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Safes remain a classic, dependable way to keep valuables secure, while smart versions add multiple extra features. Don't worry -- smart features don't make safes less secure, they give you more options for control, management and tampering alerts while maintaining that traditional safe integrity. I, along with other experts at CNET, have spent hours testing (and breaking into) a dozen smart safes to determine which is the most reliable and lockpick-resistant.
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- Best Smart Home Safes for 2025: We Cracked the Code
- What is the best smart home safe overall?
- Best home safes
- Best all-around home safe
- Best small home safe
- Best fireproof home safe
- Best cheap home safe
- Best home safe for jewelry
- Best fingerprint home safe
- Smart home safe comparison chart
- Other smart home safes we tested
- Factors to consider when buying a smart home safe
- How we test
- Can home safes be hacked?
- What we updated
What is the best smart home safe overall?
Yale's safe is very smart home compatible, but it's not the only one we like.
YaleMy top pick is the Yale Smart Safe with Wi-Fi, Yale is a highly dependable security brand, and I found its safe to be one of the best combinations of safety for your valuables, plus an array of useful smart features, including compatibility with Apple Watches and voice assistant.
I also picked several other options, from small office safes to larger more traditional fireproof models for the whole home, depending on what you're looking for. Take a look at my full guide to learn even more about these home safe options.
Best home safes
Pros
- Great smart features, including voice asistants controls with Alexa and Google
- Anti-saw bolts
- Tamper lockouts and notifications
- Apple Watch compatibility
- Access management and alerts on the app
Cons
- Not fireproof or waterproof
Why I like it:
Yale’s smart safe is an excellent combination of smart technology and safety. In addition to the keypad, you can control access with the Yale app (if you want to connect it to your Wi-Fi network), or even set up compatibility with your Apple Watch. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, which can share information about its status.
That status part is more important than it may seem. Yale’s safe uses “anti-saw” bolts that resist any easy break-ins and it can let owners know via app if it looks like someone is tampering with the safe, automatically locking it down just in case. There’s also a backup battery in case you forget to replace the primary batteries (it happens to us all). The only downside is that, unfortunately, Yale’s safe isn’t waterproof or fireproof.
Who is this for:
Users who want plenty of smarts in their home safe, Apple Watch users people who don't mind connecting a safe to Wi-Fi.
Who shouldn't buy it:
Buyers who want a big safe that resists floods and fires, people worried about their router connecting to their safe (although there's not much danger in this case).
Pros
- Compact and super smart with app controls for access notifications, tampering and more
- Durable and very resistant to forced break-ins
- Great biometrics and access control choices
- Protected, well-designed interior
Cons
- A little small for a home safe
- Expensive compared to other safes of its size at well over $300
Why I like it:
This Lockly safe is on the smaller side at 0.096 cubic feet, but that’s still plenty of room for very important items that deserve protection in your office, bedroom or similar spots. It’s made from corrosion-resistant alloy steel with fireproof interior inlays, and it includes a particularly speedy fingerprint scanner as well as a keypad and pick-resistant lock.
I found the safe a bit complicated to set up with the app and fingerprint/code settings, but the result was more than worth it. From the rotating keypad to the instant-activation biometrics, the safe is super easy to use and receive alerts from on your phone. It even includes mounting options in case you're worried about someone picking it up and taking it away. But if they do, they'll still have a hard time breaking in. Locky's side panels were slightly flimsy, but the keypad, lid and core of the safe resisted all my efforts to break in. Thieves would need a professional safe drill or saw to get into this one.
Who is this for:
Buyers who want to protect documents, checks, passports, jewelry and even a weapon or two in one compact, very responsive safe.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People who want lots of size for bigger objects, buyers who don't want to spend over $300 on a home safe.
Pros
- Very durable
- Large capacity at 1.23 cubic feet
- Fireproof at 1,700 degrees
- Waterproof
Cons
- Lacking in high-tech features like app alerts or biometrics
- Heavy at over 85 pounds, hard to move by yourself
Why I like it:
If you want a large home safe that’s ready for anything, SentrySafe is the brand to start with. I'm particularly impressed with this model, which is ready for floods and fires and is ideal for all your most important documents and belongings. It's large sturdy, and trying to break into it by hand proved laughable -- thieves aren't going to be hauling it along with them, either.
Though the safe doesn’t have as many smart features as some of our other picks, the backlit keypad is a very nice addition. Note that it also has a useful secondary locked drawer on the inside, pry-resistant hinges and a sturdy four-bolt locking mechanism to resist all attempts at breaking in. Just keep in mind that you'll have to replace the batteries from time to time.
Who is this for:
Those looking for a large, extra-durable safe that can store a variety of precious objects.
Who shouldn't buy it:
Buyers who want more smarts on their safe, people who don't have a lot of closet or garage space for a big safe.
