It never hurts to bring a gun safe for your car, whether you’re just driving to work or out on the open road. These convenient storage pieces are portable and compact, turning your door pockets or center console into mini-vaults for paperwork, valuables, and self-defense small guns. Self-defense is the main reason to always carry a gun with you. The world is dangerous, and there may be a few situations where you’ll need to use it.

It’s best to constantly be ready, even though we hope you’ll never have to go through the latter. If you’re living rough in the bush, you might need a secure spot to keep your emergency supplies. If you travel to uncharted territory, you might want to have some protection. However, given the market’s abundance of inventive and distinctive gun safes, purchasing one can be more difficult than it seems.

Our Top Picks For A Great Car Gun Safe

Reviews Of The Best Gun Safe For Your Car From Our Research

Snapsafe Portable Lock Box

This lockbox has everything you need to keep your firearms and valuables safe. It features six large storage compartments, rugged steel construction with four heavy-duty locks for maximum security.

Its tough metal build means you’ll never have to worry about your firearm getting stolen. It comes with a cable so that you can secure it to the steering wheel for added security during travel!

It features cut-outs for a spare magazine. Any additional items you want to keep locked up will fit into these tight spaces perfectly.

The snapsafe portable lock box is perfect for anyone who wants a secure way to keep their firearm away from prying hands. It’s the best gun safe to use in your home or on your car seat while you’re traveling around town.

Features

• Mounting hardware included
• Includes cable to secure during travel
• Four heavy-duty locks for maximum security
• Dimensions: 9.75″ x 12.5″ x 2.25″
• Six large storage compartments, rugged steel construction with four heavy-duty locks for maximum security.
• Its tough metal build means you’ll never have to worry about your firearm getting stolen.
• It comes with a cable so that you can secure it to the steering wheel for added security during travel!
• Cut-outs for a spare magazine. Any additional items you want to keep locked up will fit into these tight spaces perfectly.
• The snapsafe portable lock box is perfect for anyone who wants a secure way to keep their firearm away from prying hands. It’s the best gun safe to use in your home or while you’re traveling around town.

Pros

• Mounting hardware included
• Includes cable to secure during travel
• Four heavy-duty locks for maximum security
• Six large storage compartments, rugged steel construction with four heavy-duty locks for maximum security.
• Tough metal build means for extra security
• Cut-outs for a spare magazine

Cons

• Heavier than other lockbox options
• It May be difficult to secure depending on the location

VAULTEK VT20i Biometric Handgun Bluetooth Smart Safe

This VAULTEK state-of-the-art storage unit lets owners open it with either fingerprint or a standard keypad combo. The whole thing works via Bluetooth connection, so no need for cords and cables.

It can be accessed by fingerprint recognition and features a fully digital code-locking system. The keypad appears when activated from any external device in Bluetooth range, so it won’t become locked inside the vehicle after being left unlocked!

The VAULTEK VT20i SmartSafe has all the qualities of an exterior mounted handgun safe but can be easily installed in your vehicle as well. It comes equipped with interior protection against shock attacks due to EMP and magnetic fields and its biometric lock is second to none.

It also comes with an app so that you can open it from anywhere in the world, and the fingerprint sensors on both sides of this gun box guarantee you quick access to your firearm when needed.

The VAULTEK VT20i features a backup key, just in case the batteries die or your phone isn’t charged when you need to get your weapon out for protection!

Features

• 2-point fingerprint recognition
• Press Anywhere digital keypad
• Access via Bluetooth range
• Internal protection against shock attacks due to EMP and magnetic fields.
• Backup Key included
• Open from anywhere in the world with the VT20i App
• 3-year limited warranty
• Dimensions: 13.8″ x 9.4″ x 3.7″
• The VAULTEK VT20 is a state-of-the-art gun safe that pairs well with both modern security systems and your smartphone.
• It has two points of access; fingerprint tech on the front and keypad entry via Bluetooth connection. The entire thing works wirelessly so you don’t have to worry about wires.

