Best Gun Safe Under $100 (2026): 8 Budget Picks That Lock Down
If you want the best gun safe under 100 dollars for a single handgun at home, start with the SentrySafe Digital Keypad Pistol Safe (QAP2E). It is our best overall pick because it pairs a solid steel body and pry-resistant door with a gas-strut lid, an override key, bolt-down hardware and California DOJ certification, which is rare at this price. If you would rather open with a fingerprint, the RPNB RP311F is our best budget biometric pick: a slim, vertical safe that mounts beside a bed, under a desk or inside a cabinet.
For a bedside box that lies flat in a drawer, the ONNAIS Iron Pro is our best nightstand pick thanks to its fingerprint reader, keypad, backup key, USB-C emergency power and switchable interior light. Below those three we cover an app-connected option from BILLCONCH and four car and travel boxes that usually sit well under $50, including two keyless models that need no batteries at all.
Quick picks
- Best overall under $100: SentrySafe Digital Keypad Pistol Safe
- Best budget biometric: RPNB RP311F
- Best for the nightstand: ONNAIS Iron Pro
- Most ways to open (fingerprint, PIN, app, key): BILLCONCH Biometric Handgun Safe
- Best car safe with emergency power: Grimtron Portable Car Gun Safe
- Best keypad box under $50: RPNB Portable Car Gun Safe
- Best key-only travel box: Younion Portable Pistol Safe
- Best battery-free combination box: Dalmbox Compact Pistol Lock Box
Comparison table
| Product | Best for | Lock/access | Fits | Mounting/cable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SentrySafe QAP2E | Best overall at home | Digital keypad + override key | Two standard handguns or one larger pistol; interior 14 x 6.5 x 2.2 in | Bolt-down kit included |
| RPNB RP311F | Budget biometric, vertical mounting | Fingerprint, keypad, key | One handgun (slim vertical body, 1.8 in deep exterior) | Mounts from right, left or top side |
| ONNAIS Iron Pro | Nightstand drawer | Fingerprint, keypad, key, USB-C emergency power | Up to two standard pistols, padded | Security cable; pre-drilled holes and four screws |
| BILLCONCH Biometric | Most access options | Fingerprint, PIN, app, key | One large or two standard handguns; interior about 10.6 x 5.8 x 2.6 in | Security cable |
| Grimtron Portable | Car safe with USB-C backup | Backlit keypad, key, USB-C emergency power | Compact handgun (0.06 cu ft) | Steel cable; pre-drilled holes |
| RPNB Portable Car | Keypad box under $50 | Backlit keypad, two keys, USB-C emergency power | Compact handgun; foam lined | Security cable and mounting kit included |
| Younion Portable | Key-only travel | Key (two included) | Compact handgun; removable foam | Steel cable |
| Dalmbox Compact | No batteries | 3-digit mechanical combination (key version also sold) | Small pistols; interior 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 in | Steel cable |
How we chose
This list is a research roundup, not a lab test. We started from Amazon listings for handgun safes that sat in the under $100 or under $50 band at the time of writing, then read each listing’s specification table, seller description and included-parts list side by side. Where a listing contradicted itself (for example, a spec table that names one lock type while the bullet points describe four), we went with the more detailed description and flagged the gap so you can check it before ordering.
We weighed five things: how many independent ways there are to get in if one fails, whether the box can be anchored with bolts or a cable, whether the interior dimensions are actually stated, how the safe is powered and what happens when batteries die, and whether the brand offers a clear support path. Owner feedback summaries were not available for these listings at the time of writing, so we did not build any pick on owner opinions. We also compared every brand against the biometric safe brands recalled through the CPSC and Health Canada; none of the brands below is among them.
Price is a band, not a promise. Every pick here sat in the under $100 range when we wrote this guide, and several sat under $50, but Amazon prices move daily, so check the current price before you buy.
1. SentrySafe Digital Keypad Pistol Safe: Best Overall Under $100
The SentrySafe QAP2E is the most conventional safe on this page, and that is its strength. The listing describes solid steel construction with a pry-resistant door, a digital keypad with an override key for backup entry, and a compression gas strut that lifts the lid quietly so you can reach in with one hand. That last detail matters for a bedside safe: a lid that pops up on its own means one hand on the keypad and the other free.
It is also the largest and heaviest box here. The seller lists the exterior at 16.4 x 9.8 x 3.2 inches and the interior at 14 x 6.5 x 2.2 inches, with a weight of roughly 16 pounds. That interior holds two standard handguns or one larger pistol according to the listing. The 2.2-inch interior height is the number to compare against your firearm with any optic or light attached. The size makes it better for a shelf, closet floor or wide drawer than for a slim nightstand.