Pros
- Great grab-and-go safe
- Fireproof
- Waterproof
- Very affordable at $100 or less
Cons
- No smart features
- Portable design isn't what everyone wants if they're worried about theft
Why I like it:
Honeywell’s portable safe is one of the most affordable options and includes fireproofing and waterproofing, features that are difficult to find on safes designed to be transported. This safe doesn't have many smart features, not even a keypad, but as an inexpensive grab-and-go safe for emergencies -- I’ve seen it discounted to below $100 -- it can’t be beat.
Who is this for:
Buyers looking for a safe for $100 or less for small items, especially if they plan on transporting it.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People worried about someone carrying their safe away, users who want more room.
Pros
- Great design
- Plenty of app and access options including keypad and fingerprint
- Easy USB recharging
- App features include tampering notices and access control
Cons
- Expensive
- No voice assistant connections despite other smart features
Why I like it:
Motorola’s smooth safe certainly gets style points, but we’re more interested in the high-quality smart features, powered by a rechargeable battery (via USB) and offering fingerprint, keypad or app access options. The app can provide alerts on tampering, and access logs, but it doesn’t connect with any other smart home platforms. This larger home safe also comes with mounting options for additional security. Motorola has similar safes in a number of sizes, like the much more affordable Flex safe at $180, if you'd like similar features but want to save money. I like this one for its versatile spot in a walk-in closet or bedroom.
Who is this for:
People looking for a stylish, larger safe to protect valuables like jewelry and more in their closet, bedroom or similar private spot, buyers who like the idea of incorporating a few interesting smart features in their safe.
Who shouldn't buy it:
Users who don't want any app management at all, buyers who prefer to save money by ditching extra features.
Pros
- Great biometrics with TouchChip sensor and up to 40 fingerprints
- Battery monitoring
- Tamper alerts with timestamps
- Adjustable LED lighting
Cons
- Not fireproof or waterproof
- Fingerprints only for this safe
Why I like it:
Verifi’s home safe focuses on fingerprint access, for people who prefer to rely on biometrics rather than codes that could be shared or (carelessly) written down. The extra-large fingerprint scanner is backed by auto-lock features, tamper warnings and self-diagnostics. We also like the battery readout, which shows you when power is running low. However, it’s too bad there’s no fireproof rating for this safe.
Who is this for:
Buyers who want the full fingerprint-reading service on a mid-sized home safe.
Who shouldn't buy it:
People looking for fireproof safes, buyers who like an array of access methods instead of a focus on fingerprints.
Smart home safe comparison chart
| $300 | $360 | $286 | $128 | $350 | $320 |
| 0.73 cubic feet | 0.096 cubic feet | 1.23 cubic feet | 0.39 cubic feet | 0.44 cubic feet | 0.52 cubic feet |
| Keypad, keys, app | Fingerprint, keypad, keys, app | Keypad, keys | Keys | Fingerprint, keypad, app, keys | Fingerprint, keys |
| No | Fireproof inlays | 1,700 degrees for one hour | 1,700 degrees for one hour | No | No |
| Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Viking's Mini safe.
Viking/CNETMycube: Mycube is a serviceable home safe and we like it, but it doesn’t really do anything different from other keypad home safes. A "designer finish" isn’t a great selling point when your home valuables are at stake.
Amazon Basics home security safe: The lowest price in the world couldn't redeem the flimsy front door panel on this safe. We like the idea of a cheap home safe, but in practice it still needs to stand up to break-in tests.
Viking security safe VS-20BLX Mini: Viking's durable mini safe is a strong contender but a little too small. However, we're keeping an eye on Viking, and it makes what could be one of your best options for a durable wall safe with handy biometrics included.
SentrySafe SF123ES: We ultimately chose a model that was both fireproof and waterproof rather than this safe, which only protects against fire. However, skipping the waterproof option could help you save money on this standard home safe. Quality is high, but you won't get any extra smart features here.
Always think about the size of the safe you need before buying.
YaleSafe size and capacity
Always start with how much space you want inside your safe (aka capacity) and how much room you have in your home for a safe (shelf, closet, stairwell and so on). As an easy starting place, think about what you’ll be keeping inside your safe.
When you're considering size, factor in weight as well. Many average-size safes are heavy (easily over 50 pounds) and you'll probably need at least two people to move them around comfortably. If you plan on using a safe on a shelf, try an option like my Motorola pick, which is below 20 pounds when empty.
Biometrics
Would you prefer to unlock your safe with a finger or thumb? Then make sure you find a safe with fingerprint scanning technology. Otherwise, keypads are a common feature on home safes, and they all have backup keys to use.
Anti-tampering
App-connected home safes can send you alerts about tampering, such as someone entering numerous wrong codes, and they can lock down and wait for you to deal with the problem directly. Along with access history, this is a very informative feature to have.
Blows to the safe did loosen one of the hard plastic sides, but did not compromise the Lockly safe.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETFireproofing and waterproofing
A fireproof safe can withstand high heat for an hour or so while protecting materials inside, and is ideal for house fires. Waterproofing is important if pipes burst or a flood comes your way (and the safe is placed on the ground).
