Best Car Gun Safes 2024 – Reviews and Buyers Guide!

If you like to carry your firearm while traveling in your car, you probably know how helpful car gun safes are.

I don’t want to give you a lecture on that.

And everyone knows that it never hurts to keep a firearm in your hand’s reach. While you can hope for the best, you must always be prepared for the worst.

The Problem

You cannot expect the same level of accessibility and protection from all car gun safes. In fact, you need to look for specific features when choosing a gun safe for your car.

Many think any compact gun safe would be suitable for carrying a gun during travel. It can’t be farther from the truth. The best car gun safe should do two things:

1. It should keep your firearm away from potential attackers (or other passengers)
2. It should provide you quick access to the gun within seconds

Also, the gun safe should be sleek since you want to install it on a car. But these necessities are generic for the most part. So, you need better insights while choosing a car gun safe.

The Solution

We set out to find the best car gun safes from the market. To do it, we sought the help of industry experts, veterans, and thousands of customer reviews. Thanks to all of these, we have prepared a list of the best gun safes you can buy for your vehicle. These safes will keep your firearm safe and accessible.

In case you are wondering, we have included a variety of gun cases from different categories. For instance, you can easily find biometric gun safes and PIN-based gun safes in the collection.

So, even if you need particular features in your gun safe, you can find options here.

List of the Best Car Gun Safes in 2024

We understand that most of you have different expectations from a car gun safe. For example, some of you want the safe to be quickly accessible, whereas others do not wish to compromise build quality at any cost.

Keeping these ideas in mind, we have selected 8 safes from different categories such as biometric, key-based, and number PIN-based.

You can also find differences in size, storage capacity, and features. We have also tried to recommend each product for what it best suits. So, in addition to the overall best picks, you can find the best car gun safes for specific needs.

#1 SentrySafe QAP2EL Gun Safe

If you are looking for the best overall car gun safe, you cannot go wrong with the SentrySafe QAP2EL Gun Safe. It packs the best build quality, accessibility, and portability. So, you do not have to worry about it being in the hands of the wrong people.

• Dimensions: 16.4 x 9.8 x 3.2 inches
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Weight: 15.8lbs
• Capacity: 2 Handguns

Even though it does not weigh a lot, the SentrySafe QAP2EL Gun Safe can keep up to 2 handguns safely and comfortably. You can also throw in a couple of magazines. In addition, you do not have to worry about prying, thanks to the Alloy Steel construction.

In terms of access, you can use either the digital combination lock or backup keys. In addition, you can count on the gas strut-based automatic opening system in both methods. So, in emergencies, you can access your firearm or valuables in a second.

To enhance its portability further, this car gun safe uses AA batteries, which you can easily find and replace. You can expect the product to last longer if you use branded alkaline AA batteries instead of some generic alternatives.

We also loved the nifty features the makers have included in the package. For instance, the soft interior will keep your firearm safe even when your vehicle moves around frequently. Similarly, the interior LED light can come in handy during nighttime.

Last but not least, the SentrySafe QAP2EL Gun Safe looks classy and sleek. It will be a great supplement to your car’s dashboard. In the end, you do not have to spend a lot, either. The price tag seems reasonable, considering the features it gives you.

#2 VAULTEK VS20i Biometric Handgun Safe

If you want maximum accessibility and build quality, the VAULTEK VS20i Biometric Handgun Safe is a better option. You get impressive features like an auto-open lid and Bluetooth-powered monitoring. At the same time, you do not have to spend a lot, either.

• Dimensions: 11.5 x 9 x 2.6 inches
• Material: Carbon Steel
• Weight: 7.2lbs
• Capacity: 1 Firearm + Ammo

The VAULTEK VS20i Biometric Handgun Safe offers limited storage space options than our overall best pick. At best, you can store one firearm and the necessary ammo. However, the space becomes too congested with more than one firearm.

You should keep this point in mind while buying.

The product simply steals the show when it comes to security and access. For example, you can auto-open the gun safe in two ways: the biometric scanner and the keypad lock. Because they come with a proximity sensor, you can have a well-lit-up environment during nighttime. As you can guess, you get backup keys also.

Unlike our first pick, this biometric car gun safe uses rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. You can fully charge the battery within 3 hours, and you should have it running for several months. If you have a free socket, you can also keep it plugged in. So, on any day, we can recommend this system over fussy AA batteries.

