsibilities. When you first scan your finger, the scanner takes a visual input of the different peaks and valleys of your fingerprint. Every single fingerprint is completely unique. Your fingerprints will be different than everybody else’s and even your own other fingers.

Once the scanner has developed this topographical map of your fingers, it converts this image into a series of numbers. This series is then stored within the electronic memory of the scanner to allow operation of the lock. If that same string of number is inputted back in the system (i.e. it scans your finger again), the lock mechanism is actuated and unlocked.

Pretty simple, right? Well, it is in theory anyway. But there are a huge number of things that can happen that will affect the operation.

First, let’s start with dirty hands. Dirty hands can keep you locked out of your biometric safe. If some of your prints peaks and valleys are smudged with dirt, a different set of numbers could be produced–barring you out of your safe. A dirty scanner could do the same. Placing a finger down on a dirty surface could cause misreads and you stuck on the outside. Keep your fingerprint scanner clean with some appropriate cleaning solutions and cotton swabs to minimize biometric fingerprint fails.

Another reason your safe could fail is if you have in anyway changed your fingerprints. If you’ve burned, cut, or otherwise mangled your fingers and their prints… you may not have access into your vault. Even taking too long in the shower or pool could affect the operation of the scanner. Pruney fingers can provide different ridges, thus different numbers strings and denied access.

What Should a Buyer Think about When Purchasing?

When purchasing a biometric gun safe, there are a number of criteria you need to consider in order to make the right decision.

The Intended Purpose – Before you pickup the first biometric gun safe you see, figure out exactly what you need one for and why. If you’re looking for a bedside pistol safe for home security, make sure you determine what’s important for that. You’ll probably want an interior light, silent operation, and a size that fits your home protection weapon.

Size and Weight – Do you plan on putting a gun safe in a single location? And never move it? For instance, take the Barska long gun cabinet above. It’s really freaking heavy. That’s why you’ll probably move it somewhere and have it mounted. But what if you want something that you’re going to move place to place? Maybe underneath your bed or a top shelf in a closet. Keep this in mind and don’t get something too big for what you’re going to use it for.

Price – The best biometric safes can get expensive. But here’s the thing… You don’t need to pay for things you can’t and won’t use. For example, our top pick (Vaultek Pro MXi) is amazing. I love the Wifi and app concept that I can access from my cell phone. But if your cellphone is still T9 Texting… you’ll have zero use for a smart safe. So instead, opt for a cheaper option better suited to your needs.

Capacity – How many guns do you plan on storing in a single safe? If you only have a single pistol, I recommend choosing a smaller single capacity gun safe. This way you can move the safe around as you need to while providing secure housing and quick access for your firearm.

Power Considerations – Biometric gun safes require electricity to operate properly. After all, what’s an electronic scanner with power? The answer is useless. Many of the gun safes you will find out there will run on some form of battery. This is actually a gripe of mine–particularly for gun safes that will be mounted in a stationary position. There are a few though that have AC Adapter accessories and capabilities.

Cleaning – Ideally you want to make sure you keep the fingerprint scanner as uncompromized as possible to ensure it opens every time. Every fingerprint gun safe should come with its own set of instructions in how to maintain cleanliness.

What next?

Now that you’ve chosen your biometric gun safe you may need a gun safe dehumidifier. Check out our article on the 7 best gun safe dehumidifiers to help you make the best decision for you. Keep those guns and ammo safe and in working order!

If you’d like to learn more about gun storage and some helpful tips and ticks from the industry, then be sure to check this out.