At a Glance: Best Bedside Gun Safe
- OUR TOP PICK: Awesafe Pistol Safe with Fingerprint ID and Biometric Lock
- RUNNER UP: BILLCONCH Biometric gun safe
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: RPNB pistol safe with biometric fingerprint or RFID technology
Comparison of the Top 3 Best Bedside Gun Safes
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
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Awesafe Pistol Safe with Fingerprint ID and Biometric Lock |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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Billconch Biometric gun safe with auto open lid |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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RPNB quick-access pistol safe with biometric fingerprint or RFID technology |
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View Latest Price |
Many Americans own a handgun for home defense use. However, to best protect your family and your home, you need a secure safe that not only keeps unauthorized users out but also allows you to access your gun in a flash. While many types of safes can store your firearm, bedside gun safes are among the most popular options as they are the quickest and easiest to reach during the night. Even so, not all nightstand gun safes on the market will serve you well.
In this article, we’ll explain all the features you need from a security system, including accessibility, dependability, and quiet access. Choosing a product with these attributes will guarantee you the best nightstand gun safe for home security.
Our Pick of the 8 Best Nightstand Gun Safes on the Market Today
To assist you further with narrowing down your choice, we’ve picked the 8 best nightstand guns safes. We’ve tested each safe to provide an accurate and trustworthy review of how well each one can serve you under urgent circumstances. Moreover, you’ll find a list of the pros and cons of each safe for easy comparison.
Awesafe Pistol Safe with Fingerprint ID and Biometric Lock
This biometric handgun gun safe by Awesafe provides speedy access and super secure storage for two standard handguns or one larger pistol and extra ammunition. It uses a trusted biometric fingerprint technology that can store up to 30 fingerprints, giving the option for shared access.
FEATURES
- Lock Type: Electronic, Key
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4 x 4 x 9.7 in
Along with fingerprint access, you can open the safe via the digital keypad. This zero-feedback keypad gives a silent entry. The safe also comes with an override key for convenient back up access if the electronic mechanism was to malfunction.
Another impressive feature of this safe is the compressed gas pillars that automatically open the lid once you enter the combination. This allows for one-handed, low-pitched entry. Combined, is LED interior lighting for night visibility if needed. These attributes provide access to your guns quickly, quietly, and reliably.
The safe boasts a solid steel build and a pry-resistant door to provide the utmost strength and security from intruders. Furthermore, the reliable high-strength locking mechanism and precise fittings make it almost impossible for burglars to pry the safe open with hand tools.
It may not offer the best fire and water protection, but it is one of the best nightstand gun safe choices for quick and easy access whenever you may need.
Pros
- Secure, high-tech biometric access
- Alternative entry options including an override key
- Automatic lid opening for silent, one-handed access
- Solid steel pry-resistant door
- LED interior lighting for night visibility
Cons
- None
BILLCONCH Biometric Pistol Safe with Voice Function
The Biometric carbon steel gun safe from BILLCONCH offers four ways to access your gun; fingerprint biometric identification, Bluetooth entry via the app, password combination, and manual keys for the highest level of convenience.
FEATURES
- Lock Type: Electronic/Key/Fingerprint
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13.3 x 9.8 x 3.2 inches
The high-quality fingerprint biometric technology boasts a fast recognition speed and a high capacity of 20 fingerprints. What’s more, it can recognize and open the safe in 0.1 seconds. The Bluetooth app connection lets you unlock the safe, change passwords, manage fingerprints, and view the unlocking record, all through the designated app.
This small gun safe can safely store two handguns and features a built-in steel spring with long elasticity to increase space and automatically open the lid for fast, quiet, and discreet entry. The safe runs on a rechargeable and durable 18650 battery. This gives up to 6000 entries on a full charge. There is a low battery reminder, and the battery can be fully charged by USB in 3-4 hours.
I was very impressed with both the construction and operation of this safe. The hard carbon steel and metal coating create a tough and durable safety system. Plus, with four entry options and automatic lid opening, it couldn’t be any easier to access your guns. Overall, it’s a rock-solid safe with a flawless operation, and therefore, one of the best bedside gun safes.
Pros
- Four unlocking methods: Fingerprint, Bluetooth, Password Combination, Keys
- High-tech fingerprint entry for super speedy access
- Automatic lid opening for fast and quiet access
- Rechargeable battery with good battery life
- Tough and durable carbon steel build
Cons
- Quiet entry but not silent
RPNB Quick-Access Firearm Safety Device with RFID Lock
The RPNB quick-access pistol safe offers two models to choose from, biometric fingerprint entry or RFID fob and card access. Both models also feature a backlit 4-digit keypad access option that can store over 20,000 unique combinations, as well as 2 manual keys.