The QAP2E is listed as California DOJ certified, and it ships with bolt-down hardware, so it is the easiest pick to anchor properly. Power comes from four AA batteries (not included). SentrySafe specifically recommends name-brand alkaline cells and warns that generic and rechargeable batteries may not last, so follow that advice and swap them on a schedule. There is no fingerprint reader, which some buyers will see as a plus: a keypad code works the same with wet or cold hands.
- Pros: solid steel body and pry-resistant door per the listing; gas-strut lid; override key; bolt-down kit; California DOJ certified
- Cons: no biometric option; heaviest and widest pick here; needs four AA batteries; low interior height
Read our full SentrySafe QAP2E review, or check the SentrySafe QAP2E price on Amazon.
2. RPNB RP311F: Best Budget Biometric
The RP311F takes a different shape from most budget safes. Instead of a flat box, it is a slim vertical unit about 13.5 inches tall, 7.4 inches wide and 1.8 inches deep that the listing says can mount from the right, left or top side. That lets you fix it beside a bed frame, under a desk, inside a cabinet or on a bookshelf, and the seller also mentions vehicle use. If drawer space is tight, a wall-style safe like this is often the cleaner answer.
Access methods are fingerprint, electronic keypad and key. RPNB describes a 500 DPI semiconductor fingerprint sensor with a match time under one second. Seller speed claims are a best case; real-world speed depends on how carefully you enroll your fingers and whether your hands are dry. Enroll the same finger several times at slightly different angles and practice with the keypad code too, so you are never dependent on one method.
The trade-off is interior space. The listing does not give interior dimensions, and the slim 1.8-inch exterior depth tells you this is meant for one handgun, not a handgun plus magazines and documents. Check the listing photos and measure your firearm before ordering. The spec sheet mentions alloy steel and a corrosion-resistant black finish but does not name a steel gauge, so treat it as a deterrent against kids and casual theft, which is what this price class does well.
- Pros: fingerprint, keypad and key in one budget unit; flexible right, left or top mounting; slim footprint
- Cons: interior dimensions not listed; room for one handgun; steel thickness not stated
See our RPNB RP311F review for fit notes, or view the RP311F on Amazon.
3. ONNAIS Iron Pro: Best for the Nightstand
The ONNAIS Iron Pro is built for the place most people keep a handgun at night: the top drawer of the nightstand. The listed exterior is about 9.2 inches wide, 2.9 inches deep and 3.1 inches tall, which fits most drawers. ONNAIS says it holds up to two standard pistols and lines the interior with padding.
What sets it apart in this tier is the layering of backups. You get a fingerprint scanner and a keypad as primary methods, a physical key, and a USB-C emergency power port that lets you wake the electronics with a power bank if the batteries die and the key is not at hand. The switchable interior light is a small but useful touch in a dark bedroom, and you can turn it off to save power. Note that the spec table lists the lock type only as an electronic combination lock, while the bullets describe the fingerprint reader; check the listing images to confirm you are buying the biometric version.
For anchoring, ONNAIS includes a security cable plus pre-drilled holes and four screws for wall or floor installation. The listing mentions a one-year warranty and round-the-clock customer service; confirm the current terms on the listing before you buy. Interior measurements are not listed, so compare your firearm against the exterior size and allow for wall thickness and padding.
- Pros: fingerprint plus keypad plus key; USB-C emergency power; switchable interior light; cable and screws included
- Cons: interior dimensions not stated; spec table and bullets disagree on lock description; battery type not listed
More detail is in our ONNAIS Iron Pro review. You can also check the Iron Pro on Amazon.
4. BILLCONCH Biometric Handgun Safe: Most Ways to Open
BILLCONCH gives you four ways in: fingerprint, a 0 to 9 numeric PIN, a phone app and a key. The app is the headline feature. The listing says you can slide to unlock from your phone, add or delete fingerprints, store up to 40 fingerprints and view an unlock record by user ID. For a household where two adults share a safe, that audit trail is a genuinely useful way to see when it was opened.
It is also one of the few budget listings that publishes interior dimensions: about 10.6 x 5.8 x 2.6 inches inside a 10.8 x 8.7 x 2.75-inch shell, which the seller says fits one large or two standard handguns. The body is described as carbon steel with a four-layer anti-corrosion coating, a hinge designed to open quickly and a double U-lock design, and a security cable is included for anchoring.
