Best Pistol Safes In 2026: Biometric & Keypad Bedside Models
- Dave McGillivray
- Mar 5
- 19 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you're looking for a small fingerprint gun safe that's both sturdy and affordable, here's my personal ranking of the best options.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
In addition to my own research, I included feedback from colleagues who tested these products in a variety of real-world situations.
1. VAULTEK Smart Station - Best Smart Nightstand Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Fingerprint scanner comes with an LED backlight.
PURCHASE REASONING:
I’ll be honest, I was a little unsure about spending the big dollars on this safe, it was a little out of my budget, but I knew that I needed a small gun safe for my bedroom, and I wanted it to come from a company that had high quality and good reputations. After all, a gun safe is an important thing to have to keep your weapons safe, so I obviously want something I feel secure about.
FUNCTIONALITY:
This tabletop steel construction is fantastic. The safe will replace most of the stuff many of us have on the bedside table. It will not replace the glass of water, and that's about it. It looks like an alarm clock on the bedside table (or dresser). It works with a drawer-style opening, so when I use my fingerprint to activate the lock, the drawer will spring open, and I can reach in and pull out whatever I put in there. It's also a fully functional alarm clock, and a wireless charging station for my phone. If I had a smartwatch or was smart enough to use a smartwatch, I could plug it into a built-in USB port to take care of that while I sleep. On top of that, it also keeps a handgun safely stored in easy access right next to the bed or on a desktop if I take this to work.
STORAGE:
It's spacious enough to hold most handguns. For example, it can easily accommodate two Glocks or a Sig with Holosun optics and two seventeen round magazines, with room to spare.
CUSTOMIZATION:
The safe allows me to leave the button push noises on to keep track of what I am doing, or it will run in silent mode if I feel like I should be set up to work in stealth ninja mode. Along with the noise or no noise settings, the interior lights can come on when the drawer opens, or it can be set to stay off. This works like my car in that I can open the door and have the dome light come on or not.
TRAVEL USE:
I wanted to take this safe with me when I traveled. That way, I could lock up the pistol while sleeping or keep it tucked away if I have business people in the space. Half the places I travel to do not allow guns on site, so I have to leave them in the room, and that bothers the hell out of me. Even in rooms with a safe, I don't trust the safe provided for me over the one I bring along, and I am the only one who knows the combo, or better yet, I only have the key or code. Also, this safe is heavy, so if you plan to travel with it, put it in your checked baggage.
Get it from Amazon now: $559.99 & FREE Returns
2. RPNB Slide-Away - Best Hidden Bedside Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Made of sturdy steel.
PURCHASE REASONING:
I was looking for a gun safe that could be hidden next to my bed, offering safety and easy access. I chose this drop-down option because it was advertised as having a passcode and a fingerprint option, and also because it opens in a second (so I can just hop right into that ready to pull and shoot position). When I read some reviews about it, I liked that there's also a manual key lock, that the heavy metal case prevents forced opening, and that there's enough space for one pistol and an extra magazine. After some use, I decided to give my hands-on review on it.
INSTALLATION:
When I got it, I thought about using this at my desk, but the cheap wood the desk is made of may not support the safe. Yes, there are pre-drilled holes in this one - so the installation is a breeze - you just need to find something stable to drill it to. I think about the fourth time the chair is pushed in and bashes the safe, and the mount will rip the screws out of the particle board. So I went with my initial intention and used it for my bedside.
PERFORMANCE:
After using it for a few months, I can honestly say that it is indeed a high quality, well-crafted safe, and that it works superbly. The drawer opens smoothly every time. However, it’s pretty loud when you open it, which is kind of annoying, but I guess at the point you’re opening it, it won’t really matter if a burglar hears it. Lastly, the rubber feet coming loose when it’s super hot out. I guess the heat loosens and expands it, but they reattach easily.
BIOMETRICS:
The fingerprint reader is surprisingly accurate, even when set up with different angles. Remember that registering fingerprints at different angles is necessary if you're not consistent with your fingerprint placement.