The sturdy steel construction provides long-lasting strength and prevents corrosion, with a pry-resistant door, durable dual-layer steel housing, and seamlessly welded pry-proof steel body to give the utmost anti-theft protection. The interior is lined with foam for scratch prevention, and the shock-proof carrying handle design further protects your firearms.
The safe easily holds two full-size handguns, and it features an automatic lid opening for speedy entry. It operates on 4 AA alkaline batteries and comes with two anchor bolts for mounting the safe to a flat surface.
This safe was easy to program and use, and it feels extremely strong and sturdy, which gives you peace of mind that burglars could not break into it. There is also an option to silence the keypad for discreet entry. If you want a top-quality, highly secure safety device for your guns, the RPNB quick access pistol safe is a great option for your nightstand gun safe.
Pros
- You can choose fingerprint entry or RFID fob and card access depending on your preference
- Additional keypad entry and manual keys
- Option for silent entry
- Easy set-up
Cons
- operates on 4 AA alkaline batteries
SentrySafe QAP1BE gun safe with biometric lock
The SentrySafe pistol safe uses biometric fingerprint access. It features a gas strut that instantly and automatically opens the lid with very little noise, giving single-handed access to your weapon. The California DOJ certified gun safe has a pry-resistant door made from solid steel for strength and security.
Aside from the advanced fingerprint technology, there is a keypad and override key, giving you back up entry options. Inside the safe, you will find interior lighting for increased visibility when accessing your guns in the dark. There is also a soft interior lining to protect your firearms from scratching or damage.
The safe operates with four AA batteries and is available in 2 sizes. The smaller size holds one handgun and measures 9.9 x 12.1 x 3.2 inches with a weight of 12 pounds. The larger model can store two weapons, measuring 9.8 x 16.4 x 3.2 inches and weighing 16 pounds.
The fingerprint technology works amazingly and responds instantly. However, compared to other safes I tested, this model is perhaps not the strongest against keeping burglars out, but it will secure your guns and allow lightning-fast access to them when needed.
Pros
- Fast and flawless fingerprint access
- Has a keypad and comes with an override key too
- Interior lighting for using at night
- 2 size options to choose from depending on how many guns you want to store
- Quiet, automatic lid opening
Cons
- Not the strongest, most pry-resistant construction
Vaultek Slider Series auto-open Pistol Safe with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
The Vaultek Slider Series auto-open handgun safe has a slim, vertical design with an automatic opening sliding door. The unique-looking safe fits one handgun plus one spare magazine and can discreetly mount under your bedside table.
The mounting plate allows for multiple mounting configurations, and the safe can remove from the mounting plate in seconds. The safe is built from rugged 6-gauge carbon steel with a durable finish that prevents corrosion. It also features an anti-impact latch that keeps the safe securely locked under any impact, giving high theft-protection.
The sliding door rapidly deploys using the three-point precision rail system and ball bearing guides, presenting your pistol to you in the ready position in no time at all. It uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for 4-6 months and charges in 2.5 hours with the included micro-USB charging kit.
Vaultek offers various models of this safe, all with different entry options. Firstly, you can access it with your smartphone via either Bluetooth or wifi capabilities. You can opt for a biometric and Bluetooth combo or a biometric and wifi combo. The high-resolution biometric scanner is capable of storing 20 unique fingerprints. The biometric Colion Noir edition comes with a Smart Key Nano and a Universal Car Mount. Stores great under a desk or as a nightstand safe, discreetly on a bookshelf, or inconspicuously in a vehicle.
The Vaultek Slider Series certainly offers a device that everyone will love as it allows you to choose the locking mechanism you prefer. However, bear in mind that it does not fit all full-size pistols nor pistols with optics.
Pros
- All models feature keypad entry and manual keys.
- Unique slim, vertical design for discreet mounting under a bedside table
- Auto open sliding door
- Tough, rugged construction with anti-impact latch
- Super quick opening releasing your gun in the ready position
- Various entry modes to choose from, including biometric, Bluetooth, and wifi access
Cons
- Small size – does not fit all full-size pistols/pistols with optics
- Not the easiest to set up
First Alert portable handgun safe
This portable handgun safe from First Alert gives quick entry to your firearm with its simple but reliable electronic keypad. Along with its fast access, the durable locking mechanism features a spring-loaded open closure for easy operation.
The keypad access allows you to set a 3 to 8 digit passcode with a “no-see” feature that keeps your code hidden for additional security. It runs on 2 AA batteries and comes with two emergency override keys.
The safe is constructed with heavy 18 gauge steel, and the interior is foam padded to protect your gun from scratches, dents, or other damage. It is powder-coated to resist rust and corrosion and is approved by the California Justice Department as being pry-resistant.