Durable, saw-resistant bolts
The best home safes have multiple durable bolts that can resist attempts to saw through them.
Installation and mounting
You might want a safe to be portable, like if you need to take it on business trips. But you might not, to prevent a burglar from walking off with it. In that latter case, look for a safe that has a mounting kit so you can screw it directly to a floor or wall.
Smart home compatibility
We wouldn’t call this a priority for a safe, but if you want yours connected to a home security platform, look for the proper support, like our Yale pick has. It can be useful to get tampering alerts or set fingerprints using an app, especially if you're worried about someone messing with the safe while you're away.
Aqara's little vibration sensor can detect glass breaking, tampering, unexpected movement of objects and more.
Tyler Lacoma/CNETTesting a home safe is similar to other smart home products, but with a couple of important additions. Here are the steps we take we finally lug a model inside and open it up.
Setup and installation
First we dive into how easy it is to set up an account for the safe, program in our own passwords and fingerprints, and shift or lift the safe into the right position (for most home safes, we suggest you get some help for this part). Safe instructions and setup should be straightforward and speedy, even when an app is involved -- these aren't especially complicated smart home devices.
Installation is also more about more than just finding the right place on the floor or shelf. We also like seeing home safes that have attachment options for walls or floors so they can't be lifted up and carted away.
Durability and protection
Is the safe easy to grapple with? Is the design of the keypad and biometrics compact and easy to use? This is the time where we study the overall design the safe and how well it functions from a practical perspective. That include include everything from how the door swings to how smoothly the bolts unlock -- and if there's any noticeably cheap parts.
The unlock logs from part of my tests, showing in Lockly's app.
CNET/Tyler LacomaApp controls and smart features
If the safe uses an app for any of its functions, we bring out our phones and tablets and run through the settings to see how the app works and if it's intuitive. That can include testing Bluetooth connections and remote controls or fingerprint management, as well as how accurate tampering notifications are. If we keep a safe around long enough, we may even be able to test battery warnings.
Access methods and ease-of-use
We run through access options like fingerprint sensors and keypads, testing how well they work, how easy they are to use in the dark, and if the safe provides alerts and lockdowns if someone keeps trying the wrong code or thumbprint.
Blows to the safe did loosen one of the hard plastic sides, but did not compromise the safe.
CNET/Tyler LacomaResistance to damage and break-in attempts
We also take time to see how safes withstand attack. We beat them, bash them and try safecracking efforts with crowbars, hammers, screwdrivers and other tools to make sure the safes really do stay protected. Safes better not show signs of compromise, lids that seem like they could be pried off or have pieces that snap off under bludgeoning.
Lockly's app can lock and unlock, but you don't have to use Wi-Fi if you don't want to.
LocklyHome Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hacking, especially with bad passwords, but such attacks are very, very uncommon. Encryption, plus login requirements like two-factor authentication, make it even less likely that someone could control your smart safe from afar. Frankly, I'm not worried about it -- the worthwhile smart safe brands consider this danger and are generally good at putting in safety walls. Add strong account passwords, and you should be fine.
However, if it's a concern for you, there are a number of workarounds. You can use many smart safes via Bluetooth only, or manually shut down the safe’s Wi-Fi connection until you absolutely need it. Or you could pick a safe from our list that doesn’t use wireless connections.
Fingerprint safes like Verifi's can be a handy home upgrade.
VerifiSpring 2025: Replaced the Verifi Smart.Safe S5000 with the latest S6000 version.
It’s a great benefit. House fires are surprisingly common, and one of the most valuable things a safe can do is protect important documents from the heat (deeds, title papers, birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, and more). However, it’s not an absolute requirement if you aren’t especially worried about house fires and there’s not a high danger of wildfires in your region.
Yes. House burglars are almost entirely opportunists. They don’t come armed with lock-picking kits. If a safe can resist a few blows from a hammer, they’re likely to give up. If a safe can be picked up and taken away, they'll often try to take it to someone who may be able to break in, which is why it's a good idea to mount many home safes.
That depends on how easily you need to access it, which can vary based on the purpose of the safe. Generally, a closet is the best combination of safety, privacy and access for a safe, or an office cabinet for smaller safes. Try to avoid putting a safe in the main bedroom, because that’s usually where burglars look first on their way to grab jewelry, etc.
They're very similar -- you don't sacrifice physical security with a smart safe. But they tend to add more access options, like fingerprints. They also provide additional, remote alerts like tampering alerts or low battery reminders. That's why I think they're a notable upgrade to the classic home safe.
For small valuables, you don't need much room. A fraction of a cubic foot will do. A safe that offers half a cubic foot to a third of a cubic foot of interior space can hold all kinds of smaller valuables. And even smaller safes are fine if you're primarily storing certain jewelry, documents and photos.