FIT:
The "holster" does not have a problem fitting the wide slides for double stackers. When I tried to put my 1911 with a giant rail mount flashlight, it did seem to complain a bit, so maybe think about the setup of your gun.
VEHICLE USE:
I loved it so much, I bought a second one to mount on the back of the seat in my pickup. I can keep the pistol in the truck and hide it from prying eyeballs. I tried to find a place to put this safe near the driver's seat, but I can't find one in my setup. Unless I bolted this to the dashboard, I may think about that option, but the King Ranch leather keeps me from doing so. I cannot get myself to drill a hole in that. The safe is now mounted to the back of the rear seat, and when I input the code, it will pop open the drawer, and the gun is ready to draw, like a holster. I can keep my Glock 17 in this safe with a laser sight on the rail. I think this safe will fit most double-stacker guns on the market.
Get it from Amazon now: $129.00 & FREE Returns
3. BILLCONCH - Best Gun Safe for Camping
HIGHLIGHT:
Biometric chips with Bluetooth capability, makes this top of the line and ideal for cash, passports, pistols, all your valuables.
HOUSEHOLD SAFETY:
My household is bustling with kids, cats, and a not so bright dog–sorry Bo! We are shooters and hunters here, so we keep guns in the house. While it's easy to find a large gun safe for rifles, I wanted quick access to a pistol by the bedside, just in case, while also not having to worry about the safety of my animal. This safe is the ideal compromise for all of the things.
EXTRA PROTECTION:
This is the only safe I reviewed with a fireproof document bag in such a small safe. I have looked at other more significant household safes, and they have the document bag, but this is the only one with a tiny desktop safe. I see this as a perfect place to keep my passport and other papers safe from fire if I have them with me, like when traveling.
DESIGN:
This safe is small and has no frills. It works like others with a pop-up top and a five-digit code pad. It has 2 durable latches to lock it instead of one. And the USB-A plug on the front allows for recharging the included battery, which can also be replaced for more longevity. Also, the steel is thicker than other competitors, which is a nice perk.
BACKUP KEY LIMITATIONS:
The backup key is on the front of the safe, so if this is used as a drawer-mounted safe, to use the key, it has to be removed. The hang-up with needing to remove the safe to use the key is if it is screwed to the drawer, it can't be accessed, and the screws will need to be pried out and ruin the dresser.
BIOMETRIC ACCESS:
The biometric fingerprint reader opens the safe almost instantly, and you can store multiple fingerprints. The app monitors the individual fingerprints that open the safe and mark the time it opens, which is a plus in a multi-person household. We tested it with our older children's fingerprints, and there were no false positives, so I’d call that a success.
STORAGE:
This simple safe will hold a full-size pistol, one extra magazine, and the pre-paid phone, and have room to stash a wallet on top of all the rest, so everything they may need can be stored in one spot, locked away, and if required they can carry the whole box to the truck to go somewhere else.
RV STORAGE USE:
We got a second one, which is headed to my daughter's RV to hold the pistol when they travel and camp and keep it out of the hands and fingers of folks who should not touch it. They will also keep all the essential papers in a fireproof envelope. This will allow them to own a small stash of cash in the camper in case of emergencies and a pre-paid cell phone if they lose or destroy it when fishing. All the time, they can carry around a loaded gun and extra ammo, and no one is the wiser because it is all concealed in a metal box. It fits easily in a large center console or the truck, so it never needs to get exposed to kids or others who don't need to know it is there. The allowed crew can all have their prints in the biometric. That way, a code can't be shared or overlooked. And no dogs can bump into it and actually set off a weapon.
Get it from Amazon now: $89.98 & FREE Returns
4. Hornady RAPiD Night Guard - Best RFID Bedside Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Constructed from fourteen-gauge steel.