Pros

• Fingerprint tech on front and keypad entry via Bluetooth
• Wireless so no need for wires
• Alternative physical access like a backup key or manual release

Cons

• The fingerprint reader is a little bit difficult to use at times, but this seems to be the case with all biometric technology.
• Battery costs may add up over time
• Some users may find the locking mechanism difficult to use

Hornady Lockbox for Guns and Valuables

Hornady’s Lockbox for Guns and Valuables is perfect for protecting your family against theft, especially when you’re on the road.

It features gun storage for two firearms, a lockable thief-resistant door for safely storing valuables like jewelry or keys, and an internal LED light to illuminate your box at night. The interior space has a padded bottom that protects guns from being scratched by other objects in transit.

The Hornady Lockbox for Guns and Valuables is a great all-in-one solution.

Features

• Two points of access: key lock and digital keypad
• Internal LED light for nighttime use
• Interior padding provides gun protection
• Operates with 4 AA batteries (included)
• Dimensions: 11.5″ x 10.3″ x 3.7″
• Removable shelf
• Two-Gun Capacity
• Thief resistant door protects valuables
• Lockable security cable included.
• Dimensions: 16″ x 9″ x 4.2″

Pros

• Fits 2 customizable sized firearms and valuable items like jewelry
• Lockable security cable included making sure your valuables don’t go anywhere
• Holds 4 AA batteries so you don’t have to worry about replacing them often
• The cable and storage box can be removed for convenience

Cons

• The lockbox is bulky and may not fit some vehicles well, depending on the vehicle’s make/model.
• May require multiple hands to open if stored in the glove compartment or door pocket.

RPNB Gun Safe, California DOJ Certified Gun Safe

The RPNB Gun Safe is a compact, sleek, and stealthy safe for guns. Tested by the California DOJ and reliable with an easy-to-use key lock system, this car gun safe is the perfect way to store your concealed carry handgun inside of your vehicle without taking up any space or needing too much attention paid towards it.

Its three dependable and fast methods of entry grant the user easy access, whilst maintaining standards as one of the best car gun safe models you can find.

With a combination lock that makes it one of the safest car gun safes.

The RPNB Gun Safe, California DOJ Certified Gun Safe is an under-desk mountable handgun safe that comes with a quick-release key. The interior has foam padding for added protection and allows you to store one pistol and additional ammo in the space below.

This safe will work perfectly as a car gun safe or even in your home if you want to hide it.

Features

• Can be placed under your desk, car, or home
• Comes with a key and features an electronic push-button for quick release access
• Interior padding provides gun protection
• Dimensions: 12″ x 11.5″ x 4.3″
• Holds one handgun and additional ammo
• anti-impact latches and seamlessly welded pry-proof steel body for the ultimate prevention against break-ins
•  RFID activated by key fob that instantly opens the lid.
• Up to five RFID tags can be programmed.
• It is also accessible by 3-digit keypad or conventional key lock

Pros

• Fits under a desk, in the car, or as part of your home’s security system.
• Perfect for traveling needs since it is extremely easy to access from the key.
• Stores up to 1 pistol and extra accessories like magazines or speed loaders

Cons

• The key is easy to lose since it’s so small and has a bulky key holder.
• Does not come with an RFID scanning system if you want to use that feature.

VAULTEK LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case

VAULTEK’s LifePod Secure Waterproof Travel Case is portable firearm storage that comes with a detachable RFID scanner. The lock has 5,000 different combinations and also includes two pry-resistant rods preventing anyone from breaking into the case.

It’s great for storing your gun while traveling or even at home if you need extra security.

The VAULTEK LifePod safe is one of the most portable gun safes and can fit in anywhere in your car or home.

