Do you know that yearly, over 2 million American homes are broken into? A home security system is a great way to deter burglars, but it’s not foolproof. That’s why the best bedside gun safe is a must-have for every gun owner.
We’ve reviewed over 30 models and selected the top 6 with Vaultek VE10 Essential being our Editor’s Choice. Moving on, we took some factors into account to aid our selection, some of which include dimensions and weight, which determine portability, and if it’s suitable for storing in your particular nightstand or drawer. We also considered the lock type, which directly influences its effectiveness. Most of our picks have biometric or keypad locks for maximum security.
Extra features: charges in 2.5 hours with the included micro-USB cable
The Vaultek VE10 Essential Handgun Safe is an embodiment of everything you want in a bedside gun safe. Apart from sporting an incredibly slim design, this safe is also extremely functional, coming with a lot of high-end features to make everything easier for you. Speaking about some outstanding specifications, the Vaultek VE10 Essential Handgun Safe comes with a unique LED light, which allows you to easily see the internal part of the safe at night.
As if that wasn’t enough, the safe is also outfitted with a proximity sensor, which helps users to be able to access the keyboard regardless of the lighting condition. While all this sounds really exciting, we assure you that there are even more exciting things to come. In terms of construction, you can’t find any better option than this safe as it’s produced using high-quality steel for greater durability. With this kind of construction, you can expect it to last for many years to come.
Furthermore, the Vaultek VE10 Handgun is equipped with a super-responsive keypad. Since the keypad responds quickly, you can input your password and get access to your weapon in no time at all. Meanwhile, the manufacturers have also included an auto-open lid, which increases the level of security and most importantly, convenience. In general, this is an incredible product that promises to serve every purpose. The only factor that may deter anyone from acquiring it is its fairly expensive price.
Extra features: lighted interior
You only need to see the Liberty HD-200 Handgun Safe once to realize that most of the priority was given to compactness during its manufacturing. If you are looking to buy a compact gun safe that’s simultaneously durable, you can’t look beyond this model. Despite being compact, the safe has a sturdy construction as it’s produced using high-quality steel. Due to the durable construction of the safe, however, you might have to put up with a slightly heavy unit as this one weighs 9.5 pounds.
Meanwhile, it’s important to add that this safe doesn’t only help store guns, but also keeps other valuables like keys, phones, passports, wallets, and more. Furthermore, this excellent safe from Liberty is equipped with quick and reliable key access. Of course, the key access structure is made with a unique design, which we have become accustomed to with Liberty. Also, this safe boasts of effective anti-pry features, making it hack-proof.
Another example of the manufacturer’s dedication to top-notch security is an included security cable, which enhances security. The safe also sports a tamper-proof design, which makes sure that nobody successfully tampers with it. We also think it’s important to note that the interior of the safe is lit-up, allowing you to clearly see your items whenever it’s opened. Despite how easy this safe is to use though, replacing the battery is always a little difficult. It’s also a little drawback that you’re limited to only a maximum of five key presses.
Extra features: the interior is lined with high-density foam
If you are looking for a bedside safe that can be opened in a very quick manner with minimum of fuss, then the V-Line Compact Pistol Safe is your perfect choice. Sporting a durable construction that guarantees you many years of safety for your firearm, this safe is solid as a brick. Also, the box is DOJ approved, and apart from being kept by the side of your bed, it can also be easily mounted under a desk. However, this product uses a mechanical locking system instead of an electronic one, but that takes nothing away from its effectiveness.
This means you don’t need to depend on cheap electronics in times of emergency, especially because despite how good electronic locks are, there are many things that could go wrong. Besides, you also don’t need to buy replacement batteries every now and then since this one isn’t powered with batteries. While the interior is not really big, it’s roomy enough to contain two full-sized pistols, which is impressive. The safe is also a great alternative if there’s a good place to floor-mount the safe. To prevent prying, this unit sports a pry-resistant clamshell design. Besides, it features large overlapping sides to add further protection against prying.
Another excellent thing is that this safe comes with quick-release mounting brackets, which allows you to easily change the location of the safe. Bear in mind that you can only access the mounting bracket if you open the door of the safe. However, this safe might be too small as it’s even difficult to fit additional ammo or clips in it. Besides, mounting it is a big task unless it is under a shelf or a tabletop.