SETUP & INSTALLATION:
It was pretty heavy, so I could immediately tell it was really sturdy. The drawer spring is strong, which I like, so it pops open easily, though it can shift the unit if not mounted securely. I used the mounting holes to secure it to my nightstand. Set up was so easy, but you will need three triple A batteries. Setting the time is super simple as well. However, there was no template for mounting, which was a time-waster. Drilling pilot holes and screwing from inside the unit was challenging due to limited space. I just wanted to anchor it so it didn't move every time I used it. The security cable is really nice for securing the unit to a bed frame, but it's not long enough. I found it a little odd that the instructions repeatedly say not to store a loaded firearm in it. Isn’t that the point of it?
ACCESS METHODS:
There are like five ways to access it, which is cool, and I found no issue activating all of the different ways. It’s a security aspect that I really appreciate about the product. One thing to point here, although programming the RFID keys was easy, it didn't come with the advertised rubber wristband. It included a rubber sleeve for your watch band, two stick-on hard chips, and a teardrop shaped tag for your key ring, totaling four RFID keys. I also love that it comes with a key fob and a regular key. The combo was kind of confusing to set, but once I figured it out, it was no biggie.
STORAGE:
It fits my compact weapons, like my 9 and 22, pretty easily, and also had room for the magazines, so that was nice.
CLOCK:
I love how the clock is just like an alarm clock and looks like an electronic device, which is really cool. I don’t really like how bright the clock numbers are, though. It’s a red light that I can see with my eyes closed, that’s how bright it is, so I’ll be trying to figure out how to dim that. Also, it looks like a clock radio but doesn't function as one - but I guess I'm being too fastidious here. On the flip side, a lot of people who saw this, didn’t even know the clock was actually a safe for my guns - so that was cool!
Get it from Amazon now: $216.95 & FREE Returns
5. VAULTEK Slider - Best Vertical Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Max firearm that can fit is just under nine inches, but also comes with room for spare mag.
BUILD & FEATURES:
The steel construction is rugged and exactly what I was looking for. The keypad lights up when your hand is near, making it easy to read in the dark, which is helpful considering I’m practically blind without my glasses. The drawer slides open completely (with the correct code or fingerprint), and the LED light is super convenient at night. It uses a standard Lithium Ion battery, meaning there’s no issue with replacing it.
BIOMETRICS & APP:
The biometric sensor on the Slider is accurate and responsive. The larger sensor detects fingerprints at any angle, and adding the same fingers multiple times increases readability. The app and web dashboards are pretty slick, and I have no issues with how it works. You even get notifications about the safe's status and fingerprint management.
WI-FI FEATURES:
This safe uses a Wi-Fi connection to my phone that will allow me to activate or deactivate other members of staff who may need to get into it in an emergency. The app will also keep a log of entries and locks and attempted and failed entries. But it can't open the safe remotely because it’s a security concern, which is probably for the best and actually something I like. I love the idea of the Wi-Fi more than the actual thing.
INSTALLATION:
I put this drop-down pistol case in the upright position. What I mean by upright is that the pistol drawer literally drops, and the grip sits vertically. With the foam design on this safe, the pistol will not get jarred around and fall out of the holder when it drops, and it is pretty dang cool to watch it happen. The pistol is held in place by medium-density foam. This keeps a tight fit on the slide and dust cover of any gun I placed while testing my theory or operation. When the drawer is closed, the foam is cut to hold a spare magazine under the trigger guard. This makes it so my super handy Glock 19 custom with 16 in the magazine and a spare magazine is ready to go with just my fingerprint. By mounting the safe in this fashion, the drawer does not depend on springs, little hydraulic rams, or something like that to open; it uses the good 'ol standby of gravity. All I have to do is make sure the area under the safe is clear so the drawer can fall open, then reach my hand in and get the gun. I then use my left hand to grab the spare magazine, place it in my pocket, and come to the pistol with both hands.