Features

• Removable RFID scanner included
• 5,000 different combination options
• Pry-resistant rods prevent cases from being broken into by locksmiths or burglars
• Comes with a carry handle and shoulder strap for easy travel convenience
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 13″ x 9″ x 3.5″
• Can hold one or more handguns depending on the model, as well as other accessories like a holster and extra magazines.
• The inside of the safe has high-density foam to protect your firearm from getting scratched during travel
• RFID removed by the scanner can also be used to open the case if it is misplaced
• Waterproof and dustproof with a fully-encased high strength steel locking mechanism

Pros

• Comes with an RFID scanner so you can access it without having to worry about losing or remembering your combination.
• Holds any size handgun and also comes in multiple different models that hold more than one gun.
• A waterproof case is one of its extra security features

Cons

• Does not come with a security cable

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Car Gun Safes

You must decide what size safety box you’re going to purchase for your car before you make the purchase. If you wish to pick the proper size, you should be aware of the following:

Size/Capacity

There are many different sizes and capacities for gun safes. Consider how many weapons you plan to store and whether or not they will all fit inside the selected safe before deciding which is best for your needs.

• Smaller safes often have a single door that opens to reveal a compartment for weapons inside. Typically, they have the same thickness and size as a large laptop computer. These safes are frequently installed underneath the seat or on the trunk floor of vehicles.
• Standard-size gun safes feature a single door that opens to a room filled with several long weapons or handguns within. Although they are generally a little thicker than small safes, standard-size safes are still quite compact.
• Oversized gun safes are designed for storing long guns in addition to pistols and are significantly bigger and heavier than standard-size safes. For storing smaller items like knives, keys, and wallets, these safes may also have a separate inside compartment.

Material

As you get into the lower pricing ranges, be mindful of the materials your chosen gun safe is made of. The majority of mid-range and higher-end products are almost always made of some kind of alloy, usually 16-gauge steel unless otherwise specified, which provides additional security for the price they charge.

Lock Type

A car gun safe can be locked with a wide range of locks, including keyed, combination, digital, and keypad locks. Before entering the safe, the user must enter a code for combination, digital, and keypad locks. Since the code can’t be seen through the window, this offers an extra level of security.

Security Level

The type of lock utilized determines the amount of security provided by a car gun safe. For high-traffic places like parking lots and airports, combination, digital, and keypad locks are a good solution since they provide more security than straightforward keyed locks. Even keyed locks, though, can be strengthened by adding a second lock (like a cable) that actually prevents prying.

Anti-Theft Features

The anti-theft features of the safe you choose for your firearm should be one of your main considerations. A conventional safe can stop your kids from accessing it without your permission. These storage areas are, nevertheless, vulnerable to break-ins. It is simple to bust through and obtain the weapon. If you purchase inexpensive storage, you can expect that the burglar will be able to take the box itself out of your car. The outside of a high-quality safe is made of hardened steel. This will stop the burglar from damaging the storage’s outer shell. In order to make it more difficult for criminals to open, it should also include hidden hinges. Since the majority of these thieves will use force to enter the gun storage, interior security brackets and anti-pry bars should also be taken into consideration.

Anchoring

You must seek out a gun safe with a strong anchor. Although some of you might opt for the typical vehicle-mounted storage, it’s not necessarily the best option. This is accurate if you don’t wish to modify your car in any way. They are incredibly strong and difficult to damage. You can either browse for items that come with cables or purchase them separately. Steel anchors are also included in the less expensive models, although they are not very strong and are readily broken by thieves.

Fire Rating

A fireproof gun safe can resist extremely hot temperatures for a limited period of time before the heat gets inside the safe. In locations where there is a risk of fire or theft, these safes are a useful tool for storing weapons. But not every gun safe is built to survive fire. Although these safes cannot be subjected to flames directly, keeping a gun safe in a trunk or under a seat increases the risk of fire.

Protection Mechanisms

A car gun safe should have sturdy construction, fire protection, and additional safety features like an integrated alarm system, lights, windows, and ventilation.

• When the safe is unlocked, alarm systems sound an alert; some types even flash lights to warn of a potential threat.
• By revealing the position of the safe, lights can help prevent potential burglars.
• Vents can help in ensuring the right amount of airflow into and out of the safe during operation to prevent overheating.

Additional Features

Finding a car gun safe that fulfills your needs is crucial, but there are some elements that can enhance the process. For instance, certain safes may include handles, vents, windows, speakers, alarms, or lights integrated into them.

