45,000 reviews analyzed
Winner
YaleThe Yale YSEM/250/EG1 Maximum Security Home Safe is designed for home use, offering solid physical security with features like an anti-drill plate and laser-cut door to prevent tampering with tools. It uses an electronic keypad with pin code access, complemented by a lockdown feature that activates after three incorrect attempts, adding an extra layer of security. With a capacity of 18.6 litres and dimensions roughly 25 x 35 x 30 cm, it’s compact enough to fit in various spaces yet roomy enough for important documents and small valuables. The internal light helps you see contents clearly, which is a handy feature.
Weighing about 15.7 kg, it’s heavy enough to deter quick theft but still manageable to install, especially since pre-drilled holes allow for mounting on a wall or floor for added stability. It runs on four AA batteries (included), making it easy to power but requiring occasional battery replacement. The safe holds certifications for security, though it lacks explicit fireproof certification.
This Yale safe delivers strong security features and convenient usability, making it a suitable choice for safeguarding valuables from theft in a home environment. However, if fire protection is a primary concern, confirming its fire resistance or considering additional protective measures would be advisable.
SentrySafeThe SentrySafe Waterproof and Fireproof Alloy Steel Digital Safe Box is a solid choice for home users needing protection for important documents and valuables. It offers a one-hour fire resistance at 1700°F, which means it can keep your items safe through most household fires for a reasonable duration. It also has ETL verification for withstanding a 15-foot fall during a fire and can stay waterproof for 24 hours submerged up to 8 inches deep, making it reliable against floods or water damage.
The safe has a digital keypad lock combined with a secondary key for extra security, plus features like four live-locking bolts and a pry-resistant hinge that strengthen its defense against break-ins. With a capacity of 1.23 cubic feet, it provides enough room for documents, USB drives, DVDs, and other valuables without being too bulky. The interior is thoughtfully organized with a locking drawer and an interior light, enhancing usability.
Weighing about 86.7 pounds, it offers good protection but is less portable and heavier to move around. The safe requires a fair amount of door clearance (around 14.75 inches) to open fully, so placement needs to consider space. It has a solid alloy steel build and comes with bolt-down hardware, but the warranty is limited to one year, and batteries for the digital lock must be purchased separately. This model is well suited for homeowners looking for a dependable, medium-sized fireproof and waterproof safe with a digital lock, who don’t need to move it often. Its combination of fire and water protection certifications and practical features make it a trustworthy option for protecting irreplaceable items in a home environment.
Amazon BasicsThe Amazon Basics Steel Home Security Safe is a sturdy option for protecting valuables like documents, jewelry, and cash with its 43-liter capacity. It uses a programmable electronic keypad, which is user-friendly and secure, plus a backup key for emergencies. The safe is constructed from solid steel with an 8-gauge steel door and pry-resistant hinges, offering good physical protection. It weighs about 15 kg, making it stable but not very portable. Inside, there’s a shelf to help organize your items neatly. It also includes pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware, so you can fix it to a wall or floor for extra security.
This safe suits those wanting a reliable, well-built basic security safe with electronic access for home use. If fire resistance is a priority, you might need to consider other models that clearly offer that feature.