Two caveats. First, the spec table lists the lock type only as “Combination,” which undersells the features described elsewhere, so read the full listing to be sure the variant you order includes the fingerprint reader and app. Second, an app adds convenience but also another thing to set up and update; keep the PIN and key as your main backups rather than relying on your phone. The seller mentions a 365-day warranty window through Amazon; check the listing for current terms.
- Pros: fingerprint, PIN, app and key; up to 40 fingerprints; unlock history in the app; interior dimensions published
- Cons: spec table lock type is unclear; freestanding design relies on the cable unless you add your own anchoring; app adds setup steps
Read the BILLCONCH biometric safe review, or see the BILLCONCH safe on Amazon.
5. Grimtron Portable Car Gun Safe: Best Car Safe With Emergency Power
The Grimtron is a flat, low-profile box about 11 x 7 x 1.85 inches and roughly 3.7 pounds, sized to slide under a vehicle seat, into luggage or into a drawer. It opens with a 3 to 8 digit code on a backlit keypad or with the included backup keys. A silent mode is handy in shared spaces like a dorm room or hotel.
Grimtron is unusually clear about power. The keypad runs on four AAA batteries (not included), and the USB-C port is for emergency power only: plug in a power bank or vehicle USB source to wake the keypad, but it does not recharge the batteries. A USB-C cable is in the box, which is not true of every model here. Interior capacity is listed at 0.06 cubic feet, so this is for one compact handgun.
The steel cable loops around a seat frame or other fixed point, and pre-drilled holes allow permanent mounting if you prefer. For a car, cable it to the seat frame rather than leaving it loose, and remember that vehicle cabins get very hot and very cold, which shortens battery life. Check the batteries before long trips.
- Pros: backlit keypad and backup keys; USB-C emergency power with cable included; silent mode; cable plus mounting holes
- Cons: one compact handgun only; needs four AAA batteries; no biometric option
See the Grimtron car gun safe review, or check the Grimtron on Amazon.
6. RPNB Portable Car Gun Safe: Best Keypad Box Under $50
This RPNB portable box covers much the same job as the Grimtron and usually sat in the under $50 band at the time of writing. The listed size is about 11 x 7 x 1.9 inches and just under 4 pounds. Access is through a backlit keypad that accepts a 3 to 8 digit passcode, with two manual backup keys, and the listing describes an automatic door opening once the code is accepted.
RPNB also builds in a USB-C port on the side for emergency power if the batteries die or the keys go missing, but the charging cable is not included, so keep one in the glovebox. The inside uses high-density memory foam to protect the firearm, and the box ships with a security cable, backup keys, a button tool and a hardware mounting kit. That bundle makes it one of the more complete budget kits.
The choice between this and the Grimtron is mostly about details. Grimtron includes the USB-C cable and lists a silent mode; RPNB includes a fuller mounting kit and an auto-open lid. Neither lists interior dimensions in detail, so check your firearm against the exterior size and listing photos.
- Pros: backlit keypad with 3 to 8 digit codes; two backup keys; USB-C emergency port; mounting kit and cable included
- Cons: USB-C cable not included; interior size not stated; one compact handgun
Our RPNB portable car safe review has more, or view it on Amazon.
7. Younion Portable Pistol Safe: Best Key-Only Travel Box
Sometimes the simplest lock is the right one. The Younion box uses a key lock with two keys, so there are no batteries, codes or sensors to fail. At about 9.7 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches and 2.6 pounds, it is the lightest pick here and suits travel, under-seat storage or locking up cash, medicine and passports alongside a pistol.
Younion lists 16-gauge steel housing, which is a specific number most budget brands leave out, plus a heavy steel cable to tie the box to a fixture. Inside are four layers of protective foam that can be removed to gain room. The seller also mentions round-the-clock customer support and 12 months of parts replacement.
The weakness is speed. A key is slower than a keypad when you are reaching in the dark, and a key left on the nightstand defeats the point of the safe. This is a transport and storage box rather than a quick-access bedside safe. If you choose it for home use, keep the key somewhere children cannot reach.
- Pros: no batteries or electronics; 16-gauge steel housing listed; steel cable included; removable foam
- Cons: key access is slow in the dark; key security is on you; no mounting holes listed
Read our Younion pistol safe review, or check the Younion box on Amazon.
8. Dalmbox Compact Pistol Lock Box: Best Battery-Free Combination Box
The Dalmbox sits between the Younion and the electronic boxes. It uses a 3-digit mechanical combination lock, so there are no keys to lose and no batteries to replace, and the seller also offers a version with a key lock. The listing describes a steel body, a protective foam lining and a heavy-duty cable for attaching it to a fixed object, and it lists the box as water resistant.