Extra features: holds up to 50 fingerprints
Sporting a unique design that’s suitable for storing an extensive variety of valuable items, the AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safety Device is a one-in-a-kind safe that’s sure to marvel you. The company has paid special attention to the construction quality, which is why they’ve included a well-built anti-pry door which functions as a safety indicator for your guns and other valuables. It’s also worth adding that the safe is produced using high-quality steel, which translates to maximum durability and a very long life.
In addition, the safe comes with a premium-quality rubber button, which instantly works and enables quick access to your gun within a couple of seconds. What’s more, the door has an auto-open feature, which will guarantee incredible ease of access. Excellently, there are even more features to talk about. The next impressive feature is that the safe is equipped with a unique biometric fingerprint sensor, which works at the speed of light. Even more impressively, you can add as many as 50 different fingerprints, allowing every member of your family or anyone else you trust to have access to the safe.
It’s also important to note that this safe has the approval of the California Department of Justice. The unit also comes with mounting hardware and pre-drilled mounting holes, which will allow you to mount it on the floor or inside your drawer. For all the exceptionality of this gun safe, the only thing we wish they included is an interior light. Since there’s no internal light, it will be difficult to see the content of the safe.
Extra features: time out period after 3 incorrect combination attempts
For many reasons, compact, secure, and reliable are the three main adjectives with which you can perfectly describe the Stack-On PDS-1500 Drawer Safe. Designed to store pistols and smaller firearms, this incredible model from Stack-ON fits easily into most drawers on the bedside. However, it also comes with mounting hardware and pre-drilled holes, which come in handy if you don’t like storing your gun safe in your drawer.
Furthermore, the safe comes with an electronic locking mechanism, which provides a lot of benefits. First of all, it’s equipped with a time-out, which kicks in when the password is incorrectly entered three times. With this, you will be able to know if someone has tampered with your safe. It can also be a sign that you need to move your safe to a different location. The frame and door of the safe are produced using high-quality steel, thereby allowing for more durability. In terms of size, the Stack-On PDS-1500 is only big enough for one regular-sized firearm.
Meanwhile, people who like prying into people’s safes are also taken into consideration during the manufacturing of this safe. That’s why the safe is equipped with concealed hinges, which prevents prying. Another thoughtful addition is that it comes with a backup override key, which is useful when the batteries die. In terms of drawbacks, however, the safe is not without one, which is its lack of illuminated lock keypad.
Extra features: discreet silent access mode
Like their name rightly suggests, Feelway wants you to feel safe, and they are backing that up with their products. It doesn’t take an expert to know that the Feelway Quick Access Hand Gun Safe is of pure quality. Compact, durable, and highly effective, this gun safe is the ideal unit if you’re looking for the best easy-access gun safe for bedside. Apart from being equipped with a digital keypad that allows you to quickly unlock the safe, it also comes with two backup override keys, which can come in handy should any emergency occur.
In terms of construction, we must mention that this safe is produced using sturdy steel material that delivers long-lasting protection and holds up against unauthorized access. To enhance security, this safe also comes with a feature that timely alerts you after three unsuccessful attempts. With this, you will be able to quickly be aware of intruders and possibly catch them. And thanks to the compact construction of this safe, it can be easily mounted under a desk, a counter, or on a nightstand’s side for concealed gun storage.
Furthermore, this gun safe comes with a mounting bracket, which enables you to mount it within reach. Besides, there’s a discrete silent access mode, which lets you take your gun without alerting anybody. However, the code buttons aren’t backlit, which may make it a bit difficult to use the safe at night or in the dark. And despite this, the device still consumes the battery rapidly, prompting users to buy replacement batteries every now and then.
While it’s important to read reviews before buying a bedside gun safe, it’s equally important to read the guide as that’s where you actually learn how to make your choice. With that in mind, we have included this buying guide that contains everything you need to know to make a good choice.
Legal requirement – Based on your location, it may be compulsory that your firearms are kept in a location where they can’t be accessed easily. You could face some time in jail or a fine if it’s found out that you do not keep your guns locked up.
Children – This is fairly obvious, isn’t it? Since nobody can actually watch their kid’s every action throughout the day, then it’s important for every gun owner to have a gun safe. Regardless of where you keep your firearm, it’s possible that your kids may be able to find it as long as it’s not locked up. It’s also recommended to teach your kids about gun safety.