• With the help of USB chargers, users may recharge their phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets without using a power bank.
• If the safe is heavy, handles can help with carrying or moving it.
• Vents can aid in preventing operating-system overheating.
• Windows can provide a glimpse of the surroundings to the operator to prevent sneaky attacks.
• When the safe is opened, alarms can send notifications.
• The user can check the contents of the safe using access windows without fully opening it.

Budget

Portable car gun safes can cost anywhere from a few dollars to well over $100. You’ll find the best quality and a wide variety of locking systems, including biometrics, keypads, and key fobs, at the higher end of that scale. Some might have inside illumination or keypads for entering codes. Premium fixed safes normally cost between $200 and $1,500 for individuals with larger budgets.

Types Of Car Gun Safes

Biometric locking

These safes distinguish themselves by mainly being programmable fingerprint scanner-unlockable. Although there are several smaller applications that can be used in a personal automobile, the technology is typically found in high-end home safes. It’s frequently viewed as the safest option because it will only react to the person (or persons) who program it, although that depends on the design of a particular safe and how easy it is to break into or pry open.

Portable

This includes almost all automobile gun safes that are on the market. These are small, transportable, and reasonably priced, providing you with the necessary secure storage in a box you can move from car to car and even check in for flights. They may be lightweight and have a variety of locks, but the most popular and dependable ones are typically the basic manual locks with a key. Some variants also come with security cords attached for securing it to the location you choose.

Keep a close eye out for build quality in this range, especially at the lower end. Many are made of sturdy steel, but some may have flaws that make you vulnerable to theft. Although plastic lockboxes are inexpensive, they obviously lack the durability of steel alloys.

Fixed

These safes, which are rather self-explanatory, won’t disappear unless you have the time to uninstall them. They will be fixed in situ, making relocating them more difficult, but given their architecture, they often offer higher storage capabilities.

Some center console safes can transform the entire console into a miniature bomb shelter for your valuables, obliterating your typical center console storage in the process. There are bigger safes that can accommodate complete rifles in the backs of SUVs and pickup trucks, along with space for gear and ammunition, but they have the obvious downside of being far less easily accessible in an emergency. This will almost always be the most expensive kind as well.

How We Chose Our Top Picks Car Gun Safes

There are many possibilities available if you do a fast search for automobile gun safes. To create a sort of greatest hits list for this gear guide, our team of specialists took into account every one of them. We drew on the collective knowledge of authors by looking back at our prior roundups and selecting the finest in each area, along with a few newcomers we discovered via my own research.

Our top focus was security, either in the form of a locking system or a secure hiding location. Value came in second. We work hard to only recommend products that are deserving of the hard-earned cash of our readers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Gun Safes

How secure are car gun safes?

The ideal method to respond to this question is to provide you with a hypothetical situation, after which you should inquire as to how secure your car would be in that situation. 

What size do car gun safes usually come in?

Safes can typically be found in small or big sizes, depending on the manufacturer. The most typical size is 17 by 21 inches, however some manufacturers also offer larger and smaller options. For greater security, the majority of manufacturers equip their safes with either a combination lock or a locking mechanism resembling a pistol. Get a safe that has room for them if you intend to store several long weapons. Manufacturers may provide limited manufacturer’s warranties or restricted lifetime guarantees.

What size should my vehicle gun safe be?

That depends entirely on your particular use case. Look for one that will accommodate your gun (s). Will you be carrying any magazines? Are the accessories large? Next, check the location where you plan to keep it. Locate a safe with the proper measurements for that location.

What is the difference between a car gun safe and a console safe?

While console vaults/safes primarily relate to fixed storage within a vehicle’s center console, a car gun safe includes the majority of lockable storage options. Once fitted, it will replace or occupy a sizable portion of the original space with an inconspicuous, integrated safe.

Can I put a gun safe in my glove box?