Look closely at the inside dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches inside a 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.8-inch shell. Under an inch of interior height is very shallow. It will suit many compact pistols lying flat, but measure the thickest part of your firearm, including any optic, before buying. The seller notes it also holds cash, passports and jewelry.
A 3-digit dial gives far fewer combinations than a 3 to 8 digit electronic code, so think of this as a barrier against curious hands and quick grabs, and always cable it to something solid. Its strength is that it works the same in a cold car, a hot attic or after months in a closet.
- Pros: no batteries or keys; cable included; water resistant per the listing; very slim
- Cons: under an inch of interior height; 3-digit code has limited combinations; no mounting holes listed
Get the full picture in our Dalmbox lock box review, or see the Dalmbox on Amazon.
What you can expect from a gun safe under $100
A cheap gun safe in this price range is a handgun box. Expect a steel shell, one primary lock and a backup, and either a cable or mounting holes. Do not expect a fire rating; none of the picks above lists one, and you should assume a budget box offers no fire protection unless the listing documents a recognized rating. Do not expect thick, heavy plate either: most of these weigh between roughly 3 and 16 pounds, which is why anchoring matters so much.
What a good budget safe does well is keep children and visitors out and slow down a quick grab. That is the job most buyers need done. If you need fire protection, multiple handguns plus documents, or long guns, plan on a higher budget and look at our gun safes under $200 or the full best gun safes guide.
Lock types at this price
Fingerprint (biometric)
Fingerprint readers are the fastest method when they work, and three picks here include one (RPNB RP311F, ONNAIS Iron Pro, BILLCONCH). The catch with budget sensors is consistency: dry, wet or cold fingers can cause misreads, so enroll the same finger several times and always set a keypad code as a second method. Our explainer on whether biometric safes are reliable covers enrollment tips.
Before you buy any budget biometric safe, check the brand against the recall list. Biometric gun safes from Awesafe, Bulldog (biometric models), Machir and MouTec were recalled because the fingerprint reader could let unauthorized users, including children, open them, according to the CPSC and Health Canada. We do not recommend those brands. See our biometric gun safe recall guide and verify model details on cpsc.gov.
Keypad
Keypads such as those on the SentrySafe, Grimtron and RPNB portable box are slower than a fingerprint but more predictable. Backlit buttons help at night. Pick a code that is not a birthday, and practice entering it by feel. For a deeper comparison, read biometric vs keypad gun safes.
Mechanical combination and key
The Dalmbox and Younion skip electronics entirely. That makes them reliable in temperature extremes and during long storage, but slower to open. They make the most sense in a car, a suitcase or a closet rather than as a bedside quick-access safe.
Fit and capacity: measure before you buy
Most budget listings either omit interior dimensions or bury them in the bullets. Where they are listed, interior height is the number that rules everything out: the Dalmbox has under an inch, the SentrySafe about 2.2 inches and the BILLCONCH about 2.6 inches. Measure your handgun lying flat at its thickest point, including any optic or weapon light, and leave room for your hand to grip it cleanly. If the listing gives no interior size, compare against the exterior and subtract wall thickness and padding. Our guide on what size gun safe you need walks through the measurements.
For a budget nightstand or bedside gun safe, also measure the drawer: interior height of the drawer, depth front to back and whether the drawer slides will clear a box with a cable attached. Our nightstand gun safe guide covers this in more detail.
Mounting and anchoring
A safe that weighs a few pounds is only as secure as what it is attached to. The SentrySafe includes bolt-down hardware, the ONNAIS includes screws and pre-drilled holes, the Grimtron and RPNB portable list mounting holes, and the RP311F mounts from the side or top. The Younion and Dalmbox rely on their cables.
- At home, bolt into a stud, the floor or a solid furniture frame rather than thin drawer panels.
- In a vehicle, loop the cable around a seat frame or anchor point, not a plastic trim piece.
- Keep the box out of sight; a hidden box is less likely to be targeted.
Our step-by-step guide on how to bolt down a gun safe covers hardware and placement.
Power and backups
Every electronic pick here runs on disposable batteries, so the backup plan matters as much as the lock. Ideally, you want two independent ways in that do not share a single point of failure:
- Backup key: included with every electronic pick here. Store it away from the safe and out of children’s reach.
- USB-C emergency power: ONNAIS, Grimtron and RPNB portable list it. It powers the lock long enough to open it; it does not charge batteries.
- Battery quality: SentrySafe recommends name-brand alkaline cells for the QAP2E. That is good advice for any budget safe.
- Battery schedule: replace batteries on a set date each year, and sooner for safes stored in a car.