SIZE FEEDBACK:
My neighbor has the exact same slider safe and he says it's a tight fit. However, he says it still manages to hold a full-size tactical weapon with a magazine, despite its height being just under six inches. It will definitely fit most handguns.
SOUND:
To be honest, I don't recall if the sound can be turned off on this safe or not. I ordered another one and mounted in the supply closet in my office, and I want to hear the beeps. If someone is playing around with stuff, they should not be when I am at the lunch table or getting some coffee.
Get it from Amazon now: $359.99 & FREE Returns
6. RPNB Mini - Best Small Fingerprint Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Biometric scanner of fingerprints allows access in less than a second, and size makes it great for storing in cars.
UPGRADE REASONS:
I was needing a replacement safe and had a handful of things I wanted to get to make sure it checked off everything in my life. I didn’t like how my last safe was limited to only two fingerprints, and that the door release had to be fully lifted to get my weapon–and that the piston wore down so the door stopped springing open. I knew I wanted my new safe to have a better biometric scanner, too.
QUALITY:
The scanner reminds me of the strength of an iPhone fingerprint scanner, although I do recommend making sure you’re moving your finger around to get that scan from every different angle. The spring is solid, and I can add more fingerprints than just two.
SETTINGS:
I saw some negative reviews that I quickly debunked: There is a silence button that allows me to shut off the beeps when scanning my finger to access the safe, despite what others said. I also saw some people complaining that anyone can use their fingerprint to get in. Potentially, if you’re only using the default it comes with. But once I programmed my finger in there, none of my friends were able to access it.
STORAGE:
I can fit a Glock plus an extra clip, and even an off duty revolver. Despite some reviews saying it only fits one gun, I managed to fit two with extra room to spare.
UPGRADED VERSION:
Note that the newer version of this safe (which is the one they're sending out nowadays) is quite upgraded. It looks a little cooler and has better foam. I know because I ordered a second one. However, even this upgraded version has a negative: the padding inside could be improved and thickened up.
Get it from Amazon now: $63.99 & FREE Returns
7. ONNAIS - Best Gun Safe for Multiple Users
HIGHLIGHT:
Ideal for multiple users as it stores up to 30 fingerprints.
IDEAL USES:
This safe is small and thin. It's ideal for bedside or nightstand use, or even a work desk drawer. It comes with a security tether made of cabling covered in rubber or flexible plastic, which wraps around the bed frame and secures to the safe body. I use it to keep it safe from someone picking it up and walking away.
DESIGN:
The safe opens from the top, so I can reach into the box and get whatever I need for whatever. The lid is super secure and comes with a hook and latching mechanism. The lock works great, but it makes some beeping noise when I push it, and I can't turn off the noises. When the lid opens, the little blue LED light bulb puts out some light, but not much. I can never read anything, but I can recognize items.
ACCESS METHODS:
At first, I liked to use the key and tumbler lock over the electronics. I am just that age. Then I put one of these in my desk drawer, and I finally got into the modern game and used the combo buttons. The buttons are large and easy to find with my fingertips without looking. The fingerprint reader sits right in the center of the code buttons. Again, it's easy to find without looking. Setting the electronic code is very simple, and the quick setup guide is easy to read and understand. The biometric lock is equally straightforward, allowing multiple fingerprints to be registered. This feature ensures only authorized users can access the safe. The key lock offers a reliable alternative, which is a plus. So, all security features work like a champ, and I realized I had nothing to fear. I just had to get over myself.
INTERIOR:
The safe's interior is thinly padded with open-cell foam. In humid areas, I’d recommend you use a desiccant packet to protect your pistol.
WEIGHT & BUILD:
The safe is lightweight, weighing about two pounds, and easy to move around. However, the weight reduction compromises steel thickness for protection. A determined thief could break in and rip it off. But this safe is really more about keeping unauthorized hands off dangerous items. Personally, I wanted something I can just move around, so I liked it because it wasn't too heavy. And I can turn in all the EDC stuff from my pockets if I need to, and when I travel, all that goes in the safe.