This compact safety box weighs just 4 pounds and measures 3.5 x 9.3 x 11.5 inches. Although this will serve as a handy portable safe, it comes with a steel cable and mounting holes if you choose to secure it to a nightstand, side table, shelf or floor.
This is one of the simpler gun safes on the list, but it serves its purpose perfectly, fits two handguns nicely, and seems very secure. If you want a basic but reliable safe to secure your firearms, this model from First Alert may be the best bedside gun safe for you.
Pros
- Spring-loaded open closure for quick and easy access
- Hides your passcode
- Made from tough 18 gauge steel
- Foam padded interior
- Can be anchored down using the steel cable or mounting holes
Cons
- Could give quicker access
- Batteries do not last long
RPNB mounted firearm safety device with biometric fingerprint
The RPNB quick access firearm safe has a unique slim, vertical design that you can mount under your bedside table for concealability. It can conveniently mount from the right, left, or top side.
The safe operates using either biometric fingerprint access or the easily programmable electronic keypad that allows you to program your chosen code. These high-tech locking mechanisms result in single-handed operation and fast-activation via the drop-down drawer. Your stored handgun then delivers to you in the ready position in fractions of a second.
Both the appearance and build quality of the safe is excellent. The sturdy steel construction and sleek, black finish gives long-lasting strength and prevents corrosion. There is a protective foam-lined interior to protect your weapons from scratching or damage. The battery-operated safe will warn you when the batteries need to be changed, and there is a key included for manual access too.
The fingerprint technology works flawlessly. The only thing it’s missing is a silent access mode that removes the beep open opening. Despite this, if you’re looking for a reliable but affordable device that gives you speedy access to your pistol in an emergency, this is certainly one of the best bedside gun safes for that purpose.
Pros
- Fast and flawless, biometric access
- Additional key entry option
- Unique design for mounting under a bedside table or desk
- Well constructed for strength and durability
- Protective foam-lined padding inside
Cons
- Does not give silent entry
SnapSafe under bed electronic gun safe
The under-bed electronic gun safe from SnapSafe operates by a digital keypad lock that can be programmed with a 3 to 8 digit access code. This small but heavy-duty case features a 100lb rated slide-out drawer for storing your firearms along with other valuables.
This security device from SnapSafe is built with 14-gauge steel. It has four pre-drilled mounting holes to permanently bolt the safe down, and a robust 5-foot cable, allowing you to secure the box to a stationary object. The safe also comes with a backup key for override access.
The design of the safe makes it ideal for slipping under the bed. You will also find this gun safe a perfect placement on a bedside table or in a drawer. The safe is available in 3 sizes (small, medium, and large), so every gun owner can find the right size for their needs.
The safe is tough and sturdy, and it locks effectively, but it is not the most pry-proof choice. That being said, if you want a well-constructed, heavy-duty safe to store your gun and keep safe from children, this will serve you just fine.
Pros
- Heavy-duty, pry-resistant door
- Door glides smoothly
- Pre-drilled mounting holes
- Comes with a robust cable for anchoring
- Available in 3 sizes
Cons
- Not the most pry-resistant
- Loud beeping when entering access code – no quiet entry
Why Do You Need A Bedside Gun Safe?
A bedside gun safe is the best home defense system for many reasons. Here are the main benefits of opting for this style of safe.
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Nighttime protection
A bedside gun safe places your weapon in a secure unit right next to where you sleep. This provides the quickest and safest way to protect you, your family, and your home from any intruders entering your home at night. It also prevents you from getting up and going to your closet to grab your gun, which could waste vital time in an emergency.
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Protecting children
A bedside gun safe will keep your children safe as well as other children that may visit your house. If your gun is hidden and securely stored in a safe it will be away from the eyes of curious kids.
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Storing other valuables
All the best bedside gun safes are large enough to hold extra items such as ammunition, money, jewelry, passports, or other valuables. So as well as protecting your gun, a bedside gun safe can also protect other precious items.
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Insurance purposes
Many gun warranties will not cover you if the firearm is stolen. Therefore, you are responsible for keeping your weapon under maximum protection.
Tips On Choosing The Best Nightstand Gun Safe
There are certain things you should look for in a gun safe to ensure top-quality and high performance. Consider the following factors to find the best bedside gun safe for protecting your firearm from unauthorized users.
Combination capacity
Is it just you who will access the safe or will other family members also require access? If many people need to open the safe, look for one that can hold more than a single combination code. The same goes for fingerprint entry safes. Many of these high-tech systems can hold multiple different fingerprints.
Battery life
Battery life can vary greatly between gun safes. Check the product description and reviews to learn how long the battery in the safe will last. Moreover, opt for a product that has a low battery indicator to prevent you from getting locked out.
Smart app capability
Some highly advanced gun safes can be controlled and managed by smart app technology. This gives you the capability to check the battery level, view access history, be notified of tamper incidents, and even grant access, all from an interactive app.
