Reflecting on 2025: The Year in Safe Security

As we close out 2025, it's been an exceptional year for safe technology and security innovation. From compact handgun safes to fortress-level high-security vaults, manufacturers have continued to push the boundaries of protection, fire resistance, and user convenience. Whether you're securing firearms, important documents, jewelry, or cash, choosing the right safe is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home or business.

After reviewing hundreds of safes throughout 2025, we've compiled our definitive list of the top performers across different categories and price points. This guide will help you understand what made these safes stand out and how to choose the perfect security solution for your needs.

Our Top Five Safes for 2025

1. Fort Knox Original Pistol Box PB1 — American-Made Quick Access

Best for: Handgun owners who want no-battery mechanical security

• Type: Handgun Safe
• Capacity: 1-2 handguns
• Burglary rating: CA DOJ approved
• Lock: Simplex mechanical lock (no batteries required)
• Build: 10-gauge American steel with gas-strut assisted opening
• Organization: Foam-lined interior
• Price: $299.00

Fort Knox's PB1 is our top-selling handgun safe for a good reason. It is made in Kentucky with strong 10-gauge American steel. It is rated for burglary protection and has a Simplex mechanical lock that never needs batteries. The gas-strut opening allows for quick access in emergencies. The strong construction keeps your handgun safe. Backed by Fort Knox's lifetime warranty, this is the safe for bedside or vehicle mounting.

Shop Fort Knox PB1 - $299.00

2. AMSEC BFS912 — Burglary and Fire Protection

Best for: Home and office document protection with dual ratings

• Type: Home Safe
• Fire protection: 80 minutes at 1775°F
• Burglary rating: UL certified RSC burglary protection
• Lock: ESL5LP Type 1 high-security electronic lock
• Build: 1.75” double wall steel construction and 0.5” solid steel plate door
• Material: Seamless proprietary fire clay mix fire-resistant fill
• Price: $802.50

The AMSEC BFS912 delivers both burglary and fire protection in a compact package. American Security's UL certified RSC Level 1 burglary protection is effective. It also has an ETL fire rating of 80 minutes at 1775°F. This makes it ideal for protecting documents, jewelry, and cash. The small size fits in closets or under desks. The electronic lock has a lighted keypad and a 15-minute lockout penalty. Perfect for small offices or home use where both fire and theft protection matter.

Shop AMSEC BFS912 - $802.50

3. Stealth EGS14 Gun Safe — Essential Protection

Best for: First-time gun safe buyers or small collections

• Type: Gun Safe
• Capacity: 14 long guns
• Fire protection: 30 minutes at 1200°F
• Burglary rating: CA DOJ approved
• Lock: UL listed NL UR-2020 high security electronic lock
• Build: 14-gauge solid steel construction with pre-drilled anchor holes
• Organization: Adjustable shelving and door panel organizer
• Price: $1,099.99

Stealth's Essential Gun Safe EGS14 offers reliable protection without breaking the bank. With a 14-gun capacity and 30 minutes of fire protection, it's great for first-time gun safe buyers or those with smaller collections. The solid steel design and pre-drilled holes make installation easy. The adjustable interior lets you change storage as your needs change. Best value for entry-level long gun storage.

Shop Stealth EGS14 - $1,099.99

4. Hollon PM-1814 — TL-15 High Security Safe

Best for: Jewelry stores, pawn shops, or high-value collections

• Type: High Security Safe
• Fire protection: 2 hours at 1750°F
• Security rating: UL Listed TL-15 high security
• Lock: S&G UL Rated Electronic Lock
  S&G Spyproof Dial Lock available
• Build: Solid steel with drill-resistant hard plate
• Organization: 1 adjustable/removable shelf
• Price: $2,266.00

When you need commercial-grade security, the Hollon PM-1814 delivers high security UL listed TL-15 protection at a competitive price. This safe has been independently tested to withstand 15 minutes of professional attack using sophisticated tools—essential for jewelry stores, pawn shops, or high-net-worth individuals. The 2-hour fire rating and 1.6 interior cubic feet capacity provide serious protection for precious metals, jewelry, and cash. Insurance companies often require TL-rated safes for coverage above certain thresholds.

Shop Hollon PM-1814 - $2,266.00

5. Liberty Centurion 24 Gun Safe — American-Made Value

Best for: Gun owners who want American manufacturing at an accessible price

• Type: Gun Safe
• Capacity: 24 long guns
• Fire protection: 40 minutes at 1200°F
• Burglary rating: CA DOJ approved
• Lock: SecuRam TopLit electronic lock
• Build: Made in USA 14-gauge steel construction
• Organization: Adjustable shelving and door panel organizer
• Price: $1,199.99

Liberty's Centurion 24 delivers solid American-made construction without the premium price tag. Made in the USA with Liberty's commitment to domestic manufacturing, this safe offers reliable protection for growing collections. The 40-minute fire rating protects your firearms and valuables, while the adjustable interior lets you customize storage. With 24-gun capacity, it's ideal for collectors who want room to grow without stepping up to premium pricing.