You do not have to worry about the build quality, either. The TSA-compliant design can give you peace of mind when you want to carry the device outside. Similarly, the product weighs only 7.2lbs, which is compact enough for most needs. At the same time, VAUTEK has added anti-theft protection and related options.

Finally, we should appreciate how versatile the VAULTEK VS20i Biometric Handgun Safe is. It perfectly works as a car gun safe, but you also get mounting hardware. In those rare instances, you can also count on the security cable for additional safety.

#3 SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box

Sometimes, you need a basic lock box to keep your guns safe. For example, if you live in a peaceful place, you just have to prevent kids and co-passengers from accessing the pistol, right? You can try the SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box in those instances.

• Dimensions: 10.75 x 7.5 x 3 inches
• Material: Polycarbonate
• Weight: 2.4lbs
• Capacity: 1 Handgun

First, we should mention that the SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box is not a dedicated gun safe. It happens to be a generic safe box, instead. Nevertheless, you will not have trouble using the product to store guns or other valuables on the go.

As you can guess from the dimensions, this product is highly compact and weighs only 2.4lbs. It is thanks to the polycarbonate construction, which raises a few questions, by the way. For instance, we cannot be sure about its long-term durability. But, on the bright side, you do not have to spend a fortune on it.

But, as far as gun storage in your car is concerned, the product is a perfect choice. Even if you decide to take it out and travel, there are fewer things to worry about. The least, you can count on the TSA lock and the built-in security cable, which add more value than you think.

In terms of capacity, however, the SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box is only decent. You cannot store more than a single handgun in the package. We also think the construction is more prone to prying. It will be nice to see some improvements in this department.

This gun safe is not particularly smart in security, either. The four-digit combination lock is an excellent way to keep your gun away from toddlers, but that’s about it. You have to look elsewhere if you need options like automatic opening or illuminated displays.

#4 SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock

This option might suit you if you think you need a biometric lock but do not want to spend a lot. The 1-gun-capacity biometric case from SentrySafe is also one of the most popular products on Amazon. So, you can consider getting this gun safe for your car.

• Dimensions: 12.1 x 12.1 x 3.2 inches
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Weight: 11.2lbs
• Capacity: 1 Handgun

So that we are clear, the SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock is an improved version of our first pick. This product is powered by a digital combination lock and a fingerprint scanner. So, you can open the gun safe as quickly as you want. You also get some backup keys in the package.

You do not have to worry about the security of the storage space. Thanks to its Alloy Steel construction, the car gun safe will resist most attempts of prying and brute-force attacks. The hinges are also designed well so that one cannot open them from the outside.

One aspect that may disappoint you is the power options. Instead of a rechargeable battery, the SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock uses four AA batteries. While they offer several months of backup, it is not as easy as charging your device for a couple of hours and using them for months.

It does not impact the overall usability, though. For instance, opening the SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock in an emergency is easy, thanks to the gas strut. Furthermore, once you put the fingerprint or enter the unique combination, the gun safe will automatically open, thus giving you extra-quick access.

Finally, you can use the SentrySafe QAP1BE Gun Safe with Biometric Lock in different environments. For instance, if you do not travel much these days, you can mount it to your wall. Regardless of the angle at which you keep it, its interior lining and long-lasting strength should keep your firearms intact.

#5 GunVault Microvault Standard Digital Pistol Safe

You should check out the GunVault Microvault Standard Digital Pistol Safe if you like a simple and affordable way to store firearms. However, you get maximum gun protection in your car because the product does not compromise its build quality to cut costs.

• Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 11 inches
• Material: Alloy Steel
• Weight: 4lbs
• Capacity: 1 Handgun + Ammo

We have included the GunVault Microvault Standard Digital Pistol Safe on our list for two reasons. First, it is one of the most affordable car gun safes you can find today. Second, it offers most of the essential features you expect from a package in this price range.

Considering its weight of just 4lbs, the GunVault Microvault Standard Digital Pistol Safe is one of the lightest options on the market. Yet, you won’t have trouble accommodating a single pistol and necessary ammo within the provided space. The maker has also included foam lining to keep your valuables safe.