CAPACITY:
The safe has a fair amount of room, especially with the top opening lid. It can fit a full-size pistol, with some room left over for additional items. I can fit a full-size 1911. Now, although it fits a full-size gun, it's tight and will not be accessible in a hurry.
GIFT USE:
I bought about ten more as gifts. What better thing to gift to a gun owner than safety? And if someone in my world was not a gun owner, everyone has a wallet that needs to be locked away, especially when wallets are put in lockers at work.
Get it from Amazon now: $62.99 & FREE Returns
8. Awesafe - Best Quick Access Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Fits two handguns with ease.
OLD SAFE ISSUES:
My old safe was really finicky with the fingerprint log in, and I found that if you had a little dust on your fingers, or if you didn’t align it perfectly, it wouldn’t open for you. I hated that. I knew I wanted something that actually got the job done and that I wouldn’t have to worry about it not working fifty percent of the time. Also, I knew I wanted a mini safe, and one that had solid keyless entry, along with a PIN and regular key access. That’s ultimately why I went with this safe.
BUILD & STABILITY:
The safe was pretty heavy, so I could immediately tell it was really good quality, and I just love how it looks - rugged, yet modern. It came with two large screws for securing it to a surface, but I kept it portable on my nightstand, and it doesn't shift when the lid pops open.
CUSTOMER SERVICE:
I had some questions about locking and unlocking, and I have to say that the service from Awesafe was excellent. I did not expect support guys to be that kind and attentive.
PROGRAMMING:
I was initially concerned about the biometric release failures reported in some of the reviews, but I haven't experienced any issues. Programming was really easy, and the instructions were clear and not confusing. If you read them, you'll find that the safe opens with any fingerprint until you set your own. Once set, the sensor's reliability can potentially be influenced by your finger position, dirt, calluses, or dry skin. However, it makes up for the sensitivity, because you can set thirty (yeah you read that right) fingerprints to ensure reliable access under various conditions. You better believe I tested it with dirty and wet fingers to make sure it still worked correctly. It functioned exactly as I hoped. My wife also programmed her fingerprint, and it works for her every time, which is awesome. So now my better half is much more comfortable keeping a loaded gun in the house now.
DESIGN:
The unit is heavy, with thick metal sides. The lid pops open with a slightly dampened gas strut, taking another second to open fully. The inside has a foam lining on the bottom and sides, while the lid is bare metal. It can fit a full-size Beretta plus three magazines easily. It’s everything I wanted at an affordable price, and the lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt.
Get it from Amazon now: $75.99 & FREE Returns
9. HOLEWOR - Best Gun Safe with Humidity Monitor
HIGHLIGHT:
Display shows temperature, time, and humidity.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
I wanted a safe for a subcompact pistol so I could make sure my kids wouldn’t access it. I got this one, and my first impressions were quite positive. This safe is on the hefty side. It's thick metal, which is reassuring to know that there’s no way for just anyone to break into it. Also, there are three entry modes: fingerprint, code, and key. I can rest assured knowing that my kids can’t get in.
SETUP:
In under five minutes, I managed to set a new code, put in my prints, and silenced the safe - all without looking at the instruction manual. It was that easy.
SOUND:
You can silence your safe by holding down the number one for a few seconds. Although, keep in mind that you can still hear a mechanical release when the locking mechanism opens, mainly when you’re using the fingerprint scanner or the keycode. I found that the manual key entry has a click from the spring load that’s released. I’d say that for the most part, these sounds are normal and to be expected with most gun safes.
KEY ACCESS:
The physical key is solid, slides inside with no issue, and is definitely the quietest method of entry. I will say that I plan to hide these keys, if not keep them on me at all times, just to add extra assurance that no one can break into the safe.
CODE SETUP:
I had no issue setting up the code, and if you use a shorter four digit one, you’ll know when someone tries to enter it incorrectly. I will say that having a longer code, up to eight digits, may give extra assurance, but it may also take you longer to enter the code if you need to do it in a hurry.