Shop Liberty Centurion 24 - $1,199.99

Quick Comparison Table

Honorable Mentions: Also Worth Considering

While our top 5 represent the best overall performers, these honorable mentions excel in specific categories and deserve recognition:

Liberty Centurion 12

$849.99

Fire Rating: 30 Min @ 1200°F
Capacity: 12 Long Guns
Weight: 245 lbs

This compact gun safe, made in America, holds 12 guns and offers 30 minutes of fire protection. It meets California DOJ burglary standards, making it ideal for closet installations.

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Stealth DS1614 Drop Safe

$279.99

Construction: ¼" Solid Steel
Weight: 44 lbs

Essential for businesses handling cash. Features anti-fish baffles, an UL-approved electronic lock, and robust solid steel construction. Ideal for small businesses, home offices, or Airbnb hosts.

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Browning ProSteel PSD19

$1,869.00

Fire Rating: 100 Min @ 1680°F
Burglary: UL RSC Listed
Weight: 630 lbs

Premium home safe with Browning's quality construction and robust 10-gauge steel construction. 100-minute fire protection, UL RSC burglary rating, and with adjustable shelving for versatile storage.

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AMSEC WFS149E5 Wall Safe

$731.25

Fire Rating: 1 Hour
Weight: 96 lbs

UL-listed 1-hour fire protection in a wall-mounted design. Concealment meets certified fire protection for documents and valuables. Comes with the ESL5LP electronic lock, easy to use and with 15 minute lockout protection.

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SnapSafe Lockbox X-Large

$49.99

Rating: CA DOJ Approved
Weight: 6 lbs

Affordable portable security solution. TSA-approved for travel, featuring a combination lock mechanism. Comes with a 4-foot security cable rated for 1,500 pounds. Ideal for dorms, travel, or temporary storage of your valuables.

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How to Choose the Right Safe: Key Considerations

1. Fire Rating

Fire ratings indicate how long a safe can protect contents during a fire:

• 30 minutes @ 1200°F: Basic protection, suitable for most residential needs
• 40-60 minutes @ 1200°F: Enhanced protection for important documents and firearms
• 1-2 hours @ 1750°F: Premium protection for irreplaceable items, jewelry, and cash

Remember: Paper chars at 450°F, so even basic fire ratings keep interior temps well below this threshold.

2. Burglary Rating

• CA DOJ Approved: Meets California Department of Justice firearm safety device requirements
• UL RSC (Residential Security Container): Tested to resist common burglary tools for 5 minutes
• UL TL-15: Resists sophisticated tool attacks for 15 minutes—the gold standard for high-security

3. Capacity & Size

Always buy larger than you think you need. Gun safe capacity ratings assume bare rifles with no scopes or accessories. A "24-gun safe" realistically holds 12-16 scoped rifles. Consider future purchases and additional storage for ammunition, documents, and valuables.

4. Lock Type

• Electronic: Fast access, multiple user codes, but requires batteries
• Mechanical: No batteries, extremely reliable, but slower to open
• Biometric: Fingerprint access, fastest option, but can have reliability issues

5. Steel Thickness

• 10-gauge (0.135"): Excellent protection, very difficult to penetrate
• 14-gauge (0.075"): Good protection for most residential applications
• 16-gauge and thinner: Basic protection, suitable for deterrence only

6. Locking Bolts

More bolts and thicker bolts mean better pry resistance. Look for:

• Minimum 1" diameter bolts
• 4-way locking systems (all four sides of door)
• Military-style locking bars (wider surface area)

7. Interior Features

Consider what you'll store:

• Adjustable shelving: Flexibility for changing needs
• Door organizers: Maximize space for pistols and accessories
• Electrical outlets: Power dehumidifiers, lights, or charging stations
• Lighting: LED kits for visibility

8. Warranty

Look for manufacturers who stand behind their products:

• Lifetime warranties against break-in and fire
• Multi-year parts and labor coverage
• Responsive customer service

2025 Trends We Observed

This year brought several notable developments in safe technology:

• Enhanced fire protection: Manufacturers are adding better door seals and more fireboard layers
• Smart features without smart locks: Built-in electrical outlets and USB ports without the security vulnerabilities of connected systems.
• Modular interiors: Customizable storage systems like Stealth's Molle panels
• American manufacturing resurgence: Liberty and other US manufacturers expanding domestic production
• Improved entry-level safes: Budget safes now include features previously reserved for premium models

Final Thoughts

Choosing a safe is an investment in peace of mind. Whether you're protecting a single handgun or an extensive collection of firearms and valuables, the right safe provides security, fire protection, and organization for years to come.

Our top picks for 2025 represent the best balance of security, features, and value across different price points and use cases. The Fort Knox PB1 dominates compact handgun storage, the Stealth EGS14 delivers unbeatable value for gun safes, the Liberty Centurion 24 showcases American craftsmanship, and the Hollon PM-1814 provides maximum security for high-value items.

Remember: the best safe is the one that meets your specific needs. Consider what you're protecting, where you'll place it, and how you'll use it. Don't hesitate to reach out to our team for personalized recommendations.

Article last updated: December 31, 2025