Electronic Handgun Safes Ranking Factors: Security, Accessibility, Reliability, Storage Capacity
#2 – GunVault SV500 Speedvault
#3 – Vaultek VT20 Bluetooth Smart Pistol Safe
#1 Best Electronic Handgun Safe – Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe Electronic Pistol Security Box
Review
It’s pretty easy to see why this safe ranks #1 of all electronic handgun safes on every shopping site, website and advertising platform. The Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe combines all the best features in one high security safe. With a max capacity of 5 handguns, it more than doubles the storage capacity of the VAULTEK and quintuples the GunVault SV500 while also being faster and easier to access. It utilizes the classic drop down door, but triples the steel of equivalent safes with a 3/8” thick 2-piece door adding anti-pry tabs along the edges and a high strength latch. The door is so thick and the gaps are so thin, it’s not even possible to get a screwdriver in to begin a pry attack. This safe went through rigorous testing at the California Department of Justice Facility to earn the DOJ approval as a firearm safety device. I’ve received a copy of the testing report and you can see it survived 9 different tests with ease.
There are two different methods of entry into the Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe. The first is with the override key used to open the safe for the first time. Once inside, there is a simple change combination button located next to the red interior light. If you press this button 6 times, the safe enters a silent mode where the buttons do not prove any audible feedback. After the 6th entry you then enter your new 6-digit combination. I found the buttons extremely easy to press and the response was fast.
The Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe has been out for just over a year now and has proven to be extremely reliable. With over 750 positive reviews at the time I’m writing this, nearly all customers have had a positive experience with this product.
Finally, this pistol safe boasts a huge storage capacity. It’s main selling feature is that it holds 3 handguns at the ready, a very useful feature for self-defense preppers and 2 handguns on the bottom. You can arm a family of 5 in five seconds and have extra room for mags.
All in all, it’s pretty simple to see why this is such a kick ass safe. Huge storage capacity, extremely reliable, strong and easily accessible are the reasons why I rank the Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe as the #1 Best of all Electronic Handgun Safes of 2020.
#2 Best Electronic Handgun Safe – GunVault SV500 Speedvault
Review
The GunVault SV500 has been around since electronic handgun safes were first invented and for a first go, GunVault really nailed it with this one. With a screw driver and a hammer this safe is surprisingly extremely difficult to open. They placed the latch in the back of the safe meaning you really have to pry to get this safe open and it took me just under 5 minutes which sadly ranks pretty well for an electronic handgun safe. It uses 18 gauge steel which sound flimsy but with the design actually holds decently well.
What makes the safe fantastic is the accessibility, it can be mounted in 3 different positions and when opened places the handgun in a convenient at the ready position. It uses a simple 4 digit combination and has a backup key override in case the battery dies.
The SV500 is limited in that it only stores one handgun and has the smallest capacity out of the 3 electronic handgun safes mentioned here.
This safe has 18% of its reviews as 3 stars as less and gets very mixed reviews from customers. There seem to be major quality control issues across al GunVault Products as they have become cheaper and cheaper over the years. This is usually a direct result to a drop in quality and knowing that the steel gauge has thinned out over the years, I think it would be safe to assume the overall quality of parts has reduced as well.
If you’re looking for a quick access single gun safe that you can mount under your desk or next to your bed, the GunVault SV500 provides a great option and is why I rank it the #2 Best Electronic Handgun Safe of 2020.
Read Individual Review of the GunVault SV500 SpeedVault
#3 Best Electronic Handgun Safe – Vaultek VT20 Bluetooth Smart Pistol Safe
Review
Impressive Packaging, Cool Smart Features and Portability make the Vaultek VT20 my #2 pick for the best electronic handgun safe. Vaultek describes this safe as tough and rugged, with a “heavy-duty” 16-guage carbon steel construction. Well anyone who knows anything about steel, knows describing 16 gauge as tough and rugged is a giant load of BS. I could pry into this safe in about 30 seconds, but to be quite frank I could pry into nearly all electronic handgun safes in about 30 seconds. While they recently upgraded the sides of the safe after a gentleman posted a video of how to unlock the safe in 5 seconds, there is still an extremely weak access point through the key hole. In terms of security, I give this safe a D+ however it has many other cool features for those who just want a safe that’s kid resistant.
This is the definition of a “smart” safe you can use the Vaultek Bluetooth App for a highly interactive experience from your smartphone. View battery status, adjust the brightness of the interior light, unlock the safe remotely with one simple swipe, and more. A Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power for 4 months, and charges in 2.5 hours with the included micro-USB charging kit. This safe is easily portable and has multiple entry methods.
Where the Vaultek wins in my opinion is its ability to be opened with 3 different methods: electronic code, key override and Bluetooth smart app. Once inside, you’ll see the interior lined with foam and the capacity to store up to two small handguns.
In terms of reliability, the Vaultek has received pretty favorable reviews thus far, however it has only been out on the market for less than a year so the verdict is still out on whether this will prove to last. I would also be wary of some of the first reviews as they sound horribly fake.
If you’re looking for portability and a few cool features, this safe is for you, just don’t expect tough and rugged security or it protecting your handgun for more than 30 seconds against anyone with a screwdriver and a hammer.
Comparison Chart
| Security | Accessibility | Reliability | Storage Capacity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth Handgun Hanger Safe | #1 | #2 | #1 | #1 |
| GunVault SV500 | #2 | #1 | #3 | #3 |
| Vaultek VT20 | #3 | #3 | #2 | #2 |