Most experts DO NOT advise keeping a pistol in the glove box for safety reasons, especially if the glove box is not lockable. From a legal perspective, the nation is divided on the subject. However, if you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon, you can conceal it in your glove box in most states.

How can I Install a Console Vault?

• You should open your console vault and take out any extra packaging.
• Clean out your console completely.
• Locate and remove the screws from the console’s base. Usually, there will be two screws, and they will fit into the pre-drilled holes in your console vault.
• You might need to remove extra storage components that are fastened into your console’s walls depending on the model.
• Insert your console vault into your console after removing all attachments. In order to secure the console vault, replace the screws.
• Congratulations! Your console vault is now installed.

Are car gun safes fireproof?

Yes, but not every car gun safe is made the same. While some are made of less durable materials like plastic, others are composed of steel or reinforced glass.

What is the standard size for a car gun safe?

Typically, most car gun safes are about 12 inches long, 8 inches high, and 4 inches deep. Some larger models exist that could be as big as 17 inches long though.

Do I need to place my mobile gun safe in the glove compartment or back seat?

It depends entirely on your personal preference. You can choose to place it wherever you feel comfortable having your firearm. Typically, people will store their gun safe in the glove box or backseat for convenience.

Does every car gun safe need to have an RFID scanner?

Some models do have these scanners but not all of them do. You can choose to buy one that does have an RFID scanner or one without. The choice is entirely up to you depending on your preference and needs.

Can any type of gun safe serve as a car gun safe?

Typically, not unless it comes with specific attachments for being mounted in your car. Some models come with mounts included but you may need to buy one separately. Others do not come with anything that would allow you to attach the safe in your car and would not be suitable as a car gun safe.

What is the best way to mount my mobile gun safe?

This depends entirely on which model of mobile safe you purchase. Some models can easily be mounted by using the included brackets or screws. Others may need an additional mount so that the safe stays in place as you drive and doesn’t move around.

What is the difference between biometric and RFID car gun safes?

Biometric car gun safes typically have a fingerprint scanner for easy access while RFID models will use an external scanner to access your safe. These models typically work by placing an RFID card or tag close to the scanner and then opening the case with a simple scan of your fingerprint or hand.

What are some additional features I should consider?

Some models come with built-in LED lights that help you find items inside the safe even in low light conditions, pry-resistant material to prevent locksmiths from being able to break into the case, GPS tracking in the event of a theft, and more.

What is the biggest gun safe I can fit in my car?

This will depend on your specific model but most car safes are generally only large enough for one handgun with accessories like extra magazines and a holster. A larger car gun safe would be about 17 inches long.

What is the most secure car gun safe?

The RPNB Gun Safe, California DOJ Certified Gun Safe is generally considered to be one of the most secure models on the market. It has multiple high-quality, military-grade locking mechanisms that help prevent the door from being opened even if it is pried open.

This safe also comes with a water-resistant case and can easily be mounted in your car.

What are some additional accessories I can purchase?

There are various other accessories that come with or can be purchased for your gun safe that could help make it more convenient to use with your car.

For example, fasteners and brackets may need to be purchased if the safe does not come with any or they have broken off over time. If you enjoy camping, another accessory that could make your mobile gun safe more useful is a power cord for charging your electronics on the go.

What is the best place to put my car gun safe?

This will depend entirely on your personal preferences. There are many models that can be placed in the glove compartment or backseat. If you prefer to have a larger car gun safe, it could also be stored under the trunk of your vehicle.

Do Car gun safes come with pre-drilled holes?

Typically, not. If you want to mount your car gun safe in your car, it is necessary to purchase the appropriate brackets or screws that attach the case securely. Otherwise, the model may move around while you are driving and be less secure.

Can I put my car gun safe in my car trunk?

Yes. Usually, the safest place to keep a car gun safe is in your trunk. This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your case without permission or knowledge since it would usually not be visible while you are driving – only when you open your trunk for storage purposes.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to selecting the best car gun safe for your needs.

We’ve compiled our top picks and reviews, as well as questions you might have about quick access gun safes. Take a look at our reviews to find out the best product for you.