Theft – Firearms are usually rather expensive, so it makes sense to protect your investment from thieves. Apart from the fact that you could lose a firearm on which you have invested a lot, the consequence of a thief stealing your firearm could be even more dangerous as the firearm could be sold in a black or underground market for bad purposes.
More than just guns – A small bedside gun safe can actually serve a wide range of purposes that could not be served by something like a deposit box. While a bank deposit box is a good kind of protection, it’s not capable of giving you everything. If your homeowner’s policy gives you the right type of coverage, your safe’s content may be insured. Therefore, we advise you to get this kind of policy if you are storing lots of things in your safe.
In your nightstand drawer – For many reasons, having a little top-opening safe mounted in your nightstand drawer is great. Apart from the fact that it’s invisible in your room to a casual invader, it can also be reached without you needing to leave your bed.
On your nightstand – Another reasonable solution is securely mounting your gun safe at the top of your nightstand. However, this means that the safe will be visible to each person that enters your bedroom. Before opting for this idea, consider the fact that a bedside firearm is meant to be kept concealed.
Inside your closet – Putting your gun safe in your closet is another excellent idea. While this provides a perfect solution to keep the gun safe hidden from an invader, it will also enable you to securely mount the gun safe by attaching it to the wall studs. This way, the thief won’t be able to easily remove it.
Under your bed – One option that always makes sense is keeping the safe beneath your bed. An advantage of keeping your safe under your bed is that you can easily floor-mount your safe so it cannot be stolen by an invader. Besides, it won’t be visible to everybody that walks into your room.
It’s not an easy task to select a gun safe, particularly for the new gun owner. The market is filled with dozens or hundreds of models in different shapes, sizes, and operational methods. Moreover, there are different factors a potential buyer may need to think about, some of which we have summed up in the paragraphs below:
The overall dimensions are the exact size of your gun safe. Sometimes, it determines how large the internal part of the safe is, but not every time. For this one, you need to consider the available space in your room as an overly large gun safe may just give you unnecessary problems. The AmazonBasics Deluxe Quick-Access Firearm Safety Device probably has the largest overall dimensions on this list.
Basically, the interior dimensions refer to the internal size of the gun safe. This usually determines the number of firearms your gun safe can hold and if it can hold extra ammo alongside the firearms. Depending on how large your space is and the number of firearms you have or the size of your firearm, it’s always recommended to choose a model with larger dimensions.
The majority of beside gun safes sport 14 or 16-gauge steel construction. They’re not usually thicker since the maker needs to adhere to a certain price point. Besides, making them thicker will defeat the primary purpose of bedside gun safes, which is to be compact and discreet.
That does not, however, mean that you should compromise on protection. If it’s mounted properly, even a fourteen-gauge safe can be safe and secure. And because most high-end safes come with anti-pry doors and double-locking hinges, getting access into them will be tough. And most times, it’s nearly impossible to break into them with common attacks such as hammering or punching.
We always advise people to shop around to find models with advanced, high-tech locking systems. This prevents thieves or kids from gaining unauthorized access to your firearms and other valuable items that might be stored inside the safe. Some models like the Vaultek VE10 Essential Handgun Safe even offer password or thumbprint access while others offer voice unlocking.
Another important consideration is the weight of the gun safe you are looking at. While bedside gun safes are originally designed to be in your room, there are times you could need to take them traveling or move them from one room to the other. Therefore, you wouldn’t want to choose a heavy model that will be difficult for you to carry. Weighing only five pounds, the V-Line Compact Pistol Safe is the most lightweight model on our list.
A gun safe that doesn’t come with a warranty is probably junk. That’s why the more reputable manufacturers are usually happy to back their gun safes with a warranty since they see it as a way of informing their customers that their safes are durable and bound to last. If a gun safe comes with a lifetime warranty, there’s a good chance that it’s been designed with durability in mind.
Due to how important gun safes can be, choosing a model that you can rely on is never easy. However, with its wide range of high-end features and durable construction, the Vaultek VE10 Essential Handgun Safe is a reliable pick you can rely on. It’s the best bedside gun safe on our list, but by a very tight margin.
It’s closely followed by the Liberty HD-200. It’s a well-designed model with a durable construction, that also comes at a fair price.