Under $100 vs under $50: which budget tier fits you
The under $100 picks (SentrySafe, RPNB RP311F, ONNAIS, BILLCONCH) are meant to stay in one place at home. You pay a little more for biometrics, apps, gas struts and stronger anchoring. The under $50 picks (Grimtron, RPNB portable, Younion, Dalmbox) are portable boxes for vehicles, travel and occasional storage. A sensible budget setup for many households is one of each: a quick-access safe by the bed and a cable box in the car. If you want more room or better build, step up to the under $200 tier. For more vehicle options, see our car gun safe picks; for something to carry, see our best portable gun safes.
A note on long guns: we did not find an affordable long gun safe worth recommending under $100. Rifle cabinets and safes start higher. Our gun cabinet guide is the place to start if you need storage for rifles or shotguns.
Paying less
Prices on these safes move around, especially around Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October, and Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Check each product’s promo page from our gun safe promo code hub before you buy, and always check today’s price on Amazon, since the price bands in this guide reflect the time of writing.
Storage laws
Storage and child-access laws vary by state; check yours. Some states set specific requirements for how firearms must be stored around minors or in vehicles, and California maintains its own roster of certified safes. Of the picks above, only the SentrySafe QAP2E is listed as California DOJ certified.
Final thoughts
For most people shopping for the best gun safe under 100 dollars, the SentrySafe QAP2E is the safe bet: proven lock style, gas-strut lid, bolt-down kit and the only California DOJ listing here. If you want a fingerprint reader, the RPNB RP311F is the budget biometric pick for wall or desk mounting, and the ONNAIS Iron Pro is the better choice for a drawer. For the car, the Grimtron and RPNB portable boxes cover keypad access with USB-C backup, while the Younion and Dalmbox skip batteries altogether. Whichever you choose, anchor it, set up a backup method and check the current price before you order. For more handgun-focused options at any price, see our best handgun safes and best biometric gun safes guides.
Best Gun Safe under 100 FAQ
What is the best gun safe under $100?
For most home buyers, the SentrySafe Digital Keypad Pistol Safe (QAP2E) is the strongest all-round pick in this band. It combines a steel body and pry-resistant door with a gas-strut lid, an override key, bolt-down hardware and California DOJ certification. If you want a fingerprint reader instead, look at the RPNB RP311F for wall mounting or the ONNAIS Iron Pro for a nightstand drawer.
Is a cheap gun safe actually secure?
A budget gun safe is best thought of as a child-access and quick-grab deterrent, not a vault. Its thin steel and light weight mean anchoring is essential: bolt it to a stud, floor or furniture frame, or cable it to a fixed point in a vehicle. Keep it out of sight, use a non-obvious code, and store backup keys away from the safe.
What is the best biometric gun safe under $100?
Three picks in this guide include a fingerprint reader: the RPNB RP311F, the ONNAIS Iron Pro and the BILLCONCH Biometric Handgun Safe. The RP311F suits wall or desk mounting, the ONNAIS fits a nightstand drawer and adds USB-C emergency power, and the BILLCONCH adds app control. Avoid brands named in biometric safe recalls, such as Awesafe, Machir and MouTec.
Do gun safes under $100 have a fire rating?
None of the budget safes in this guide lists a fire rating, so assume they offer no meaningful fire protection. If protecting documents or firearms from heat matters to you, look for a listing that names a recognized fire test and duration, and expect to spend more. Our fireproof gun safe guide is a better starting point for that need.
What is the best budget gun safe for a car?
For a vehicle, the Grimtron Portable Car Gun Safe and the RPNB Portable Car Gun Safe both offer backlit keypads, backup keys and USB-C emergency power in a slim box that slides under a seat. Grimtron includes a USB-C cable; RPNB includes a fuller mounting kit. If you prefer no batteries at all, the Younion key box and Dalmbox combination box are simpler alternatives.
Can I store a long gun in a safe under $100?
Not realistically. Every safe in this price band is sized for handguns, usually one or two. Rifles and shotguns need a cabinet or full safe, which starts at a higher price. If you need long gun storage, start with our gun cabinet and rifle safe guides, and plan your budget around the length and number of firearms you own.
What should I check before buying a budget gun safe?
Check four things on the listing: interior dimensions, especially height; how many ways it opens and what the backup is; how it anchors, whether by bolts, screws or cable; and what batteries it uses. If interior dimensions are missing, compare the exterior size and photos against your handgun. Then check the current price, since budget safe prices change often.
FindsCheaper is reader-supported: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We research listings, manuals and owner feedback; we do not accept payment for placement. Prices, coupons and availability change, so check Amazon for the current details. Store firearms safely and follow your state’s storage laws.
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