Quiet Access
Loudly opening your safe could alert the intruder of your location and send them your way before you’ve had a chance to grab your gun and take your stance. Therefore, if you’re buying a bedside gun safe for home-defense, a safe with quiet access or silent entry mode could spare you essential seconds, so it is undoubtedly a feature to look for.
Accessibility
This is an essential factor to consider as you need a safe that is quick and easy to access. User reviews are an excellent place to learn about the ease of use of a safe and how well it serves in an emergency.
- In terms of speed, fingerprint entry safes tend to be the fastest.
- Some of the best bedside gun safes will have an automatic opening feature that allows one-handed access. You can’t get much quicker and easier than that!
Dependability
If you can’t depend on your safe to open every time without trouble, you certainly can’t rely on it when disaster strikes. As well as a reliable, fail-proof locking mechanism, other features such as an interior light and a backlit keypad will provide a safer way to access your weapon.
Security
A tamper-proof safe that will remain locked is a must. Not only do you need a safe that prevents break-ins from burglars, but you also need it to be fully childproof.
Some key aspects to consider in regards to security:
- Gauge – This is a measure of steel thickness used in the walls of the safe. The smaller the number, the thicker the steel. Opt for a safe made of solid steel, preferably 7-gauge. This is drill-resistant, so even if someone tries their hardest to enter your safe, your gun will remain protected.
- RSC ratings – There are three different levels of RSC ratings that you may come across. The level determines how secure a safe is against break-ins. The higher the level, the more secure it is.
- An RSA Level 1 safe can withstand five minutes of vigorous break-in attempts by one person, a Level 2 safe can withstand an attack by two people, using more tools, for 10 minutes, and level 3 refers to 3 people using even more tools for 10 minutes.
Locking Mechanism
Most safes have one of three types of locking mechanisms:
- A manual mechanism that’s usually a combination lock.
- An electronic/digital mechanism that typically uses a passcode
- Biometric technology such as fingerprint or key fob access
The locking mechanism you choose tends to be down to personal preference, but biometric entry usually gives the fastest access. It’s also worth noting that many biometric safes will also have a digital keypad and come with manual keys.
Mounting
Many safes can mount in a drawer or on the side of a bedside table or nightstand. As bedside gun safes are small and lightweight enough to be stolen, bolting down your safe will increase the level of security. If a safe is mountable, it will have mounting holes on the side and bottom. Most will come with all the necessary mounting tools too.
Warranty
All the best bedside gun safes will come with a good, dependable warranty that will give you peace of mind should anything go wrong. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty, including the small print, before making a purchase.
What size pistol safe do I need?
The size you need will depend on how many and the size of guns you need to store. The majority of bedside gun safes are small and will only hold one or two handguns. Check the dimensions to understand how big a safe is before purchasing.
Looking for a long gun safe? We reviewed the 8 best long gun safes for you here.
What if I forget the code for my bedside gun safe?
Don’t worry if you forget the code of your bedside gun safe as there are a few ways that you can regain access to your valuables.
- Check if your safe has a key override. Key overrides allow you to gain access to your safe via an alternative, manual method. This works well for emergencies or situations where you might have to give someone access to your safe. If you’re not sure if your safe has this, check the user manual.
- If your safe does not have a key override, determine if it has a change key. A change key allows you to change the combination that grants access to your safe. You insert the change key into the back of the safe. You then input the reset combination. This wipes the slate clean for you to set a new code to your safe.
- If you have neither a key override nor a change key, your only option is to call out a locksmith. A locksmith can help you gain entry into your gun safe; however, be sure to use a professional and reputable locksmith who is familiar with gun safes. If not handled properly, you could potentially damage your safe and the gun inside too.
Are there any silent bedside gun safes?
Yes. Some of the best bedside gun safes on the marketwill have a silent access feature. This usually works with a fingerprint or zero-feedback keypad entry along with the elimination of any beeps.
Which is the best bedside gun safe?
It was a hard choice to choose the best bedside gun safe as many products on this list proved to give supreme security and protection. Even so, the one that slightly tipped the scale for me was the Awesafe gun safe with fingerprint identification and biometric lock.
This compact safe box has all the features you could want or need. These include an interior light, automatic lid opening, and super speedy access thanks to the high-tech biometric entry. It also gives silent entry despite if you’re using your fingerprint or access code on the keypad.
In terms of security and protection from intruders trying to gain access, both this safe along with the Vaultek Slider Series auto-open safe rate the highest. However, as mentioned previously, what you need from your gun safe will determine which model is best suited for you. Therefore, we hope this article will help you in your search for the best bedside gun safes on the market this year.
What did you end up choosing? Let us know in the comments!