We won’t lie; the locking mechanism on this gun safe requires time to master. But, once you do so, you can open the safe without looking at the keypad. As you can guess, backup keys and a security cable are part of the package. Both of these come in handy when you carry a firearm around.

There are a few areas where the GunVault Microvault Standard Digital Pistol Safe can improve. For instance, it would have been nice to see some interior lighting options within the product. Similarly, it uses a 9-volt battery to power the entire system, replacing which can be challenging at times.

We will think twice before calling it a complete package. The product does not come in a ready-to-use way. For instance, you do not get the 9V battery, which powers the number lock. So, you need to use the backup keys to open the gun safe for the first time.

 #6 Hornady Rapid Gun Safe with RFID Instant Access

The Hornady Rapid Gun Safe with RFID Instant Access is an excellent choice if you need a fully-fledged safe for your vehicle. In addition, it’s one of the best choices when you want to store various valuables that you also need quick access to.

• Dimensions: 18.5 x 9.7 x 4.5 inches
• Material: Unspecified
• Weight: 9.72lbs
• Capacity: 2 Handguns

As you can understand from the images, the Hornady Rapid Gun Safe with RFID Instant Access is a complete package to protect your guns and belongings in the car. However, compared to the other products we have covered, it is also a bulky package. So, you should dedicate more space to accommodate the gun safe.

But Hornady has got quite a few things perfect. For instance, despite its bulky size, the installation does not require more than a few minutes. Moreover, once you have set up the gun safe, it provides quick access through an RFID recognition system. Finally, you can easily mount the safe on the driver/passenger side.

Even though it uses the RFID recognition system, you can count on the digital keypad and backup keys as a fail-safe mechanism. In addition, you can connect the approach to the 12V car adaptor, so there is no power supply disruption. In total, you can keep the system running almost all the time.

By the way, we also love the room for customization. For instance, if you do not want to use power from the car, you can insert four AAA batteries instead. So even though the exact figure varies according to your usage patterns, the gun safe should keep working for a couple of months at least.

We still believe the Hornady Rapid Gun Safe with RFID Instant Access can be too bulky for small cars. So, you will have to compromise the space on the driver/passenger side based on your priorities. But, if we keep this part aside, the package is almost perfect for everyone.

#7 Vaultek Barikade Series 2 Compact Pistol Safe

Are you looking for a compact car gun safe with rich features? Then, you may want to consider getting the Vaultek Barikade Series 2 Compact Pistol Safe. The product does not compromise the build quality or finish, either.

• Dimensions: 11.25 x 9 x 2.75 inches
• Material: Carbon Steel
• Weight: 8.09lbs
• Capacity: 1 Handgun

We are talking about the ultimate version of the Vaultek Barikade Series 2 Compact Pistol Safe. In addition to being compact and easy to use, the product accommodates innovative features like biometric access and proximity-based LED lights. Altogether, you do not have to worry about the experience.

Even though Vaultek has used carbon steel for the entire construction, it does not impact the product’s weight per se. As we have mentioned, the gun case only weighs 8.09lbs, which is manageable. However, you must note that you can store only a single handgun in the package. At best, you can add some ammo.

The Smart Sense keypad on the Vaultek Barikade Series 2 Compact Pistol Safe is one of the best features you can have in a car gun safe. It automatically detects your proximity and lights up the number pad so that you can enter the combination correctly. The built-in light covers the fingerprint scanner as well.

The company has also added a few anti-theft features to the package. For instance, the overall design does not leave any room for prying or breaking in. Also, you can use the included security cable if you are looking for additional security.

Finally, we also loved how organized the Vaultek Barikade Series 2 Compact Pistol Safe is. Despite being very compact, the product leaves enough space for you to organize different valuables. For instance, you can use the space on the lid to keep important documents like your passport.

FAQ’s

We thought you may have a doubt or two about car gun safes. So, we have answered some commonly asked questions about the topic.

Conclusion

We hoped our coverage of the best car gun safes helped you decide better.

As we said, we have included a wide variety of products that you can find at least one great pick. But, in the end, you have to see a gun safe as a long-term investment for safety. These seemingly-simple boxes can help you avoid catastrophes during a car ride.

So, if you can get a better, smarter, and safer gun safe by spending a few more bucks, you must not hesitate to do it. Trust me; you won’t regret it.