FINGERPRINT SETUP:
I did all ten of my prints super quickly, and I only did one per finger. I’ve found that it hasn’t failed once, although I think in the future I will make sure I’m registering one finger from multiple angles, instead of doing individual fingers once, if that makes sense. A personal preference if you ask me, but even just registering my finger from one angle, it still opened it, which is awesome. I tested unregistered fingerprints and it stayed locked, so that’s a nice extra reassurance as well. Another thing, the instructions claim the fingerprint reader will work with dirty hands, wet hands, or any other challenges. I tried to dip my finger in some coffee with creamer and open the lock, and it worked perfectly. I did not go out to the yard and get my hands in the mud as a final check; maybe I should have; everything I tried on this safe works just like the owner's manual claims. I will use this little safe to hold cash in the drawer in my closet.
BATTERY:
I can’t speak to the long term battery life, mainly because I just got this thing, but even with the cheaper batteries I put in, it’s still working really well. I haven’t had any issues, but I do plan to monitor the battery life to make sure it’s working the way it should. That being said, I’m happy I have the physical key just in case.
STORAGE CAPACITY:
I had no issue fitting my two pistols inside, along with an extra mag each, and my holster. I think it’s large enough that you could fit regular sized pistols inside. There’s foam on the sides and on the bottom to protect your pistols and you can also remove it if you’d prefer that.
ALTERNATIVE USE:
I may get one from my Dad's apartment at the assisted living home to keep his meds in between my sister filling up the pill boxes. This will keep all his meds safe and where they belong. Come to think of it, I will put the cash in another gun safe and take this box to him as soon as I hit send and publish this article.
Get it from Amazon now: $58.99 & FREE Returns
10. AINIRO - Best Budget Biometric Gun Safe
HIGHLIGHT:
Durable, anti-corrosive, steel construction.
PURCHASE REASONING:
I have several gun safes about this size and for many different purposes. For the car, for different rooms, for quick access points. I’ve also tried all the different brands on the market, including different price points, qualities, and features. This time, I was looking for something sturdy, durable, and affordable. This safe was cheap, and had three locking features (biometric, combination, and key options), so I bought it.
DESIGN & PORTABILITY:
This compact, top-opening gun safe will work best in a drawer, like a dresser drawer or a desk drawer. It's a really good option that can hold a gun, phone, keys, birth certificate, passport, other important documents, etc. What I really like is how the inside padding is pretty solid, and there’s a good amount of cable for securing the safe down. I will say that I think it’s the least bulletproof of all of my small safes, but it definitely is also the most convenient. It's surprisingly lightweight, which makes it a great portable option. I mean, the lightweight design makes it ideal to carry when traveling, so I can keep a pistol safe when I stay at hotels or even at an Airbnb.
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:
The safe comes with everything I need to get it ready to use. The battery comes with it, as well as a charging cable to keep everything tuned up and ready to go. They even include the screws to mount it to whatever I think needs this safe screwed to it, and a cable to secure this to my bed frame, so it would be harder to carry this away if a lousy guy feels the need to take my stuff when I am not home.
PROGRAMMING EASE:
Programming is super easy to figure out and the instructions were pretty clear. The lock operates by a mounted biometric or a code. The biometric reader is high quality, and I can unlock it with both clean and dirty fingers, which is something I really wanted to be able to do. The safe can open with a key in case the batteries go dead or something, and that is on the side or front of the safe. If I need to use the key, I must lift it out of the drawer to open the lock. Here is a great option that many small safes don't have: it can open via Bluetooth.
MINOR CON:
If you’re wanting something that offers some protection from burglars, I’d say that this will do the trick. It does come with some exposed cracks, unlike V-lines, but those cost about two to three times more and weigh a lot more, so keep that in mind.
Get it from Amazon now: $55.99 & FREE Returns
